Solar Battery Storage | Solar Panels, Battery Storage, Roofing, HVAC
Extreme weather events are inevitable no matter where you live. Recently, the normally mild state of Texas experienced the arrival of a harsh winter storm that brought unusually frigid temperatures, snow, and ice. A power outage only compounded the effects of this cold weather disaster. In California, residents frequently struggle with extreme weather that is opposite to what has been afflicting Texans: dangerous, out-of-control wildfires that lead to extensive power outages. Florida also repeatedly sees vicious storms and hurricanes that wipe out electricity for days on end. During the extreme weather that so many states across the country have been experiencing in the past decade, the importance of having a reliable solar energy storage system is more important than ever. There is nothing quite as dangerous as losing the ability to heat your home in chilling, subzero conditions, or the lack of air conditioning during hot, stifling weather. Independence from conventional power sources is currently one of the few ways to navigate the challenges that power failures bring. This is where the importance of an alternative energy source comes in. Rooftop solar panels and the Tesla Powerwall together serve as a viable solution. The costs of installing an alternative energy system can seem steep at first glance. However, the price is more than worth it when it comes to saving money on electricity and having access to power during an outage. Even during non-emergencies, the ability to reduce an expensive electric bill is always a plus. Solar panels gather energy from the sun throughout the day, while the Tesla Powerwall serves as solar batter storage that you can utilize to accumulate energy for nighttime use or for a time that you truly need it. Depending on the solar panel company, these alternative energy systems can last from anywhere between 10 and 25 years before a replacement is due. Most companies offer 10-year, 25-year, or more warranties just in case of any premature malfunctions. The Tesla Powerwall is an excellent addition to most types of solar energy system, including the Silfab, Q-Cells, Tesla Solar Roof or power system. Powerwalls from Tesla have an energy usage capacity of 13.5 kWh and come with a 10-year warranty. The Tesla Powerwall is also easy to program so that it will automatically switch to stored power during the night or the moment the electricity goes down during a storm. Temperature resilience is another added benefit to these Powerwalls, which makes them suitable for most hot to moderate climates if you choose to install them outside. They function in temperatures as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) and as low as minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius). Depending on individual homeowners' budgets or household needs, anywhere from one to several installed Powerwalls could be necessary. For the average household, it is better to install two Tesla Powerwalls than one. A single Powerwall restricts energy to minor, low consumption functions such as outlets, power circuits, and lights. A double Powerwall installation is more suitable for most homes so that appliances that take up more energy can also receive enough power to function. With two Powerwalls instead of one, your electricity use can go on as usual during an outage without the need to reduce energy usage to bare necessities. Depending where you live, a snowstorm, hurricane, wildfire, or other unanticipated event of severe weather could kill your power for several days and leave you without running water, heat, or air conditioning. This is not only inconvenient, it is potentially deadly if you are unable to warm or cool your home during extreme temperatures. With the rapidly heating global climate, unusual weather events have continued to increase around the world. The Tesla Powerwall combined with a rooftop solar energy system provides homeowners with a self-sustaining energy source that will keep the lights on during even extended power outages. With sky-high power bills and reoccurring storms or fires, green alternative energy sources can save you a lot of money and inconvenience. While the costs of a solar energy system in addition to a couple of Powerwalls costs several thousand dollars, the price is well worth it when it comes to being able to keep your power on during unavoidable natural disasters.
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.
If you are a sleep apnea patient and use CPAP therapy, you should be ready for emergencies where there would have no regular power available. To meet such eventualities, you should invest in solar panels and battery storage. For the past few weeks, California is witnessing regular rotational blackouts. Even in the past, California has witnessed a serious power crisis between 2000-01. Sleep apnea patients who are taking CPAP therapy may find themselves completely helpless if caught in a blackout in the night time. This is very much a real possibility now as peak power demand in the city is outstripping supply. How Do Solar Panels Help People with Sleep Apnea Using CPAP Therapy? You can buy a high watt solar panel system for charging your CPAP battery. You just need to spread the solar panels facing directly the sun and connect it to the CPAP battery. In about 8 to 10 hours, the solar panel would fully charge the battery. The solar panel is very easy to operate. All you need to do is spread it facing the sun. It will draw energy from the sun and charge your CPAP battery. Solar panels are able to draw energy from the sun even on cloudy days when the sun may not be seen prominently. Benefits If there is a power outage and you are not able to charge your battery, solar panels will charge your CPAP device and you can have a good night's sleep. You may also need the solar panel to charge your CPAP device during your outdoor adventure. Easy To Use Solar Panels? The solar panels capable of recharging your CPAP device are lightweight and powerful. They can charge your CPAP battery in 8 to 10 hours. The process to recharge the CPAP battery is very easy. You just need to connect the solar panels to your battery and let the panel sit facing the sun. Most solar panels are made using green technology and are carbon-footprint friendly so you will be helping the environment in the process. Solar Panels and Sleep Apnea Is there a link between solar power and sleep apnea? Yes, if you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and use CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure therapy), solar power can be a topic of interest for you. CPAP is a device that comes in the form of a mask that sleep apnea has to wear during his sleep. The mask has a CPAP component that supplies air at high pressure near the patient's nose during his sleep. This ensures there is enough air at high pressure in the face region including the nose and the throat that the patient does not have to struggle to breathe the air in. There is a continuous supply of air at high pressure for the patient to be able to breathe comfortably. How Is CPAP Related to Solar Power? CPAP is powered by a rechargeable battery. For this device to continuously work for the entire duration when the patient is sleeping, it needs its battery with adequate charging. In normal circumstances, the battery can be charged through power outlets in the day for use at night. You may need solar power to charge the CPAP battery. This is a possibility when there is a power outage or when you are on a hike and sleeping outdoors. What is Sleep Apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious problem that prevents a person from having a sound sleep. The problem is caused due to the weakening of the breathing muscles that mostly lie in the throat region. If the person is suffering from this problem for a long time, the lack of a good night's sleep can lead to many problems, especially related to the health of the heart. While a milder version of OSA can be treated and managed by adopting a healthy lifestyle, the more serious form of the condition needs medical interventions. Of all the treatments available, CPAP is considered to be most effective as it improves air circulation right in the face, near the nose, and the throat. It helps the patient's breathing system as air at a higher pressure makes its way through the nose and the mouth down to the throat and lungs without breathing muscles having to make any serious effort. CPAP manages to keep the patient breathing. It's a delicate balance between the patient's need for air and the CPAP working on its battery. If the battery gets discharged with no option to recharge it, the patient may suffer a difficult time trying to sleep. But if the patient has battery storage, he can recharge his CPAP device easily and manage to tide over the crisis. Solar Panels and Battery Storage Solar power is a source of clean energy as it provides non-grid energy. From average homes to municipal bodies, everyone is aware of the advantages of solar panel installations. They are also using it wherever it is possible. Except for the installation cost, it provides you electricity at much lower costs compared to no solar panels. Over time, it pays for itself and recoups the installation cost in about 5 to 7 years. There are good reasons for the greater adoption of solar power technology by more people and households. An important upgrade in the overall solar power technology is battery storage. This device allows you to store power generated by your solar energy system and use it when you need it. In normal circumstances, your solar panels generate electricity and store in the batteries attached to the system. Once the batteries are fully charged and your solar panel is still producing electricity, you can store the additional electricity in battery storage. You can use the battery storage when the normal batteries attached to your solar panels are completely discharged. You can also sell additional electricity to the grid and earn some money or credit. Using battery storage is an excellent way to tap the maximum amount of energy from your solar installation. Final thoughts Sleep apnea is a respiratory disease in which the person stops breathing for a brief period during his sleep. One of the treatments for this condition is the use of CPAP masks. To keep the CPAP working even during California blackouts or during outdoor hiking, you should use solar panels + battery storage in case of emergencies.
The sun is an all-natural alternative energy source that produces radiation you can turn into electrical and heat energy. This form of renewable energy offers plenty of benefits to those who exploit it. Harnessing the sun's rays can lower your electrical bills and cost of living, especially if you live in a major city like San Jose. The city is usually associated with wealth and is considered a modern metropolitan area. San Jose is believed to have one of the most highly-priced housing markets in the globe. San Jose has a tropical Mediterranean climate that offers more than 300 days of sunlight per year that is ideal for harnessing solar energy on a residential or commercial scale. A standard solar installation should come with solar panels, a DC-AC inverter, and a UPS battery storage. The average electricity charge rate in San Jose is considered to be 31% higher than the Country's average charge rate. Investing in San Jose solar panels and battery storage can ensure you have a constant electricity supply, especially during grid blackouts. You don't necessarily have to depend on the electricity; you can reduce costs and enjoy electricity during blackouts by buying a solar panel installation in San Jose. Advantages of Investing In San Jose Solar Panels: Apart from reducing electricity costs, procuring a Solar panel and battery storage unit can offer you the following benefits: You can use solar energy virtually anywhere Solar rays can be harnessed virtually anywhere across the world as long as the sun is shining. All you need is a solar panel to capture the sun's energy and a battery storage unit to store the electrical power. If you live in remote areas in San Jose, buying a solar harnessing solution may be best for you. If your premises are off the grid, solar energy can be a cheap yet effective electricity source. It is more environmentally friendly The normal electricity people use at homes is usually generated by burning fossil fuels, conducting nuclear reactions, and, to a lesser extent, harnessing hydroelectric and wind power. The sun offers the best alternative energy that has the least negative effect on the natural environment. Solar energy doesn't release any harmful fumes and doesn't affect water negatively. Moreover, solar energy is silent; even if you live in urban residential places, you will generate and store energy without polluting the environment in any way. You get a free federal tax credit and additional incentives for using solar energy When you buy solar panels and San Jose battery storages, you will receive a tax credit. Now is the time to buy while incentives are available at a high rate. Buying a solar panel installation in San Jose can also provide you with cash rebates from the California Solar initiative. Make sure to double check the incentives available before moving forward on your purchase. Solar Energy creates opportunities and jobs Every solar energy consumer requires a qualified solar panel installer, and the increase in demand for renewable energy is creating numerous opportunities in the job sector. Buying a solar installation in the San Jose area will assist in generating income for local companies. The Straight Forward Process of Acquiring Solar Panel Installation in San Jose First of all, consider if you are eligible for low-income solar services that offer a wide range of reimbursements and incentives. Also, identify whether your roof requires repair before the installation. It’s usually smarter to hire the best roofing company in San Jose than doing repairs yourself. It would be best if you also identified additional ways of making your home/ premises more energy effective as you buy a solar panel solution. Procuring energy-saving lights together with solar energy can greatly reduce electrical costs. As mentioned earlier, having a solar harnessing installation can offer you many benefits. Here is a step by step guide on how to acquire a San Jose Solar panel. Start by identifying your premises' solar capability Depending on the residential or commercial premises, there are various potentials you can exploit with solar energy. Nowadays, you can use digital tools such as the Google project Sunroof software that use a real-life professional to suggest suitable solar solutions for your premises. Find a suitable contractor to install the solar harnessing system It is important to hire a competent licensed contractor to ensure your solar installation is done effectively and lasts longer without the need for maintenance. Solar panel installers in California must have a permit from the Contractors State License Board. Clients can confirm whether a firm is legit by crosschecking its license number on the Contractors State License Board official web page. Weigh your payment options There are numerous firms out there offering solar services. If you have the cash up front, consider solar installation firms with the best offers and those that come with additional features. If you don't have the money, other financing options include leasing and hire purchase options. Review and understand all the relevant paperwork Understanding your solar installation contract's terms and conditions can help you comprehend important aspects of your San Jose battery storage and solar panel. Such aspects include Warranty covers, total costs, and a checklist of the installed equipment. Ensure the contractor applies for the necessary San Jose permit Before you can install a solar harnessing system, you need to get a permit from the city of San Jose. This permit can be obtained through an online application. The process will schedule a premises inspection, after which you can plan for the installation of a San Jose solar system. Schedule the solar panel installation Once all requirements are met, you can plan for a residential or commercial installation. After the process, you can enjoy solar energy and the advantages that come with it. Conclusion Investing in solar panel installation solutions in San Jose can reduce energy costs, among other benefits. The process of acquiring a solar energy solution is quite straightforward, especially if you know and fulfill the set requirements. To learn more or to book an appointment, contact us today via our appointment booking form.
Solar battery storage like Tesla Powerwall can be useful for homeowners even without solar panels as they are paired with a typical solar energy system of your home. By using the technology of a small scale energy storing system in the storage system of the solar batteries at your home, your battery can provide backup even without solar panels as it will be charged by the power supplied by the grid. Need for installing solar battery at home The need for solar battery installed in your home depends mainly upon how your solar power can adjust your utilities. Full net metering is offered by most of the utilities, which allows you to get credit on your power consumption bills for every unit of electricity produced by your solar panels. So, if you install a solar battery, then you may not be able to save more money on your monthly electricity bill. But, a solar battery can increase the savings on the solar panels installed in your office or home in many circumstances. If you have to pay demand charges at the rate of the time to use or net metering is not offered by your utilities, then you can save a lot of money by using solar batteries. Suitability of solar batteries in the ecosystem of electricity Though the technologies used to store solar energy have not gained enough popularity, still you cannot ignore them in the present time. The demand for saving energy is increased at a faster speed because of the benefits provided by solar batteries to the homeowners. The ability of the solar batteries to store renewable energy to use later on can also be used for the entire grid of electricity if used on a large scale. The technologies of energy storage used in solar batteries can provide flexibility to the users of energy to generate electricity with the help of solar power and use it. The task of grid managers and electric utilities is a bit more complicated. They have to provide reliable and constant access to electrical power to their customers to power their businesses and homes. And for this purpose, they will have to be sure that the grid has enough ability to meet the needs of their customers. Most probably, their customers may not get any power supply at a point of time if the system has too much or too low power supply. It can be more challenging to balance the demand and supply carefully if the grid is combined with the sources of renewable energy as solar panels can produce electricity only when the sun shines. The output of the causes of renewable energy cannot be increased with the increase in demand like the traditional power plants based on natural gas or coal, as you cannot compel the sun to shine brighter to produce more energy or shine at night. In this way, the flow of electricity from the sources of renewable energy can be increased by installing more technologies to store energy like solar batteries, etc. In other words, battery storage at your home can provide your power supply even without solar panels.
When people talk about going off the grid and living off the land, it sounds like a great dream, and possible. Today we have tiny homes and solar power and all kinds of portable this and that; it is plausible to take to the road and live without chains to your heart's content. But "going off the grid" can be applied in a more practical way for homeowners. Disconnecting from the central utility infrastructure that traditionally has delivered power to the home is possible with today's technology. Solar power is your first step toward energy independence. Solar Battery Storage in Chula Vista is the next. When you have surplus power, your utility company is much like a big battery, storing your excess energy for later use. Although it is a way to beat the high prices of the utility provider, they still find a way to inhibit the benefits of your solar power by charging taxes and fees for the use of their transmission and storage equipment. You will have control over costs by investing in the technology of the very near future. What is Microgrid? A microgrid is a local power system that operates separately from a central electrical utility grid. It uses an energy source, generator or battery, and a means of transmitting and supplying power to users. Communities can reach energy independence by being able to operate without a centralized power supply. And some cities are catching on to the idea. Solar backup batteries for creating microgrids have become more popular for municipalities and in places where the transmission of electrical power is outdated, inefficient, or has frequent power outages. They don't completely disconnect from the primary power grid, but they can operate independently with solar batteries in Chula Vista. How Do I Create My Own Microgrid You can produce your own power for your home by installing solar panels. Your solar panels also tie into the central power grid; however, with a microgrid system, you can operate independently of the provider whenever you choose. Just flip a switch, and there you are. If you want to become energy independent and power your home independently from the utility grid, it has never been easier. The first step is the installation of a solar electric system for your home. You will need to work with your solar installer to anticipate your power needs now, and in the future, so you are sure to have enough panels to grow into a well-running microgrid. With the growth of smart applications and appliances for homes, it is a good idea to add more panels than you need because they will provide extra power for your solar panel battery storage in Chula Vista as well anticipated power needs. What is your current usage? What additions do you plan on making to your home? Do you have a pool? Do you want to heat the pool? Do you plan on having an EV station soon? Do you need to charge batteries for an RV? Usually, you can start with one battery, but you can add on later if you need an array or your microgrid expands into your neighborhood or community. You never know what innovation will bring. Semper Solaris has much experience in the installation of solar power and solar battery backup in Chula Vista. Once you have ascertained how many panels you will need, it is time to evaluate the size battery backup storage you will need. We will make calculations based on sound data and extensive experience installing solar. The Future of Energy Independence Once you have solar panels, you can take the next step towards energy independence with the addition of a Tesla Powerwall or Enphase Encharge Battery solar back up battery. Microgrids are the future of electrical delivery as we move into the age of renewable energy. As more electricity becomes necessary to run appliances and devices that evolve from smart home innovation, it won't be so costly with solar and storage capacity in homes and communities. Prices are lower than ever for solar power and solar batteries. Homeowners in Chula Vista are looking at the potential savings and the benefits of more energy independence. Semper Solaris is proud to offer solar power and solar battery installation in Chula Vista. We are a Tesla Powerwall certified installer, so call us today, and let's plan for the future of your energy independence!
There are many ways that you can gain an advantage from installing backup battery storage with your solar panels. The backup battery stores power from your panels, which can be used during the time your panels are not producing electricity. You can save money if you use power during high peak hours when the cost of electricity is high. And it will keep your electricity on during a power outage. Backup batteries for solar power installations are becoming more efficient, more useful, and the prices have dropped considerably. Solar backup battery installation in El Cajon is attractive to homeowners and much more affordable. After the solar panel installation, they are the next step towards energy independence. How Solar Batteries in El Cajon Work Blackouts can occur when there is an incident that cuts the transmission of power from your utility company to your home. This type of disruption of power is often temporary, lasting only a few hours. But outages can occur when you least expect it. Your solar panels produce electricity from sunlight. The energy from the panels converts to AC power for your home, and the excess power feeds back into the grid. Your utility company operates as a mega backup battery storing the excess energy from your panels for later use. However, during a blackout, that auxiliary power is not available to your home. Solar Battery in A Power Outage During a power outage, your solar panels will continue to provide power to your home while the sun is shining. But they will stop producing energy when the sun goes down. The addition of a solar battery backup will keep the power on using stored energy to power your home. Your solar panels will keep your power on in a power outage if there is daylight. But once your solar panels stop producing energy for the day, your lights will go out along with everything else that runs on electricity. Solar Battery Storage in El Cajon allows you to keep the power on in both short term and long-term blackouts. A solar battery will keep your power running seamlessly. And when the sun rises in the morning, your panels will be back at work generating and providing electricity. With the addition of a backup battery, you can keep the power going for days and weeks if necessary. Solar Backup Batteries Save Lives Longer-term blackouts can occur when emergencies or natural disasters arise, like earthquakes, fires, floods, or other catastrophic events. Backup battery storage adds a layer of safety and peace of mind that is more than worth the price of the battery itself. El Cajon is in an area at high risk of wildfires. In a fire, it is essential to have your HVAC system running to filter particulates and contaminants that can enter the home. And in California, the danger of earthquakes is a likely event. In the event of a long-term blackout where communication is a necessity, solar power, and solar panel battery storage in El Cajon may save lives. Accessing emergency services, receiving evacuation orders, and knowing where to go could mean the difference between life and death. Solar equipment provides power for disaster relief all over the world. It only makes sense that solar panel installation, along with a backup battery, is an invaluable safety measure for your family. What to look for in Solar Backup Batteries There are several specifications to look at for storage batteries. The most important ones are the following: Capacity and power - how much power can it store? Depth of discharge – how much power can it produce? Efficiency – how much of the stored power is usable? Battery life – how long does it take the battery to empty? Semper Solaris technicians are experts in the installation of solar power along with solar backup storage. We use only the highest quality solar batteries, such as Tesla Powerwall or Enphase Encharge Battery, and we offer both the manufacturer and installation warranties on all batteries. In fact, we are a Tesla Powerwall certified installer, making us the most reputable solar contractor for your solar batteries in El Cajon. Call us today, and we will get you on the road to solar energy storage.
Do you want to maximize your investment? Are you looking for the best solution for your energy needs? If you have installed a domestic solar system, you might be trying all the possible ways to get the most of your investment. Domestic solar can be very effective if you combine it with solar battery storage. Solar battery backup can be used to deal with a power outage. You can also use it in the evening and night hours when the electric bill is considerably high, and consumption is more. In this article, you will know how you can maximize your solar investment with solar battery storage. What is Solar with Battery Storage? Solar with battery storage will enable users to store the energy generated in the day time. Then utilize that energy in the evening and night when the increasing energy rates become more expensive. It can offer you a cost-effective solution by using your home solar panel in the best possible way. For this benefit, you will have to install a solar battery system. These batteries are widely available in the current market. Some of them are well made with advanced technologies to make energy storage easy and more useful for users. You can take the example of the Enphase Encharge Battery and Tesla Powerwall. Both these batteries are designed to enable users to store energy from the grid or solar panels when the electricity rates are low and to utilize them in the night hours. Also, these batteries are best for solar battery backup. Whenever there is an outage, you can use this backup. It will significantly reduce the dependency factor and can enable you to spend less on electricity. How Does It Work? These batteries are designed to store energy during the daytime, especially between 11 am and 3 pm when ample sunlight is available. As you use more energy in the evening hours, you can use the stored energy during these hours. It is worth mentioning that the energy bill is higher in the evening and early night hours. If you use the stored energy in these hours, you can reduce your monthly energy bill. It is even crucial for commercial properties, where energy consumption is much higher. How Energy Storage Works Your solar system will produce energy in the day. The best period is between 11 am and 3 pm. It will charge the batteries fully each day when the ample sunlight is available Once the batteries are fully charged, the excess energy generation will be used in your property The additional solar energy will be then stored on your utility grid for the future use When the energy stored in your battery will be fully utilized, the power stored on the utility grid will be used By doing so, you can do maximum savings on your electricity bill. You can combine the battery storage and solar panels as a complete system to meet the energy needs of your residential and commercial properties.
Tesla is a leading American company famous for manufacturing electric vehicles. The company is moving forward to bring innovations in other industries. Tesla Powerwall is a step towards this direction. This innovative technology can help to store energy for residential and commercial usages. Tesla Powerwall is a lithium-ion battery that you can use as an alternative to power your home. You can use this as a backup to support your energy needs. This is a wall or floor-mounted battery system designed to store energy generated by wind turbines, solar power panels or the grid (electric company). You can use Powerwall daily to power your home. Each battery can store up to 13.5 kWh of energy, weighs 251.3 pounds, and offers an easy installation. You can install it both inside and outside of your home. However, the installation needs to be done by a certified technician. Semper Solaris is a proud Tesla Powerwall certified installer. How to Use Tesla Powerwall There are three ways to use Powerwall. You can get a complete power source to meet the energy needs of your home. Its off-grid approach will enable users to power their homes fully by using the solar battery storage. You can install one or two Powerwall batteries depending on your requirements. Powerwall can be considered as a supplementary power source for your home during the evening or when you need it most. Powerwall can be ideal for the backup power supply in case of a power outage or blackout. Once installed, it can be accessed through the intuitive, easy to use dashboard. The dashboard gives you control of power being used in your home and allows you to adjust the time and settings of your Powerwall. How Does A Tesla Powerwall Work? Each part of the Powerwall system will be plugged into the electrical panel of your home. The Powerwall will collect and store energy. You will need a setup with a few components, and it will be installed in your house. Powerwall Battery Pack This is one of the crucial components of a system. This pack will merge with your electrical panel to enable you to use the solar storage for emergency or daily use. Solar Panels Solar panels are the best option to convert solar energy into electricity. The solar panel will store solar energy during the day hours to be used at night when solar panels are not receiving sunlight. Inverter The inverter is what will convert solar energy into electricity. With the Tesla Powerwall, the inverter is built into the battery. Backup For the backup usage, you will need to download the Tesla mobile app to view and set up backup for your Powerwall. According to Tesla, “Powerwall is now designed for whole home backup. With whole home backup, your Powerwall system can support your entire home with backup power during an outage.” Tesla Powerwall is supported by ten years warranty. It is designed to offer a worry-free approach to meet the energy needs of your home or office. Charging Your Powerwall Tesla Powerwall is a great way to store any unused energy for future use or emergencies. To use your Powerwall, in any situation, you must charge it. Powerwall and the Grid According to PG&E, battery storage has two main functions, to charge and discharge. Charging can be done through your solar system or through the grid, or the electric company. Discharging is using the stored energy from your battery storage or returning it to the grid. Tesla Powerwall can be installed in your home with or without solar. When Powerwall is installed with solar, it will not be able to be charged from the grid, as it will be charged from the solar panels on your home. When Powerwall is installed without solar, it can be charged from the grid, or electric company, if it is in Backup-Only or Time-Based Control. Backup Only According to Tesla, "Backup power mode or Backup-Only reserves 100 percent of your Powerwall energy to provide seamless power to your home in the event of an outage. Powerwall will charge from the grid or from your solar system, and only discharge during a grid outage." Advanced Time-Based Control Time-Based Control helps you maximize savings by smartly charging or discharging your Powerwall" according to Tesla.
A solar battery storage system provides a mechanism for storing excess solar power. The stored energy can later be used after sundown, during power outages, or when there is a surge in energy demand. Therefore, the installation of solar battery backup will go a long way in ensuring that little to no electricity is directed to the grid. This will help reduce the cost that you incur when buying electricity from the national grid afterward. What are some of the benefits of installing a Solar Battery Storage System? Having a solar system without a storage device only allows you to generate electrical energy that can only be used immediately. It may not meet your energy requirement since solar power is generated during the day when your demand for electrical energy is low. In many households, the need for electricity increases in the evening. By putting in place a solar battery, the solar power generated during the daytime is harnessed and stored in a solar battery to be used in the evening. Therefore, having a solar battery backup will go a long way in Cutting down your electrical bills. Maximizing your self-consumption of your photovoltaic system. Reducing your dependency on the national grid for electricity. What to consider when buying a solar battery The majority of people don't know what to look for when purchasing a solar battery. Here are some insights that can help you decide which solar storage battery is the best for you. Storage Capacity The storage capacity of the solar battery should never be ignored. You should choose a solar battery with a storage capacity that can meet your home's energy requirement. A sound storage system should be able to supply a household with enough solar power throughout the night. If the storage system is not enough, then this may force you to go back to your pocket and purchase additional power to supplement your energy requirement. On the other hand, if the storage system is too large, the excess electrical energy is permanently stored. This reduces the service life of your storage system. Depth of Discharge (DoD) DoD refers to the amount of electrical energy in percentage withdrawn from the storage system. To prevent damage to the solar battery, the storage system must have a residual charge. For lead batteries, the DoD should be around 50%; while for lithium-ion batteries, the Depth of Discharge should be 100%. The Energy Requirements of Your Household For you to get the right solar battery storage for your household, you should first determine the energy required for your home. You can do this by checking your energy consumption pattern. The Efficiency of the Storage System In almost all storage systems, they usually experience conversion losses, which happens when some electrical energy is converted into heat. The total efficiency points out at the actual percentage of electrical power stored that is usable. Therefore, we strongly advise our clients to choose a storage system whose overall efficiency is above 90%. What’s Tesla Powerwall?
Solar Panels For the Right Reasons With the cost of solar installations getting lower and lower, homeowners are making the smart move of going solar. Take advantage of the low prices, rebates, and incentives, and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. This move towards renewable energy is good for consumers, good for the economy, and good for the environment and the air you breathe. Solar Saves You Money Going solar will save you money, and you can reduce and even eliminate your electric bill. Your solar system connects to the grid and unused power from your solar system is fed back into the grid giving you credits while saving your generated electricity for the times your solar is not producing energy. Using solar power gives you a hedge against rising prices. And by producing your electricity and monitoring your usage, your energy bill will be more predictable and protect you from fluctuating energy prices. If you have a PPA, then your electric bill is the same from month to month all year long. Solar As an Investment Whether you choose to buy or lease your solar system, you will reap the benefits of lower electric bills and save money. By purchasing your system, the incentives and rebates will offset the upfront costs giving you a return on your investment. In a few years, when your system is paid off, you will reap the benefits even more with tax deductions for depreciation. And with the cost of electricity rising each year, a reduction in the cost of electricity can match or outperform traditional investment instruments. Solar Increases Property Value Investing in a solar system will increase the resell value of your home, and in most cases, the sale of the house will more than cover the total cost of installing the system. Adding a solar system is considered an upgrade like other home renovations. According to the Department of Energy, home buyers are willing to pay a premium and homes with solar tend to sell faster if they are energy efficient. Going Solar Helps the Economy Solar is among the fastest growing industries in both installation and manufacturing as more and more Americans are getting on board with Solar Power. Innovation spurs economic growth, and Solar is at the forefront of bringing new ideas and new jobs to the U.S. economy. Solar Advances Energy Independence Solar power helps promote energy independence which protects from price fluctuations and dependence on foreign fuel sources – because sunlight is free. Solar Helps the Environment And most of all, Solar power helps protect the air by reducing the need to burn fossil fuels, the leading cause of pollution. Solar produces no pollution and has a positive effect on reducing greenhouse gases. They say that the elimination of carbon emissions from a residential solar power system is like planting around 100 trees per year. So why not plant a few trees and have the satisfaction of knowing you are participating in the future of renewable energy while enjoying the financial benefits? Semper Solaris offers the best in Solar products and installation. We have various solar financing options available from buying to leasing and guarantee our work with a 25-year warranty. If you are contemplating installing a solar power system in your home or business, we have the experience, credentials, and expertise to make going solar an easy option. Call Semper Solaris for an appointment today and let us help you go solar. How does Solar Energy Work? The sun rises and shines down on your solar panels. Sunlight is made up of photons, tiny bursts of energy which emanate from the sun and hit the photovoltaic panels (solar panels). Photovoltaic is the process of chemical conversion of light to electrical power. And so, begins the progression of collecting the sunlight and converting it into electricity for your home.It produces clean energy, has no moving parts and needs no fossil fuels for power. Solar Panels Solar panels are comprised of a system of various parts that work together to collect and transform the sun’s energy into electricity. Many smaller units or photovoltaic cells are linked together with metal frames and wiring connecting throughout the panels. The panels have a mounting system and are arranged at the best angle facing the sun to convert the power generated into Direct Current (DC). The total cells per solar panel and the number of panels in a solar system is directly related to how much energy is created. Solar Cells Semiconductor material like silicon forms the small photovoltaic cells or modules. Although there are several types of semiconductor materials, silicon is the most common type used in making solar panels. These are busily at work allowing particles of light (photons) to pass through the material causing the electrons to break free to begin the process of creating an electrical current. Each cell needs to create an electrical field to generate a current. Each cell has both a positive and negative layer and works like a battery. The electrical field forces the electrical current out of the cell, or semiconductor, into the metal contacts and wiring that connects the cells and the panels. The current flows into the inverter where it converts the Direct Current (DC) into Alternating Current (AC) which is the current that runs throughout your home. Solar Inverters A solar inverter takes the DC from the solar panels and transforms it into AC. The inverter operates much like the Central Processing Unit, the brains, of a computer. It not only inverts DC to AC, but the inverter also provide grounding protection, monitors the system, voltage, and current on the circuits, monitors the production of energy and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) which is the maximum available power. There are central inverters that optimize the entire solar system, and Micro-inverters which monitor each panel. Inverters are tied into your home and usually to the grid through a meter. The process of collecting and converting sunlight to electricity goes on throughout the day until nightfall, when the panels stop generating energy. The energy that was not used by the home during the day is funneled back into the grid, and that power is credited back to you. In the evening, the network begins to deliver the unused credits in the form of electrical power back to the home to run the lights and television and other devices used at night. Semper Solaris knows how solar works, we know how to find the best and most cost-effective options available with the highest quality products and installation. We have various options for panels, for inverters, and should you want to be energy independent, we provide solar backup systems to store your unused energy for later use—saving even more money on your utilities. Call us for an evaluation of your property and let us help you go solar. Choose the Right Solar Financing Options With the cost of solar going down, now is the time to cash in on low prices, incentives, and rebates which are available from the Federal and State and City governments. These incentives paired with a solar loan are an attractive investment for homeowners and homeowners are cashing in. The upfront costs of solar, should you choose to buy, will be eased by the tremendous savings, tax deductions, and added value to your home. And if you decide to lease there is no upfront cost, a PPA is the way to lower your utility costs and regulate your monthly electric bill —saving money from the get-go. You will benefit not only financially, but your community and the environment will reap the rewards. Solar Loans A solar loan is a good option for those wanting to purchase their system. Solar loans are comparable to other home improvement loans but focused on energy efficiency projects. hey are offered at banks or solar panel manufacturers. And, you can take advantage of the Tax Credits and available deductions as well as the incentives and rebates. Things to Consider: Savings on your monthly bill compared to loan payment Incentives and Rebates from Federal, State, and City Tax deductions for investment in Solar Subsidized loans Secured and unsecured loans Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Loans Finance your solar energy installation with a PACE program. A PACE loan is available to homeowners through an authorized PACE provider. PACE financing is attached to your property and paid through the annual property tax bill. The tax rate determines the interest rate, and if you sell your home before you pay off the loan, the balance transfers to the buyer. Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO Program) The HERO program is a residential Property Assessed Clean Energy PACE program offered by Renovate America, a home renovation lender. HERO financing is for home improvements and solar and energy efficiency residential projects. Fannie Mae Homestyle Energy Loan With a Fannie Mae Homestyle Energy loan, you can finance your solar installation. They offer affordable and flexible options to homeowners for energy efficiency and disaster preparedness improvements. What is the difference between a solar lease and a PPA? Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) PPAs offer all the benefits of using a solar panel system without having the upfront cost of purchasing it. The PPA provider installs solar panels on your property, and you pay them a below market rate for the electricity for a set term, usually 20 years. The provider owns, maintains the system, an in return, receives the rebates, incentives and Tax Credits for the installation. Things to Consider: Rent or own your home? The upfront cost of solar installation Financial burden from a solar loan Savings from the lower cost of electricity Reduced Carbon Footprint Whether you lease or buy your solar system, it is a smart idea to reduce your home’s energy expenses while reducing your carbon footprint. Semper Solaris offers a variety of financing options. You will enjoy the benefits of low-cost financing for your system and reap the rewards of going solar. Call us for an evaluation of your property and to discuss all the financing options available and go solar. How to Choose the Right Solar Company So, you have decided to join the trend of going solar. What next? Investing in Solar is an important decision and a long-term investment. The most critical step in making this big decision is to find the right solar company. Your installer should be experienced and have a good reputation for top quality work and the very best solar panels available. Going solar is a complicated process, and there are many things to consider when choosing a solar provider: Evaluation of Your Property Design and Layout of the Solar System Permits and Inspections The Right Solar Financing Options Many situations can arise during the process of installing a solar system. Your installer must be very thorough in assessing your home’s readiness for solar. For instance, if your roof is too weak for the system, your roof could collapse under the weight of the panels. The company you choose should be expert in Roof Installation and construction. You can Google to find solar companies in California and see which companies are a good fit. You should have a list of more than one company and get quotes from each one. Reputation & Reviews Check companies in your state local areas and make your list based on the reputation of the companies: Reviews on Yelp, Facebook, Google Business, and Better Business Bureau Angie’s List and other online sources SolarReviews.com News articles Recommendations from satisfied customers Credentials & Expertise It is essential to know the experience of a company, and whether they have the proper certifications and licenses. You should be able to find these out on their website. Things to Ask Your Solar Company: How long have they been in business? Do they handle all the permits and paperwork for city and state require? Can they provide examples of previous installations with testimonials? Do they have a business license for their state and jurisdiction? Do they have liability insurance? Proper Solar Company Certifications: North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABC) General contracting, electrician and home improvement licenses Quality Products & Solar Installations: What options and types of solar panels do they offer? Do they use the latest solar technology? Do they use the best installation equipment such as solar mounting brackets and reinforcement? Do they offer Product and installation warranties? Do they offer multiple solar financing options? The top companies offer a variety of the most popular and reliable solar panels and equipment using the latest technology. They offer warranties on products and their expert installation. they only use the sturdiest brackets and reinforcement systems available. Attentive and Helpful Service The relationship between you and your solar company should be built on trust. They should accurately represent costs as well as projected savings on electricity and have a track record of happy customers. Look for companies that have a reputation for exemplary customer service. Semper Solaris’ core values like trust, loyalty and high-quality service. We will steer you through the process answering all your questions and addressing all the problems that arise promptly. We do have a track record of happy customers. Call us today to schedule an evaluation of your home. There has never been a better time to go solar! Play the Safe Bet: Always Choose American Made Solar Panels If you are thinking about going solar and want to begin the process, how do you choose the best solar panels when you finally decide to go solar? There are numerous available options for solar panels on the market today, and the choices seem daunting. But you can narrow down your options and choose the most efficient, reliable panels made. An excellent place to start is by looking at the most popular and reliable brands used by the top Solar installers. Solar panels are made in manufacturing plants all over the world. China is leading the way in sheer volume of manufactured panels. But the unfair competition from China and their illegal practices has resulted in a tariff on Chinese solar panels, paving the way for North American Solar manufacturers to once again dominate the market here in America. The most reputable Solar Companies use American made solar panels which have proven to be the most reliable and efficient, and are the superior option in quality, price, and economics. Quality & Economy American manufacturers adhere to the highest standards of quality and offer top-quality panels to their customers. Semper Solaris chooses premium panels for both quality and economy. Benefits America Solar is the fastest growing energy source, and there are huge benefits from American solar-panel manufacturing. Since the tariff on foreign-made panels has taken effect, American Solar manufacturing is reestablishing their standing in the field of solar technology. Jobs in the solar manufacturing sector are on the rise as well as transportation, engineering and goes so far as to affect education, taxes and other government policies including clean energy practices. The move towards a renewable energy economy will allow for energy independence as we break free from the price controls of the utility companies. American-Made Solar Panels America is the pioneer of solar energy. Solar panels manufactured in America benefit from American innovation. They provide more choices, not only in quality and price but promote a renewable energy economy as we move away from fossil fuels. Why Buy American Made Solar Panels? Reliability—proven track record Highest efficiency = greater customer satisfaction Highest environmental and safety standards Warranties – Semper Solaris offers a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty Accountability – Manufacturers that stand behind their products Customer Service – fast replacement in the case of defective panels At Semper Solaris, we use the very best products made in America and choose leaders in the manufacture of solar panels that comply with our standards. We are leading the way in promoting solar products made in America. You can count on our top-notch service and the highest quality products made in America. Understand the Solar Installation Process If you are considering going solar it is essential to understand the process from beginning to end. There are many aspects to the process, and you need an installer has experience in every facet, so the project does not get bogged down. You will first decide upon a reputable provider that meets your needs, and they will do an initial inspection of your site. They will take measurements and discuss the options with you, including how much you will save on your utility bill, the available rebates, incentives, and financing options. Site Assessment After the initial signing of your solar contract lease or loan, you will begin the first phase of your installation which is the assessment by an engineer or technician to evaluate your home for the installation. This visit is more in-depth than the initial evaluation to begin the process. Evaluation The condition of your roof’s structure to make sure it will support the panels Your electrical panel for compatibility with the solar system The system design for compatibility with your home. Evaluate the sunlight and shade for placement of the panels on your roof. Calculate how much sunlight your system will be able to capture Paperwork & Documents Your installer will handle most of the paperwork and the permitting of your solar power and will only have you sign on the dotted line. There is much work to be done, and the paperwork lays the groundwork so that all the bases are covered before the installation process begins. Building permits from City State and Federal Solar incentives Local solar programs Clean Energy Financing programs like PACE Solar System Equipment After the paperwork and permits, it is time to choose the equipment and design the solar system for your home. Your Solar provider will help you select the best equipment and components for your situation. But it is a good idea to have something in mind before you discuss final plans. Once the equipment is on order, the date of installation will be scheduled according to your installers availability. Permits approved (30 to 60 days) Approve system design Choose and Order equipment Solar panels Inverters Supporting hardware and wiring Installation of Solar Components The permits have approval. The equipment arrives. And now it is time to install your solar. It will take around two or three days to complete depending on the design and preparation of the roof. Solar Panels Electrical panel Electrical wiring. Racking to support panels Connect inverter to panels Final Approval & Connecting to the Grid Once your inverter is installed, and the DC is converted to AC it is time to connect to the electric grid. The city planning and electric company will come to inspect your solar installation: Make sure the system meets all regulations. The system is installed correctly Has proper connection points Check that electrical systems are working properly Once these have approval, it is time to be connected to the grid and with a flip of a switch—you are now generating clean, renewable energy and the savings begin. Understand the Solar Permitting Process After you have signed your contract for your solar with your provider and done the necessary paperwork including financing and all applicable incentives and rebates, you will have an initial inspection of your site followed by site assessment. Any significant structural changes to your home require permission from your local government planning office. The permitting is critical to ensure your installer is meeting all applicable building codes. If they don’t, then you must start all over again. Permits Your installer will file the various applications for permits. Permitting involves the city and county governments, and it is dependent on how fast they approve. Some cities are stricter than others. Your installer should be experienced in this process and will take it from here handling the applications for permits and follow through to final approval. You will only need to sign the paperwork. Building Codes The permitting process for solar involves several parts of the Californian Building Code Title 24: Building Code Residential Code Electrical Code Mechanical Code Plumbing Code Energy Code Fire Code As you can see, there are many rules and regulations involved in the permitting process. It can get very complicated and sometimes drag the process out. The good news is, In California, the Solar Permitting Efficiency Act (Assembly Bill 2188), passed in 2014, made it a requirement that all local governments adopt ordinances that expedite the permitting process for small residential solar systems. Other states have also implemented expedited permitting processes for Solar Systems. Your experienced installer will know how to advance the process so that they can install your rooftop solar within the earliest possible timeframe. Application Review The local permitting agency must review permit applications to ensure compliance with state and local requirements. Structural safety Electrical safety Planning and Zoning Fire Safety After you have gone through the necessary permitting approval of your system design and it meets all the required building codes, it is time to order the equipment and set a date for installation. The installation will take a few days. And once the installation is complete, you have one more hurdle in the permit approval process. Final Inspection & Approval The city government inspector will check the installation to be sure the wiring was done correctly and that the mounting is attached, and the system meets all electrical and roof and building codes. Following that, your electric company will do a final inspection. It will take approximately two weeks to a month for final approval before your system is given the green light to connect to the electric grid. The system will be connected, and it is time to flip the switch. Your solar system connects to the grid, and your solar panels will begin generating power and saving you money. Semper Solaris technicians are knowledgeable and proficient in installing solar from the initial site inspection through the final approval of your system going live. We handle all the paperwork and permits and are there with you every step of the way. Call us today for a free evaluation and consultation. We will help you on the road to going solar. Monitoring Your System: How to Keep Track of Your Energy Production If you plan to install a rooftop solar system in your home, you already know you will save money. But how do you see the amount of power your panels are generating or how much money you are saving? Photovoltaic cells in the solar panels transform sunlight into energy and energy into direct current (DC). The inverter is connected to your homes electrical system and converts DC to AC for use in your home. You can increase the productivity of your solar panels by monitoring your system to achieve peak solar power efficiency. You can take advantage of products and services to get the most benefit out of your system. Net Metering Most solar systems connect to the grid through Net metering or net energy metering. A net meter replaces your regular electric meter on your house and is connected to the power from your solar system and the grid. Net metering monitors your solar power generation and usage and keeps track of energy that is routed back into the network grid and stored there. What you don’t use is credited back to you to be used when your panels are not producing electricity, like at night or on very cloudy days. It is possible to build up enough extra credits during the summer months so that you can use them in the winter. If you generate enough electricity from your panels, you can eliminate your electric bill. Web Monitoring Solar monitoring software for your system works through the solar inverter to monitor your solar system’s performance in real time. Your solar system will come with built-in software for this purpose. It will track the energy generated and energy use. It will help you optimize energy usage and detect problems in your system. It is essential to monitor your system, so you are sure it is operating at optimal levels. The information gathered by the software is sent to your installer through a cloud-based system with a website where you can view your system statistics. Web monitoring works with computers, mobile apps, and smart home devices. You can access the data from your mobile devices without connecting to your Wi-Fi. Spot problems in real time and minimize your system’s downtime See your day to day, monthly, and yearly savings See the benefits of upgrading to more efficient appliances and fixtures Adjust your power usage to match the production of your panels and eliminate your utility bill Run appliances during your optimum solar generation. Tweak your power usage by identifying appliances using the most power Program appliances like your refrigerator to use energy when the rates are lower Semper Solaris’s solar panels are installed with a state-of-the-art monitoring system which allows you to keep track of your solar energy production. Our monitoring support specialist will help you access your system through your home computer, a mobile app, or device. You can log on any time to view your system’s performance. There is no better time to go solar, call us today for an evaluation of your home and join the solar revolution. Maximize Your Investment: Why Using a Contractor for both Your Solar and Your Roof is a Smart Idea Now is time to go solar. The cost-benefit concerning savings on electricity is enough to justify the expense of installing a solar system on your roof. Add to that the value it adds to your homes resale value. The government incentives and tax rebates alone are enough to bring the price in range for homeowners. In a few years, the system will be paid off while you continue to profit from the reduced power bills. Solar & Roofing The most important consideration when installing solar on your roof concerning durability and the life of your solar system is the condition of the roof. It is essential to have your roof assessed for the ability to handle the weight of the solar panels. But maybe it would be better to maximize your investment and start fresh with a new roof combined with your new solar panels. Unless your roof is relatively new, it is likely your roof will need repairs or will degrade faster than your solar panels. Why not consider starting with a new roof and a new solar system and maximize your investment? If you replace your roof when you install solar panels, you will save money by avoiding the expense of removing and reinstalling your solar panels should you need to replace your roof in the future. Roof Installation vs. Replacement If you do have problems with your roof needing repair or replacement, there are labor costs involved in taking the panels off and putting them back on. If your hardware also must be removed, the cost will be a few thousand dollars higher than just the Roof Installation and panel removal. If you combine a new roof with a new solar installation, it is unlikely you will need to replace your roof for life of your panels. Panels last from 30 to 35 years and are much more durable than roofing material, and they will protect your roof from degradation. A solar power installation will save you thousands upon thousands of dollars throughout the life of the system. So, the added cost of reroofing is well worth it in the long run and is better than taking a chance that there will be problems with your roof later. The Right Solar Company Few solar companies offer roofing services. Choosing a solar company that is also an expert in the repair and construction of roofs, is a very safe bet. At Semper Solaris, we have built our reputation on the construction of roofs along with our solar installations. We offer warranties on roofing and solar as well as great discounts when you install a new roof along with your solar panels. If you need roof replacement anyway, consider installing solar along with the new roof. It is a wise investment to make, and the financial benefit is enormous for both savings and value added to your home. If you already plan on installing solar on your rooftop, consider starting with a clean slate by also installing a brand-new roof. Call us today, and we can evaluate your home for a new roof and solar system. Capitalize on Your Solar Investment – Battery Storage and How You Can Make Money with Solar If you have or are contemplating installing a solar system on your rooftop, why not capitalize on your investment? Maximize your savings with solar battery storage. You can profit from your solar installation from savings on your electricity. A penny saved is a penny earned. And battery storage can give you that extra penny or two. Profit from Solar With the cost of electricity rising, investing in solar makes sense. And you can create a profit scheme from using solar energy. Generating your power is a hedge against the rising and fluctuating energy costs. You can capitalize on the savings on utility bills and solar rebates and incentives, as well as the increased value of your home. The lowered cost of electricity through net metering is essentially selling excess power generated from solar, back to the grid. It comes back to you as credits in the form of electricity when your solar is not producing electricity. By selling your power back to the network, you are receiving credits toward your electric bill as good as cash. Maximize Profit with Backup Battery Adding a backup battery to your solar system will enable you to store extra power for your use, get a financial return, or be prepared for emergencies when the grid goes down. If your electric company charges high demand rates, or you have Time of Use (TOU) rate structures with high peak and off-peak rates, you can use your stored power to control costs. Electricity rates are lower during the daytime, and solar panels are producing the most energy. You can save energy in your batteries for use during high demand or peak hours and avoid the higher rates during that time. Or, you can use the power from your battery during off-peak hours and generate surplus energy to sell back to the grid during on-peak hours. You will save money and create an income by adjusting to changing rates. Some companies, like LADWP, have tiered rates designed to push your rate higher according to how much power used during your billing period. Depending on your power usage, and for heavy use days, you could feasibly use enough of your solar power to give you a deficit which would force you into a higher tier. With battery storage, you can monitor your energy and save your solar power to the battery to use on high use days or for overages and avoid all or most of the extra cost of higher tiered rates. Make a Move Towards Energy Independence If you are considering a solar system but have not yet made a move to go solar, Semper Solaris can help you make your decision with accurate and helpful guidance from our representative. Whether you have a system already or are planning to, Semper Solaris can install an Enphase Encharge Battery or Tesla Powerwall backup battery so that you have surplus power when you need it. You can use the extra energy to generate a profit from your solar power system or go off the grid. Call us today and let us help you maximize your solar investment for a financial return and move towards energy independence. Protect Your Solar System Solar panels are made of tempered glass and are designed to tolerate extreme temperatures, weather, and other outside factors. They are tested to handle falling debris, hail storms, and very high winds. But many other factors can cause damage to your solar system, and you have no further to look than your backyard. It is essential to safeguard your investment to avoid damage, loss of efficiency, and even theft. If you have installed Solar Panels on your roof, you will be saving a lot of money on your power bill. And although solar panels are reliable requiring little support, you can preserve and protect the life of your solar panels through regular inspection, maintenance, and cleaning. Solar Maintenance It is good to get a regular comprehensive examination of your panel system to see that it is performing at its optimal efficiency and that it is safe, with no issues to the electrical system and components. Inspection is especially critical if your solar system is a few years old. Comprehensive maintenance for your system should include: Inspecting the electrical system wiring and components Inspection of the roof for degradation Review of monitoring equipment Racks and mounting Checking for faulty wiring Replacing cracked or broken panels Thorough cleaning of panels Solar Cleaning Clear debris, such as leaves, or dirt (use garden hose) Schedule a cleaning with your solar panel provider OR Install a solar cleaning system Keep trees and foliage trimmed So panels are not shaded from the sun and to keep falling branches from damaging your panels Conserve Solar Power Monitor your system and know when your panels are the most productive. Adjust your power usage to when your system is generating the most electricity Use smart plugs or power strips to turn off appliances not being used Use timers on your devices and run the most power-hungry appliances during your optimum solar generation. Led lights 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs Motion sensor lights will cut down on unnecessary lighting in some areas Weatherize your home Store power – Semper Solaris can install an Enphase Encharge Battery or Tesla Powerwall backup battery for surplus power. Protect Solar Panels Alarm System Serial numbers for your home insurance Fence your property Use locks Pest Guards to keep rodents from nesting in your wires, roof, and panels At Semper Solaris, we are committed to top-notch solar energy installation, maintenance, and service to our customers. We offer a full system diagnostic with an inspection, tune-up and maintenance services for your solar system. If your system is older or you have any issues with your solar system, Semper Solaris is a company you can trust. Our solar experts can diagnose and fix any solar system problems you may have from the panels to the electrical system to the roof. If there is a problem—we can fix it–give us a call. Understand the Value Solar Panels Add to Your Home If you are contemplating or have decided to go solar and have a solar system installed on your rooftop, you will save money on electricity. And the benefits are not only financial you will reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to the efforts to move away from carbon-based fuels and towards renewable energy. But how does adding solar to your rooftop affect your bottom line over time? Solar Panels Increase Property Value The research is in, and study after study confirms that purchasing a solar power system for your rooftop will increase the value of your home. And the total cost of the system is offset by the rise in the home’s resale value even before taking into consideration the incentives and tax rebates. Purchasing Your Solar System Adding a solar system is considered an upgrade like any other home renovation only the return is much higher for solar than for a kitchen or bathroom. According to the Department of Energy, home buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes with solar and homes tend to sell as much as 20 percent faster than homes without. And beyond that, the reduction in energy costs continue to produce excellent returns on the investment, saving thousands of dollars for many more years. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory Study shows that property value goes up about 20 dollars for each $1 in savings from a rooftop solar installation. Buyers are paying more to enjoy savings on their utility bills, which makes a mortgage payment more affordable. According to the Lawrence Berkeley Lab’s study, the rise in property value is approximately four dollars per watt on average. A 5 kW system or 5,000 Watts will fetch around 20,000 in increased resell value. So one kilowatt (kW) equals 1,000 watts times 4 giving a $4,000 increase in resell value. Here is the calculation for a 3.1 kW system: 3.1 kW system – 3.1 X 1,000 = 3,100 watts X 4 = $12,400 increase in resale value. Smaller systems increase the value of even more per watt than larger systems. Homebuyers consider any size solar installation to be an asset. According to studies, this is called the “green cachet” effect where homebuyers are willing to pay more to have solar.< Solar is beneficial for homeowners and homebuyers alike. It is clear that going solar is a smart investment that gives you a hedge against rising energy costs, and in most cases, outperforms traditional investment mediums. By purchasing your system, incentives and rebates will reduce the upfront costs significantly and give you a return on your investment. But how does Leasing affect this return and the resale value of your home? Solar Lease (PPA) In a Power Purchase agreement, PPA, the homeowner does not own the panels and does not make payments on the solar system. Instead, the PPA company installs, owns, and maintains the panels. You are either charged a set rate for the electricity produced or pay only for the energy used, and the company gets the benefits of rebates, incentives, and tax breaks. Solar leases can last up to 20 to 25 years. If you are leasing your solar system, the process of selling gets a bit complicated. For sure you are buying the system in the long run, but if you sell before your lease is up, how does that affect the resell value and purchase of the house? If you sell your home and have a PPA, there are two routes you can take. If the buyer will take over the lease and enjoy the benefits of the PPA, it can still be attractive because the buyer will save a lot of money on electric bills. If however, you wish to take the solar with you or the buyers do not want to assume the lease, what happens? It will likely require that you pay off the contract at a pro-rated amount and pay the cost of having the panels removed from the roof, repair the roof for the new buyers, and have the panels installed on your new home if that is an option. Installing Solar Panels? There are no reliable studies on how leasing solar affects the value of your home. In the future, that will be a consideration for reviews, but there is no data on it now. Either way, you and the buyer will benefit from lowered energy costs. So if you are wanting to install solar panels, but plan to sell your home in the future, you should find out all the terms for this process and make it part of the contract before you sign. Of course, with solar panel prices getting lower and lower all the time it is becoming more affordable. And with the addition of incentives, rebates, and tax breaks, purchasing is the better option to make sure you get the most value from your solar power system. There are many solar financing options, and we can help you find the right fit whether purchasing or leasing.
Under California’s new energy storage mandates, SDG&E is required to create solar battery storage facilities for a total of 331 megawatts. So far, SDG&E has been granted approval for 5 facilities, which will cover about 83.5 megawatts, while currently a 30-megawatt battery storage center is already in function. The locations for the facilities include Escondido, Poway, San Diego, Fallbrook, and San Juan Capistrano. Why are California policymakers pushing for solar energy storage? Currently, renewable energy faces challenges with intermittency—or consistency due to limited hours of sunlight or a lack of wind. While overall reliable, there is some issue with slumps in power. On the other hands, sometimes there is an overproduction of renewable energy without enough immediate demand to use up the energy created, which has forced California Independent System Operator to face the decision of sending this unused power to other states—or even curtail the production. The solution? Create battery storage facilities to store the power rather than give it away or shut it off. This allows cities to capitalize on more production during peak times and rely on reserves during the lulls in energy production. Ultimately, the goal of battery storage facilities is to help reduce California’s (and other states taking this approach) dependency on natural gas, which still holds a major grip on the state’s electric generation. Are Battery Facilities the Right Answer? While policymakers are onboard for battery storage facilities, promoting projects across Southern California, not all people share this viewpoint. Some skeptics believe that current energy storage technologies are too expensive an investment. This mindset doesn’t take into consideration the current challenges of overproduction during peak hours (and loss of that overproduction due to lack of storage or usage), as well as issues with over-demand during lulls in solar production. Though the cost may be several cents higher, the reality is that over time, prices can be driven down with better technology and efficiency. In addition, there are other benefits to consider when it comes to renewable energy storage. What makes battery storages facilities beneficial: Enable the local grid to be more resilient Improves reliability and accessibility of renewable energy Provides a safety net or resource to be drawn upon in emergencies Allows cities to take full advantage of solar and wind production Investing in technologies now could mean a brighter, better future Altogether, these benefits point to the reason California policymakers are pushing for storage facilities and calling upon utility companies like SDG&E to pick of the mantle in this area of renewable energy. Energy Storage Technology Helps Fill in the Gaps While there is still some debate about the cost-benefits of solar battery storage, the reality is that the technology is still new and continually improving. The more the use of solar battery spreads, the more the technology will become more affordable and accessible. That means with more and more residents in San Diego going solar, the state will be able to better capitalize on solar energy production. Where previously California would have to funnel energy out to other states during excess times, the battery facilities will now allow more of that energy production to be kept in the state and used for dips. The battery facilities will ideally continue to become more affordable over time, becoming a practical way to store up the “harvest” of solar power during the sunniest of days so that homes can draw upon these reserves when needed. Essentially, solar battery facilities help fill the gaps in energy needs and demands so that renewable energy sources can be used more widespread.
