Today, we continue our review of the options for solar backup systems. We’re going to be reviewing the ways the generator backup works.
Cost-Effective Backup: Generators
For a given level of power output, generators are usually the least expensive option for backup power production. In the vast majority of residences Akeena evaluates, generators end up being the best choice to provide the most reliable and cost-effective source of extended backup power, especially in areas where frequent electricity power outages are the norm. They are independent motors powered by gasoline or are electrical and fed by the utility and connect directly into the electrical system of your home. Homeowners in areas with infrequent power outages (the majority) do not typically need power backup of any kind for a grid-tied solar power system to be highly effective.
Saving (Power) for a Rainy Day
In these cases where backup power is a must, we recommend installing a relatively inexpensive generator in conjunction with a manual transfer switch tied directly to the electrical panel on your house. If it is a utility powered generator, the transfer switch directs the source of power for critical loads from the utility to the generator--without back-feeding the electric grid. For a gasoline powered generator, it is manually turned on and off and powered by gasoline poured directly into the unit by the homeowner.
During a period of power outage, the transfer switch is engaged and the generator is started. This provides power to the critical loads in the house.
In the next post, we’ll discuss the benefits of grid-tied systems. Stay up-to-date by following us on Twitter!
Showing posts with label solar panel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label solar panel. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Solar Power Systems: Does Size Matter (Part 2)
In the previous post, we talked about the criteria to consider when deciding on the size of solar power system you will need. Today, we’re going to dig into the different levels of offset you can garner for your energy bills with solar power.
So let’s kick this off with a question: How much coverage do you want?
90-100% Bill Offset
If, based upon the criteria outlined in the previous post, your family plans to use more electricity over the next ten years, or if your goal is to eliminate your home’s energy usage from your carbon footprint entirely, this is the amount of offset you will need. One bonus of this is that if your solar production levels end up exceeding the needs of your home, you can also use this to offset other personal energy use that is not tied to your home in order to work toward a low-to-zero personal carbon footprint!
80% Bill Offset
This is the sweet spot. It is generally acknowledged that the ideal bill coverage is 80%, as it serves to drop the electrical usage of most average homes into the lowest (and least expensive) tier of billing rates. With the “Time of Use” billing structure, which is measured with special meters that calculate how much and when electricity is used, 80% of bill coverage is the level at which the solar power system pays for itself the fastest for most homeowners.
70% Bill Offset
This is a very cost-effective way to go if you are planning to use less electricity, conduct a Home Energy Audit or are short on roof space for the number of solar panels needed to fully offset your electricity usage. This option allows you to go solar now to take advantage of government rebate programs so you can lock-in low energy costs. Even if your energy usage drops up to 30% over time, this size system makes economic sense since you will already enjoy low monthly energy bills immediately with a faster ROI thanks to your new solar power system!
Whether your offset goals are moderate or aggressive, there is a solar power system that is right for you. If you have questions, schedule a free solar power evaluation, and we’ll help you decide which size system you need.
Want to become a fan? Visit us on Facebook.
So let’s kick this off with a question: How much coverage do you want?
90-100% Bill Offset
If, based upon the criteria outlined in the previous post, your family plans to use more electricity over the next ten years, or if your goal is to eliminate your home’s energy usage from your carbon footprint entirely, this is the amount of offset you will need. One bonus of this is that if your solar production levels end up exceeding the needs of your home, you can also use this to offset other personal energy use that is not tied to your home in order to work toward a low-to-zero personal carbon footprint!
80% Bill Offset
This is the sweet spot. It is generally acknowledged that the ideal bill coverage is 80%, as it serves to drop the electrical usage of most average homes into the lowest (and least expensive) tier of billing rates. With the “Time of Use” billing structure, which is measured with special meters that calculate how much and when electricity is used, 80% of bill coverage is the level at which the solar power system pays for itself the fastest for most homeowners.
70% Bill Offset
This is a very cost-effective way to go if you are planning to use less electricity, conduct a Home Energy Audit or are short on roof space for the number of solar panels needed to fully offset your electricity usage. This option allows you to go solar now to take advantage of government rebate programs so you can lock-in low energy costs. Even if your energy usage drops up to 30% over time, this size system makes economic sense since you will already enjoy low monthly energy bills immediately with a faster ROI thanks to your new solar power system!
Whether your offset goals are moderate or aggressive, there is a solar power system that is right for you. If you have questions, schedule a free solar power evaluation, and we’ll help you decide which size system you need.
Want to become a fan? Visit us on Facebook.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Solar Power Systems: Does Size Matter? (Part 1)
One of the most common questions potential solar customers ask is, “What size solar power system do I need to offset my electricity bill?” The Reader’s Digest version of the answer is that, from a financial standpoint, you don’t want your solar investment to far outweigh your immediate need. Yet you also don’t want to be short-sighted when it comes to your future energy use.
It’s fairly easy to get an idea of current requirements by reviewing your energy usage over the past few years. There are also some tools you can employ to get a more accurate idea of how you currently use energy, such as having a professional home energy efficiency audit conducted, and adding a Smart Meter that identifies consumption in more detail than a conventional utility meter.
You also will need to consider how you may or may not change the way you utilize electricity in the coming years. Some of the variables that can affect change in energy consumption include:
- Long-term or permanent changes in family size. If you have children heading off to college or out on their own, are just starting a family, or have Grandma or Grandpa coming to live with you, your energy usage could change significantly.
- Appliance upgrades. Swapping out your old, avocado-green appliances for new Energy Star models not only makes them easier on the eyes--it can also dramatically reduce your household energy requirements.
- Creature comforts. Installing central air conditioning systems or hot tubs always serves to increase your energy bills.
- Gettin’ your Prius on. Driving hybrids is great for the environment, but remember that you will need to charge your new car’s batteries in order to reap the benefits to your carbon footprint.
- Home improvements. Making changes to the infrastructure of your home, including installing a programmable thermostat, weatherproofing doors and windows, insulating your hot water heater, replacing single-pane windows with their double- (or even triple-) paned counterparts, mounting an attic fan to drive warm air out in the summer, and adding extra insulation to attics, crawl spaces, and basements, can all add up to big energy savings.
These changes, made incrementally over time, generally don’t provide an immediate huge impact on your energy bill. But down the road, you will definitely notice a significant 5- or 10-year change in consumption—and that sustained change is what you need to consider when configuring your solar energy system.
In my next post, I’ll talk a bit about the different levels of offset you can achieve for your energy bills with a new solar power system. Stay tuned!
It’s fairly easy to get an idea of current requirements by reviewing your energy usage over the past few years. There are also some tools you can employ to get a more accurate idea of how you currently use energy, such as having a professional home energy efficiency audit conducted, and adding a Smart Meter that identifies consumption in more detail than a conventional utility meter.
You also will need to consider how you may or may not change the way you utilize electricity in the coming years. Some of the variables that can affect change in energy consumption include:
- Long-term or permanent changes in family size. If you have children heading off to college or out on their own, are just starting a family, or have Grandma or Grandpa coming to live with you, your energy usage could change significantly.
- Appliance upgrades. Swapping out your old, avocado-green appliances for new Energy Star models not only makes them easier on the eyes--it can also dramatically reduce your household energy requirements.
- Creature comforts. Installing central air conditioning systems or hot tubs always serves to increase your energy bills.
- Gettin’ your Prius on. Driving hybrids is great for the environment, but remember that you will need to charge your new car’s batteries in order to reap the benefits to your carbon footprint.
- Home improvements. Making changes to the infrastructure of your home, including installing a programmable thermostat, weatherproofing doors and windows, insulating your hot water heater, replacing single-pane windows with their double- (or even triple-) paned counterparts, mounting an attic fan to drive warm air out in the summer, and adding extra insulation to attics, crawl spaces, and basements, can all add up to big energy savings.
These changes, made incrementally over time, generally don’t provide an immediate huge impact on your energy bill. But down the road, you will definitely notice a significant 5- or 10-year change in consumption—and that sustained change is what you need to consider when configuring your solar energy system.
In my next post, I’ll talk a bit about the different levels of offset you can achieve for your energy bills with a new solar power system. Stay tuned!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Putting America Back to Work, One Solar Panel at a Time
It’s no secret that the US, like many other countries right now, is in desperate need of new jobs for the unemployed. The President is acutely aware of this, and enacting legislation that will create jobs for millions of Americans is one of the primary missions of the current administration.
President Obama’s energy plan calls for a $150 billion investment in clean technologies over 10 years, aggressive targets for greenhouse emission reductions, and programs to promote energy efficiency, low-carbon bio-fuels, and renewable energies.
The state of California has been at the forefront of the clean tech movement from the very beginning. Of the $3.95 billion in US venture capital received in 2007 by companies producing eco-friendly products and services, California garnered $1.79 billion. And most of those investments were directed toward companies in Silicon Valley, where the excitement and innovation around solar, wind, and hydro power is reminiscent of the early years of the technology industry.
California―and Silicon Valley in particular―has become a leader in clean tech because of the State’s longstanding support for alternative energy. Clean tech growth and the new jobs created by this revolution are at risk if legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is repealed. Historically, environmental protection and economic growth go hand in hand, and studies have shown that energy efficiency measures and renewable energy standards would help to create the jobs that will contribute significantly to California’s economic recovery.
Lowering or removing the renewable energy standards will significantly slow demand for clean tech products and services, diminish the resources of alternative energy innovators, and reduce the growth of the companies at the forefront of the industry. And that means fewer jobs created in a state that desperately needs to put its people back to work.
Now where’s the sense in that?
President Obama’s energy plan calls for a $150 billion investment in clean technologies over 10 years, aggressive targets for greenhouse emission reductions, and programs to promote energy efficiency, low-carbon bio-fuels, and renewable energies.
The state of California has been at the forefront of the clean tech movement from the very beginning. Of the $3.95 billion in US venture capital received in 2007 by companies producing eco-friendly products and services, California garnered $1.79 billion. And most of those investments were directed toward companies in Silicon Valley, where the excitement and innovation around solar, wind, and hydro power is reminiscent of the early years of the technology industry.
California―and Silicon Valley in particular―has become a leader in clean tech because of the State’s longstanding support for alternative energy. Clean tech growth and the new jobs created by this revolution are at risk if legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is repealed. Historically, environmental protection and economic growth go hand in hand, and studies have shown that energy efficiency measures and renewable energy standards would help to create the jobs that will contribute significantly to California’s economic recovery.
Lowering or removing the renewable energy standards will significantly slow demand for clean tech products and services, diminish the resources of alternative energy innovators, and reduce the growth of the companies at the forefront of the industry. And that means fewer jobs created in a state that desperately needs to put its people back to work.
Now where’s the sense in that?
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Care and Feeding of Your Solar Power System
Now that spring is in the air, the weather is warming, and the sun is getting ready for its busy season, let’s talk about the best ways to make sure your solar system is always in great working order.
Most solar systems are installed on rooftops, out of sight. And because they have no moving parts that grind, squeak, and attract attention to themselves, it’s easy to forget they’re even up there. But in order to keep enjoying the tremendous energy and cost savings you’re getting from solar, your system needs a semi-annual cleaning―especially if you are located in an area that is particularly dry and dusty.
1. Safety First - The first thing to be aware of when cleaning your solar panels is always safety. Make sure any ladder you are using to access rooftop panels is stable, and work with a partner if you can. If you’re uncomfortable with heights, definitely consider hiring a professional service to perform regular cleanings.
2. Hope Floats, But Glass Cracks - Remember to avoid walking or standing on the panels while cleaning them. Although the tempered glass surface of the modules is extremely strong, the panels will break if you walk on them, and must be replaced if damaged.
3. Don’t Get Sappy - For average dust accumulations, you can simply hose the modules off. Also check for accumulations of tree sap or bird droppings, and clean them off with a sponge or squeegee using a mild dish soap and water solution.
4. Branch Out (and Off)! - Also make sure to clean leaves, branches, and other debris off the top of the modules, and remove any material that may have become lodged under the modules, as it could reduce cooling airflow, or cause water to back up in a severe rainstorm.
Just as you do for your home and your car, it’s important to keep your solar power system well maintained in order to get the most value from your investment. A quick cleaning a couple of times a year will keep your system cranking out that solar goodness for years to come!
Keep up with the latest innovations from Akeena by following us on Twitter! @Akeena_SolarThursday, February 18, 2010
Traditional Solar System Installation: There’s Gotta Be A Better Way!
Traditional roof assembly processes are cumbersome and complex — and as too many have discovered, the end result is only as effective as the installer’s skills! With continued growth, the industry is seeing significant limitations in ordinary panels that can lead to problems that can impact reliability, safety, and industry reputation overall.
The accepted process for rooftop solar installations has remained essentially unchanged since solar systems were first put into use in the 1970s. It included site design, development of a parts inventory, assembly of the parts and tools, transfer of equipment to the roof, identification of rooftop anchoring points, bolting in roof brackets, and attaching aluminum racks to the brackets.
And all of this happens before any actual panel installation takes place!
Once all of this is completed, solar panels are attached to the racks via a clamping system, with the power and grounding wiring affixed to each panel separately. This multi-step, tiered approach to solar power system installation significantly impacts the safety and effectiveness of a system. The wiring becomes its own intricate, labor- and time-intensive process, and the potential for problems is high. Product and service quality is challenged further by the fact that all this detailed work is being done up on a roof, in all kinds of weather conditions.
The best way to eliminate these inefficiencies is through development of a design and assembly methodology that can be replicated easily across many different installations. Better overall assembly, electrical connection, and grounding design and processes are borne from robust product designs that provide simplified, consistently high-quality installations.
Hopefully all of this hasn’t put you off the idea of installing a solar power system, because in my next post, I’m going to let you in on a revolutionary way to install solar systems that dramatically reduces reliability and safety issues, and roof damage.
Sound good? Stay tuned!
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