When you think of installing solar system panels, you probably picture them mounted on your roof. So how will the new panels affect your roof? If installed properly, solar system panels can actually protect your roof.

The design of your home’s roof will play a significant role in determining how and where your solar system panels will be attached. First, the system designer must consider the sunlight exposure of your roof area, as it is crucial for panels to face either south, east, or west and be free from trees or structures that can block the sunlight. Also, your roof needs to have enough space to accommodate the panels. In a typical residential installation, 300 to 600 feet of surface space is needed.

Next, the type of roofing you have and its age are considered. If your home has an older roof, it is a good idea to go ahead and replace it before installing solar system panels, as the panels will outlast the roofing material and will need to be removed and replaced when it’s time for a new roof. Composite shingle roofing is ideal for solar installations, as they aren’t as fragile and can better withstand being drilled through to mount solar panels. Tile, concrete, and slate roofs can still accommodate a solar installation, but extra care and components will be needed to protect the integrity of the roofing.

There are three types of mounts that can be used to attach solar system panels to a home’s roof:

• Direct mounts attach panels directly to the roof. We don’t recommend this mount because it doesn't facilitate airflow under the panels, which is necessary to cool them.
  
• Integrated mounts attach panels to roof rafters. Roofing materials will have to be removed to do so. Because of this, this mount is best suited for new construction.
  
• Stand-off mounts, also known as rack mounts, are most commonly used for residential systems. The racks are attached to roof supports, and panels attached to them. They promote good airflow and can be set at the proper angle for maximum sunlight exposure.
  

Solar financing options have made it possible for more homeowners to reap the benefits of having solar modules installed. By eliminating the high price tag for equipment and installation, solar financing is becoming a popular option for installing solar modules. There are a few different types of solar financing options available, so we’ve gone through the basics below to help you better understand them.

Power Purchase Agreements

A Power Purchase Agreement, commonly referred to as a PPA, allows the homeowner to negotiate the purchase price for the power only. This is done through a third party financing company who owns and installs the solar module. The benefit of a Power Purchase Agreement is the ability to purchase energy at a much lower rate than a consumer could get from a utility company. Most Power Purchase Agreements have credit score qualifications which must be met.

Pros:

• In most scenarios, no money is needed upfront.
  
• Savings on energy prices for the term of the contract.
  

Cons:

• No ownership over solar module, so homeowner will not receive tax credits.
  
• Transfer of contract may not be permitted if homeowner is selling home.
  

Solar Leases

In a lease, the solar module is also owned by a third party. This option is just like what you would find if you wanted to lease a car. You’ll stick to a payment schedule which is determined by the cost of the system. Your agreement may also include a buyout option before the end of the contract term, so you may choose to own your solar module system in the end.

Pros:

• Usually no money down.
  
• Savings on energy prices.
  
• Potential for ownership of system.
  

Cons:

• Contract is only transferable to a new homeowner if they qualify credit-wise.
  
• You won’t receive tax credits.
  

Solar Loans

A solar loan is just what it sounds like. A homeowner can borrow money to pay for the installation and equipment. You’ll stick to a repayment schedule and have to qualify based on your credit score and other considerations.

Pros:

• You’ll own the system.
  
• You’ll receive tax credits.
  

Cons:

• You may be required to make a down payment.
  

Property Assessed Clean Energy

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) is a program ran by the government to help homeowners purchase solar modules. There are no credit score qualifiers and no money down is needed, but you must have 10 percent property equity. You’ll be billed when you receive your property tax invoice bi-annually.

Pros:

• No money down is available.
  
• Tax-deductible interest.
  
• You can receive tax credits.
  
• Financing usually will transfer to new owner upon sale of the home.
  

Cons:

• Your property tax bill will be higher.
  

Have you been seeing more rooftop solar installations in your neighborhood? Their high price tag once put them out of range for many homeowners. Now, thanks to lease options, more homeowners are able to undergo solar installation and reap the benefits of generating their own electric power

Lease options eliminate upfront costs for installation, labor, and equipment. With a solar lease, you can enjoy immediate energy savings without the hefty price tag. You won’t have to worry about waiting until after your payback period has been met to truly gain energy savings from your solar installation.

In locations across the United States, solar lease options are helping new demographics of homeowners take advantage of using solar energy use. While you may only have seen them in more affluent neighborhoods before, solar installations are springing up in neighborhoods everywhere. The difference is that some homeowners choose to own their systems outright while others choose to lease.

A study performed by the United States Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory found a correlation between owning a solar panel system outright and a household’s income. Neighborhoods with households averaging income of $150,000.00 or more each year have been found more likely to own solar panel systems outright.

The solar lease options are more popular in neighborhoods with lower household incomes. While the upfront cost to own a solar panel system might be out of the question for many households, solar leasing makes the solar power option a possibility. Choosing to lease a solar installation has opened the doors for many new homeowners to add solar panels to their homes and reap the benefits.

Installing solar panels for homes is a significant investment. These systems cost several thousand dollars and take years to recover costs through energy savings because of their high price tag. If you don’t plan to stay in your home for the entirety of your payback period, should you forgo solar installation? 

The answer is no! Studies of home sales indicate that installing solar panels for homes can significantly increase resale value. If you don’t recoup the cost of installation over the amount of time you remain in the home, you will likely be able to recover a great deal thanks to a higher selling price. This benefit can make installing solar panels for your home the right choice even if you plan to move in the future.

Studies show that solar panels for homes increase the value by 3 to 4 percent. The average home has a 5 kW solar energy system, which can increase equity by about $9,000.00. Before you decide to install a solar panel system in your home, think about how long you plan on staying and then energy savings you’ll achieve during that time period. If you won’t be meeting the payback period on energy savings alone, think about how the raised resale value will benefit you come time to sell.

Not only are the systems a valuable addition to the home, they also create value. Interested buyers can be attracted to homes with solar panels because they present a higher potential for energy savings. Wouldn’t you want to move into a new home that is going to help you save for all the years you are living there?

Solar panels for homes are also attractive for buyers looking to go green. Because they limit utility use, homes with solar panels reduce pollution and greenhouse gases. Greening your home through solar panel installation not only improves resale value, but can also attract another market of buyers to your property.

If you’re thinking about installing solar panels for your home or business, choosing the right contractor can improve your experience. Do you know the qualities you should look for in an electric solar energy contractor and the questions you should ask? There are some guidelines you should follow when selecting a contractor which can help ensure you have a positive experience and receive quality work.

Use this checklist when you interview contractors to help find the right fit.


About the company:

Are you licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania to install electric solar energy systems?
Are you insured for Liability and Worker’s Compensation?
Do you know what permits are needed to install solar panels in my area? Will you be responsible for obtaining permits or will that be my responsibility?
How many years of experience do you have in this field? What sort of training do your installers and technicians complete?
Does your company complete all work or will you use subcontractors to install electric solar energy systems?

About the installation:

How will my roof be protected during the installation?
What type of equipment will be used to mount the solar panels to my roof?
Will your design team help me to determine the best configuration of solar panels for my home?
How long will installation take from start to finish? Do you foresee any delays when ordering my equipment?

About the aftercare:

Does your company warranty the workmanship of my new installation?
Will you provide me with information about the product warranties for system components?
Does your company also provide service and maintenance for installing electric solar energy systems?
Are representatives of your company available to provide technical support by telephone or email?

Make the most of your investment by choosing the right electric solar energy contractor for your job. Smith Sustainable Design is a reputable electric solar energy contractor serving New Jersey and Pennsylvania home and business owners; call us today if you have any questions about how to choose the right contractor for your job.

The placement of solar module panels is arguably one of the most crucial factors in designing a good solar power system. Sun exposure will help determine if the solar module panels will have enough sunlight exposure to provide power for your needs. How do we determine if your site has optimal sunlight exposure? One tool we use is a sun chart.

We can create a sun chart to plot how much direct sunlight your site will be exposed to each day. The sun chart helps us first to determine if solar power is a good option for a client, and then helps us evaluate where to place solar module panels. The sun chart shows the movement of the sun across the sky, and shows us the approximate amount of sunlight the site will receive over the year.

We use two angles to plot the position of the sun. The azimuth is the angular distance of the sun from a fixed line. Here in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, we use a line that runs directly south, because solar module panels are placed south-facing in the northern hemisphere. For example, at noon, the sun is directly overhead in the sky, so the azimuth angle is zero.

The second angle used to chart the sun’s position is the elevation angle. It is created using a line which is parallel to the ground and a line running from the ground up to the sun. For instance, at noon, the angle is 90 degrees. At sunset when the sun is on the horizon, the angle is zero. These two angles are used to graph the sun’s movement through the sky over a period of a day.

The sun chart can be used to plot the sun’s movement in the sky throughout all four seasons. The changing seasons affect the length of sun exposure each day. Charting the exact sunlight exposure for each season will help us determine the correct amount of solar module panels you’ll need to power your home or business through even shorter days, like the summer and winter solstices.

A sun chart also accounts for impediments in the skyline. Things like trees, buildings, and towers can block the amount of sunlight your site receives. The sun chart allows us to determine if these impediments will prevent your site from receiving adequate sunlight exposure. We may find that your roof is not an optimal location for placement of solar module panels, but there is an area of your yard that receives perfect exposure where solar module panels can be mounted.

Doing it yourself is very tempting for many household projects. Doing it yourself can save you hassle and money. Many can be tackled just fine by a homeowner, but there are some that are better left to the pros. Installing solar panels is one task that you are better off hiring a contractor for.

Designing a solar power system and installing solar panels is a complex process, and many elements factor in to the final plan. Choosing an experienced contractor to handle your installation will help you avoid errors and unnecessary costs. Before the system is even installed, there are several considerations a contractor will help with. Permits and inspections may be necessary, depending on where you live. Your contractor will deal with the often time-consuming, confusing task of obtaining permits for your job.

Doing it yourself can have some pretty big disadvantages. If you are looking to tie into the utility grid, the power company may not permit connection if an approved contractor doesn’t install your solar panels. Plus, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover a self-installed system. Plus, if you install solar panels yourself, you won’t get the same warranty you would if using a contractor.

Choosing a contractor to install solar panels offers many distinct advantages. They have experience doing this work, whereas you most likely don’t. A good contractor knows how to design and install solar panels so they will work as expected- do you? If you don’t install solar panels properly yourself, individual warranties may not be honored and you’ll have a harder time working out the kinks in your system. Plus, using a contractor can help you get a better price on equipment because they have greater buying power. Some manufacturers won’t even sell to self-installers, so using a contractor is your best bet for getting great equipment at a great price.

There are many more advantages to using a contractor for installing solar panels. Installing solar panels is a big investment- protect it by making the right choice from the get-go. Looking for a trusted contractor to install solar panels in New Jersey or Pennsylvania? Contact Smith Sustainable Design today.

Going off the grid is different than a solar installation which will be tied to the grid. Off the grid, your solar installation must provide for all your power needs, you won’t have utility backup power to depend on. Off-grid solar installations require a few additional elements that aren’t needed for a grid-tied solar installation. Below is a list of the components you may find in an off-grid solar installation.

Battery Bank

The battery bank is an essential component of an off-grid solar installation. It stores extra electricity which isn’t immediately used, and will power a home or business through periods where sunlight is not optimal. The bank is usually composed of multiple individual batteries arranged as a series or in parallel, which are connected via cables.

Charge Controller

The solar installation’s charge controller is the component which feeds collected current into the batteries in the bank. The charge controller has a big impact on the economics of the solar installation. To make the most of your solar power, you’ll need a charge controller that can maximize the performance of the batteries in the bank.

Inverter

The inverter component switches DC voltage to the AC voltages which are needed to power most household devices and appliances. If only DC voltages are used in the facility, an inverter may not be necessary.

DC Loads Controller

A DC loads controller is needed in installations where DC and AC voltages are needed, and maintains the necessary voltages and currents for DC loads.

AC Generator

The AC generator isn’t a necessary component for your solar installation, but is useful for providing backup power during periods where solar collection isn’t optimal.

AC Loads Controller

Like the DC loads controller, the AC loads controller maintains appropriate voltages and currents for the AC appliances which are being operated.

Transfer Switch

The transfer switch is used to switch between power coming from the inverter and power created by the AC generator.

Photovoltaic solar systems are not “one size fits all.” Each household and business has different requirements, which will help determine the size of the system needed. To get an idea about the size of the photovoltaic solar system you’ll need, the following are factors we figure and consider when designing a new photovoltaic solar system installation:

1.  Determine the total number of watt hours of energy will be needed each day. Put together a list of all the appliances and devices which are in use every day. Next, list how many hours that each device runs throughout a typical day.

2. Find your peak power output. Using your list of appliances and devices, determine the power draw of each device in watts- approximate power usage for household appliances and devices can be found online. To find your peak power output, determine which devices will be operating at the same time throughout the day. Add up the watts of all devices which will be used together to find the highest wattage that will be needed at any one time during the day.

3. Determine the duty cycle. If you’ll be installing a photovoltaic solar system for your primary residence, it’ll likely be in use 7 days a week. On the other hand, photovoltaic solar systems in use for offices and businesses may get a break in use over the weekend period when operations are shut down.

4. Estimate the number of good sunlight hours a location should receive. Sunlight hours can vary from day to day due to seasonal changes and weather conditions. If an installation location for a photovoltaic solar system will only be in use seasonally, such as a vacation residence or a business with seasonal operation, this factor will also be considered.

To learn more about sizing your photovoltaic solar system, contact Smith Sustainable Design. Our team installs photovoltaic solar systems for home and business owners in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

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.