How to remove snow from your Solar Panels
The snow season is well upon us, so what does that mean for solar power system?
As solar power systems operate off light rather than heat, electricity will continue to be generated year-round. Contrary to popular belief, solar power systems will continue to operate even when the solar modules are covered in 1 to 2 inches of snow. At this depth, light still penetrates through the snow, enabling the solar modules to generate electricity, albeit less efficiently. However, a large storm producing more than 2″ of snow can leave your system lightless, and thus ineffective.
How can you combat this?
There are a number of ways to get your solar power system up and running when covered in snow. There are sources online that recommend using chemicals and salts, but these have been known to cause damage in some instances, and should be avoided altogether. Using these products may also void any warranty claims, should they damage your system. Also avoid spraying your panels with water – not only will this create ice, but the sudden change in temperature may severely damage the surface of the panel. So what can you do?
Retrofitting a roof rake
Roof rakes can be bought from most hardware stores for $30-50, and can be easily retrofitted with a squeegee so that they do not scratch the surface of the solar panels. The snow can then easily be scraped off the panels, and any remaining snow will melt off quickly as the panels begin to heat up.
Telescopic Soft Rake
Update on Solar Incentives
Keeping up to speed on solar incentives can be pretty tricky, even at the best of times. In states such as PA, CA, and MA where both State and Federal incentives exist, it’s hard to know what is available to you, yet alone deadline dates, exceptions, and other small -but important- details. To help you understand just exactly what kind of incentives are available to you, here is the low-down on Federal incentives, and those specific to Pennsylvania and New Jersey, broken down into residential and commercial sectors.
FEDERAL
Residential
Incentive amount: 30% of the total PV Solar System cost
Available to: All homeowners
Eligible sizes: All system sizes
End date: 12/31/2016
Commercial
Incentive amount: 30% of the total PV Solar System cost
Available to: All commercial building owners
Eligible sizes: All system sizes
End date: 12/31/2016
The 30% Tax Credit may be taken as a cash grant until 12/31/11, available to commercial applicants only.
PENNSYLVANIA
Residential
Rebate amount: $0.75/watt
Available to: All residential homeowners
Eligible sizes: 1kW – 10kW
End date: Ending imminently – no specified date
10-Year Tax Abatement – Philadelphia homeowners are exempt from paying increased property taxes as a result of the increased property value added by a PV Solar System.
Commercial
Rebate amount: $0.75/watt up to 10kW, $0.50/watt from 10kW to 100kW
Available to: All commercial/ business owners
Eligible sizes: 1kW – 10kW
End date: Ending imminently – no specified date
10-Year Tax Abatement – Philadelphia business and commercial property owners are exempt from paying increased property taxes as a result of the increased property value added by a PV Solar System.
Notes
The PA Sunshine Rebate Program is in it’s last stage. The state is still accepting new rebate applications, however there is no guarantee that your rebate will be approved. Rebates are being approved and paid once an installation is complete, and so payment of the rebate is on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis.
NEW JERSEY
Residential
Sales Tax Exemption on the total amount of the solar power system
Property Tax Exemption from increased property value added by the solar power system
Commercial
Sales Tax Exemption on the total amount of the solar power system
Property Tax Exemption from increased property value added by the solar power system
In addition to these incentives, the cost of solar power has never been better, making it an ideal time to make the switch. In addition to these incentives, SRECs reduce the payback of your solar power investment over the life of the system. And remember the golden rule when purchasing solar power: Government rebates will not be around forever. Take advantage of rebates and other incentives while they are available!
For more information about Federal and State renewable energy incentives, visit www.dsireusa.org.
Consumer demand for sustainable business is growing, and fast
Going ‘green’ seems to synonymous with successful business in the 21st century. Most major companies and corporations either promote going green through their products (e.g. Mattel’s switch to green packaging), or implement sustainable practices (such as Walmart’s switch to solar). In any case, these changes are a direct result of consumer pressure and demand. Here are some quick stats:
- 80 percent of consumers are likely to switch brands, similar in price and quality, to one that supports a cause (Cone 2010 Cause Evolution Study)
- 54 percent of shoppers say they consider elements of sustainability (sourcing, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, product use, disposal) as they select products and stores (GMA/Deloitte Green Shopper Study, 2009)
- In 2009, 47 percent of consumers said they bought products from a socially or environmentally responsible company. Going into 2010, 76 percent of all consumers said they expected to purchase more from environmentally responsible companies. (Tiller, 2009)
Regardless of the size of your company, sustainability matters. Considering the environment and the societal impacts of your products and/or services is becoming an increasingly important factor in consumers’ decision-making. The reality is, unsustainable companies will, by no fault but their own, be left behind as the market demand for socially responsible companies intensifies. Admittedly, smaller companies find it more difficult to implement sustainable practices as it requires a lengthily process of consultation, restructure/ design, implementation, and monitoring, which is often a costly service to acquire. However, there are less-costly, even cost-free solutions available.
eBay's solar power system, courtesy of SolarCity
The easiest and quickest way to turn your environmental footprint around is by using renewable energy. Companies such as Walmart, Ikea, Wawa, Google, and eBay have all successfully switched to solar, and reaped the economic and environmental benefits. Not only do their solar power systems provide them with free and clean energy, they also promote corporate social responsibility, or CSR. They show their customers that they are taking a proactive step towards reducing their environmental impact, and have done so through countless press releases, newspaper and magazine articles, and so forth. Even smaller local companies, such as Divine Brothers, have turned to solar power to not only reduce their electricity costs, but to also give them a competitive edge, with great success.
Solar power is often perceived as being very costly, with a low ROI. But that could not be further from the truth. Commercial solar investors, such as those mentioned above, are turning to solar because it is a cost-effective solution to rising energy prices, while dramatically reducing their C02 emissions. Commercial solar projects frequently see ROI numbers around 4-5 years, placing solar power among the best, most secure investments available to companies today.
For those companies who still find solar out of economic reach, there are still solutions available. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) enable companies to make the switch to solar, but without the upfront cost. Solar investors such as Solar States install solar power systems on companies’ roofs at no cost, and sell the clean energy back to the company at a lower rate than what they are typically charged by their utility. Although the host company does not own the solar power system, they are still able to promote themselves as sustainable, and socially responsible, therefore meeting consumers’ demands for more environmentally conscious products and services.
To find out how solar can help your business, contact one of our Solar Energy Consultants today.
New N-Type MWT High Efficiency PV Cell
Yingli Green Energy, the Energy research Centre of the Netherlands(“ECN”), a solar research center in Europe, and Amtech Systems, a supplier of production and automation systems and related supplies for the manufacture of solar cells through its solar division Tempress Systems B.V., today announced the achievements of a three-party research collaboration on the N-type Metal Wrap Through (“N-MWT”) PV cell and module technology. This joint project was an extension of Project PANDA, which was kicked off in 2009. As of the date of this press release, a cell efficiency of 19.7% and a module efficiency of 17.6% have been achieved in the laboratory, respectively.
- SolarBuzz 9/7/11
Read the whole article here.
Solar Power: The Superior Investment
Knowing whether solar is right for you can be a timely and complex decision, and understandably so. For some people, it involves prioritizing which home renovations will yield the greatest ROI, while for others it is a choice between switching to solar, or holding on to their money, safely in a savings account. The truth is, solar is no longer becoming a secure, superior investment option – it already is.
Solar vs other Home Improvements
First, let’s compare going solar to some of the most popular home improvements today. According to Wells Fargo and CNN Money, you will only recoup 74% of the initial outlay cost investing in a roof replacement, and 84% for a bathroom remodel. A minor kitchen remodel costing you $17,928, will only add $15,275 to your home at sale, or an 85% ROI (fig. 1).
Fig. 1
A study published in the New York Times in April 2011 showed that solar power trumps all these investments, with an unbeatable 100% ROI, that is, if you install a solar power system on your home, you will recover 100% of the cost when you sell your home (fig. 1). What makes solar the even more superior investment option, is that this percentage does not include all the savings that you receive by offsetting your power. Yes – you can invest in solar, receive all the amazing benefits, and then recoup the entire outlay cost when you sell your home! What other investment can do that?
Solar vs Savings
Now let’s compare going solar to keeping your money in a secure, low interest savings account. According to TD Bank, a basic savings account will yield you around 1% interest. After 10 years, you can expect an initial savings amount of $15,000 to increase to $16,569, and to $18,303 after 20 years, with a net position of $3,303 (fig. 2).
Fig.2
By using an initial outlay cost equal to the initial savings amount of $15,000, we can compare the two investment options over time. Although the solar power system requires an initial outlay cost, it is able to pay itself off quickly through a combination of offset electricity, and sold SRECs, estimated at $1654/yr. By year 9, the system has paid itself off completely, any by year 20, you in an incredible net position of $18,080, thanks to continued savings and SREC income (fig. 2). Furthermore, this net figure does not include the value the solar power system will add to your home – which, as we mentioned earlier, is 100% of the outlay cost, or $15,000 (fig. 1). This revised net position is $33,080 – an amazing 10 times more than the savings investment option.
Several investment experts, including CNN Money, report that a steady interest rate, or ROI, of 7-8% can only be achieved by creating a diversified portfolio. Solar power challenges this theory, by providing a ROI of at least 10%, through guaranteed energy savings, while also increasing the value of your home, and helping the environment.
Whether you’re looking for your next home improvement, or considering a new investment option, solar power may just be the investment that you’ve been looking for.
Solar Rebates and Incentives Explained
Whether you’re ready make the switch to solar now, or just in the info-gathering stages, it’s important to know what rebates and incentives are available to you. Because after all, saving money is always a good thing, especially when you’re saving the environment at the same time!
To help you understand what rebates and incentives are available to you, we’ve put together a summary below, separated into Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Why? Because the rebates and incentives differ from state to state. Find your state below, and start learning how much money you can save just by applying these discounts!
PENNSYLVANIA
The Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Rebate program provides state incentives which, added to the Federal 30% tax credit and Solar RenewableEnergy Certificates (SRECs) make solar panels an especially good investment in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Sunshine Rebate program is structured to decline over time at specific levels, and is currently at level 4 of 4. With electricity regulation lifted and anticipated increases in electricity costs, this is a great time to convert to a solar electric system.
Federal Income Tax Credit
30% of the system cost as a tax credit
PA Sunshine Solar Rebate
$0.75 per watt, up to 10kW
E.g. 3.5kW system will receive a $2625 rebate
SRECs
Earn 1 SREC every time your solar system generates 1000kWh.
1kW of solar produces approximately 1.3 SRECs every year.
1 SREC is currently valued at $180
SRECs can be sold for 15 years from the time the system is installed
SREC income is tax-free
NEW JERSEY
Thanks to an impressive Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS), New Jersey has catapulted itself to the second largest solar market in the_ country, behind California. As mentioned in our recent post about SRECs, these credits provide an outstanding opportunity for homeowners looking to install a PV solar system. Although there is no State rebate, the healthy and stable SREC market in NJ has driven payback times down past PA, creating an irresistible investment opportunity for people looking to make the switch to solar.
With an abundance of sunshine and generous incentives, New Jersey is the best state on the east coast for going solar. These important incentives are listed below:
Federal Income Tax Credit
30% of the system cost as a tax credit
SRECs
Earn 1 SREC every time your solar system generates 1000kWh.
1kW of solar produces approximately 1.3 SRECs every year.
1 SREC is currently valued at $600
SRECs can be sold for 15 years from the time the system is installed
SREC income is tax-free
Regardless of which state you’re in, solar is more affordable than ever! To find out exactly how much these incentives can save you, contact one of our Renewable Energy Consultants today, on 267.297.2355 or contact us online!
Solar in the US: How We Compare
It’s no secret that the US Solar Industry is booming right now. State and Federal incentives, coupled with a reduction in the cost of solar panels has driven the price of solar down significantly over the past 24 months. From 2009 to 2010, the average cost of solar in the US dropped from $7.96/watt to $7.16/watt (-10%), causing installations to increase from 22,322 (2009) to 34,784 (2010), or growth of 36%. In terms of the amount of solar installed, the US market grew by 96%, with a total installed capacity now at 1695mW. Quite an achievement!
So how do we compare with the rest of the world?
(source: Solarbuzz)
While solar in the US has grown in leaps and bounds over the past 2 years, we only account for 5% of the global market. As expected, Germany and the rest of Europe lead the way, collectively making up 81% of the market. However, By 2015, market experts project the European market share to fall to between 45-54% as the US and several Asian markets grow rapidly. It’s tipped that the US will be the fastest growing major country market over this period. And even better news, over the next five years, factory gate module prices are projected to drop between 37% and 50% from 2010 levels, meaning cheaper solar for you!
Two major factors why the US solar market is expected to experience further growth is our increasing energy consumption, and rising energy prices derived from non-renewable resources. Per capita, the US consumes nearly double the energy of the next closest country with a significant solar market:
While our consumption is high, it also creates enormous opportunities for the renewable energy and energy-efficient industries. Contrary to basic economic theory that suggests that a decline in energy use will result in economic decline, creating energy from renewable resources such as solar, and being smarter with our energy use will create a secure energy market for the US and encourage long-term economic growth.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC) Explained
What does SRECs stand for?
What are SRECs?
How do SRECS work?
How much money will my SRECS save me?
Why does the SREC market fluctuate?
Why does the SREC value vary from state to state?
5 Energy Saving Tips for Summer
Flowers are starting to bloom, the mercury is rising above freezing, the morning air is fresh and crisp, and PV Solar Systems are starting to crank up – Spring has finally arrived, and we couldn’t be happier! That also means that Summer is on the way, with warmer and longer days in store. As much as we love the warmer weather (and we really do!), it’s also the peak electricity bill-season for many of us. In addition, electricity prices are also on the rise, creating a double-whammy of energy cost increases for consumers. Furthermore, PA and NJ residents are among the highest paying states for electricity in the US – just another reason to cut down your power consumption in the coming weeks!
But wait – what good would it be for us to bring a problem to your attention, without providing a solution? After all, providing energy solutions is what we’re all about!
Some weeks ago, we talked about 8 simple ways save on energy. This time, we’d like to go one step further and also provide you with ways to avoid using electricity in the first place. It really is amazing the amount of cost-free changes you can make around your home that save you money on energy costs!
Shade Your Air Conditioner
If you have window-mounted air conditioner, you can save energy and money by shading it from the sun. The cooler the air conditioner, the more efficient it runs.
Use Blinds and Curtains
Those South-facing windows are great in winter, but come summer they can act as unwanted heat-producers. If you have blinds and curtains, pull them across glass doors and windows of your south, east and west facing windows during the day. Your A/C will have to do much less work to cool your house down, too!
Make Use of Cool Breezes
Many people reach straight for the “on” switch on their A/C during summer, even before they have stepped outside. You may find that opening a few windows to allow air flow will cool your house down enough.
A/C On Means Windows Shut!
The cool air that comes from your air conditioner is not free. This may sound obvious, but leaving windows and doors open while the A/C is turned on is not only wasting energy, but it’s costing you money. And lots of it!
A Clean Fridge is an Efficient Fridge
In an apartment building, 25% of your electric bill may go towards the fridge. Keep its compressor coils clean to ensure your energy bill stays low. Cover your food. Check the fridge’s seal. Fill your fridge with water jugs to keep it full and colder.
With just a few changes around the house, it can make the world of difference to your summer energy costs.
Tip: Put the money you save into a Solar System savings account!
Solar 101: Is my roof right for solar?
1.8 kW solar power system, Philadelphia PA
If you’re looking into solar, you’ve probably concluded that you’re going to need a South facing roof. You may also be thinking that your heavily pitched roof just won’t cut it for solar. But, don’t give up on the Solar dream just yet!
You may be surprised to know that many solar systems are not installed on a perfectly South facing roof. Nor are they mounted on a 39 degree roof. Although these attributes would make for an extremely efficient solar system, you should not discount yourself from the solar market just because your roof does not fit this criteria.
As we mentioned in our previous Solar 101, How the output of a solar system is calculated, orientation (north, south) and pitch (angle of your roof) are factors that influence the performance of your system – but just how much?
Orientation
The orientation of your system is the direction that it faces (e.g. South, West, East), which determines the time of day in which your system is directly facing the sun. If your system is installed on an East facing roof, your system will pick up all the morning sun, some of the afternoon sun, and be relatively ineffective in the ladder part of the day. However, if your system faces South, it is able to generate electricity all day, with it’s peak at around 12-2pm, depending on the time of year. But, does this mean that your East (or West) facing roof is not suitable for solar? Let’s find out, using an example:
System Size: 5kW (DC)
Pitch: 30 degrees
Daily kWh (AC) South facing: 18.21
Daily kWh (AC) East facing: 15.32
Daily kWh (AC) West facing: 14.60
As you can see, although a South facing is more efficient (thus, the more preferred orientation for solar), it is not by as much as you may think. So, if your South facing roof is not suitable for solar (shade, obstructions, little space), your East and West facing roofs are still great alternatives!
Pitch
The pitch of your system refers to its longitudinal angle. For example, if your system is pitched at 0 degrees, it would be laying flat; if it was pitched at 39 degrees, it would be directly facing the sun during summer. As most residential systems are installed on a pre-existing roof, the pitch of the system cannot be altered; it is equal to that of your roof. So is the pitch of your roof right for solar? Let’s find out, using another example:
System Size: 5kW (DC)
Orientation: South
Daily kWh (AC) 0 degree pitch: 15.70
Daily kWh (AC) 20 degree pitch: 17.92
Daily kWh (AC) 39 degree pitch: 18.31
Like with orientation, we can see that even the typically less-desireable roofs are still solar-friendly.
So before you count yourself out of the Solar game, allow a Solar professional to assess your roof first – you may be surprised at the results!
Data obtained from http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/calculators/PVWATTS/version1. Location: Philadelphia.