If you’ve already started your solar journey, it doesn’t have to end at that initial installation – as solar continues to evolve, so can your opportunities as a homeowner. Whether your motive for going solar is to save on utility bills, reduce your reliance on the grid or if it’s to leave a greener footprint on the planet, that step to go solar has a significant movement towards a sustainable resilient future.  

If you’re happy with your current system but you want more – here are a few options on how you can expand and why you should do so.  

• Adding more panels 
• Upgrading your current panels  
• Installing battery storage 

Additional Panels/ Panel Upgrade 

Before you add additional solar panels, you need to consider whether you need them. If you’re still paying a good amount for electricity and plan to use more electricity in the future, then an expansion might be a good option.  

The next thing you need to consider before an expansion is whether it is even possible. Though you may want an expansion, do you have the roof space available for it? Does your service panel have the space for it? Before you start your expansion, begin with a trusted installer so they can determine if you have the roof space and if it’s enough for additional panels. They can also check your service panel for you to determine if there’s room. Your service panel may have a limit on how many more panels you can tie into it.  

Solar is evolving and new technology is released, depending on how old your current system is, you may have to figure out if you can find your matching solar panels and inverters. If you have an existing string inverter, you will have to find a match to the solar panels from your original installation. If you’re having no luck finding matching panels, you can still do an expansion by creating a separate system but with a new inverter. Installing a new inverter may sound scary, but if you’ve had your inverter for 10-plus years, most likely, you’re going to have to update it soon anyway. While you’re replacing that old inverter, you can expand your current system and choose a larger inverter system.  

If your existing system isn’t performing how you’d like and it’s not meeting your electricity needs, it may be the right time for an upgrade. If your electricity consumption is no longer keeping up with your system and is generating less power than you need, replacing your existing panels with newer panels that will increase your growing energy demands and that are more efficient might be a good choice. The same thing applies to your electricity bills – if you notice an increasing bill, this might be because your current systems not proving enough power. Another indicator that you should consider an upgrade is if you notice that your inverter is having performance issues and errors. A couple of things to look out for are flickering lights or a lack of capacity. The last thing to consider before doing an upgrades and adding more panels is your electric panel capacity. Work with your solar installer to understand if your electric service will be able to handle the addition of more solar capacity.  

Battery Storage 

If you’re looking to increase your energy independence but you’re not sure about getting additional panels or maybe you don’t have the roof space, a battery backup system is a good idea. Battery solutions give you the freedom to reduce your reliance on the grid, control your energy consumption and protect your home during a power outage. All with power generated by the sun. Solar batteries can ensure you have power in the event of a grid outage, and they can increase the amount of solar energy your home consumes by storing the energy your solar system produces for future use at night when the sun’s not shining. When you have a battery bank, you can charge during low-rate periods when the demand for electricity is lower and discharge during the more expensive rate periods when the electricity demand is higher. 

When first installed your system and you knew you wanted a battery backup system, eventually, your inverter may already be ready for installation. Other options for you if you if didn’t think of a battery in the near future are a DC-coupled system or an AC-coupled system. If you choose a DC coupled system, your current inverter system will need to be replaced with one that works with a battery and solar system – these are hybrid inverter systems. A DC coupled system works by the power your solar produces, that power is used to charge the battery, the power is then passed through your new inverter which converts the power into AC. The other option is an AC coupled system. This system will use your current inverter as well as an additional inverter to charge your battery. From there, your current inverter and your added inverter will send power to your battery as you produce more and more electricity.  

Expanding Your Solar Energy System  

In conclusion, the journey into solar power doesn’t have to conclude with the initial installation. It’s a dynamic and evolving landscape, offering ongoing opportunities for homeowners to enhance their sustainability efforts, reduce reliance on the grid, and reap greater benefits from their investment. Whether you’re considering expanding your current system with additional panels, upgrading existing ones, or integrating battery storage solutions, the potential for growth is substantial. 

Expanding your solar capacity can be a strategic move, especially if you’re experiencing increased energy needs or aiming to further reduce utility costs. However, it’s essential to assess feasibility by consulting with trusted installers to determine roof space availability and compatibility with existing infrastructure. With advancements in technology, options abound, from matching existing components to creating separate systems with newer inverters. 

Moreover, the integration of battery storage presents a compelling opportunity to bolster energy independence and resilience. Beyond providing backup power during outages, batteries enable homeowners to optimize energy consumption, store surplus energy for later use, and take advantage of fluctuating electricity rates. 

Reach out to Kokosing Solar -weather we were your initial installer or not – to learn more about expanding your solar energy system.  

Whether it’s through additional panels, upgrades, or battery storage, expanding your solar setup is a strategic investment in a sustainable, resilient future.  

On April 8th, 2024, many Ohioans will have the opportunity to witness a rare celestial event – a solar eclipse! You won’t want to miss it – the next total solar eclipse in Ohio isn’t expected until 2099!  

What is a Solar Eclipse?  

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes directly between the sun and the earth. This casts a big shadow on the earths surface. 

Here in Ohio, an approximately 124 mile strip of land will be totally covered in shadow for only a few minutes on April 8th. Other parts of Ohio bordering this shadow will experience partial shadow, where the moon will only partially obscure the sun, there will be a partial shadow and partial darkness.  

Why is a solar eclipse rare?  

A total solar eclipse is rare because the “path of totality” is a very narrow path on earth, and only lasts for a few minutes, making it a fleeting occurrence.  

The last total solar eclipse in Ohio happened over 200 years ago – in 1806.  

What should I expect for my solar array?  

Your solar array will not have any sunlight to absorb during the solar eclipse.  

As the moon passes across the sky and obscures the sun partially at first, and then fully, you can expect to see your solar production drop to zero, and return as light returns.  

Total Eclipse: if your home is located in the path of totality, where the sun will be completely obscured, your solar production will drop to about nighttime levels for the period of totality, which will last about 10 minutes.  

Partial Eclipse: if your home is located in an area experiencing a partial eclipse, the solar production dip will be proportionate to the amount that the sun is obscured. If the sun is 60% blocked, you can expect about a 60% drop in production during the solar eclipse.  

We are requesting that our clients send us screenshots of their solar production after the eclipse so we can share with everyone what this type of phenomenon looks like in terms of solar production!  

What is the timing of the Solar Eclipse in Ohio?  

The total solar eclipse will take place on April 8th between 3:08 – 3:19 PM.  

Some Ohio Cities along the path and when the eclipse will begin: 

• Hamilton: 3:09, lasting 1 minute, 42 seconds  
• Dayton: 3:09 lasting 2 minutes, 34 seconds  
• Delaware: 3:11 lasting 2 minutes, 35 seconds  
• Dublin: 3:11lasting 1 minute, 23 seconds  
• Toldeo: 3:12 lasting 1 minute, 53 seconds 
• Akron: 3:14 lasting 2 minutes, 43 seconds  
• Cuyahoga Falls: 3:13 lasting 2 minutes, 56 seconds  
• Cleveland: 3:13 lasting 3 minutes, 49 seconds 

How Should I Practice Safety During the Solar Eclipse?  

Your Eyes: As you know, it’s unsafe to look directly at the sun unless you have eye protection designed for solar viewing.  

Even viewing part of the sun through cameras, binoculars, telescopes or sunglasses that don’t have a solar filter is not advised.  

Special Solar eclipse glasses are necessary to help filter out the harmful ultraviolet and infrared light from the sun, you can purchase these special solar eclipse glasses at your local stores or can be ordered online.  

The American Astrological Society has a list of recommended vendors who supply specialty solar viewing glasses.  

Traveling: People are excited about viewing the solar eclipse and will be traveling from miles around to the “path of totality.” With all these people packing into a124-mile band to witness this epic celestial event, traffic experts are expecting the roads to be busy. So always take caution, be patient and practice safety while driving to your viewing destination!  

Ohio Eclipse Events: 

Thousands of events are being planned in Ohio for this event. From NASA’s event in Cleveland to 48 of the country’s fairgrounds. Some places hosting events include Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Sun Watch Village in Dayton, Shelby County Fairgrounds, Sidney and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cuyahoga Valley national Park, and many more!  

Check out these links for events happening near you! 

 2024 Total Eclipse Map — The Eclipse Company 

Solar Eclipse Camping Guide 2024: 100 Best Campgrounds | Hipcamp 

2024 Solar Eclipse Path and Where to Camp – Campspot 

Do you think that you may have been approached by a door to door solar sales scam?

Knocks on the door often hold the promise of adventure or connection. A friend inviting you to go for a walk or a neighbor dropping off a borrowed tool…  

Sometimes that knock is a salesperson – who enchants you with exciting products and enticing offers. However, behind those offers lurk those who seek to exploit your trust for their gain.  

In the world of solar, door-to-door solar sales have become all too common in our communities. In an age where technology makes designing and selling solar quickly – procuring loans even faster, and crazy deals that only last an hour – protecting oneself against deceptive tactics is paramount.  

A recent TIME Magazine article: “How Solar Sales Bros Threaten the Green Energy Transition,” brought light to the dark side of solar – the world of the door to door solar sales scam. 

In this blog, we tackle a few points on how Kokosing Solar works differently from some of the companies mentioned in the article.  

No Certification Process 

The biggest problem we can identify in our industry is that there is no barrier of entry to get into solar sales.  

Most door-to-door solar salespeople are 1099 contracted employees (protecting the solar company they represent from themselves – a liability) with very little training.  

We encourage you to go with a full turnkey solar partner – one whose salespeople and installation technicians are all employed by the same outfit.  

Here at Kokosing Solar, from sales to installation, you’re always working with one partner under one roof. This eliminates potential conflicting agendas (saves you money) and inefficient organizational redundancy. 

How to Avoid Door to Door Solar Sales Scams

Third-Party Certifications  

In the absence of a formal certification process, third-party certifications speak volumes about the experience and reputation of a solar company.  

Start with Better Business Bureau and Google. These testimonials and stories are usually great snapshots of the true customer experience.  

Here in Ohio, we’re proud to have helped initiate and to be listed on SolarEthics.Org – in partnership with Green Energy Ohio. 

We’re also founding members of the Amicus Solar Cooperative. Amicus Solar is a member-owned purchasing cooperative of 80 elite, highly knowledgeable, value-driven solar industry veterans who innovate, collaborate, and work together to set higher standards for the solar industry. 

Education, Consultation and Trust-Building 

Sometimes when you’re making a large purchase – you just have a feeling.  

Trust your gut.  

Our sales team is consultative and will give you an education about solar energy that you’ll be thankful for. Whether or not you go solar with us, you’ll be grateful for the wisdom we imparted along the way.  

Part of that is trust building. Our goal is to build lasting partnerships that generate referrals from our happy customers to keep us in business for the long haul. 

The Solar Door-to-Door Solar Scam Environment 

Unfortunately, there is no shortage of stories from homeowners who have been wronged by door-knock scams and deceptive solar salespeople.  

Let us be clear: we are not those people. And we’re doing what we can along the way to help consumers make the right purchasing decisions when they decide it’s time to go solar!  

What are Solar Energy Facts in 2023? Well, the solar energy industry is preparing for rapid growth as we enter a new year.  

In 2023, the year began with economic uncertainty and supply chain issues still holding over from the Covid-19 pandemic. These hang-ups dampened solar growth in the first half of the year, however, according to a press release published by the Solar Energy Industries Association, The U.S. solar industry expects to add a record 33 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity in 2023, a 52% increase from 2022.  

And that number is expected to climb in the years ahead!  

The bright future that is expected for the solar energy industry is largely due to the historic clean energy legislation included in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed in 2022.   

In the first year that the IRA has been in action, the historic clean energy legislation has already helped homeowners go solar more easily, buy electric vehicles, and electrify their homes. Also, we’ve seen businesses and manufacturers make investments in clean energy, investments that are truly moving the needle on electrifying our grid and reducing carbon emissions.  

 Solar Energy Facts 2023

Here’s a look at the growth of clean energy in 2023 alone:  

• In 2023, we saw $100 Billion in new private-sector investments in solar and energy storage  
• 51 Solar manufacturing facilities have been built or expanded here in the United States since the passing of the IRA. We saw big announcements from our partners at Enphase, Silfab and Qcell, just to name a few.  
• 155 Gigawatts of total new solar manufacturing capacity across the solar supply chain was announced. These announcements include: 
• 85 GW of solar module capacity 
• 43 GW of solar cells 
• 20 GW of silicon ingots and wafers 
• 7 GW of inverter capacity 

Here are key IRA benefits for homeowners: 

• 30% Federal investment tax credit for solar panels and solar battery storage through 2032.  
• Tax credits on electric vehicle purchases 
• Tax credits on home electrification projects and energy efficiency upgrades  

Whether or not you take advantage of these tax incentives, you will still benefit! Across the United States, people are taking advantage of these benefits and collectively are contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gasses that are contributing to climate change. And as a nation, we’ll all benefit from that.  

The IRA also has a big focus on job creation. As we see more solar and storage manufacturing and solar installations take place here in the United States, we’ll see more and more good paying jobs in the renewable energy industry.  

Finally, by taking advantage of tax credits for greener alternatives, people, in the long run, will have the opportunity to lower their monthly expenses (for things like transportation, electricity, heating, and cooling). So, practically, the IRA provides relief to people by reducing their monthly bills.  

Here are key IRA benefits for businesses and organizations rolled out in 2023: 

The IRA includes multiple opportunities for businesses and organizations to receive tax benefit “Bonuses” above and beyond the base 30% federal tax credit. In 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was busy developing and releasing guidance for who is eligible for these bonuses.  

• The Energy Communities Tax Credit Bonus is an additional 10% adder and applies to businesses, organizations, and non-profits that are located in eligible areas. 
• The Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit proves an additional 10% – 20% bonus for qualified projects.  
• The Domestic Content Bonus is an additional 10% tax credit bonus for projects that meet requirements tied to using equipment that are coming into production thanks to the United States based production investments listed above.  

The Outlook for Solar Energy Looking Forward  

• Over the next 10 years, the IRA will lead to 48% more solar deployment than would otherwise be expected under a no-IRA scenario. 
• By 2033, the U.S. will have installed 669 GW of total solar capacity, more than 4 times the amount installed today. 
• By 2031, solar energy will produce more electricity each year than all U.S. coal-fired power plants in 2022. 
• The solar industry’s annual CO2 emissions offsets will increase from 169 million metric tons (MMT) today to more than 459 MMT by 2033. 
• 10 years from now, there will be enough solar power installed to power every home east of the Mississippi. 

Facts provided by the Solar Energy Industries Association. 

Emissions Reduction Impacts  

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the IRA in combination with previous policies will help drive 2030 greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 2005 levels. Moreover, with additional expected policy at the local, state and private sector levels – the U.S. is positioned to reach 50 – 52% greenhouse gas emissions below 2005 levels in 2030.  

Analysis of U.S. Energy Policies in Reducing Emissions and Improving the Economy  

The IRA isn’t the only piece of United States policy that is impacting the solar energy industry. In conjunction with the IRA, the partner bill, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Together, according to the DOE, these bills are positioned to:  

• Save American families up to $38 billion on electricity bills 
• Reduce U.S. net greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 
• Strengthen U.S. energy security by reducing net crude oil imports by nearly 60% 
• Reduce industrial and manufacturing emissions up to 40% below 2005 levels 
• Double the share of American electricity generated by clean sources to 80% 
• Accelerate the electrification of the American vehicle fleet 

While these prospects are exciting, these bills are intended to jumpstart long-term emission reductions through sparking investments. Together, states, local governments, private industries, the federal government, and all Americans will need to work together to ensure progress towards the nation’s 2050 net-zero emission goals!  

Read more from The Solar Energy Industries Association about Solar Energy Facts in 2023 and the impacts of the IRA.

Installing solar on a new home is a fantastic decision for sustainability and to secure long-term savings right from the start. While there is a lot of information available online for installing solar on existing homes, there is less written about what to know about solar for new homes. There are many benefits to designing your new home with solar in mind and installing solar as part of your new home build process.  

Plan For Solar Early  

What to know about solar for new homes? Adding solar to your new home build plans is the first step you can take during your home’s design phase. This allows for integrated installation. When building a new home, you will plan the orientation of your home, where chimneys and vents are located, where shading obstructions like tall trees will be relative to your solar installation. These are all good things to think about.  

Ideally, a south facing roof works best for solar and east and west facing roofs work well too, with as few obstructions as possible.  

Here are detailed suggestions for designing your new home to be solar ready: 

• Position your home with solar in mind:  A south-facing roof is ideal for solar panels to capture the most sun.  
• Roof angle: A roof pitched between 30 and 45 degrees is ideal for solar in Ohio. 
• Roof truss: spacing of 4 feet or less. 
• Roof Material: We can mount panels on most roofs except slate and clay shingle.  
• Conduit run: of 250 feet or less for solar electric lines. 
• Built-in metal conduit: from the attic to a location near the electrical service panel— typically 1-inch conduit. 
• Large service disconnect as a point of connection for solar. 
• Minimize roof obstructions: Keep solar panels in mind when designing where to put vents and other roof attachments, like dormers and chimneys. 
• Load Bearing of the roof: Make sure that your roof will be able to bear the additional weight of a solar energy system. 
• Consider landscaping: For solar to work well, sunlight needs direct access to your roof.  
• Don’t install a utility meterbase disconnect. 

Determine Your Energy Needs  

Residential solar energy systems are designed to produce the equivalent amount of energy that the home typically uses.   

Because your home is new, you will have to make some estimations to calculate how much energy your home will use every year. Factors included in this estimate include house size, number of people in the home, and appliances.  

Work with a solar consultant who has tools to help you dial in the estimates for your home’s annual energy use.  

Select a Trusted Solar Partner 

In addition to working with you to determine your necessary solar energy system size, a good solar partner will also work with you to select the best equipment for your home. Because solar is a long-term investment, choosing quality, tier 1 solar equipment suppliers is in your best interest.  

These equipment suppliers typically have high-quality products and, due to their longevity in the solar industry – and will still be in business 20 years down the road when and if a part needs to be warrantied.  

Find a checklist for choosing a trusted solar installer on the last page of our “Guide To Going Solar” which you can download here.  

Financial Incentives and Cost Considerations  

The primary incentive for installing solar at your home, the Federal Investment Tax Credit, will remain at 30% until 2032. There have been big rushes in the past as the tax credit was on a step-down schedule. That won’t be the case again for a few years.  

Your solar installation partner will use your solar system size, current utility provider rates and will build a payback model to help you understand what the payback period for the solar installation will be.  

Planning how you will pay for the solar addition to your new home build project is also critical.  

If you’re not planning to pay in cash, you could roll the solar project into an existing loan or use one of the lenders your solar installation partners with.  

Solar for New Homes: New Homes Should All be Solar Powered  

Installing solar panels on your new home is a proactive step toward sustainability and financial independence.  

By carefully planning and integrating solar during the construction phase, you’re not just investing in energy; you’re investing in a brighter, cleaner future for your family and your home.  

Remember, each decision made during this process contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of your solar system.  

We hope these tips have been helpful. When you have an idea of the major appliances in your home, your heating and cooling plans, and a mockup of your roof that includes vents and chimneys, reach out and we’ll start designing a solar array for your new home.  

We look forward to working with you!  

What to do when your Solar Company Goes Out of Business

Discovering that your solar installation company has gone out of business can be distressing for any solar system owner. But don’t fear; we have you covered! In this blog post, we’ve covered the essential next steps to take if you find out your solar installer has closed their doors. We’ll guide you through the necessary steps to take when faced with a solar company closure. From understanding your solar equipment warranties to securing reliable maintenance and support, we’ll provide you with practical advice and expert insights.  

As your premier solar installer in Ohio, we at Kokosing Solar are here to guide you on your journey to harnessing the power of the sun. With a commitment to sustainability and a passion for renewable energy, we’re dedicated to helping Ohio homeowners and businesses make the switch to clean, efficient solar power. 

What’s the Deal with Solar Companies Going Out of Business?

Over the years, we’ve seen the closure of a few national and Ohio-based solar companies. Pink Energy, Power Home Solar, Sigora Solar, and Solar is Freedom, to name a few. Solar companies go out of business for many reasons, but it mostly comes back to unsustainable business practices.  Whether it’s subcontracting installations to unknown and untrained installers causing an influx of problematic systems or bad reviews when customers find out that the system they were promised isn’t working the way it was sold, bad business practices lead to short wins and long-term problems for emergent solar installation companies.  

Maintaining Your Solar Investment

The fact that you’re thinking ahead is a good sign. Below are some tips and next steps to take if your solar installation company has gone out of business.  

1. Seek Local Assistance – most importantly, reach out to a local solar expert who has the capacity to take you on as a client, in case you need repairs or maintenance for your solar system. Ensure that this company has sustainable business practices an employs installation technicians that are well-trained in servicing solar systems.   
2. Solar System Monitoring – If your solar company offered monitoring services for your system, look into doing it yourself. Reach out to the brand listed on your solar system’s inverter. These brands often offer free and easy to use apps that can help you track the performance of your solar panels and alert you to any issues. Proper monitoring is important for you to identify and address issues promptly, ensuring your system continues to operate efficiently. 
3. Contact Your Utility Company – Your utility company can help you if you have questions about net metering, billing or other concerns that relate to solar production as it’s reflected on your electricity bill.  
4. Consider an Expansion or Upgrade – If your solar panels are no longer covered by warranties and require significant repairs, it might be a good time to explore upgrades or expansions. The latest solar technologies are more efficient and cost-effective. By working with a reputable solar company, you can not only address existing issues but also improve the overall performance of your solar system. 

Again, the most important thing you can do is find a solar installation company who you can work with into the future. Maintaining a relationship with a solar company that will be there for you ensures that your investment in solar energy will remain a sustainable, cost saving and efficient unit at your home.   

Do you live in Ohio?  

At Kokosing Solar, we have a dedicated service team that lives and works in Ohio. Reach out if you would like to establish a service relationship with us.  

We understand the concerns that come with a solar company going out of business. Unfortunately, it’s all too common that we get calls from distressed homeowners whose systems weren’t installed properly and need to be serviced.  

“Being a Good Member of the Community” is one of our core values, and sustainability is woven into our business model. We see our service department as a big part of the way that we demonstrate that value. 

Our business strategy is to provide high quality installation and great customer service that generate referrals and lead to more business – brought to us by our happy customers.  

We are committed to providing reliable and professional solar services to our clients.

If you find yourself in this situation, we’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss your solar system needs, whether it’s maintenance, repairs, or upgrading to the latest solar technologies. 

Don’t let the unexpected closure of your solar provider leave you in the dark – we hope these tips will help you navigate this challenging situation with a little more ease and ensure that your solar energy system continues to bring you happiness on your solar journey!