Photovoltaic solar devices are used to generate electricity for homes and businesses. They absorb sunlight and an electronic process to release the electrons which are used to produce electricity for use. Photovoltaic solar technology has come a long way since its first days, and is now used to power many devices, from small electronics to large commercial operations!

The history of photovoltaic solar technology

Alexandre Edmund Becquerel first observed the photovoltaic effect in 1839, which began a trend of inquiry which continued through the beginning of the twentieth century. Bell Labs was the first company to introduce a photovoltaic solar device which could produce a good quantity of electricity- this device was released in 1954. Four years later, photovoltaic solar cells were being utilized on a small scale to power scientific and commercial endeavors.

In the 1970s, the energy crisis created quite an interest in photovoltaic solar technology. Unfortunately, the cost of equipment and electricity generation was too prohibitive for use in most homes and businesses. Developments in photovoltaic solar technology over the years have significantly reduced the cost of electricity generation, making it affordable for almost anyone to utilize. Installation prices have dropped 33% in just the last 2 years, and continue to fall still today.

Modern photovoltaic solar technology

The photovoltaic solar technology industry has grown dramatically, due to the decline in system pricing and the advances in manufacturing technology. Many nations around the globe are strengthening their energy policies and pushing for the shift from fossil fuels to photovoltaic solar and other alternative methods of energy generation, which has also helped the industry grow.

Modern photovoltaic solar products look different from their earlier counterparts. Today’s photovoltaic solar cells use crystalline silicone or a thin film as semiconductor material. Specialized multi-junction and tandem cells have been created for use in low-weight applications which require maximum efficiency- such as satellites and government needs.

When choosing to install solar system panels at your residence or business, you need to look at the big picture. There are some issues which may affect the installation process, most of which must be dealt with before installation begins. Below are some of the items you’ll want to keep in mind before you install solar system panels.

Insurance

Installing solar system panels may require special considerations for your homeowner’s or property insurance. Many policies cover solar energy systems, but it is important to double check just to be sure. Also, roof installation of solar system panels may affect certain coverage for your roof. Check with your insurance agent about issues which could affect your coverage, such as roof penetrations which may be necessary for installing solar system panels.

Zoning

Depending on the area you live in, zoning laws may dictate where you can and cannot have solar system panels installed. To ensure compliance with local zoning laws, check with your city or county first. If you have a homeowners association, they may also require approval before installing solar system panels. Make sure to check with these organizations before planning your installation.

Permits

Cities and townships require permits for performing certain work; solar system panel installation also require a permit in your area. Permits must be obtained before installation begins. We can help you navigate the permitting process to ensure your installation is cleared by your city or township to prevent future issues.

Installing solar system panels can be a confusing process if you are not familiar with it. When you choose an experienced solar system panel installer like Smith Sustainable Design, we help you navigate the installation process to remove confusion and frustration. Our design and installation team can help you sort out necessary permits, ensure compliance with zoning laws, and inform you of the questions you’ll need to ask your insurance agent. 

As discussed in Part 1 of this blog series, space and orientation are two important factors we consider when determining if your roof is ideal for installing solar photovoltaic panels. The other critical factors we look at are the condition of the roof and the shading of the roof space. 

Condition

The condition of your roof itself is an important consideration which should be evaluated before installing solar photovoltaic panels. If your roof is fairly new, you probably won’t need to worry about replacing it before the installation. On the other hand, if your roof is 15 years old or more, you may want to think about replacing it before your solar photovoltaic panel installation takes place. Most roofing materials only last 25 to 30 years, whereas your solar energy system won’t need replacement for about 20 or more years. With an older roof, those materials won’t outlive your system and will require replacement down the road, which means your solar energy system must be taken down and reinstalled after your roof replacement.

It is also crucial that your roof can withstand the weight of the solar photovoltaic panels. They don’t weigh as much as you may think- only 3 to 5 pounds per square foot- but they can add up because multiple panels will be used. We take precautions to determine the maximum load your roof system can bear to ensure your roof and building structure will not be damaged by the weight of the solar photovoltaic panels.

Shading

Your roof can be the perfect size, have the ideal exposure, and be in excellent condition, but it won’t matter at all if the solar photovoltaic panels will be shaded! Shading from other buildings, trees, chimneys, and other rooftop equipment can reduce the performance of the solar energy system. We use special software to estimate the amount of shading your roof receives each day of the year to make sure it isn’t enough to hinder your system performance.

When planning a solar photovoltaic panel installation, we don’t just come out and begin throwing panels up on your roof. We take the time and do the leg work to ensure your roof is the right location for panel installation. Smith Sustainable Design wants to maximize the performance of your solar photovoltaic panels, and these roof check areas are the first step in doing so.

When we have a customer interested in installing solar photovoltaic panels for residential or commercial electricity generation, we first look to the roof for suitable installation conditions. The roof of a commercial building or house is prime real estate which is perfect for these panels to sit and collect the sun’s energy for electricity generation. First we must make sure your roof has the ideal characteristics for the installation of solar photovoltaic panels to ensure you’ll receive the benefits you expect of your solar energy system.


Space

One of the most obvious characteristics we look for is space. A roof must have the appropriate amount of space necessary to install the number of solar photovoltaic panels needed for your system. If the roof of the structure isn’t large enough to house the panels, they can be installed elsewhere, such as on a pole or mounted in the surrounding yard.

Orientation

It’s important that the roof’s orientation be optimal for sunlight exposure to make sure your system collects the appropriate amount of energy. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the sun moves along a southern path. Because of this factor, the ideal roof for installation of solar photovoltaic panels has a good southern exposure. If your roof doesn’t have a southern exposure, southeast and southwest exposures will work but offer about a 5% decrease in system performance versus a southern exposure.

The slope of the roof is an important factor when determining the ideal installation scenario for solar photovoltaic panels. To maximize system performance, we calculate the necessary tilt needed for your solar photovoltaic panels to capture the proper amount of sunlight. If more tilt is necessary for your roof, angled mounting brackets may be used for installation.

Space and orientation are just two of the roof factors we look at when planning to install solar photovoltaic panels at a residence or commercial location. Check out Part 2 of this blog series to learn about the additional factors: roof condition and shading.

Many institutional building designers are incorporating the benefits of solar installation into the design of these facilities. Solar installations can help reduce the cost of power used significantly, generating more savings for everyone affected. Because of the amount of electricity needed to power a school building, going solar has tremendous benefits for these institutions.

In nearly every state, there are schools which have gone solar and are now generating electricity for their own use. Solar installations and equipment prices have dropped over the last few years, making them more affordable for school systems to utilize. Solar installations provide numerous benefits for schools which use them.

These systems reduce the amount of utility power required to light, heat, and cool a school, as well as power used for other needs. This ability to generate a large portion of the necessary power reduces a school’s expenses and greatly lowers utility bills. Generating their own power through solar installation also helps schools reduce their overall carbon footprint. By utilizing solar power in their facility, a school can also gain the opportunity to teach students first-hand about the power of solar energy and its benefits.

Schools are not only great candidates for solar photovoltaic systems, but also solar thermal systems. A solar thermal system can provide energy savings for the school’s water and space heating needs. Schools may choose to start with small scale solar systems which generate a smaller amount of energy, or a larger system.

Regardless of the type of solar installation, safety and quality are of the utmost importance for schools. A qualified contractor can perform a site survey in order to assess the structure of buildings and the suitability of the location for solar installation. Smith Sustainable Design performs solar installations across New Jersey and Pennsylvania for commercial, institutional, and residential buildings.

For many homeowners, the price tag associated with the equipment and installation of electric solar energy systems can be overwhelming. Options such as power purchase agreements and solar leases have become a popular way to avoid daunting upfront expenses while still harnessing solar energy at home. But, there is another option available which allows groups of homeowners to gain the advantage of buying electric solar energy in bulk, lessening the sticker shock of installation. Solar group purchasing is a great way for homeowners to save on electric solar energy by purchasing in bulk quantities.

Just like the bulk savings you can achieve by purchasing goods from a warehouse store that sells in large quantities, solar group purchasing offers the same benefits for the purchase of electric solar energy. By joining with a group of neighbors or an organization, the group purchases their electric solar energy systems together. While you still own your own system that generates power for just your home, multiple systems are effectively purchased together.

Combining forces and purchasing electric solar energy systems in bulk can save you money. When bulk system purchases are made in these scenarios, Smith Sustainable Design can pass on significant savings to group participants. You’ll save more on the equipment and installation of your electric solar energy system in this situation, compared to purchasing individually.

Another advantage of solar group purchasing is convenience. As with any major home improvement, there are many steps to deal with which can be very time consuming. When partnering with other customers, you can save time, energy, and hassles in the bidding process, selecting a reliable contractor, obtaining permits, and coordinating with the utility company. Solar group purchasing can make the process easier for all involved.

Your roof isn’t the only location available for solar photovoltaic panel installation. Many homeowners and businesses are choosing to utilize carports and awnings as a prime location for panel installation. Not only do these parking structures keep vehicles cooler on hot days, but they provide a way to utilize open spaces for solar energy collection.

Solar photovoltaic panel installation cannot always be performed on a roof space for a variety of reasons. For instance, many commercial buildings simply do not have the roof space because other vital equipment is installed there, such as HVAC systems. Using a carport for solar photovoltaic panel installation is a flexible solution. This method can be used for homes and businesses alike.

Panels for a single-family home can be situated above a 1-car structure, while businesses can choose to install multiple carport structures throughout their parking area to capture solar energy for business operations. With solar photovoltaic panels installed via carport, energy captured and converted by the panels can easily be used to charge electric vehicles while parked! At home, this option helps cut back on utility expenses for charging. Businesses can use solar carports and charging stations to provide added convenience for customers and employees.

In addition to carports, solar photovoltaic panels can be installed over a space to create an awning or solar canopy for a patio. Not only can solar panels be used to offset electricity use, but the panels themselves can be used to create comfort and convenience in new ways outdoors.

Don’t be discouraged if you think your roof isn’t ideal for solar photovoltaic panel installation. There are many other options that are functional and convenience, which may also enhance your outdoor spaces. Smith Sustainable Design installs solar carports and canopies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania- contact us today to learn more. 

There are many styles of residential and commercial roofing, and a variety of building materials which can be used in the process. In a majority of applications, solar system panels are installed in the roof space of a home or business. There are many qualities a roof has that can affect installation, and certain precautions will be taken by solar system panel installers to protect the roof itself as well as the panels.

Older roofs

When installing solar system panels on an older roof, we encourage you to consider the life of your current roof beforehand. Take into account how old your roof is, how many more years you expect to get out of it, and its current condition. If your home is due for a new roof in under five years, it may be more practical to go ahead and install a new roof before solar system panel installation. This will avoid the need to have the panels removed and reinstalled when your new roof is installed, and the panels will also help protect your new roof, possibly making it last longer than expected.

Roof pitch

The pitch, or angle, of a roof plays a part in determining how solar system panels are installed. Very steep roofs can add to installation time and may require special mounting equipment to secure the panels. Installing solar system panels on a flat roof will likely need ballast rack mounted to hold the equipment.

Roofing materials

Some roofing materials are more sensitive than others when it comes to solar system panel installation. Tile and shake shingles are fragile, and extra care must be taken when installing the solar system panels to avoid damaging the roof. Asphalt shingles are durable, and solar system panels can usually be installed easily with mounts that attach to the roof via the rafters. Regardless of your roofing material, any gaps around mounting equipment must be properly sealed to avoid weather damage to your roof.

When undergoing a solar system panel installation, it’s best to trust a company with experience and expertise in order to protect your roof and your home. Smith Sustainable Design is a highly qualified solar system panel installer who can protect the integrity of your roofing system throughout the life of your solar collection system.

You probably know that solar power is a low-cost way to power your home or business, but do you know why? When you install solar panels, you can drastically cut your monthly electricity bills. Here are a few of the ways that solar panels help you achieve lower electricity costs.

1. Reduced utility power use

When you install solar panels for your home or business, we design your system with a number of factors in mind, including your home or facility’s typical electricity usage. We use your usage to determine the optimal amount of power your solar panels should generate. While you will likely still need to use some utility power, your demand will be much less, which may qualify you for lower rates. Lower energy rates and less utility power used will cut your electricity bills significantly.

2. Sell your excess power

If your solar power system generates more electricity than you need, the excess electricity flows back to the utility grid. Depending on the agreement you will have with your local utility provider, you may be able to sell the excess electricity your solar panels generate. This results in credits for future power use or even payments from your utility company.

3. Avoid rising energy prices

Your local utility company likely uses fossil fuels to produce the electricity you use in your home or business. When fossil fuels are used, electricity prices are affected by the fluctuating prices of these fuels. When you install solar panels, you generate most of your home or facility’s electricity need, so you don’t experience these price fluctuations as much as others. If you have a solar lease or power purchase agreement, you can lock in low rates for long periods, avoiding rising utility prices altogether.

Installing solar panels isn’t just good for the environment; it’s also a smart move for your wallet. Smith Sustainable Design installs solar panels in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for homes and businesses who are looking for a way to lower electricity bills. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits you’ll get when you install solar panels.

Electric solar energy systems do more than just produce affordable, efficient power for your home or business. The solar energy industry has a major impact on our economy. Let’s take a look at some of the many ways electric solar energy systems help everyone.

Obviously, an electric solar energy system saves you money. With a system installed at your home, you’ll save hundreds of dollars every year on energy expenses. With more money in your pocket, you will be able to spend less on utility power and more on other goods and services, boosting the economy. When you take advantage of solar power to provide electricity for your home, you can drastically reduce or eliminate your electric utility bills each month.

With solar power gaining popularity, more new jobs are created in the industry. Electric solar energy installer job opportunities are growing. Also, more workers are needed to manufacture system components, skilled employees are needed to design solar energy systems, and electric solar energy contractors need to add new employees to keep up with demand and keep customers satisfied. The growing solar energy industry creates new jobs for your neighbors, and others across the world.

One last important way electric solar energy helps the economy is by reducing energy dependence. The United States is largely dependent on oil sources abroad, but the sun is not owned by any one country. By harnessing solar power for our energy needs, we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil and lower energy prices by eliminating taxes and tariffs. Once your electric solar energy system is installed, you don’t have to worry about fluctuating energy prices. Solar energy is a smart move towards energy independence.

Gain the personal advantages and boost the economy when you choose an electric solar energy system to provide for your home’s power needs. Smith Sustainable Design has a skilled team of electric solar energy installers to design and install your new system- call us today to learn more.