solar energy, radiation from the Sun capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions, or generating electricity. The total amount of solar energy incident on Earth is vastly in excess of the world’s current and anticipated energy requirements. If suitably harnessed, this highly diffused source has the potential to satisfy all future energy needs. In the 21st century solar energy is expected to become increasingly attractive as a renewable energy source because of its inexhaustible supply and its nonpolluting character, in stark contrast to the finite fossil fuels coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
The are many advantages of solar energy, and another one is job creation. Large part of the cost associated with solar systems comes from the installation of the panels.
ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY
Solar energy has the least negative impact on the environment compared to any other energy source.
COST SAVING
Generating your own electricity means that you will be using less from the utility supplier.
Solar Energy
Solar energy is energy supplied by the sun. This particular energy is in the form of solar radiation, making the generation of solar electricity feasible.
Electricity could be generated straight from photovoltaic, PV, cells. These cells are produced from materials that has a “photovoltaic effect”. Direct sunlight strikes the PV cell, the photons of light excite the electrons on the cell and make them flow, producing usable energy.
Small PV cells could provide power to watches, calculators, as well as other small electronics. Arrangements of numerous solar cells in PV panels and arrangements of numerous PV panels in PV arrays could generate electrical power to light a whole home. A few PV power plants include huge arrays which cover numerous acres to generate electrical power for thousands of houses.
Why Choose Solar
Solar energy is a renewable power source. In other words, we simply cannot be depleted of solar power.
Solar energy can be acquired anywhere in the world. Not just the countries which are closest to the Equator could use solar power.
There aren’t any moving parts involved with the majority of applications of solar power. There isn’t any noise caused by photovoltaics.
Most of today’s solar power systems don’t need plenty of maintenance. Solar power systems often only need cleaning a few times each year.
The entire world is currently enveloped in the Covid-19 pandemic and now is actually the perfect time to start using solar energy. This is due to the fact that once the pandemic is over, the demand for solar energy would surely skyrocket since more people would strive to become prepared for disasters. With that said, we will now dive into the top 8 reasons why you should definitely look into solar energy.
Firstly, due to the pandemic and major job losses around the world, more people are looking at ways at reducing their monthly expenditure. Electricity and power is certainly one expense that is typically quite high. However, by using solar energy for your home’s electric needs you’ll be able to drastically cut those expenses.
The great thing about solar energy is that it is completely natural and only dependent on sunlight. As a result, it can give you a greater sense of control and predictability. This is especially necessary in current times where many utility companies are increasing their rates.
This leads to our next point where you’ll have peace of mind when it comes to your family and home. This is especially true if you have limited income but still want to ensure your family and home has all of the modern comforts. After all, we do live in the technology age and technology is completely dependent on access to electricity.
Solar energy is green energy and by working with local solar energy companies, you’d be supporting local businesses. This is definitely something everyone should strive to do since small businesses are the most affected by this pandemic. When you support a small business, you’re helping to support local families and there is nothing more fulfilling than that.
By converting your home over to solar energy, you’ll be making an investment that will truly last. By having a solar energy system installed in your home, it would actually increase your home’s value. This is actually one of the best and safest types of investments that you can make on your home. This small change can increase the value of your home by 4.1% which is nothing to sneeze at!
When you make this seemingly small change, you’d be helping to fight against climate change. The world truly needs to move away from fossil fuels and use more renewable sources of energy. Solar energy is one of the best options and the more people that convert their homes to solar energy, the more of a difference we can all make. This will certainly have a ripple effect where the will be less pollution, smoke and CO2 emissions in the environment which will lead to a healthier world for ourselves and the future generations.
There are many solar companies that are currently offering specials and discounts on their solar systems. Therefore, now is definitely the time to take full advantage of these specials so that you can get your system installed for the lowest price possible. If you have access to your stimulus check, then you can use that money to install a solar system in your home that will save you thousands of dollars per year for the rest of your life.
Lastly, most states offer some type of tax credit when you install a solar system in your home. You can currently enjoy a 22% Federal Tax Credit in 2021. However, you should definitely strive to get the solar system installed this year since the tax credit will be reduced to 0% in 2022.
To wrap things up, we have just looked at the top 8 reasons why you should install a solar system in your home during the pandemic. It will not only hugely benefit your finances but the entire world.
https://www.thesolarfuture.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Covid-19-Pandemic-Top-8-Reasons-To-Go-Solar-During-The-Covid-19-Pandemic.jpg486864SF-adminhttps://www.thesolarfuture.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Solar-Future-Final-Black.pngSF-admin2021-04-20 15:53:232022-05-09 15:06:40Top 8 Reasons To Go Solar During The Covid-19 Pandemic
Recent reports suggest that the cost of renewable energy sources such as wind power and solar power has fallen below the cost of traditional energy sources such as coal. However, one of the biggest problems with harnessing solar power is storage. The solar cells can only produce electricity during the daytime and that power needs to be stored somewhere in order for it to be used in times of need.
This is where the Tesla Power Wall comes in. You must have heard of Tesla, the electric car company. It is the company that is spearheading the race for electric vehicles and it is the biggest electric vehicle maker in the world today. In 2015, the company announced Tesla Power Wall which is a battery for the home.
In simple terms, it is a rechargeable lithium ion battery similar to the batteries you have in your mobile phones that can be recharged hundreds of times. This rechargeable lithium ion battery can be hooked up to solar panels or the electric grid in order to be charged. In other words, think of the Tesla power wall battery as a huge mobile phone battery that hangs off the wall.
Once the battery is fully charged, it is capable of feeding the energy back into the electric grid in case there is an excess or just store the energy in order for you to use it at a later date. Currently, the battery is available in two variants, 7 kWh and 10 kWh.
For a regular home, the 7 kWh battery should suffice. The company claims that it will charge during off-peak hours and the stored energy can be consumed during peak hours. The bigger battery is aimed at bigger homes as well as businesses. In case you have a bigger requirement, you can always buy multiple batteries and hook them up together in order to meet your needs.
The company claims to have sold thousands of these units to homeowners all around the world. As far as the cost is concerned, you will need to check online in order to figure out the cost of this battery in your location. You will also need to pay for the installation of the battery and that will add to the cost. In order to calculate whether investing in this battery makes financial sense for you, you will need to calculate the cost of energy in your location and then compare it with the savings you will make by investing in this rechargeable lithium ion battery.
One of the biggest advantages of this particular battery is that this is guaranteed by the company for 10 years which means you won’t need to replace the battery for a period of at least 10 years. Therefore, when you are calculating your costs, you need to take into account the fact that you are making an investment for 10 years. Most estimates available online suggest that owners should be able to breakeven in around five years. However, your breakeven point will depend on the cost of energy in your area.
There are also some concerns by prospective buyers whether this battery pack will look good in their home. It is a very well-designed unit that just hangs off the wall and looks great. So, you do not need to worry about the looks of this battery packs.
Overall, the Tesla power wall batteries work like just any other battery. The biggest difference is that these batteries are guaranteed for a period of 10 years which makes them financially viable for most households and hopefully, spark a rise in the number of solar power installations.
https://www.thesolarfuture.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/tesla-powerwall-battery-mounted-outside.jpg440728SF-adminhttps://www.thesolarfuture.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Solar-Future-Final-Black.pngSF-admin2017-12-06 06:22:302022-05-09 15:07:38This Is The Way Tesla Power Walls Work
Are you thinking about going green and using solar energy to power your home? Well, you might choose to hire a solar contractor who can install the relevant solar panels and get your home connected to the grid. However, it’s quite costly to do so and solar power leasing or a solar power PPA ( Purchase Power Agreement ) is yet another alternative you should consider. The initial cost of installation is considerably lower thus making the whole endeavor affordable.
What Is Solar Power Leasing And How Does It Work?
Here, you can lease solar panels and generate electricity for your home. Solar power leasing programs might differ depending on the provider but they are similar in a few ways. First, you should contact a solar leasing program provider. You can always find a list of providers online. Next, the provider will visit your home and determine if you meet the qualifications for the program. A few things will be evaluated during this stage including sun exposure, access issues and roof angle.
If your home meets all the qualifications for solar power leasing, the provider will collect a deposit and request your signature on an agreement for about 10 or 20 years. In some cases, if there are some solar incentives, you might not need to pay any deposit upfront. There are some solar leasing programs where you can get effortless transition to a new homeowner if you decide to move.
Next, the solar power provider will hire an installer but will still oversee the entire installation process. Note that, the provider is also responsible for managing the maintenance issues as well as the warranty while the contract is valid. They are responsible for collecting any tax breaks and utility incentives on the solar power installation. Once the installation is completed, you should start enjoying the benefits of reduced electricity bills in a while.
The solar power provider is already providing electricity at a considerably lower rate. Note that, the power rates negotiated with the solar power provider remain the same for the entire life of the contract. Therefore, if and when the utility rates start increasing, you will enjoy the same rates and actually save more every month on your electricity needs. On the other hand, it’s one of the best ways to generate clean and renewable energy.
There are some qualifications you must meet in order to fit the solar leasing program. First, you should live in a state that provides solar incentives. You can always research online to find out if your area qualifies for these incentives. Secondly, the state must be serviced by a major utility program with a program in place without it being municipal or local. Your house must have a huge space on the roof without any obstructions and actually faces south.
Currently, there are various companies that lease solar panels in the country. You can always find these online and fill out the application requesting an estimate of the leasing program. You can also contact your local utility provider or a solar contractor in your area to find the best referrals any of these leasing programs.
These solar leasing programs have become quite popular for many reasons. First, installing solar power is quite expensive since it involves buying solar panels and installing them on your roof. Secondly, you can save a lot of money on your utilities every end of the month. Therefore, if you’re tired of spending too much money on your lighting and heating bills, solar power leasing is the best way to go. You should find a good company and get prepared to get electricity in your home for the most affordable rates.
https://www.thesolarfuture.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/solar-panels-installation.jpg6671000SF-adminhttps://www.thesolarfuture.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Solar-Future-Final-Black.pngSF-admin2017-12-03 02:44:432022-05-09 15:08:12How Does Solar Power Leasing Work
Solar energy is supplied by the sun in the form of solar radiation, making it possible to generate electicity from solar energy. Electricity is generated from PV cells (photovoltaic cells) produced from materials with a photovoltaic effect. When direct sunlight hits a PV cell, photons of light excite the cell’s electrons, causing them to flow and produce usable energy. Numerous solar cells arranged in numerous PV panels could generate enough electricity to power an entire home. And some solar power plants containing huge PV arrays covering several acres can generate electrical energy for thousands of homes.
The Black River Park Solar Project SA
A solar PV power plant situated on the roof of the Black River Office Park in Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa, is the very first of its kind to supply the electrical distribution system in Cape Town with solar generated electric power. The office park is leading the commercial real estate sector by producing the first sustainable and eco-friendly electric power for its own use as well as the City of Cape Town’s electrical power grid by making use of large-scale solar power systems situated on the roof of the building.
The 1.2MW solar power project is the biggest roof-mounted integrated photovoltaic plant in Africa and one of the biggest in the world, capable of producing slightly less than two million kilowatt hours of power each year from its 5,500 modules.
How Can Black River Park Office Park Supply Additional Electricity Into Cape Town’s Grid?
The solar panels on the roof of the complex covers an area of 11,000 m2, the equivalent of 2 full size football fields. During peak usage periods, the solar panels are able to supply 20% – 30% of the office park’s own usage and are also capable of supplying a limited amount of additional power directly into the electrical power grid, which allows an offset in the monthly electricity records of the city. This additional electricity is supplied to the grid during low peak periods during the week when the electric load of the office park is decreased and on weekends.
In addition to supplying Cape Town with additional electricity, it is hoped that the Black River Park Project will help to promote the green economy of the city by raising the demand for solar panel usage as well as other sustainable energy sources. An increased demand for solar panel systems can also help to generate jobs in the solar panel industry.
Cape Town City has been recognized on a global level as being at the forefront of green pursuits and the Black River Park Project is one of many steps on the way to turning the City of Cape Town into a sustainable city and developing more sustainable ways to deal with important issues facing the environment.
The Benefits of Solar Power
– As a renewable power source solar power can never be depleted.
– The abundance of solar power is beyond imagination. The earth receives approximately 120,000 terawatts of solar radiation from the sun – 20,000 times more energy than is required to supply the entire world with electrical power.
– Solar power is an unlimited, renewable power source that is sustainable, meaning that the energy needs of the present can be fulfilled without compromising the power needs of future generations.
– Harnessing power from the sun is good for the environment as the process does not cause any pollution. Although there are certain emissions involved in the production, transportation, and installation of the systems, it is nothing compared to pollution from traditional energy sources.
– Solar power is available anywhere in the world and not confined to countries that are closest to the equator.
– Apart from saving money on buying electricity from the grid by making use of solar power, householders are now able to get credits by “selling” additional energy back to the grid when they generate more than they require. FIT (Feed in Tariff) schemes and net metering will make it possible for householders to minimize their electricity costs.
– Solar energy can be used for numerous applications such as supplying power to areas with no grid connection, distilling water in Africa, or providing power to space satellites.
How Can Locals in Cape Town Save on Electricity Tariffs?
Cape Town has set a goal of sourcing 10% of its electrical power from alternative energy resources by the year 2020. The city is working on discovering a solution which will enable local users to send excess power back to the municipal electricity grid and have it offset on their electricity tariff. This will be made possible by using their own SSEG (Small Scale Embedded Generator) with an advanced bi-directional structure and credit meter. The system will be set up by the City Council at the user’s own expense to bring the electricity supply into suitable SSEG tariffs.
https://www.thesolarfuture.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/617337a4b2ee4785b2d8eac20f198a91.jpg350625SF-adminhttps://www.thesolarfuture.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Solar-Future-Final-Black.pngSF-admin2017-12-03 02:25:432022-05-09 15:08:52The Black River Park Solar Power Project In Cape Town South Africa
If you are thinking about getting solar panels, you should know a little bit about how they work. Most people understand that they are able to generate electricity by simply being exposed to the sun. If you have seen solar panels installed, they are typically facing south in order to absorb as much sunlight as possible. However, there is a very specific reason that they work which has to do with how sunlight interacts with certain metals that can generate the electricity. There are several types of solar panels, some of which are much more efficient. You will pay more for those, but over time, they will pay for themselves many times over. Let’s look at the way that solar panels work so that you can understand which ones you should consider purchasing for your home or business.
How Solar Panels Work
Solar panels are made of what are called photovoltaic cells. The material in the photovoltaic cells is called a material called crystalline silicon. You will probably heard of the material silicon before. It is what makes computers work because of the silicon based computer chips that are able to process and transfer information. The difference between computer chips and photovoltaic cells is that sunlight is able to interact with the electrons around the atoms of the silicon crystals. When exposed to sunlight, some of the electrons are knocked free, causing the electricity to flow. It is a natural process, indicative of this material and its crystalline structure. There are different types of silicon crystals, many of which are extremely efficient at producing electrical current.
How Solar Cells Are Made
Crystalline silicon is processed into wafer thin strips. They are all placed together on a solar panel. They are connected by electrical wires so that when the electricity is produced, it can travel into a battery. This energy is stored in the batteries and is also used in households where AC current is used to power all of the devices that we have today. The more efficient the silicon crystals, the more energy will be produced. There are solar panels which include those that are made of a more for silicon, cadmium, copper, and other materials. This leads to the creation of three different types of solar panels. Mono-crystalline solar panels are the most efficient. They are made of crystalline silicon that is extremely pure. This simply means that the crystalline structure does not have a substantial amount of impurities which are developed as it is naturally produced in the ground. The other two types include polycrystalline solar panels and amorphous solar panels. Most people choose to get the monocrystalline, even though they are sold at a much higher cost. As mentioned before, this extra cost that you will pay will be offset by the amount of electricity that will be produced. Over a period of several years, you will not only pay for the solar panels with the savings that you will have on your electric bill, but you may actually produce enough to sell your electricity back to the electric companies.
How Are Solar Panels Installed And Connected?
These are typically connected through what is called a series circuit. This is a wire that delivers the current in one direction. There is going to be a positive terminal which represents the very first solar panel in the circuit. The negative terminal refers to all subsequent solar panels that are connected. They are going to be rated at 5 A and 12 V in most cases. This energy is then sent in series to the batteries. Your electrical outlets and other electrical components in your house will be able to access this electricity so that everything can operate as normal. You will likely have a substantial amount of electricity stored if you are using these during the summer. This is because of the increased amounts of direct sunlight that you will get at most latitudes, with the exception of equatorial installations which receive the same amount of light throughout the year.
Once these are hooked up, you will be able to generate a substantial amount of electricity. You may even want to upgrade to a much larger solar panel array. You will see these outside of businesses, or you will see them on the rooftops of large corporations. The more solar panels that they have, the more energy that can be produced. This is one of the best ways to generate electricity that exist today. It’s even better than windmills that are very popular. They take up less space, and because of how efficient they are at producing electricity, they are a primary focus for homeowners and business owners today.
https://www.thesolarfuture.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Photovoltaik_Dachanlage_Hannover_-_Schwarze_Heide_-_1_MW.jpg7981200SF-adminhttps://www.thesolarfuture.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Solar-Future-Final-Black.pngSF-admin2017-12-03 01:42:572022-05-09 15:09:50How Exactly Do Solar Panels Work?
Cape Town – A solar-powered producing plant on the roof of the office park around Observatory, Cape Town, is becoming the very first of its type to supply electrical power into Cape Town’s distribution system.
Black River Park, located just off Liesbeek Parkway in Observatory, is in the lead in the commercial real estatesector by using large-scale solar power systems to produce eco-friendly and sustainable power, for itself as well as the City’s electrical power grid.
The 1.2MW Black River Park Solar Project is likewise the biggest roof-mounted integrated PV (photovoltaic) plant around Africa and among the biggest on earth, based on the builders, who declare it’s capable of producing slightly below 2 million kilowatt hours each year coming from its 5 500 modules.
How Can They Supply Additional Electricity Into The Grid?
Black River Park’s solar panels cover up a space of 11 000 m2 (approximately 2 entire sized rugby fields), which makes it the second biggest rooftop solar series around Africa. They could cover 20 – 30% of their own usage demands on peak electricity usage periods. Ever since signing the very first small-scale embedded electricity generation contract along with the City of Cape Town, they’re now also capable to supply a limited quantity of additional electricity back to the city’s electrical power grid. Also, this allows an offset from the City’s monthly electricity records.
Additional electricity is given back to the grid during weekends and on low peak periods, for instance; if the office park’s electrical load is decreased.
Other than supplying additional electricity, it’s hopeful that Black River Park can help promote the city’s green economy by raising the demand for solar panel systems as well as other sources of sustainable energy. This could also help generate jobs on this industry.
The City of Cape Town has been recognized in the global level to be in the forefront green pursuits, as well as the Black River Park project is among the steps on the way to developing a sustainable city which deals with the issues facing the environment.
How Do Locals Save In Electricity Tariffs?
The City of Cape Town has develop a goal of sourcing 10% of its electrical power coming from alternative energy resources by 2020. The City is now operating a project to discover a solution which enables users to feed power back to the grid and get an offset on their own electricity tariff while doing this.
Locals can now offset a few of their own electricity charges by giving additional power into the grid via their very own Small-scale Embedded Generator (SSEG). In order to supply electricity to the municipal electricity grid, users must have a bi-directional advanced meter structure credit meter set up by the City at their own expense and bring their electricity supply in the suitable SSEG tariff.
https://www.thesolarfuture.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_5464-1.webp525820SF-adminhttps://www.thesolarfuture.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Solar-Future-Final-Black.pngSF-admin2017-11-25 14:06:042022-05-09 15:11:25Black River Park Solar System
Lots of people are aware of Robben Island because of its reputation being the prison which held numerous high-profile political prisoners like Ahmed Kathrada,Walter Sisulu as well as Nelson Mandela. Throughout the years, the island also has been a leper nest as well as a host location of WW2 garrisons. The island, hence, includes a rich political past – one that attracts the many hundreds of visitors to its shores every day.
Aside from the historical value, Robben island also is a biodiversity hotspot, with a number of bird species getting refuge and mating grounds over the rocky shoreline. The African jackass penguin – an endangered bird discovered only around the southern region coastline of Africa – also calls the region its home.
Energy to Robben Island has traditionally been provided by diesel generators. In order to fulfil the power needs of the island, about 600 000 litres of diesel were being used on a yearly basis – at great expense to the island’s management, and at great expense to the vulnerable natural environment on the island.
The solar microgrid was commissioned by the National Department of Tourism to help encourage sustainable tourism in important monuments all around South Africa, as an integral part of their Tourism Incentive Programme. The microgrid, that includes a 666.4 kW solar farm, 837 kW powerstore as well as several controllers, will shift the island far from its reliance upon diesel generators as well as toward the eco friendly resource of the sun.
The World Heritage status of the island made it an extremely delicate location to execute construction, and environmental and political factors resulted in the location for the PV farm was cautiously selected. SOLA staff needed to also be dispatched for training to take care of penguins, snakes as well as wildlife and the way to deal with archaeological items that could be found underground.
What makes solar microgrid great?
A blend of tourism, desalination plant as well as local site implies that Robben Island utilizes more than 2 Million kWh of electrical power each year. The solar microgrid includes a number of elements which will generate nearly 1Million kWh of electricity yearly, considerably minimizing expenses of purchasing diesel, ferrying it towards the island and using it up for electricity production.
The solar microgrid utilizes the most plentiful resource in the island – the sun – and switches this energy easily into electrical power, that could be utilized for operations. When combined, the battery system stores all extra power generated by the sun, to be used in the evening or during cloudy days. In case the two battery system as well as the sun are low, the smart microgrid controllers activate the diesel generators to start up, making certain that the island do not ever encounters power shortages or blackouts.
The mix of solar and batteries, an innovative move, is the important part of the return on investment for the island. The solar microgrid will make sure that the island decreases its fossil fuel usage significantly, by almost 250 000 litres of diesel per year. It will cause a decrease in the Island’s carbon emissions by around 820 tons, and also a great financial saving. The system can last more than twenty years.
https://www.thesolarfuture.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Solar-02.png6941259SF-adminhttps://www.thesolarfuture.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Solar-Future-Final-Black.pngSF-admin2017-11-25 09:22:472022-05-09 15:12:18Robben Island Solar Power Grid
Top 8 Reasons To Go Solar During The Covid-19 Pandemic
The entire world is currently enveloped in the Covid-19 pandemic and now is actually the perfect time to start using solar energy. This is due to the fact that once the pandemic is over, the demand for solar energy would surely skyrocket since more people would strive to become prepared for disasters. With that said, we will now dive into the top 8 reasons why you should definitely look into solar energy.
Firstly, due to the pandemic and major job losses around the world, more people are looking at ways at reducing their monthly expenditure. Electricity and power is certainly one expense that is typically quite high. However, by using solar energy for your home’s electric needs you’ll be able to drastically cut those expenses.
The great thing about solar energy is that it is completely natural and only dependent on sunlight. As a result, it can give you a greater sense of control and predictability. This is especially necessary in current times where many utility companies are increasing their rates.
This leads to our next point where you’ll have peace of mind when it comes to your family and home. This is especially true if you have limited income but still want to ensure your family and home has all of the modern comforts. After all, we do live in the technology age and technology is completely dependent on access to electricity.
Solar energy is green energy and by working with local solar energy companies, you’d be supporting local businesses. This is definitely something everyone should strive to do since small businesses are the most affected by this pandemic. When you support a small business, you’re helping to support local families and there is nothing more fulfilling than that. Read More
This Is The Way Tesla Power Walls Work
Recent reports suggest that the cost of renewable energy sources such as wind power and solar power has fallen below the cost of traditional energy sources such as coal. However, one of the biggest problems with harnessing solar power is storage. The solar cells can only produce electricity during the daytime and that power needs to be stored somewhere in order for it to be used in times of need.
This is where the Tesla Power Wall comes in. You must have heard of Tesla, the electric car company. It is the company that is spearheading the race for electric vehicles and it is the biggest electric vehicle maker in the world today. In 2015, the company announced Tesla Power Wall which is a battery for the home.
In simple terms, it is a rechargeable lithium ion battery similar to the batteries you have in your mobile phones that can be recharged hundreds of times. This rechargeable lithium ion battery can be hooked up to solar panels or the electric grid in order to be charged. In other words, think of the Tesla power wall battery as a huge mobile phone battery that hangs off the wall.
Once the battery is fully charged, it is capable of feeding the energy back into the electric grid in case there is an excess or just store the energy in order for you to use it at a later date. Currently, the battery is available in two variants, 7 kWh and 10 kWh.
For a regular home, the 7 kWh battery should suffice. The company claims that it will charge during off-peak hours and the stored energy can be consumed during peak hours. The bigger battery is aimed at bigger homes as well as businesses. In case you have a bigger requirement, you can always buy multiple batteries and hook them up together in order to meet your needs. Read More
How Does Solar Power Leasing Work
Are you thinking about going green and using solar energy to power your home? Well, you might choose to hire a solar contractor who can install the relevant solar panels and get your home connected to the grid. However, it’s quite costly to do so and solar power leasing or a solar power PPA ( Purchase Power Agreement ) is yet another alternative you should consider. The initial cost of installation is considerably lower thus making the whole endeavor affordable.
What Is Solar Power Leasing And How Does It Work?
Here, you can lease solar panels and generate electricity for your home. Solar power leasing programs might differ depending on the provider but they are similar in a few ways. First, you should contact a solar leasing program provider. You can always find a list of providers online. Next, the provider will visit your home and determine if you meet the qualifications for the program. A few things will be evaluated during this stage including sun exposure, access issues and roof angle.
If your home meets all the qualifications for solar power leasing, the provider will collect a deposit and request your signature on an agreement for about 10 or 20 years. In some cases, if there are some solar incentives, you might not need to pay any deposit upfront. There are some solar leasing programs where you can get effortless transition to a new homeowner if you decide to move.
Next, the solar power provider will hire an installer but will still oversee the entire installation process. Note that, the provider is also responsible for managing the maintenance issues as well as the warranty while the contract is valid. They are responsible for collecting any tax breaks and utility incentives on the solar power installation. Once the installation is completed, you should start enjoying the benefits of reduced electricity bills in a while. Read More
