Solar Installation
The expansion of clean energy grows as an innovative solution to energy needs in the United States. Solar panel systems are becoming an energy source that plays a revolutionary role in meeting energy needs, which has fueled their rapid growth in the United States. According to SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association), the solar market has not stopped growing since it doubled in 2016. Solar battery storage is playing a leading role in the advancement of solar energy. States that promote solar panels and solar battery storage will lead to an unmistakable solar industry trend. What is the last? SEIA has presented an ambitious vision for expanding clean energy in the US to the 117th US Congress. Aware that a new administration will take over in 2021, SEIA recently adjusted its vision for clean energy policies to help solar have at least 20% of generation by 2030 and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. SEIA, through one of its directors, announced on October 29, 2020, that Arkansas Group joins the National Solar Trade Association to strengthen solar defense in the southeast. Now the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association (AAEA) is an official state affiliate of SEIA. If you want to be part of this growth, you can participate in SEIA's Solar Goes Corporate. In this forum, buyers and suppliers of clean energy converge, designed to discuss how companies can effectively invest, acquire, and implement clean energy technologies such as solar energy and batteries' storage. The solar energy boom has brought with it the emergence of other renewable technology such as solar batteries capable of storing additional solar energy for later use. In this sense, companies like Tesla develop batteries combined with solar panels to create "solar + storage" systems for domestic and industrial use. Get an informative summary of the basics of solar + storage and SEIA's role by clicking on the following link: Solar + Storage. We invite you to read on to learn more about clean energy and determine if you should consider installing a solar plus storage system for your home. Keep in mind that the cost of solar energy has been falling across the country. Why Choose Solar + Storage? To consider why you may choose to install a Solar + Battery Storage system in your home, you must first understand how a solar PV system like the standard home works. The standard of a solar energy system includes: Solar panels, A kit to mount the panels on your ceiling, An inverter, A performance monitoring system that tracks electricity production. Solar panels concentrate energy from the sun and transform it into electricity, which passes through the inverter and is converted into energy used to power your home. By solar policy, residential solar energy systems must be connected to the electricity grid. This allows the exchange of energy. When your panels make more electricity than your home requires, the excess travels to the power grid. On the contrary, when your solar panels cannot supply your home's electricity demand, you can obtain energy from the electrical grid. Also, by solar polity, you will receive a credit on your electricity bill for helping the utility company by delivering excess power to the grid. Of needing more electricity than your solar panels can generate, you can use those credits instead of paying more for your utility. This process is known as net metering. In all this, the plus is given by the batteries. Solar politics energy storage can smooth electricity prices through arbitrage. It can also mitigate reduction risk, manage nighttime power ramps, provide black start capability, provide backup power, and more. Many solar energy companies like the California Solar Company see storage as a business growth opportunity. They see solar system owners as their allies. This is due to solar politics and to the fact that to achieve 20% of the total electricity generation that the solar industry is targeting, it relies heavily on cost-effective integration of storage. How Is The Storage Of Solar Batteries? The function of solar batteries is to store the energy produced by your solar panels for later use. According to technology, there are solar batteries that come with their inverter and offer integrated energy conversion. The storage is directly proportional; the greater your battery's capacity, the greater its electrical energy storage capacity. At Semper Solaris, a California Solar Panel installation company, they recommend always installing a solar battery as part of your solar panel system, as that allows you to store excess solar electricity in your home rather than send it back to the grid. If your solar panels make much more electricity than required, the excess energy is deposited in the battery. That will decrease the energy exchange with the grid. It will only send electricity to the grid when the battery is 100% charged, and it will only receive electricity from the grid when the battery is low. As you can see, houses with solar energy plus storage will be able to store excess energy for use when in contingency or when the sun doesn’t shine. They have the additional benefit of having short-term backup power in the event of failures in the public service network. Installing A Solar Battery In Your House Is An Opportunity? SEIA is firmly supporting the creation and improvements of an Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for energy storage; it is part of what it has submitted to Congress. Installing a solar battery is synonymous with saving money, which largely depends on solar politics and how the utility company compensates you for your solar energy. With full net metering, you typically receive credits on your electricity bill for every kilowatt-hour of electricity your solar panels produce, so you don't use them right away. However, it may not be so. The trend is for a solar battery to help improve the economy with solar panels for your home or business. Solar battery storage can help you save more, as long as your solar energy supplies your electricity demand. But if the utility company has times of use rates or demand charges or simply does not offer net metering. Not only that, Solar Panels and Battery Storage can help with Sleep Apnea and CPAP Machines even when the electricity goes out. How Does Solar Grid Storage Fit Into The Broader Electrical Ecosystem? Solar batteries and other energy storage technologies are set to become a market of around $ 2.5 billion in the United States by 2020-2021. Why is Energy Storage Expected to Grow so Fast? For the benefits that solar battery storage offer to their owners, such as those of homes, that is: Renewable electricity storage capacity for later use, Ease of application on a larger scale for the entire electrical network. Depending on the technology, they provide more flexibility in the generation and use of electricity, mainly from solar and wind energy. Utilities have a complex task. They need to provide their customers with a reliable and quality service. To do this, they must ensure that they have enough electricity on the grid to meet demand. Otherwise, there can be fluctuations in service and even have dissatisfied customers from experiencing blackouts. For increasing solar battery storage, incentives are needed in that direction. This will help network and utility operators manage their electricity flow operations from renewable resources with more flexibility. In the long term, it means there will be more renewable energy resources built into our nation's electricity mix, where home solar panel systems will be a major stronghold.
BREAKING NEWS! Both houses of Congress came together to pass a $900 billion coronavirus relief package (along with a $1.4 trillion federal spending omnibus for fiscal year 2021) after months of inter-party conflict around just what the bill would entail. In a huge coup for environmental activists, the text of this massive, 5,593-page omnibus includes provisions for greatly reducing HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) emissions over the next 15 years, billions of dollars in funding for renewable energy research and development, extensions of existing solar and wind tax credits, and the introduction of a tax credit for off-shore wind-based projects. All this comes together to form what many are naming the most significant climate legislation in over a decade and - perhaps - in all of US history. Already dubbed the "Energy Act of 2020," if signed into law by President Donald Trump it would be a significant "step in the right direction" for the climate, in the words of Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer of New York. The bill comes to the last-minute rescue of the popular and immensely successful solar ITC (investment tax credit) that is currently set to start declining in 2021. In the Nick of Time: How the Coronavirus Relief Package Saves the Solar ITC It goes without saying that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on all sectors of the economy, including the renewable energy industry - research group Bloomberg NEF projected back in March that 2020 would represent the first "down year" in solar energy demand since the 1980s. This "speedbump" comes at a rather inopportune moment as, according to climate scientists and other experts, 2020 represents the beginning of the last decade in which the planet can get its act together and avoid irreversible damage to our ecosystem. This makes federal programs such as the solar ITC all the more crucial. The solar ITC was first introduced back in 2006, and has been a huge success since then: according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, it's spurred average annual growth of more than 50 % for the solar industry and boosted the area by more than 10,000 % since its inception. Indeed, the solar ITC is the primary motivator behind the development of solar - it goes without saying that, without this extension, we would see a decline in the growth of solar for the foreseeable future. As such, Democrats in both houses of Congress have made a huge push towards getting this tax credit extended, at first facing opposition from certain Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky as well as President Donald Trump. 2020 marked the last year the solar federal tax credit would remain at 26 % after a 2015 extension - without the omnibus being made into law, the ITC will decline to 22 % in 2021 and finally to 10 % in 2022 for large-scale projects only (meaning complete elimination for residential solar installation). If signed into law by President Donald Trump (or if a potential veto is overridden) the coronavirus relief package will extend that 26 % rate for projects started through 2021 and 2022, while falling to 22 % at the beginning of 2023 and 10 % (for commercial projects only) come 2024. Solar industries as well as people wanting to install solar panels on their homes should absolutely take advantage of these provisions in the next few years to save on money while helping the environment. The statistics mentioned above speak for themselves - the solar ITC has been responsible for huge growth in the solar sector. Looking Ahead Although President Trump is threatening to veto the bill - mainly because he wants to replace $600 checks sent to Americans in need with $2000 checks - it's safe to the environmental provisions will pass Congress in one form or another, as it's been overwhelmingly supported by both parties (a two-thirds majority of both houses is required to override a presidential veto). Whether or not we can expect a further extension of the solar ITC beyond 2022/23 depends partially on the fate of the Senate in the Georgia runoff elections (slated for January 6) as well as - naturally - the 2022 midterm elections, although a sympathetic executive branch is secure at least until 2024. Fortunately, the bill also allows industries to negotiate longer-term tax credit extensions with the incoming Biden administration and work their policies in with the new President's carbon emission reduction goals. The omnibus represents a propitious start for what will prove to be the environmentally-crucial 2020s decade. The ITC beginning to decline at this point in time could spell disaster. For the moment, however, we have some very good news and environmentalists - as well as the planet - can take a deep breath.
Selecting the proper solar company can prove to be a challenging task given that there are so many solar companies available at present. It is imperative to evaluate a solar company comprehensively so as to find the appropriate one for your personal requirements. In the subsequent paragraphs, we have mentioned some essential guidelines on how to choose the right solar company out there. Get in the appropriate mindset It is a fact that lots of individuals end up hiring an electrician or plumber for taking care of small projects around their homes. However, the majority of them do not have experience when it comes to solar energy and panels. How do you get started? It takes much more than simply hiring a plumber for fixing a leaky faucet when you are hiring a solar panel installer. Nevertheless, the task is somewhat less tedious than remodeling the kitchen. Therefore, you need to be prepared for some legwork although it is not actually that bad. The overall procedure of hiring a solar company will be similar to that of employing any other contractor. You need to perform adequate research on the company and also go through the contract meticulously. It will be imperative to come in touch with the company personally so as to get a proper idea regarding their competence. Get several quotations Make sure to get several quotes similar to any other project in your residence. This is essential for getting a fair price and also comparing the different credentials and proposals of the company you are looking for. For instance, you need to watch out for companies which assert that your residence is appropriate for solar while it is actually not. That is where Google Project Sunroof comes into play. An authentic company will let you know that it will be essential to fix your roof initially, or that your residence does not get adequate sunlight for the installation of solar panels. They will be walking away instead of selling you a system which will not work appropriately in the long run. However, an incompetent company will try to make the sale. Consequently, in case you receive as many as three quotes and a couple of companies inform you that your house is not appropriate for installing solar panels while the other one urges you to go for it, it will be sensible to ignore the third company. In this case, you should take into consideration other alternatives such as community solar. Having several quotes will enable you to make a comparison between different installation methods and equipment choices. For instance, you need to consider how the racking is going to be secured to your roof. Solar panel installers come with different experience levels, particularly in terms of more challenging materials for roofing like clay tile. A solar installation which is botched will be compromising your roof's waterproof integrity resulting in a considerable amount of money in damage eventually. For this reason, it will be imperative to ask the solar installer regarding what techniques will be used by them to ensure that you need not suffer from any problem after the completion of the installation. In case one company provides you with vague replies while the other listens to all of your questions patiently and promptly answers them, it will be prudent to go for the second company. Verify their experience Solar power is an industry which is developing rapidly while drawing quite a few professionals from various backgrounds. Although it can be somewhat tricky to come across a solar panel company with adequate experience, it definitely comes with some benefits. It is important to make certain that the project will not be dropped by the company before completion. Moreover, you should expect your solar panel installer to showcase systems which they have installed for past clients. Do not select a solar company on price only Although every individual likes to save cash, it will be unjustified on your part to always go with the most expensive quote. There are lots of differences in equipment as well as installation quality. Although it is feasible for your installer to be the most inexpensive one in your locality, you will not be able to know unless you have compared the proposals and performed your research. On the other hand, you will not be assured of getting higher quality by simply opting for the cheapest solar installer. Prefer companies which are local Make sure not to go for any solar company which has not been in business for more than a couple of years. Instead, try to choose a company with adequate experience. This can be found out by checking the Better Business Bureau, inquiring the company itself, or even visiting the company's website. It will be sensible to choose experienced companies since apart from being technically competent they will also remain in business for quite some time after the completion of your project in case you need warranty services afterward. In case you are residing in states like California, you will find it simpler to come across solar companies with more than ten years of experience. However, if you live in some other areas such as the Midwest, you might be forced to go for companies with much less experience since the solar industry is comparatively new in those areas. Verify whether the company is properly licensed A webpage is maintained by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council which will allow you to search for solar licensing requisites for your particular state. While some states will need specialized licenses, the others will allow any contractor to install panels with the license of an electrician. Moreover, the license of a general contractor might get the job done in some other states. As a matter of fact, you will also come across some states which do not need any license whatsoever. Check out the IREC website and read it meticulously since the solar photovoltaic installation will require different licensing terms as compared to solar thermal. In case a license is needed, ask any California solar company for the license number since states such as California will enable you to check licenses online. You might get only minimal info from the online license databases, like whether a license is a valid one. Nevertheless, others, such as California, provide more comprehensive information which even includes license violations made by companies. It is important to bear in mind that violations are going to be different when it comes to severity, and it will be unjustified to ignore a company simply because it has a violation on record. In case you are concerned about any reported violation, do not hesitate to ask the solar company regarding it. Go through online reviews The Better Business Bureau will be the best place for getting authentic online reviews. It is quite different from the remaining review sites on the web. After collecting customer complaints regarding any particular company, it is going to mediate that complaint between the company and the customer. It is important to go through the complaint carefully for understanding whether it actually represents a concern or not since a complaint might be a sort of misunderstanding between the company and the client or it might also identify poor practices made by that company. It will be possible to resolve any listed complaints as well. Resolved complaints will not be much of a concern, and it is likewise inevitable that a significant volume of business will be performed by a bigger company irrespective of how good it is and it might have some dissatisfied clients in the long run. Although the Better Business Bureau likewise enables the users to publish more conventional reviews, this will not be mediated by them. It is definitely worthwhile to go through company reviews on other sites; however, you need to be careful about those reviews. While online reviews will not be able to indicate the true quality, they can be manipulated as well. Try to refrain from using websites having a background of "pay-to-play" including well-known sites like ConsumerAffairs.com and Angies' List. As a matter of fact, Google and Yelp reviews appear to be more authentic than other similar sites on the web. Ask regarding warranties It is a fact that a photovoltaic system consists of lots of different components, and each one of them is covered by a particular warranty from the manufacturer. It is vital for the installer to explain every single of those in detail. The solar panel installer must offer a warranty of the parts of the system as well as the workmanship, and they should also cover replacement and labor charges of any malfunctioning component. Photovoltaic solar panels come with their individual warranties which are usually categorized into a couple of parts: warranty covering the workmanship and the materials, and another covering the power output. The panels are going to degrade in the course of time on most occasions generating a little less power every year. (This particular degradation ought to be less than 2% every year). A power warranty of 25 years is normal, and it is imperative for the product warranty to be a minimum of 10 years, and, on some occasions, even 25 years. One essential component of the system is the inverter system which should have its individual warranty period of at least 20 years. It is important for the racking system to be able to withstand any type of extreme weather for at least 20 years. Therefore, it is imperative for this component to have a strong warranty of 20 years. In case you are using batteries, make sure to know regarding the warranty since it is a costly component out there. Quality of the solar panels At present, 3 types of solar panels are usually employed throughout the industry, namely, polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and amorphous. Although amorphous panels are quite inexpensive, they are not much efficient as well as durable as compared to the other 2. In all probabilities, you have come across polycrystalline panels in your locality which are reputed for their blue shade and have become quite well-known during the past several years. They will be appropriate for individuals who have adequate space and do not want to invest a considerable amount of money in monocrystalline solar panels. Monocrystalline panels have increased in popularity during the last few years, and they can boast of having the maximum efficiency rate without needing plenty of space as well. Therefore, they will be appropriate for individuals having a large roof. Nevertheless, they are the most costly solar panels out there. It does not matter which solar panel you go for, it is imperative to make certain that the company selected by you will be able to provide those. You will come across some solar companies which will be able to provide 1 or 2 of these panels. You need to make sure that the panels are of top quality and also from authentic solar panel manufacturers. (On most occasions, third-party manufactures are used by the majority of the solar companies). Apart from this, you should go for durable solar panels which will be able to serve you for quite some time in the future. Payment options Although it is imperative to make lots of investment in order to go solar, you will also come across a number of financing options. Several of these lucrative options include power purchase agreements, green energy loans, as well as leasing options. All these options come with their individual positive plus negative aspects which you need to take into consideration prior to making a sensible financing decision. The first financing option mentioned here will be the green energy loans which were made particularly for individuals who like to transform to renewable green energy. The majority of these loans come with comparatively low rates of interest. You will be able to purchase the equipment using this option, and the balance can be paid off over time. The subsequent couple of options are quite similar. The power purchase agreement will allow you to rent the equipment and you need to pay for the energy used by you. Leasing options are also virtually similar where you will be renting the equipment; however, a specific amount has to be paid every month rather than paying at a time. You will not be able to own the equipment by using these 2 options. It is up to you to make a decision regarding which option is going to be appropriate for you. The choices can be discussed further after selecting a particular solar company. However, it is recommended for you to look for a solar company offering all these options. Conclusion Let us hope that these above-mentioned 10 tips will allow you to come across the right authentic solar company such as Semper Solaris which will provide proper service to you according to your personal requirements. Read more on solar panel facts before making your decision. Also, if you're a college student, don't forget to apply to our Semper Solaris Scholarship
Owning a house that runs entirely on solar power is most definitely a possibility! With the help of solar panels and solar batteries, making your home a solar-powered property has never been cheaper. The cost of installing a solar energy system has dropped drastically in the past 20 years because of the fast improvements in technology. Even though it may be cheaper than ever, there are still a few necessities to make this dream of running your home on solar power alone, a reality. First, you will need to understand how much energy you use on average per month. This will allow you and your contractor to know how much energy your panels may need to generate to keep your home powered throughout the month. When considering the amount of energy generated by your panels, it is also smart to understand that some months may be better than others for generating power. This is where solar batteries can play a crucial role. When the sun doesn’t shine as bright or as long as usual, it is good to utilize your solar batteries. Solar batteries allow users to store excess energy gained on those long sunny days to be used later. This is key because if you have no energy stored, you will be required to use energy from the grid to power your home. Secondly, the climate you reside in also plays a crucial role in making this dream a reality. If you live in a cold, cloudy place, it may be more challenging to run your home entirely on solar. For example, while living in the Pacific Northwest during the winter months, you may go weeks without seeing direct sunlight. Although, if you live in the southwestern states like California or Arizona, you may go weeks without having an overcast day! These differences in climate play a critical factor in the ability to jump on the solar bandwagon and cut ties with the energy company. Third, the surrounding trees and houses located near your home. These can hinder the amount of energy that your solar panels can generate throughout the day. If you have a huge tree blocking your panels for a third of the day, this can drastically change the amount of energy stored. Make it Possible Don’t let any of these three factors scare you away because running your home on solar alone has never been easier. With the help of solar estimators and countless numbers of installations in your general area, solar contractors understand the ins and outs of what may be needed to allow you to make this leap to solar energy. The key to this possibility is the number of panels and solar batteries installed on your home. The critical part is the use of solar batteries; without a battery, no excess energy can be stored to use later. Semper Solaris is a Tesla Powerwall certified installer, and with powerful batteries such as Tesla Powerwall out on the market, this possibility is closer than you think.
To determine how many solar panels you need to run a home, you first must understand how much energy you use during the average week. You can find out by looking into the energy bills that you receive monthly and calculate the average energy usage per day. There are also other ways to determine your energy usage. For example, if you use 50 light bulbs for one hour, which are all 20 watts, this will consume 1 kilowatt-hour of energy. Expand this math to all your appliances and devices, and you will be able to calculate how much energy you use on average. After understanding the average usage per week, your contractor can help you choose the best possible solution for your home by determining the surface area of your roof and how many panels can fit on your roof. But there are a few other factors that are impossible to take into consideration, such as overcast weather and outliers in your energy usage. An average solar panel array of 400 square feet can produce anywhere from 300 to 850-kilowatt hours of energy per month. Depending on your energy usage, 400 square feet of panels may be enough, but it is best to consult your solar contractor. For example, a home in New York will generate less energy throughout the day than a home located in California because of the weather conditions and power of the sun. An array of 40 panels, on average, produces around 14,000 kWh of energy, so depending on your energy usage and location of your home, you may need to increase the number of panels. There are even a few websites that allow you to calculate the number of solar panels that may be required to be fitted to your home. All you will need is your average monthly energy usage and what percent of energy from the grid you would like to offset with solar. There are also a few other key factors to weigh, such as the surrounding trees and angle of your roof. These may seem non-essential to some, but these can put a significant dent in the amount of light consumed by your panels. Just an hour or two of shade during the brightest times of the day can put a considerable dent in the number of kilowatt-hours generated. Another is the climate you reside in. All these instances mentioned may cause you to need a broader array of panels to generate enough power for your home. One of the last things to consider is the efficiency of the solar cells inside the panels. Some panels are much more efficient than others. When determining which panels to invest in, it is best to take this into consideration. Your solar contractor will be able to calculate the average amount of energy that can be generated from your solar panel array, along with the average consumption. These estimations are never exact because of changes in your usage and differences in the weather.
The first thought you may have is, ‘Well, my roof is big enough, I’m good to go.’ Sadly, that train of thought is a recipe for disaster. So, what other things should be considered beforehand? How much energy do you currently consume? Do you have proper insulation - as in, are your heating and cooling systems efficient? Have you installed high-efficiency lighting (LED/CFL) where you can? Do you set your thermostat to average temperatures, like 72F? All these questions need to be asked and answered as well as other factors, such as which way your roof predominantly faces, its size, and how many average days of sunshine your area has. Those above all affect how many panels you need. [embed]https://youtu.be/x57pqrLdIog[/embed] YOUR SOLAR ENERGY POTENTIAL ow that you have ensured your home is as energy efficient as possible, you need to decide your home’s solar energy potential. Several websiteswill help you map your home’s potential. For the most efficient use of a solar system, your roof should face the south. However, there are other caveats to consider that will affect the efficiency of your system. What is the area of your roof? Does your HOA, landlord, or county ordinance allow for the installation of solar panels? How many average days of sunshine are there in your area? There is a common misconception for homes in an area with frequent severe and/or cloudy weather that solar energy is unavailable. The truth is, solar energy is most definitely available - but more panels may be needed - or an energy storage system such as a battery storage unit that will store solar power via a rechargeable battery system. This system will automatically turn itself on if there is not enough active solar energy available. WHY NOT FACE THE ROOF IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SUN? When I first started learning about solar, I automatically assumed the best direction for a roof to face for solar was west, to gather all the high energy rays from noon until dark. However, westerly facing solar roofs provide one major issue - they do not receive near enough energy in the morning hours. The solution? Southerly facing solar panels. A roof with high exposure to the south will provide the most considerable amount of time with solar absorption on any given *sunny* day. A little trivia: In the southern hemisphere, this is opposite - solar panels go on the north-facing roof. As with anything, there can be exceptions to the rule. Depending on your reasoning for solar, in rare cases, it may benefit you to have your panels face west. For instance, if trying to avoid peak use charges on grid power, a western exposure may help you more than southern exposure, as your home and panels will be receiving the maximum kilowatt-hour (kWh) during these times (late afternoon - dark). No matter what, the best thing to do is to hire a professional roofing company to handle the installation. WRAPPING UP If you are considering solar energy for your home, be sure to bring in a professional to assess your home and discuss with you your needs. Make sure your HOA and county ordinance allows for the installation of solar panels on your roof - before your consultant arrives. Also, it is best for all named title parties to be present during the consultation. Now that you’ve had your consultation sit back, relax, and enjoy paying pennies on the dollar in comparison to what you once paid for electricity.
HOW LONG DO SOLAR PANELS LAST? You’re interested in solar power for your home or office; now what? First things first: solar panels, like any product, do indeed degrade over time. This means there will be a reduction in energy efficiency from year-to-year. The good news is that the enhancements in solar technology over the last decade have provided a much better product. What does that mean for you, the consumer? It means the latest solar panels decline at a rate of about .5% per year. In layman’s terms, if your brand new solar panels are operating at 100% efficiency upon installation, then they will perform at 99.5% efficiency after one year of use, and 90.0% efficiency after 20 years. A vast majority of the solar power industry provides a warranty of excellent length for their product - most often between 25 and 30 years. Investing thousands of dollars will always be a reasonable cause for concern. Still, the solar power industry wants to bring its customers the greatest peace of mind possible, and they do this by backing their products. While your solar panel warranty may expire after 25 years, chances are excellent, your solar panels will still be very efficient for many years to come. SOLAR PANEL ENERGY PAYBACK TIME (EPBT) Like millions of us in the world today, energy and resource conservation has become a huge talking point. Naturally, we want our beautiful planet, with its limited resources, to last as long as possible, so many generations from now, there will still be resources aplenty. The solar power industry has come up with a measurement standard, known as Energy Payback Time, or EPBT, due to the concerns on climate change, reduction in waste product, energy consumption, and things of the ilk. What is EPBT? A concern of solar energy for many consumers is the potential for environmental damage during the manufacturing of the panels themselves. In other words, are you damaging the environment more than you’re going to help it? Absolutely not. So how long does it take to recuperate the energy spent to produce the panels by your usage of the clean, renewable, sustainable energy our closest star provides? Surprisingly, newer, high-efficiency solar panels pay back their ‘debt’ in only six months. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF SEVERE WEATHER ON MY PANELS? After investing thousands of dollars into your solar panels, one of your most significant concerns may be the effect severe weather will have on your system. Believe it or not, the United States Government actually has a hand in industry standards that are set for solar panel durability via the Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). Over the years, SETO has developed a series of tests that provide consumer confidence in solar energy investments. In 2017, there was a significant hailstorm in Denver, Colorado, that produced hail THREE inches in diameter at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The Denver NREL has 3,000 solar modules, and after the hailstorm, only one panel had been damaged! PEACE OF MIND Rest easy, you have peace of mind. Your panels will survive severe weather, you are helping the environment by using renewable energy, and you have a warranty that may outlast the mortgage on your home. Solar power is the way of the future. Jump on board!
Solar panels are an excellent investment for most homeowners, but understandably so you want to know if there are any “hidden costs” when you install your panels. One of the most common questions is if installing solar panels will cause your property taxes to increase due to the increase in your home’s value. The good news is that the answer is no! While adding solar panels to your home does indeed increase the value of your home, you will not be hit in the wallet come tax time. California offers an exemption. Currently, there are only two ways your property is reassessed by the county. The first is if you sell/buy a new home, your home will be assessed and your property taxes will most likely increase, and the second is if you do a major renovation that requires you to apply for permits. While you do need to apply for permits to install a solar panel system, and as a result, your property value will go up. Still, you will not pay any additional property tax when you install new solar panels until the home is sold. According to Solar Energy Industries Association, an average solar panel system can add around $15,000 more in value to your home. In turn, depending on your property tax rate, this could add several hundred dollars to your yearly property tax bill. So you can count that as significant savings when you install your solar system. You may need to find out if there is an additional form to fill out to qualify for the tax break. Contact your local tax office to find out. It is usually a simple form that needs to be filled out and submitted to qualify for the break. The bill (Senate Bill 871) allows for this exemption in place until the year 2025, so if you are considering installing solar, now is the time to do it so you can get a break on your property taxes. If you want to read more details on the bill, you can check it out here. If you are considering solar panels, give one of our customer service representatives a call at Semper Solaris, and we can get the ball rolling on a solar panel system for you! We can go over a cost analysis and evaluate your roof and how much sun your home receives and discuss options with you. What about sales tax? Is there an exemption for that? While some states offer one, unfortunately, California does not have an exemption for sales tax on a solar panel system, so you will have to pay that tax. Does California State offer a tax credit on my yearly tax return? California used to offer a tax break on the purchase of solar panels, but it does not any longer. That went away in 2005. The only tax credit available is the Federal Tax Credit, which currently gives a 26% tax credit.
Solar Power is the leading clean, renewable, and cost-effective energy on the planet. Generating solar energy is a simple process, much like photosynthesis found in nature. Solar panels produce energy by converting sunlight into electricity. And it is one of the most reliable, sustainable, and least expensive ways to generate clean energy. Three main advantages of solar panels They produce clean energy. They produce renewable energy. They are cost-effective. Semper Solaris is at the forefront of solar power technology. We are the top-rated solar contractors for all things solar. We know how much our satisfied customers save every year on electricity. Solar Power Is Renewable Energy Fossil or carbon-based fuels have been the foundation of energy consumption for well over a hundred years. It is the electricity and fuel we use to heat and cool our homes. It is the gasoline that runs our automobiles and manufactures products. We can find it in many things found in our daily lives. Fossil or carbon-based fuels come from the decayed, petrified remains of plants and animals accumulated over millions of years. Once these fuels are exhausted, they take a very long time to replenish—perhaps millions of more years. The emphasis on renewable energy addresses the diminishing reserves of these fuels. There are several renewable sources of energy in use, and they are becoming more prevalent as we move towards a sustainable energy economy throughout the world. Renewable energy comes from sources that reproduce and don’t go away. Renewable Energy Sources Solar Wind Geothermal Hydroelectric Biomass The cleanest and cheapest sources of renewable energy on the forefront today are wind and solar. Solar panels are the most efficient and easiest way to generate a lot of electricity regularly. Semper Solaris is the best solar contractor for the installation of solar panels. We know our business and are committed to bringing our best for clean, renewable solar energy for our customers. Solar Panels Produce Clean Energy Carbon emissions from fossil fuel power plants cause a lot of waste in the air, ground, and water. Carbon, CO2, is a naturally occurring gas that is overproduced in the atmosphere when fossil fuel is burned for energy production, causing an excess of greenhouse gases. Clean, renewable energy does not cause pollution or produce waste. While some renewable energy sources are cleaner than others, solar power is at the top of the list. Solar panels help the environment by reducing the carbon footprint created by carbon-based fuels, thus reducing greenhouse gases. Fossil Fuel Sources Coal Crude oil Natural gas Solar Panels are Cost-Effective Solar Power is the most efficient and least expensive alternative energy for residential use. Unlike other renewable or non-renewable resources, solar is easy to put into operation and takes up no extra space to speak of—especially rooftop solar panels. And solar power is the most dependable energy source of all. You can’t run out of sunlight, especially in California. Solar panels provide access to this fantastic renewable energy from the sun. The equipment is more affordable than it ever has been. When you consider the incentives and rebates available for installing solar, the upfront cost is much lower, and the system will pay for itself in a few short years. But you will enjoy savings on energy from day one. Semper Solaris is leading the way for residential solar installations. We believe in sustainability, protecting the environment, and reducing the cost of electricity so that you keep more money in your pocket. We have seen the power of the savings our customers enjoy every day since they decided to go solar. Call Semper Solaris today and take advantage of low prices and savings.
There are several factors to consider when evaluating solar panels and equipment, including manufacturing, durability, and quality. Identifying the best solar panels is determined by how effective the panels are at converting sunlight into electricity. And aside from the manufacturing of panels, some factors can influence the effectiveness of solar panel installations. Location Climate Shading Size of roof Experience of the installer The knowledge and the experience of the installer are critical in achieving the highest efficiency and functioning of solar panels. Semper Solaris technicians know how to achieve the best performance while offering only top-rated solar panels and equipment. We will design your solar panel system for optimum performance. How Do Solar Panels Produce Electricity? Solar panels are a system of photovoltaic cells linked with metal frames and wiring and connected to your home’s electrical system. The solar cells in each panel transform sunlight into DC power, which is circulated through the panels and into a solar inverter. The inverter converts the DC power into AC Power, electricity for your home. Semper Solaris knows how solar works; we offer the highest quality products and expert installation. We have various options for panels and inverters from the most reliable solar panel manufacturers. How are solar panels rated? Solar panels are rated for power output and efficiency. Most solar panels have power ratings of 200 to 300 watts, the higher the power rating, the more efficient the panels are at converting sunlight into energy. This rating is an excellent way to compare solar panels. Other issues like power tolerance can influence energy production. Semper Solaris understands the power output of solar panels, and we offer only the top-rated solar panels from the most reliable solar manufacturers. Solar Cell Efficiency The number of cells in each pane is directly related to the amount of energy the solar panels create. The cells are made with a semiconductor material such as silicon, which is the most common material used. The efficiency of the solar cell structure is a critical consideration when rating solar panels. The efficiency rating indicates how effective a solar panel is at converting sunlight into electricity. Most solar panels have a rating of around 23%. The higher the score, the more power the panel can generate. Semper Solaris is experienced and knowledgeable in assessing a home for the right panels with ratings that will operate at maximum efficiency. Solar Panel Quality Solar panels are tested for their strength and reliability in real-world simulations. A high-quality panel will carry at least a 25-year warranty from the manufacturer both on material and power production. Durability Reliability IEC 61215 reliability standard Snow and wind load Top-rated Manufacturer’s Warranty The best solar panels are American made. They have proven to be the most reliable, efficient, and superior in design and construction. Semper Solaris offers solar panels that are both high quality and economical for budget-minded homeowners. We stand behind each and every solar panel system we install. Contact Semper Solaris today and schedule an evaluation of your home for your solar power installation.
