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Improving Your Solar Install

solar power power station

Quick History on Solar Panels

Solar power is a fairly new technology, having only been around for a little over 60 years. Western Electric licensed the first commercial solar panel in 1956, but it was only about 6% effective and was too costly for most people. With research and the advancement of the technology, cost were driven down and efficiency was boosted. Solar panels for homes came around the 1970s and in 1995, some recreational vehicles became outfitted with solar panels. In 2005 solar panels were extremely affordable and DIY panels hit the market. There are even tax credits available to home owners that have solar power. This caused solar panels to became popular among home owners. With further advancement, there are now flexible, printed solar strips that are economical and easy to install.

Options to Add More Solar Panels

With solar panels being installed on so many homes and having better efficiency than ever, home owners are finding that they want to add more solar panels for increased energy needs. Home owners have three options for upgrading their solar panel systems:

  • If the old solar inverter can handle more power, simply add more panels to the system.
  • If the old solar inverter can’t handle more power, get a new solar inverter and more panels for the old system.
  • Get a new solar inverter and a new system.

Either option will work in most cases, but the option you choose depends on the efficiency of your old system, how old the system is, and if you are able to find panels for that system.

It is definitely recommended to use the same installation company that you used the first time around. They will be familiar with your layout and probably will have the same equipment and the same brands that was used the first time around. Another thing to keep in mind is that switching to different installation company could void your warranty. If it isn’t possible to use the same company, you will have to call a new company or install the panels yourself. Make sure that they have good reviews and have the proper equipment and brands to match your existing system. There are a few steps that you can take to make installation easier:

  • Check to see if you need to perform some solar cleaning. If your panels are dirty, this could be a reason that you aren’t getting as much power as you need. Most solar panels are self cleaning, but in some instances there could be dirt, bird droppings, etc. covering your panels, and this could impact the amount of power your system is absorbing.
  • Make sure you have enough space on your roof for an extra rack of panels. If you don’t you can most likely install extra panels in your yard.
  • Check the maximum power of your inverter. You can have peak power of up to 133% of the listed inverter power. If your inverter is already at maximum power usage, then you will need to install a bigger converter. If your system uses mini-converters, you won’t have to worry about the inverter as each rack will have its own converter and less wiring will be required.

Solar power is one of the best technological advancements in the world. It is helping to reduce our carbon footprint and saving people money on energy costs. With other technological advancements, people are adding more electronics to their homes, creating a need for more power. Adding more solar panels is the best solution since the power source is infinite. It is possible to expand an existing system and by using this guide you can have an quick, easy, painless upgrade.

More Solar Benefits

solar panels

Solar Power Is An Amazing Renewable Energy!

Solar power is an amazing renewable energy resource by offering many eco-friendly and independent people a chance to save so much. Saving is one of the main goals in life, because it’s very crucial to live comfortably. The renewable resource saves people money, independence, and the environment. The benefits can be incredible if you can experience living with it and then remembering how it was and long when you didn’t have it. This renewable resource is very beneficial and if you are looking to save money in your wallet or decease pollution to save the environment or stay independent or all above, solar power is the best decision.

One of the most appealing benefits is it saves you cash that goes straight into your wallet. It’s an affordable renewable resource; because it reduces or even eliminates a bill you already may have paid. A majority of people chooses to finance a system, because the new solar loan payment is fixed and that saves cash from an unexpected rising utility rates. Utility companies rates have been increasing over the years, due to that coal and other sources are not renewable and won’t last very long. Having solar panels more than 90% of owners have a positive day-one cash flow. That means more cash is being transferred into your wallet then out. If saving money hasn’t won you over yet, there is still more fascinating benefits of this incredible renewable resource.

Helping The Planet

It’s no secret that global warming is becoming a huge issue. Using the sun for power will not only save money, but save the environment because its clean energy and not producing pollution as much as fossil fuels. Fossil fuels cause too much pollution and cities in countries like in China are proof. Last year 7 million people die annually because of exposure to polluted air in China. China has struggled for years to control its air pollution problems, but here you could prevent something like this from happening in your town. Not to mention that the fossil fuel supply will eventually run out, while the sun and it’s energy will last for billions of years. Using solar panels, the environments will thank you for cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and not producing pollution like a nonrenewable source.

Most of you who are looking to get solar panels are independent or have a family dependent on you. Once you reach a certain age, you’ll most likely want to stay independent and still help others. You will be making an investment into your home, not your utility company, which lessens the risk factor. Since this renewable resource is used the same way as you currently use electricity, it means no need to change your lifestyle. The maintenance is very little and won’t trouble you. Many solar panels have warranty that last around 25 years right out the box. Solar panel systems are designed and built to last 40 years under the conditions of the environment. Another good reason any extra energy will bank in the local utility grid and no batteries needed. The power of the sun is once again putting money in your pocket without you having to lift a finger.

The benefits continue as it saves you a ton of many things that are necessary. Decades of knowledge created better solar panels and systems. The panels can last over 40 years and have warranty so you don’t have to worry if something unexpected happens. There will be no more worrying about the electric bills or the environment. Pollution will be decreased as more solar panels are put into homes. There is no downside that out weighs the benefits. This worry-free life you can obtain in your home, helps if you are retiring or looking forward to sometime in the future. This renewable energy saves you cash, the environment, and best of all your independence. Solar power is the best option for you, because it offers less hassle and won’t surprise you with a rising rate or any negative feedback.

Benefits of Solar Energy

solar installations

Solar Power

Benefits of Solar Energy

Do you want to reduce your household or business’s energy costs? Tired of your utilities going up and up! This article will inform you of the benefits of solar power. First of all let’s talk about some of the benefits.

  1. Solar energy uses the sun as your energy costs. No more dependence on electric, gas, or coal for your energy needs.
  2. Safe for the environment.
  3. Saving up to 3 tonnes of carbon emissions annually by going solar.

Uses for Solar Power

Just switching to a solar water heater will save 50% to 90% of your hot water use. Having a battery storage source will mean that unused power left over during the day can be used at night for cooling, heating, electrical, or hot water needs. Any unused power is feed straight back to the grid.

Solar Power Systems

All solar systems should come with a warranty, solar panels, and some type of inverters. It is best to have a qualified professional come out and access your energy needs and what would work best, save you the most money, and work most effectively for your home or business.

Battery Storage Systems

You will need a capable battery storage system for your solar system. This will enable unused energy to be sent to the battery storage system. This unused power will come in handy at night when the sun has gone down.

A good battery storage system is essential to any efficient solar energy plan.

Solar Heat Pumps

Imagine the amount of utility costs saved with a solar powered heat pump. The savings are huge and you don’t have to worry about the rising costs of utilities rates.

Do you have or would like to have a inside or outside heated pool. Use a solar pool heat pump to heat up your pool.

Government Incentives

Make sure if you are considering going solar to look into any government incentives that may be offered to you. These government incentives are referred to as STC’s. They can be used to offset the purchase price of solar equipment. These incentives could amount to thousands of dollars!

Solar Repairs and Maintenance

Your solar system needs to inspected by a solar expert every four years. Upon inspection these areas should be checked thoroughly:

  1. Hot Spots
  2. Microcracks
  3. Internal Corrision
  4. Low or No Power Generation
  5. Panels should be clean and free of debris.

These type solar repairs if found need to be attended to immediately upon inspection. Make sure and use a qualified professional to perform these solar repairs.

Overall Advantages of Going Solar

      1. Pollution Free
      2. No greenhouse gases produced
      3. Less dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels.
      4. Overall lifetime of a solar panel is 30 years.
      5. Grid infertied excess power can be sold back to power company.
      6. Live grid free!
      7. Solar panels can be installed virtually anywhere, installed on a roof, or installed out in a field.
      8. Excess power can be stored in battery storage system giving you power after the sun has gone down.
      9. Solar energy can be used to power homes, buildings, heat water for hot water heaters and can even power your electric car!
      10. Safer than traditional electrical type power source.
      11. Continuing and more efficient technology means that same panel today will become more efficient tomorrow.
      12. Federal grants, tax incentives, and rebate programs available to assist in the cost of your solar system.

    Conclusion

    Obviously going solar is a decision to be made overnight. If you are interested in lower energy costs, less pollution, and a more fixed budget for your energy needs going to solar energy could be for you.

    First of all check and see what incentives and programs are available for you. That can be considerable savings in equipment and installations costs alone.

    Talk to your realtor and see how much going to solar energy will increase the valve of your home. That alone could be an significant increase in the selling valve of your home.

    Also are you considering an electric vehicle in the near future? That alone could be considerable savings in the cost of electricity to charge your car for it’s daily use.

    Of course if you are retired, you are living on a fixed income. Even if you have a substantial retirement income you have to budget. You might want to consider solar energy for your home from the standpoint of no more higher fluctuating utility bills that cause havoc on your monthly retirement budget! Would it not be nice to know exactly what it is costing you for your energy needs each month without worrying about the your utility bill speeding up as the seasons and weather change?

    Resources:

    www.velocitysolar.com.au

    www.geelongsolarenergy.com.au

Solar Panel Maintenance For Your Home

solar maintainence

Solar Panel Maintenance

Solar panel maintenance for your is required because solar panels do not last forever. You had them placed on the roof to save money over many decades, but they need to get service just like anything else. You can learn a few pointers for service, and you should follow them to the letter so that you know they will always work.

Yearly Maintenance

Yearly maintenance is a given for your solar panels because that would be no different from your HVAC system, car, or anything else that gets used every day. The same company that installed your panels should be called to the house for a service appointment, and you can set it up far in advance. The service appointment catches little problems that you might have noticed, and the installation company can show you problems that developed over the course of the year.

Tips For Maintenance

The solar maintenance apppintment you set up with the company is just one part of what you do. You need to get advice from the company when they are in your home. Ask them if there is anything you can do to keep the panels in better condition, and you might run across little improvement you should do to the house. This is the perfect time to make changes, and if you set up the appointment around tax time, you can pay for it easily.

Bad Weather

Major weather events might be the worst thing that can happen to your panels. Of course, they are rated to withstand some wind, but that does not mean they are invincible. You should not climb on the roof after a major storm to assess your panels. It is much easier to call the installation company. They might offer a special program that re-adjusts your panels after a storm, or they might charge a small fee to shift them back into place. If you need repairs, that can be done at the same appointment.

Trim Your Trees

Trees are usually the worst thing that can happen to your panels. The trees are not going to cover your panels because the installation company took care of that when they installed the units. However, your trees could grow to cover the panels, have a lot of pine straw or leaves blown on the panels, or the branches could break off and damage the panels. You need to trim your trees back yourself just to be sure nothing happens.

The Wiring

Solar maintenance includes the wiring for your panels because it connects all the panels, connects to the mounting, and runs into the house. The wiring itself could be damaged at any time, and it is better to have the wiring checked. You can survey the wires yourself during the year, but you want them checked by a professional when they come to the house. If you have problems with rats or pests, you might need to be more careful or have a special covering put on the wires as they enter the house. The same could be said the wires on the panels.

Roof Maintenance

Roof maintenance is actually a large part of caring for your panels. If you have problems with your roof, you need to call the installation company. The installation company can get someone out to the house to check on the panels, and they can work with the roof repair company. Your roof might leak as a result of many things, and it makes more sense to call out a team of people to help. More often than not, the solar panel rig had nothing to do with the leak, but it could be in the location of the leak.

How Long Do Panels Last?

The panels on your home should last 10 or 20 years if you take care of them, and you need to get an assessment of the panels at every yearly appointment. Let the company tell you how much more like you have in ther panels, and you might make repairs or do replacements before it gets more expensive. As an example, you might have a couple more years left on your panels, but you can replace them now while they are cheaper.

Use An Automated Program

You should not take control of your panels. It helps to have an automated program that moves the panels and helps put them in place. The program can tell you if there is a problem with the programs, and it maximizes the amount of power you get from each panel. If you have problems with the panels, you can report the codes from the program to the installation company.

Your panels last much longer if you are careful to maintain them, and each step listed above gives you the best chance of keeping the panels for many years.

Solar Installation: 13 Questions Answered

solar unit installed

The solar power you plan to funnel to your house must be created by solar panels you had installed by a professional. However, you cannot just hire the first company that comes along. Everything listed below is a question you need to ask the company about renewable energy before they start work on your house.

1. How Often Have They Done This?

You need to find a company with a long track record, many references, and a lot of testimonials. You should not hire a contractor that does solar panels some of the time. Pick the startup that does this work all the time. They have a licensed staff who know how to work with solar panels, and they usually move much faster.

2. What Kind Of Solar Panels Do They Offer?

You might have thought that you just have to get solar panels because they can give you cheaper energy. However, you need to get the solar panels that are actually affordable and efficient. You could get solar panels that are very inefficient, and they do not provide you enough energy because the transfer of power is so low. You can check them out online after you are told which panels you get.

3. How Do They Mount The Panels?

Solar power comes from panels mounted often to your roof. You could put solar panels in a field or yard, but your roof is usually the best place. The panels need to be mounted where they catch the most sun, and you need to see real calculations for that location.

The company can put the panels on movable platforms that shift the panels to get the most sun, but they need to program the mountings to keep turning as the sun moves during the day.

If you put the panels in a field or garden, you need the same setup. Certain mountings can lift the panels up to ten or twenty feet in the air, and they pick up much more sunlight as the sun moves overhead.

4. How Is The Power Sent To The House?

Power is sent into the house through the traditional main line from the power company. Effectively, the solar panel company connects in the same place, and you turn off your traditional power source. If you do not want to turn off that service, you can get a special converter that only allows you to use the power company’s supply when you run out.

5. How Much Power Do You Get?

A traditional solar panel setup can give you all the power you need for the day and more. You usually have an excess of power, and that is when you have to see what you can do with all that power. Your power company might be interested in that, and you should ask them if they have a buyback program.

Selling To The Power Company

The power company can give you a special converter that sends them all the power you make that you did not use. You get paid for that every month, and it helps you pay off these solar panels much faster. This might be a small thing, but it is worth your while because it is better than paying the power company. The installation company is often familiar with how the power company buys back power, and they can give you advice.

6. How Do You Get An Estimate?

You need to have an estimate for the installation of your solar panels, and you need a guarantee that the company will work from that estimate. You might want to follow along with the estimate as they work, and you know if the company is honoring their part of the deal.

7. What Do Solar Panels Look Like?

The solar panels look just as you imagined. They are black panels with little electric circuits that seem a bit like a microchip. However, these solar panels are very large, and they can cover your whole roof. They make your home look more modern, but they add a funky look. You might be concerned about how your home looks, and that is when you should have them installed in a garden or field.

8. How Do You Pay?

You must pay for solar panels in installments. You do not pay anyone to do work out of your own pocket all at once, and you do not pay them until you see the work start. A tiny good faith deposit might be needed, but you should not give up too much money. If you have concerns about the state of the company, check out their reviews online. The BBB can tell you a lot about the company, and you might check other review sites to see how this company takes care of its customers.

9. How Long Does It Take To Do?

Solar panel installation requires good weather because you cannot have workers on your roof in bad weather. Give the company some slack so they can get the job done, and they install the panels in a couple days. A more complicated system takes longer to install, and you should ask the company for a basic timeline. The timeline you get is general, and you can follow along to be sure you are on time.

10. What Does This Do For The Planet?

Every time you use solar renewable energy over coal, gas, or nuclear power you are helping reduce the number of carbon emissions in the atmosphere. You cannot see how much your carbon footprint, but you are doing your part for the planet. This is the responsible thing to do, and it helps you sleep well at night knowing you did the right thing.

11. Government Programs?

There are some government programs that give you a discount on your solar panels, a tax break, or some other kind of incentive. You need to check on what the state government is doing in your area, and you should compare that with what the federal government is doing. The solar panel installation company should help you fill out this paperwork, and they should be familiar with local programs.

12. Can You Get Less Obvious Solar Panels?

There are some special panels made for your windows. You do not cover your windows in a solar panel, but you place a solar panel in one pane. That little panel can power a couple things in a room, and a larger one might power a whole room. Keep in mind this does not power your house. This might be nice if you have a duplex or apartment building, and you might want to try this is you want to be as responsible as possible.

13. Who Needs Solar Panels?

You need solar panels for your home when you want to spend less money on energy. You can get solar panels put on just about any building, and you have it done right now. There is no waiting period, and there is nothing stopping you.

Conclusion

You should try solar panels on your home, get someone to write an estimate, and get the tax break or incentive that is available. Each family that does this helps the planet a little bit, and it all adds up in the end.