How government influences the use of solar power
Government programs and policies have a significant impact on many areas of our lives. Taxes on “sins” such as alcohol, cigarettes and soda aim to curb our use. On the other hand, rebates and other incentive programs encourage people to invest in new technologies with the help of government funding.
Politics and solar power is a tenuous marriage. After the Solyndra loan debacle in 2011, many are wary of government-backed investment in allegedly “unproven” energy sources. Yet, there are many programs in the solar industry that are quietly celebrating success. And there is more on the horizon.
California’s Million Solar Roofs initiative has driven installations in the state to levels that would not have otherwise been achieved. Similarly, Colorado and New Jersey, are enjoying an upswing in solar power reliance, both at the local/distributed generation level, and via utility scale solar power plants. Perhaps most importantly, utilities and consumers are now working together via grid-connected smart metering and more.
Government is doing its part to encourage more solar power by requiring utilities to generate a percentage of their electricity with renewables (so called renewable portfolio standards). Green jobs programs also reward both employers and employees. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loan programs allow consumers to install solar panels with no money down and then pay off the costs via incremental increases in local property taxes.
As fossil fuel prices rise and concerns of peak oil continue, we’ll see more governmental policies and other political influence with respect to solar power – via taxes, rebates, loans, and other political programs.
Do you think that politics and solar power should mix? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Tags: government solar programs, politics solar power, solar power policies, solar power policy, solar power politics
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.
Tags: residential solar panels, smart meters, solar and smart meters, solar arrays, solar panels
Among the most cited reasons that homeowners are wary of installing solar panels on their rooftops are their appearance. Traditional photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are large, rectangular, blue-colored devices that some say decrease home values (one of the main complaints of homeowners associations that prohibit or restrict solar arrays).
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.
Tags: dow solar shingles, low profile solar panels, residential solar panels, solar panel shingles, solar panels for homes, solar shingles
Solar LED lighting benefits
Solar powered LED lighting is increasingly being used for street lights, residential lighting and even safety lights for construction, schools and other uses.
There are several reasons that people are making the switch to solar LED lighting, because of its benefits:
1. LED lights use DC (Direct Current) Power
When solar electricity is generated by panels, it is in the form of direct current (DC), rather than alternating current (AC) which is what you get when you plug into an electrical outlet. Solar LED lights are especially efficient, compared to CFL or other lamps used in solar lighting because they do not require a converter. This is because LED lights use DC power, which is the same as that which is generated by solar panels. Any other type of lighting requires a converter before running on solar power, which results in a loss of energy.
2. LED Lights Have Better Light Output
For solar lighting, use of LED lights have better light output. They also can be used along the entire lighting spectrum, from bright blue-white to a soft warm glow. Of course, LED lights come in clear (white) and colored lamps, which allow for creative applications ranging from holiday lights to solar garden lighting projects.
3. LED Lights are Brighter and More Visible
This is my favorite feature of LED lights! Not only are they brighter, which makes them more visible, even in daylight or foggy conditions, but they use less energy to burn so effectively (and efficiency). Bright white LEDs have a superior CRI (color rendition index) for better illumination than traditional light bulbs.
4. LED Lights Use Less Energy
Solar LED lighting is a perfect fit because solar panels can easily generate enough power for their illumination. Compared to CFLs, LEDs use 1/3 less power, and even less the energy required for incandescent lamps. Because they are brighter and require less power, fewer LED street lights are required for the same amount of coverage, and municipalities and private property owners save money over time.
5. LED Lights Last Longer
Solar panels last at least 25 years, so it only makes sense to use them with LED lights, as opposed to other types of lamps. LEDs have at least a 10-year life expectancy, which is at least double that of halide or CFLs. Solar LED lighting is a great example of install it and forget it when it comes to street lamps and other long-term light requirements.
Tags: LED lighting, led lights, solar led lights, solar lighting, solar power lights
Any one that is a fan of portable solar power gadgets will love the idea of solar powered cell phones! Manufacturers like Nokia are working to perfect the functioning of embedded solar panels within mobile phones to allow for on-the-go charging via sunlight.
Nokia Solar Powered Cell Phone
In fact, Nokia has been testing solar charging panels in its C1-02 devices in various settings around the world, from the Baltic Sea, to the plains in Africa and even deep in a Swedish forest. What the cell phone manufacturer discovered was that the effectiveness of solar powered cell phones has less to do with location, than how they are used. While solar panels are just being researched right now, you could possibly see a solar powered Nokia T-Mobile cell phone in the future, once the technology is perfected.
“Our test users proved beyond doubt that a low power mobile phone can stay functioning for long periods of time on solar energy. However, they also proved that your lifestyle and how you use a solar powered phone is as important as the environment, the weather and the time of year.”
The bottom line is that solar powered cell phones are more effective for people that use their phones infrequently and allow them to absorb sunlight over extended periods of time. In addition, cell phones with solar panels may be most practical in sunny regions, particularly those in remote areas not reached by the grid.
Research and development continues. As solar cells become more efficient in converting UV light to energy, we could soon see solar mobile phones that are practical for many uses in more and more areas of the world.
Tags: cell phone solar panels, solar cell phones, solar mobile phones, solar panels cell phones, solar powered cell phones
How affordable is solar power in your state?
The price of solar energy is not the same across the United States. Among other things, state incentives for solar, localized costs, and marketplace competition varies. The amount you can save by switching to solar power also depends on the price of grid-based electricity, in terms of kilowatt hours. States with expensive electricity – New York and California – may indirectly encourage homeowners to go solar to slash utility bills.
Top 20 States for Cheap Solar Power
By installing residential solar panels, you can expect to cut energy bills by 50% or more.
If you are wondering which are the states with the cheapest solar power, take a look at the list of the top 20, based on the Q3 2010 report from U.S. Solar Market Insight (published by the Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research), shown to the left.
Colorado tops the list of states for cheap solar power with an average installed price of $5.90 per watt. In last place is Wisconsin, with solar PV installations costing $7.55 per watt.
In the middle of the list are solar powerhouse states, including California and New Jersey, with $6.71 and $6.75 per watt. In New York, homeowners pay an average of $7.10 per watt for solar power.
If your state does not show up on the list of the top 20 states with the cheapest solar power, don’t take that as an indication solar is an unwise investment. In fact, its just the opposite!
Prices for solar panels are continuing to fall, while efficiencies increase. Grid parity – the point at which solar power is no more expensive than fossil-fuel based electricity has already arrived in Hawaii and is on the near horizon in other states, too.
By installing solar panels, you can immediately start saving on your utility bills and guard against future utility rate hikes. This is the case in these top 20 states, and the remaining 30 in the nation!
Tags: cheap solar power, cheapest solar power, cost solar panels, cost solar power, inexpensive solar power, solar panels, solar power
Many homeowners who are considering – or want to consider – installing solar panels are concerned most about the upfront cost of such a project. Fortunately, there are many ways you can save money on solar panels today. You don’t have to pay full retail price, or even put money down in some cases.
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!
Tags: home solar, home solar panels, residential solar, residential solar panels, save money on solar panels, save money solar
Spray on solar cells
Spray on solar cells are one of the more exciting solar technologies that can be employed as building integrated photovoltaics.
Thin film solar is incorporated into solar inks that can literally be painted onto walls and windows of structures allowing the sides of buildings to function as solar collectors to generate enough electricity to power interior uses.
Unlike bulky photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, spray on solar cells use thin film nano particles instead of silicon as solar conductors.
Applied to the sides of structures that face the sun, the thin solar cells invisibly generate clean, green power.
Spray on solar is not limited to buildings, either. Thin film solar technology is also used in clothing, and may one day be incorporated into automobile paint.
Advantages of Spray on Solar Cells
- More efficient than conventional solar panels
- Capable of generating ample electricity
- Hassle-free installation of solar technology
- Able to harness even infrared rays from the sun, allowing generation of solar power even on cloudy days
Tags: solar power, solar research and development, solar technology, spray on solar, spray on solar cells, spray on solar cells advantages, spray on solar panels
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.
Tags: home solar power, residential solar, residential solar panel, solar panel installation, top 5 states for residential solar
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.
Tags: remove snow solar panels, removing snow from solar panels, snow covered solar panels, snow solar panels, solar panels snow
