Solar panel kits make going green easy

For property owners that enjoy DIY projects, choose among a variety of solar panel kits for eco-friendly homeowners.

Many people believe that residential solar panels are too expensive and difficult to install.

However, these solar panel kits include everything you need to start generating clean, free solar power: panels, brackets, inverter and charge controllers.

With minor assembly, you can install solar out of the box and have your solar array up and running within a day.

Solar panels kits are eligible for renewable energy tax rebates and/or other incentive programs for energy efficiency, which can reduce the cost to you as the homeowner.

Choose among different solar panel kits depending on your intended usage and energy needs.

1.  This solar panel kit from Home Depot includes 10 Sunforce 123 Watt panels and a Pro Series inverter with a continuous output of 2500 Watts, and a surge power of 5000 Watts.  Retail cost is nearly $9000.

2.  Amazon.com sells a less expensive ($479) solar panel kit, best suited for recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, workshops, sheds or swimming pools.

3. Finally, DIY solar is made easy with one of the following PV panel kits, which can be used for outdoor excursions (hikes, camping, boating), RVs, or simply for back-up battery charging at home, in a variety of price points ranging from $90-500, all of which are available at Amazon.com:

Brunton SolarFlat Solar Panel

Sunforce 60 Watt Solar Panel

Sunforce 80 Watt Solar Panel

5 Watt/12 Volt Portable Solar Panel

If you consider yourself to be an eco-friendly homeowner, have you thought about solar panel kits?

Solar power is the generation of electricity using solar energy. It consists of a series of chemical reactions, all of which happens in the solar panel. But how do they work?

A guide to solar panels

Photovoltaic solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (or PV) cells, which can be manufactured from a variety of materials; the most popular being crystalline silicon. These cells are produced by over 100 manufacturers across the globe, commercially available in four types. The type of panel appropriate for the customer differs according to their requirements – fortunately this is something the installer is qualified to discuss.

Below are the four main types of photovoltaic cells, along with a brief rundown of how each is made and their unique individual benefits:

Monocrystalline Silicon PV – These are the most commonly used panel types, accounting for approximately 93% of all solar modules sold around the globe. They are incredibly flexible in terms of project size, suitable for both large and smaller scale solar PV systems. This has lead to broad application and use across domestic and commercial installations alike, with some companies offering free solar incentives for using the technology.

Monocrystalline PV cells are produced when highly pure molten silicon forms a crystal, which is then cut into thin slices to comprise the basis of a solar cell. These slices are between 0.2 and 0.3mm thick, that are then cut into a hexagonal shape to optimise the module’s space. Monocrystalline cells are 13-17% efficient, making them the most efficient type of PV cell. They are therefore ideal for optimising smaller roof areas. However, the panels take more time and energy to produce which is reflected in their often high costs.

Solar PV panels on a home

Polycrystalline Silicon PV – Another commonly used panel type, polycrystalline PV cells are also produced from pure molten silicon. However, instead of being formed as a crystal, they are produced using a casting process. The silicon, having already being heated to an extremely high temperature, is cooled under controlled conditions before setting to an irregular multi-crystallised, or ‘polycrystalline’ form.

The silicon is then cut into 0.3mm slices to be used in the panel. Polycrystalline panels have a notable blue appearance, due to the anti-reflective layer which is applied to the cells to increase their efficiency. These cells have an 11-15% efficiency level which, whilst lower than their monocrystalline counterparts, is usually reflected in their cost. They are best used for a larger surface area in order to make the installation less expensive, suitable for both domestic and commercial solar PV systems.

Amorphous Silicon PV – PV cells comprising of amorphous silicon make up 4.2% of global market sales. This particular type of silicon is non-crystalline and therefore formed in an entirely different way to poly and monocrystalline PV. The semi-conductor material required for amorphous silicon is much thinner at only 0.5 – 2.0um thick (1um=0.001mm). The process therefore requires considerably less raw material compared with the production of crystalline silicone.

Amorphous silicon cells are 6-8% efficient, which is lower than crystalline PV cells. Due to this low generation-density, these types of PV cells are not currently suitable for residential installations. Whilst their lower efficiency levels mean that they require a larger surface area, the output is less affected by shading and higher temperatures.

Hybrid PV – Hybrid photovoltaic cells use two different types of technology. The most common type contains a monocrystalline silicon cell coated in an ultra-thin amorphous silicon layer.

Combining the advantages of both crystalline and amorphous PV cells, they perform well at high temperatures whilst maintaining higher efficiencies than conventional silicon cells. They are also more sensitive to lower and indirect light levels, with efficiency levels of often more than 18%. However, whilst they are more cost-effective, they do carry a higher cost.

Which to choose?

Personal circumstances and requirements are key things to consider when choosing solar PV panels. Is the system required for a domestic or business installation? What is the priority – cost or efficiency? When deciding on an installer, it’s always best to ensure that they are reputable and accredited by the Renewable Energy Association and the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. Remember that they are in a position to help find the best panel type for different requirements and should be willing to discuss all available options.

Rooftop solar panels

Rooftop solar power is convenient in large part because it does not take up any property space, using an area of your structure that is probably already exposed to sunlight.  But is YOUR roof the best place to install solar panels?

It turns out that solar roofing is not a one-size-fits-all proposition!

While solar panels can be installed on any roof (with proper space and lack of shading), there are several considerations that will affect cost and efficiency of a solar array.

1.  Roof composition

The material from which your roof is composed will affect installation of a solar panel system.  Generally speaking, it is more expensive to install solar panels on tile or shake roofs because they are delicate and can easily be damaged.  When professional installers walk across the tiles or shingles, they may break or crack.  The additional repair cost and/or insurance may add to the price.

2.  Roof pitch

Very steep roofs also pose a challenge for solar panel installation.  Not only because of the dangerous conditions, but also because special equipment may be required.  On the other hand, flat rooftops require positioning solar panels at the proper angle, which may necessitate additional hardware, increasing the cost.

3.  Roof Age

If you have an older roof that will need replacement soon, that will be part of the consideration for solar panels.  The panels themselves can help extend the life of the areas of the roof they cover, but they are not themselves a replacement for a new roof.  You may want to consider solar power roof tiles, also known as building integrated photovolatics (PV).

Keep in mind that rooftop solar power requires an attachment of the brackets and bolting mounts to your roof before installing rails and panels.  Here are the steps for installing solar panels on your roof.

SunSnap Solar Panels from Sharp

Among the top cited concerns is the cost of solar, whether you purchase an array, or go with a solar panel lease.

Now, you can try out solar power with an affordable, easy to install solar panel product from Sharp.  A single solar panel from its SunSnap line costs only $1,000 and includes built-in a micro-inverter and mounting assembly.   Its named “SunSnap” because you can literally snap the panel into place and connect them to each other.  Each panel is a 235-watt module.

With an affordable price of $1000 for each solar panel, homeowners can add to an array over time, instead of having to invest thousands of dollars up front.  Sharp claims that SunSnap solar panels are easier to install than a new dishwasher!

As of the date of this publication, SunSnap is only available through solar contractors.  However, Sharp will begin selling the solar panels to the public later in 2012.

Installing rooftop solar panels

If you have considered switching to solar power, you’re not alone!

Residential solar panels have been growing in demand over the past several years as prices have fallen, efficiencies have improved and solar rebates and incentives allow significant savings for homeowners.

Before you plan this home improvement project, you probably want to know: how do you install solar panels on a roof?

Traditional photovoltaic (PV) solar panels can be installed professionally, or as a DIY home improvement project.

Rooftop solar panels require brackets for mounting, a solar power inverter, the panels themselves, and the ability to do wiring work within your electrical panel.  Of course, you’ll also need equipment including a ladder, drill, power screwdriver, and the ability to safely hoist solar panels up to your rooftop.

You don’t need to be a certified installer to do it yourself, but if you are hiring a solar installer, make sure that they are licensed and insured!

Before you begin your project, choose an area of your rooftop that receives the most direct sunlight.  Ensure there is no shading from vegetation or adjacent structures.  If necessary, you may need to tilt the panels if the pitch of the roof is too low.

Solar panel mounts must be secured with stainless steel lag bolts bolted through into rooftop rafters.  Here are the steps to install solar panels on a roof:

1.  Locate rafters with a stud finder, then align mounts on top of the rafters.

2.  Use a chalk line or laser sight as you work in a straight line pre-positioning the mounts.

3.  Pre-drill the holes for the roof mounts with a pilot bit.

4.  Secure the mounts onto the roof, using the bolts, then place metal flashing over the mounts.

5.  Next, metal rails must be secured to the posts using stainless steel bolts.

6.  Finally, solar panels are mounted onto the rails.  Multiple panels are connected into an array.

7.  Once the solar panels are installed on the roof, they must be connected via a conduit to a solar inverter.

8.  Now, you can enjoy free solar electricity generated by your residential solar panels!

Smart meters and solar panels are a smart combination

If you have or are installing residential solar panels, you may also want to also have a smart meter.  These devices track the amount of energy that you use from the grid (i.e., non solar electricity), as well as excess solar power you have generated that you do not use, which is fed back into the system.

The meters are called “smart” because they give you credit from the utility company for the power you contribute to the grid – which they end up selling to other customers.  Any electricity you have purchased will have a credit against the bill for the excess solar power generated by your solar panels.

In recent years, smart meters have become “smarter,” allowing homeowners to track periods during which they are drawing on the grid (which can be an incentive to adopt energy saving measures), as well as providing data on the times extra solar electricity is fed into the grid.

While there is no dial on smart meters, as on analog utility devices, people with solar panels can “turn their meters backward,” which is an exciting and rewarding experience.

Some people have erroneously believed that residential solar panels and smart meters are incompatible.  But nothing can be further from the truth!  The two work hand-in-hand helping homeowners save money and reduce carbon emissions.  Other people have unwarranted concerns about EMF radiation or invasions of privacy from use of the meters.

We will prepare a follow-up post to explore the pros and cons of smart meters.

Low-profile solar shingles

While the claim of lowered home values is untrue – its just the opposite, in fact – the appearance of solar panel systems can be improved with solar shingles.  Instead of their bulkier counterparts, new low-profile solar panels can literally blend into your roofing materials.  Also called building integrated photovoltaics, solar power shingles are designed to resemble roofing tiles so that your power generating materials blend right in.

The leader in this new solar technology is Dow Chemical.  For years, we have been hearing about their solar shingles that would soon be available for homeowners.  The promises are finally coming true.

Recently, CNET reported that Dow is now marketing its solar shingles, allowing homeowners to more easily install residential solar panels that have a sleek, unobtrusive appearance.  Solar cells created with Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) are printed onto a steel foil backing.

Colorado was chosen as the testing ground for the new technology, with Dow selling solar shingles in January 2012.  Following the initial roll-out in Colorado, the company will move to California, and then Texas.  Eventually, you will be able to find the low-profile solar panels in 12 states over the next 18 months.

Save Money on Solar Panels

Here’s how you can afford going solar this year:

1.  Lease Solar Panels

Instead of owning the solar array yourself, you enter into a contract with a solar company that will install, own and maintain the installation on your rooftop.  When you lease solar panels, you only pay a fixed monthly cost for the electricity generated by the panels.  Not only is the amount less than what you would otherwise pay your utility company, but it is green energy (help save the environment) and you guard against utility rate hikes during the life of your lease (20-30 years).

2.  Negotiate a Group Discount

We’ve blogged about solar panel group buying services such as those provided by One Block Off the Grid (1BOG).  Enter your zipcode at the website and they will let you know if other homeowners in your area are also considering going solar.  Then, 1BOG will negotiate a group discount for all those interested, which can save you 20% off retail.

3.  Look into Financing for Solar Panels

Solar panels are considered to be a good investment, not only by homeowners, but also by various contractors, financial institutions and banks that offer financing for solar arrays and home equity loans for energy efficiency projects, at discounted interest rates.

4.  Tax Credits and Incentives

This one is practically a no-brainer.  Solar tax credits, rebates and incentives are offered in every state, as well as the federal government.  The federal tax credit allows up to 30% of solar panel installation costs.  Coupled with state or local rebates, you can save as much as 80% off the cost of solar power.

5.  Solar Renewable Energy Credit

Most states in the U.S. allow homeowners to add onto the power bill savings they enjoy each month with solar panels through Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC).  The program works by giving financial credit for each megawatt-hour of electricity generated by the owner’s residential solar power system.  Depending on the individual state’s program, SRECs are basically a financial instrument, sold to utilities or solar energy markets.  People with home solar panels can expect credits of $200-700 a year, which is a nice bonus to lower power bills!

Residential solar panel installation

Solar power is picking up across the United States with more and more people installing solar panels for energy independence and to reduce their carbon footprint.

Although residents of any state can find bargains and incentives on solar arrays, the top 5 states for residential solar panel installations (as of the date of this post) include:

• California
• Arizona
• New Jersey
• Colorado
• Pennsylvania

According to a SEIA/GTM Research report, these five states offered very favorable markets for residential solar installations in 2010.  As a result, they represent the greatest megawatts of solar electricity capacity installed.

The State of California boasted nearly 128 MW of capacity from residential solar panel installations in 2010.  The remaining states on the top 5 list had a range of 14-28 MW of installed solar power that year.

So what were the driving forces that encouraged so many people in these states to install residential solar panels?

First, homeowners are able to go solar without the upfront costs with a solar panel lease – where the system is owned and maintained by a solar manufacturer – or a solar power purchase agreement (PPA), in which a homeowner contracts to buy solar power at a competitive fixed rate over for 10-20 years.

These financing options are provided by companies including, but not limited to Sungevity, SolarCity, SunRun and SunPower. In 2010, as many as 30% or more of residential solar systems were installed with a lease or PPA in states where these financing options were readily available.

Second, these states offered generous, aggressive incentives to install residential solar panels.  Investment in solar by homeowners is encouraged with rebates, tax incentives and SREC programs. Each of the top five states provides at least one of these options.

Bottom line, the top 5 states for residential solar panel installations have programs and incentives that reduce (or eliminate) the upfront cost of switching to solar power.  Over time, homeowners save significant money in utility bills and gain security against rising utility costs.  Of course, solar power is cleaner than fossil-fuel based electricity.

Hopefully, more states will join these five in increasing solar capacity in 2012.

How to remove snow from solar panels

While it may not seem like winter yet across much of North America, you should still know how to remove snow from solar panels when Old Man Winter finally arrives.

Snow-covered solar panels are less efficient because they are obscured from sunlight. Removing snow from solar panels must be done carefully so as to avoid damaging your investment.

Here are 8 ways to do so:

1. Sweep or Rake Snow from Solar Panels. This method works best with dry, powdery snow.  Heavy, wet snow is more difficult to remove.  With a ladder to reach your rooftop, use a push broom to carefully move snow from the panels.  You can also invest in a roof rake at RoofRake.Com.

2. Install your Solar Panels on racks at a 35-degree angle. Angling the position of your solar panels will not only help you maximize efficiency, but can also help keep snow off your solar array.  With a greater tilt, snow will more easily slide off, instead of accumulating.

3. Melt snow with blowing air. Some creative homeowners remove snow from solar panels using a leaf blower with PVC pipes or plastic air hoses.  Warm air directed at or under the solar panels can melt the snow, or simply blow the snow away (again, this works best if it is dry, light snow) with such a system.

A broom or rake can be used to remove snow from solar panels

4. Use a soft ball to break up accumulations. Have your kids help you remove snow from your solar panels!  By tossing a Nerf ball, or other soft non-damaging ball at the panels, you can break up accumulations and speed up the melting process.

5. Try an ice melt sock. This is a DIY snow removal system tat requires using calcium chloride in a sock, which is placed at the top of your solar panels.  The chemicals accelerate snow melt.

6. Use Heat tape. Some homeowners have had success removing snow from solar panels using heat tape applied to the sides and top of the rooftop array.

7. Spray off Snow with a Garden Hose.  If the temps are above freezing, one of the simplest solutions is to spray the snow off your solar panels with a garden hose.  Quick, safe and effective!

8.  Set up a tarp before the storm. With advance forecasting, you can set up your solar panels to allow for easy snow removal by covering them with a tarp.  With a pulley system, you can then simply pull the tarp down, removing all the snow in one easy step.