It’s true that solar becomes more efficient as new technologies are introduced, however, the gains are only moderate. It simply makes sense to move to a cheaper, cleaner, energy source like solar, especially as the price of dirty power continues to rise. Current incentives to go solar won’t be around forever. The longer you wait, the more panels will likely cost in the long run.
Environmental awareness and clean technologies are becoming cooler than ever. Solar panel styles are becoming more low profile and less noticeable than the view you may have in your head of the huge ugly panels from the 60’s. Solar panels in fact now are made in a variety of colors and some even look like shingles. Solar panels for your home are good looking not only in appearance but what they are doing to reduce home-owners power bills.
Solar panels are not just for the super affluent or environmental nuts. Solar panels are increasingly benefitting all homeowners. The simple fact is that they save you money every month by producing power from one of the ultimate free resources…the sun.
Solar panel in fact return up to four times their cost in money saved on electric bills.
With current incentives, solar panels could pay for themselves in under 4 years. Even with no incentives, solar panels averagely pay for themselves in 7 to 15 years. Once panels are paid off, they essentially produce Free electricity!
In most states solar panels are exempt from property taxes. This means that the resale value of your home will go up without you having to pay taxes on the extra value. If you invest in a new deck, you would have to pay for not only the cost of the deck, you would also have to pay taxes each year on the amount it increased the value of your home.
You will want to wash your solar panels once a year or so by squirting them with a hose. In most instances the rain cleans your panels sufficiently. Solar panel systems are pretty stable and monitored to alert you about any issues. If you lease a system, the company you lease it from will service it if you experience any problems.
On the contrary, your electric company may need you more than they think.
Most solar systems are tied to the grid, meaning that when you produce more power than you are using, while your away from home at work for example, your power meter runs backward meaning the utility company is paying you!!
Solar panels do not need full sun to operate. Solar panels can produce huge amounts of energy on overcast or rainy days. Solar panels work great in cooler climates, as long as there is light outside solar panels are generating energy.
The technology is much the same today as is was in the 60’s. The biggest difference even more so than efficiency is the simple cost energy. When you consider we burn coal in many places to boil water to drive a stream engine to produce energy, solar panels is a no brainer. Even after 25 years the average panel operates at 87.5% of the original power output.
9. “The U.S. has plenty of resources at a great rate.”
While its true the US has tons and tons of coal and natural gas that can be used for energy production, it is dirty and volatile. The oil and gas industry is volatile in nature and leaves us vulnerable as a nation. Solar panels are clean and have a long life span. Panels continue to generate energy all year round without you having to do anything.
Don’t go solar if you support damaging the environment.
Don’t go solar if you don’t like saving money!
If, however, you like the environment and like saving money then click here to at least get a free quote!
Power is awesome! but Power is expensive! Homeowners all over the country are looking for cost savings opportunities. Solar, in times past have been out of reach or not feasible for the majority of residential electric consumers. Old, common misconceptions surrounding solar are beginning to come apart at the seams. Technological advances among other factors has drastically reduced the cost of solar panels to consumers, in fact, many homes are going solar for zero money down.
In this article you will find 3 easy steps to start saving:
Spending less on your utility bill is a no brainer. Honestly, if you could save up to 70 percent or more on your utility bill, you would, right? Who wouldn’t? Depending on where you live and the size of your home this could be several hundred dollars per month. So how can you save like thousands of fellow Americans? First, take a look at a recent utility bill to find out what you are currently paying. Your bill should display what you are paying overall per kWh. Use this number to see how much you are paying relative to other states in the country. Take a look at where your state ranks here: State Solar Rankings You will want to know this information to help you make the most informed decision.
Ok, so now how much can you save per month? There are obviously many factors that play into this, but according to a report out of NC State University, NC Clean Energy Technology Center, cost savings of solar customers in America’s 50 largest cities was an average of $44 to $187 per month saved in just the first year. The fastest most definitive way to know how much you can save is to request a free solar quote.
Why is now the right time? Well Solar has always been awesome, but was expensive. Not anymore, in fact the prices of solar panels has fallen over 70% since 1998. Additionally, Federal and State incentives are available to make it possible to have a full system installed on your home for $0 down. One of the biggest incentives often overlooked but very obvious is that solar energy is free! The sun comes up every day and shines on us all, some are better at making it work for them, why not you?
The financial benefits make more sense than ever. There are plenty of options aside from the incentives offered by your utility and state and national governments. You have the option to buy the system upfront and own it as well as many attractive leasing options. You can learn more about the costs and decision making information here.
Long term benefit. (Electricity prices beat inflation going up 2.5% annually between 2000-2006.) Chances are they will continue to rise by at least this rate year over year. For example, the average residential price per kWh in the U.S. in 2005 was 9.45¢ overall. In 2014 it was 12.5¢, equaling a nearly 34 cent increase per year. (U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, March 2015.) This is actually good news for homeowners that go solar because the cost savings actually increase every year.
By installing solar panels, you are able to lock in pricing at today’s low rates. Going Solar is a great long-term investment that will save you money. The best way to find out how much you can save is to get a free, no obligation consultation with a professional solar installer.
Interested in learning how much you can save with solar? Click here to get a free quote.
With the air conditioning starting to phase out and the heat kicking in, this is the awkward time of year when it’s confusing to know whether to wear shorts and sandals or boots and sweaters. With pumpkin-spiced everything and football playing in the background, it’s no surprise that fall is the favorite season of many Americans. However, the sudden switch in heating methods can cause a spike in energy consumption. More energy used= higher utility bill. Here are some ways to save energy this season:
Does anyone else absolutely hate burned-out light bulbs? Standard incandescent light bulbs are notorious for a short lifespan. This fall, save energy by using LED lights. They use up to 75% less energy than regular incandescent light bulbs. Not only are they extremely efficient, they can last longer than a decade.
Ceiling fans are great for cooling down rooms, but they can also have the reverse effect. Remember, warm air rises. By flipping the blades to spin clockwise, the fan will push warm air down to the floor. It will also redistribute warm air, making sure there are no cold pockets in a room. The result? You don’t have to play freeze-out when you turn down the heat to save money.
Energy companies tend to charge more during peak times: in the evening. Instead of running the dishwasher or washing machine right after getting home from work, run them at night before getting in bed. Check with your energy provider to see if they offer “dual time” rates or “flat rates.”
Your air filters can be the road block to a reduced energy bill. If you know a thing or two about heating and cooling systems, this is HVAC 101 for you. However, for most people, air filters are thought about as often as they are seen. Thankfully, air filters run about $1-2 at local hardware stores. You can buy them in bulk and replace them monthly for ideal air flow.
Regardless of the bipolar weather patterns this fall, these tips can save you $$ this season. These are just a few low-cost ways of keeping your energy bill happy. Have fun experimenting with more ways to lower your utility bill.
Mother Nature doesn’t discriminate. Regardless of where you live in the United States, you’ve probably seen hundreds of pictures of damage due to hail, hurricanes, tornadoes, and rain downpours. Since solar panels are so conveniently placed outside atop an exposed roof, many prospective solar panel owners wonder if their new, expensive system will withstand severe weather. Here’s how PV systems typically respond under different types of weather:
Hail is an unwelcome reality in many parts of the country. If you’ve ever visited a used car dealership, you’ve seen upfront the damage hail can cause. Since solar panel manufacturers understand this, products are tested to ensure durability. In fact, most solar panels are capable of handling a hail storm of hail an inch in diameter falling at 50 miles per hour. The same hail that dents cars, cracks windows, and rips furniture has little to no effect on solar panels.
Real-life experience has taught us how solar panels hold up during hurricanes. In Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the state of New Jersey had recently installed 103 megawatts of PV power. Of all the new installations, only a handful of panels were reported as damaged. With the exception of a few loose metal casings, the system was largely untouched.
Most solar panels are guaranteed to withstand wind up to 140 miles per hour. In addition, the external aluminum and glass casing that covers the energy-converting material is highly waterproof. Even extreme rain doesn’t penetrate coverings.
The Good News
Although damage due to severe weather is unlikely, there is good news if disaster does strike: Many solar panel systems are covered under homeowner’s insurance. Solar panels are typically considered as an add-on to the home’s existing infrastructure. This means that in the case of a severe weather emergency, solar panels will be treated just like the rest of the house. Of course, each insurance plan is different. For full information about the classification of solar panels in your insurance plan, contact your insurance agency.
There are many myths surrounding severe weather and solar panels. The reality is that solar panels are expertly engineered and able to hold up under even the most extreme conditions. If “extreme” is a good word to describe your corner of the world, contact National Solar Project to find out how solar panels can reduce your monthly utility cost.
Net metering is an opportunity for homeowners to have a consistent power source—even when the sun isn’t shining. Think about it. What if homeowners could only benefit from the solar power that is being generated right then? Not very effective. Net metering allows excess energy (usually generated in the afternoon hours) to be fed into your local electric grid. It’s a holding tank. The produced electricity won’t go to waste. The process also works in reverse, which is why it’s so beneficial for solar owners. If it’s the middle of the night in December when there’s no trace of sunlight around, you can draw back electricity easily. This process regulates the flow of energy into your home and makes solar energy worthwhile.
Why do states offer it?
Although the right sized system will usually produce enough electricity to meet your needs, the amount produced won’t always be consistent. Summer months are prime for energy production. However, if left solely to the current sun rays, you may find your power switching on and off during the holiday season.
In order to create some equilibrium, 41 states mandate net metering rules. This is the way that states can compensate homeowners for having solar. Two other states permit net metering. Most other states that don’t have net metering options have secondary options that make solar worth the investment.
Do I get an extra paycheck with net metering?
Not in the form of cash. With net metering, you can receive energy credits. These credits allow you to pull back energy on cloudy days. If you overproduce electricity one year, some states will allow you to roll over credits gained while others will reduce them.
Net metering is the catch-all with solar power. The sun may not always be shining, but electricity is always available. Check out a state-by-state guide to find out if net metering is an option in your area.
The cost of solar declines every year. With an increased emphasis on renewable energy, there are many tax incentives and financial benefits that make solar much more affordable for the average homeowner. Many people wonder when the best time to go solar is. Should I wait to go solar? Or do it now? Since there are several financial factors at play, the decision isn’t easy. Here are a few things to consider:
This is the most obvious cost to evaluate in deciding to wait to go solar or purchase now. The average cost has decreased from $52,920 to $18,840 in the past decade. That’s about a $1,500 reduction in price every year. If we assume this trend continues, the future is in the solar industry. Head over to this site to get a free quote on the cost of solar for your home.
Most homeowners only calculate the system cost. However, there are missed benefits in waiting to go solar. Solar systems can be a hefty investment. The reason solar panels are actually worth the extra money is because they produce energy. Energy=money. The longer a system is up and running, the more time it has to amass a savings pool for you. Waiting to go solar is an added year for a system to earn back its initial cost. What would have been saved in waiting could be outweighed by the financial return that could have been received.
Solar is a shield against rising solar costs. When the rest of the world’s cost skyrockets, yours stays the exact same. Since you simply package all your energy costs for the rest of your life in one purchase, you have a locked, reliable energy rate indefinitely. If electricity prices in your area are low, going solar may not be the best decision right now. However, if local prices are moderately-priced to high-priced, there are some major benefits of installing panels.
Econ 101: The higher the demand, the higher the price. The lower the demand, the lower the price. As the popularity of solar increases, financial incentives will decrease. Although there are many incentives, rebates, and credits available to prospective solar owners, we can’t expect them to last forever. The reason these incentives are in place is to encourage the growth of the solar industry. Once it’s reached a greater portion of the market value, we can expect current sales and deductions to taper off.
Tips for Solar Shoppers:
Any large purchase requires careful thought and consideration. Be sure to thoroughly review each potential supplier. The more options weighed, the better chance of finding a great deal on solar. You may also come to find that the large and reputable solar companies have inflated prices. Collecting a wide spectrum of quotes is key in finding exactly what you need. Here’s one place you can start. Contact us for any of your solar needs!
Switching to solar power is a major decision. We understand that the solar switch is laced with number-crunching, Google searching, and neighbor prodding. As a serious investment, it’s your number one goal to understand fully the pros and cons. In this article we’ll discuss some of the biggest selling points of solar.
Our universe is incredible. The sun is a natural, built-in energy source that creates zero negative byproducts. It’s appalling why we don’t use it more. Because solar energy is renewable, solar panels prevent harmful emissions like carbon dioxide (CO2) from entering the atmosphere. Why is that important? Greenhouse gases, which are created when fossil fuels are consumed, lead to higher global temperatures and rapid climate change.
A mature solar system pays for itself. In fact, solar energy is designed to provide an optimal return on your investment. Although the initial installation cost can be high, the amount of money saved in month-to-month electricity bills can also be high. This saved amount compounds over time. The result is serious savings. As an added benefit, homes with solar panels are also increased in value, making them sell for a higher price. Cha-ching!
Say goodbye to power blackouts. Rising and falling electricity costs don’t phase solar owners a bit. As long as the sun is shining (even if it’s only shining through the clouds), you’re set. As an added bonus, when solar systems produce extra power, the surplus is sent to the local power grid. Not only are solar owners independent of electricity, they are often able to provide power for other community members (which you’ll be reimbursed for).
Contrary to popular belief, solar panels can convert energy during all standard daytime hours. Although the output of energy declines, solar systems are almost always able to provide enough power to fulfill the home’s basic energy needs. Of course, if an area is stubbornly overcast, solar may not be the best investment. Check out this solar calculator to find out if your area is solar-friendly.
The world is heading towards solar. As fossil fuels become depleted, governments and businesses are putting more emphasis on renewable energy. Why? They’re reliable, effective, and affordable.
Whether or not solar is right for you, we’d hope you fill out this form to get a free, no-obligation quote for the price of solar in your area.
The cries of “do this and you’ll save money” are heard widely across all platforms. It’s natural—and wise—to be skeptical of these trendy investment opportunities. Solar panels boast the same mantra—go solar and you’ll save money. Is there research to back up these claims? Does going solar actually save money? The answer is almost always “yes”. However, it is more advantageous for certain homeowners to convert to solar power. This article will discuss how to calculate potential savings to determine if you’d be a good candidate for solar.
The first step to is to calculate the current cost of electricity. The average American family spends about $1,500 a year on electricity. (Take yearly kilowatt-hours used multiplied by your local electricity rate.) This is the amount that will be saved year-to-year. Since it does take time to cover the initial investment of solar, receiving a return takes several years. To determine the breakeven time, use this formula:
Breakeven Point: Cost of switching to solar/yearly electric bill
For example, if going solar costs you $20,000 and your yearly electric bill is 2,000, it will take 10 years for the system to pay for itself. Sound like a long time? It’s important to note that the calculated time will probably be less. Utility costs are volatile. Currently, prices rise on average about 2.1% per year. When generating your own energy, you’re immune to the rising costs of electricity.
Don’t live in a heat wave? That’s okay. Many homeowners incorrectly assume that solar is only worthwhile in sunny, hot areas. Actually, true savings are dependent upon local electricity costs. If the cost of operating off solar energy is lower than the cost of local electricity, solar is the way to go. Many areas with moderate sun exposure are highly populated with solar panels? Why? Electricity prices can be astronomically high.
Even if an “okay” location lacks direct and constant sunlight, it can be a hotspot for solar due to the high cost of electricity.
Who doesn’t love a little extra cash in her pocket? Although financial returns are a huge incentive for going solar, they aren’t the only “savings” attached. Greenhouse gases are either significantly reduced or completely eliminated. In fact, an average-sized system of 6kW prevents a whopping 6.3 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. That’s 12,000 lbs every year. In addition to monetary savings, going solar also comes with the satisfaction of “taking a car off the road.”
For more information about the benefits of going solar, contact the National Solar Project. Fill out this form for a free quote.
Solar energy and nighttime hours aren’t usually a match made in heaven. However, artist Daan Roosegaarde has found a way to create a new spin on solar. How? A solar bike path. Lit with solar-powered LED lights, the path twinkles brightly at night and provides locals an aesthetically pleasing place to walk and bike. Glowing stones harness energy from the sun during the day and glow for 8 hours during the night.
The half-mile path which was created in 2014 is a tribute to Vincent Van Gogh’s hallmark painting Starry Night. The small Dutch town was originally used by Van Gogh as a backdrop for his paintings. The new bike path reminds passerbys of his legacy and the once under-treasured Starry Night.
In an interview with NPR, Roosegaarde remarked, “You have people who are interested in technology to make landscapes which are energy neutral. You have people interested in cultural history and experiencing it in a contemporary way. You have boys and girls who have a first date and want to take their date to a special place.”
The technology behind this innovative idea is being further developed to use for roads and other paths. Due to the increasing reliance on solar across the United States, we’d expect to see similar concepts under construction locally.
Many countries have experimented with solar pathways. Not long before the Starry Night bike path, the Dutch town of Krommenie installed similar technology. This particular path generates enough energy to be back-funneled into the city’s energy grid. Not only is it a self-sustatining project, it is an asset to the city.
If you’re interested in how solar can save thousands of dollars on utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint, fill out this form for a free quote. Although solar panels on homes don’t quite look like a post-impressionist work of art, the return is the same. Get a hold of us for more information.
Picture this: You’re up at midnight watching the recent blockbuster you’ve been dying to see. It’s the final showdown between villain and hero. Everyone is on the edge of her seat. And then…the power clicks off. Wonderful. A power outage can be a source of concern for prospective solar owners—and for good reason! This article will discuss how homeowners maintain a constant energy source dark or cloudy hours.
So, can solar panels work at night? The short answer is no. Direct sunlight is needed to convert photovoltaic energy (PV) into direct current (DC) power. Some think that a full moon can provide minimal energy, but moonlight is merely a reflection of the sun’s light and does not produce any energy on its own. However, there are several ways to maximize the sun’s power during the day to have 24/7 access to power during the nighttime hours. Here’s how:
With this option, solar panels are connected to a “lifeline”: the main utility grid. When panels aren’t producing sufficient energy (whether at night or on overcast days), power is drawn from the community’s power source. Solar panels go on standby mode and kick on again when the sun is out.
This process also works in the reverse order. If your system overproduces (usually in the summer months), the energy generated can be sold back to the utility company in a process called “net-metering”.
The battery bank is a highly successful way to provide power at night. Instead of linking to a main power grid, power is generated 100% from the solar panels. Street lamps and signs use this method. The panels store up energy during the day and consume it during the day. The same principle is used to power homes during the day. Solar batteries also allow for the luxury of having power during an outage. Since the system doesn’t rely on community power, a strong storm or knocked-down power line has no effect on the functionality of your system.
Solar panels do work on cloudy days. However, clouds (and smog) thin sunrays. On overcast days, solar panels produce about 10-25% of their normal capacity. Surprisingly, the frequency and intensity of sunny days are not the only determinant factor in solar panels’ effectiveness. One of the strongest indicators for panels is the cost of electricity in the city. For example, San Francisco is famous for the stubborn fog that hangs over the city; however, it is one of the top solar cities in the United States. Why? Electricity prices are sky high in San Francisco. This means that homeowners reap major benefits quickly.
Solar is becoming increasingly popular across the United States. Whether you choose a grid-tied or off-the-grid option, backups are in place to ensure constant access to electricity. Click here for a free quote!
We’ve been hearing whispered rumors of solar roads for almost ten years. Where are they? Is there a future for solar roads? Although roads haven’t made a widespread appearance, a handful of universities and organizations have experimented with photovoltaic pavement including driveways, walking paths, and parking lots. The idea is to increase energy efficiency by incorporating solar-harnessing materials into roadways. These roads offer phenomenal benefits: the ability to power streetlamps, warm up ice and snow, and provide LEDs that double as traffic lanes. It’s not impossible.
Although becoming energy-efficient is a commendable effort, this futuristic accessory may be just a little too far out of reach. Many obstacles have halted their immediate progress. Take a look:
Cost
The cost is a whopping 90 times the cost of a regular road installation. Although there are convenient bells and whistles attached to these roads, many argue that the widespread implementation would be a very poor use of taxpayer dollars. China’s 1 kilometer long solar road costed about $458 per square meter.
Efficiency
Homes are an ideal place to install solar panels. Angled towards the sun, they are at an optimal place to receive full sun exposure. The purpose of solar panels is to collect as much light as possible. Slanted solar roads? Probably won’t work quite as well. Cars would prevent tons of light from reaching the glassy pavement, especially during rush hour.
Safety
Perhaps the biggest issue with solar roads is the package of safety concerns attached. Solar panels need to be partly transparent, but a composition of glass or smooth rock wouldn’t fare too well in a severe hail or snow storm. The lack of gravel and rock that gives the road friction would make it difficult for cars to stay safe on the road.
So although solar roads would provide an enormous amount of renewable energy, the development process may take another decade. Regardless of the progress of solar roads, the path to sustainable living for homeowners is much more inexpensive. Solar panels reduce the monthly cost of utility bills in most locations. Fill out the form on our website for a free quote!
When life gives you 1,232 lemons, grab a homemade zip line and some energy from the sun and build a solar-powered mega car that crushes track records. At least that’s what former NASA engineer Mark Rober decided to do. And it worked.
On assignment from Volkswagen, Rober was tasked with harnessing energy to charge their supercar at the annual Pike’s Peak race. He was originally inspired by a middle school-like science projects—powering a light bulb using a lemon. Lining up over a thousand lemons on metal ribs, he and fellow YouTube engineer William Osman were able to generate the world’s largest lemon battery.
It may have been the largest, but with the electricity to power only 2 laps around a track, they turned to other methods to fulfill their dream. That’s where the zip lines comes in. The team attached a battery to a zip line and relied on friction to charge it. Giving neighborhood kids a free zip line ride doubled as a few dozen battery charges. Unfortunately, the battery was still undercharged for the big race.
Rober explains that the sun powers everything we do. People eat plants, plants grow from photosynthesis, and the sun drives photosynthesis. What about wind power? Wind creates energy by turning massive wind turbines, but the heat caused from the sun allows wind to even exist. Basically, the sun is the source of all energy, so why not use it first? By attaching solar panels to his house, Rober was able to generate the remaining amount of energy for the award-winning supercar.
The car was put to the test. Not only did it win the race, but it crushed the track record by an entire 15 seconds.
Many think that renewable energy is an inefficient way to power everyday activities. However, Rober and Osman proved that renewable energy sources are a powerful and reliable way to generate energy. It is cost effective, reusable, and guilt-free. If power from the sun has the capacity to charge a supercar, it can most definitely charge your dishwasher or television. Whether you’ve explored solar options or not, solar power is the best way to power a home. Click here for a free quote.
