Over the next 30 years, this 15.39kW solar array is expected to offset the homeowners annual energy by 110 percent. in greenhouse emissions, the systems savings is equivalent to saving 11 tons of coal, 2,026 trees planted or driving a car 195,711 miles.
Over the next 30 years, this 16.8kW solar array is expected to offset the homeowners annual energy by 113 percent. in greenhouse emissions, the systems savings is equivalent to saving 12 tons of coal, 2,389 trees planted or driving a car 230,767 miles.
Over the next 30 years, this 25.20kWÂ solar array is expected to offset the homeowners annual energy by 53 percent. in greenhouse emissions, the systems savings is equivalent to saving 8 tons of coal, 1,567 trees planted or driving a car 151,402 miles.
Over the next 30 years, this 13.0kW solar array is expected to offset the homeowners annual energy by 117 percent. in greenhouse emissions, the systems savings is equivalent to saving 10 tons of coal, 1,958 trees planted or driving a car 189,103 miles.
Over the next 30 years, this 17.22kW solar array is expected to offset the homeowners annual energy by 129 percent. in greenhouse emissions, the systems savings is equivalent to saving 13 tons of coal, 2,582 trees planted or driving a car 249,402 miles.
Over the next 30 years, this 11.34kW solar array is expected to offset the homeowners annual energy by 103 percent. in greenhouse emissions, the systems savings is equivalent to saving 10 tons of coal, 1,911 trees planted or driving a car 184,581 miles.
Over the next 30 years, this 14.28kW solar array is expected to offset the homeowners annual energy by 61 percent. in greenhouse emissions, the systems savings is equivalent to saving 11 tons of coal, 2,189 trees planted or driving a car 211,403 miles.
Over the next 30 years, this 20.16 kW solar array is expected to offset the homeowners annual energy by 77 percent. in greenhouse emissions, the systems savings is equivalent to saving 17 tons of coal, 3,317 trees planted or driving a car 320,429 miles.
Over the next 30 years, this 20.58kW solar array is expected to offset the homeowners annual energy by 83 percent. in greenhouse emissions, the systems savings is equivalent to saving 16 tons of coal, 3,110 trees planted or driving a car 300,367 miles.
Over the next 30 years, this 18.9kWÂ solar array is expected to offset the homeowners annual energy by 92 percent. in greenhouse emissions, the systems savings is equivalent to saving 12 tons of coal, 2,255 trees planted or driving a car 217,841 miles.
When most people think of solar energy, they think of sunny skies and warm temperatures. There is a common misconception that this is the only time that solar energy can be functional and at its best. Solar panels can generate electricity year-round, no matter what the temperature or season. Solar panels are meant to capture sunlight and convert electricity, but their efficiency can change significantly with the seasons. Understanding these changes is important for optimizing energy production.
Solar during the winter season
Interestingly, cold temperatures tend to improve solar panel production. Cold temperatures can increase the efficiency of the panel’s photovoltaic cells, allowing them to generate more electricity than in the scorching summer heat.
Although the cold temperature works in Solar’s favor, the shorter days do not. These shorter days mean fewer hours of sunlight during the winter season. This will limit the time your solar panels take to generate electricity, which means losing an opportunity for your panels to obtain usable energy.
Winter can also mean a lot of cloudy days, which can reduce your solar panel’s output. Clouds can block direct sunlight, decreasing your energy generation. Another thing that can block direct sunlight is snow, though this won’t impact production unless heavy snow accumulates. A light snowfall will have little to no effect on production as the panels are designed in a way that snow would slide off.
Solar during the Spring Season
As we move into spring, our days become longer, making for increased solar exposure and energy production. Another thing that comes along with spring is spring cleaning, although solar panels are generally self-cleaning, spring is a good time for cleaning and checking for any damage.
Spring also offers mild temperatures which will help minimize your panel’s efficiency and with the longer days and the movement into summer, households will start using more energy, making your panels more beneficial.
Solar during the Summer season
Solar has its peak production during the summer, summer has the longest days and the highest sun angle than other seasons, making for increased solar energy production. The Summer season brings clearer, sunny days, meaning fewer clouds to block the sun, this is ideal for solar panel production. Summer is also when energy bills are at their peak. Homes are using more electricity and increasing their consumption. Solar panels can help offset this increased demand, reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering your electricity cost.
Solar during the Fall Season
Just like the winter season, Fall brings cooler temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and increased cloud coverage. In the fall, the sun’s angle changes making the sun lower in the sky compared to the summer months. This can affect the efficiency of your panels and how much sunlight they are able to capture. Ensuring your panels are mounted at an optimal angle to capture more of the sun’s rays can help maximize energy production during the fall, this is why choosing a trustworthy installer is important.
In conclusion, solar panels can be highly effective throughout the whole year. Each season brings its own set of challenges and advantages. Sunny warmer weather may seem like the optimal time for solar but it is important to know that solar panels will perform well in various conditions.
Understanding how solar panels will respond to the seasonal change will allow you to optimize your energy production and take full advantage of this renewable energy source, all year around. By choosing a trustworthy installer, solar will continue to provide a sustainable, cost-saving benefit throughout every season.
In the long run, inspecting your roof and seeing if you need to replace it will save you the hassle of having to replace it after your solar has already been installed – this will also save you from the cost of other potential damages.
Why is your roof so important?
Although there are other places around your home where solar can be installed, like the ground or carports. However, the majority of the time, solar is installed on your roof.
What many homeowners don’t realize is that there is more that goes into a roof than tiles and shingles. A standard roof consists of a roof truss, decking, insulation, ice and water barrier, underlayment, wood frame, and shingles or tiles. A lot more than you probably thought.
With just one of these many layers damaged, it puts a strain on your entire system. Making it a bad idea for solar installation. if this is the case, you may need a roof replacement.
Identifying roof damage
One of the easiest things to identify in a damaged roof is loose or broken tiles.
This is something that Is eventually going to happen to your roof, it’s just normal wear and tear with age. When a roof component breaks down, it exposes parts of your roof to potential water damage, additionally, standing water can cause further damage.
A roof is designed to shunt water off of its surface so if you notice any standing water on your roof, this probably means that something on your roof isn’t properly working. Punctures and cracks are another type of damage that can occur, this can happen with any type of trauma or force to your roof.
Lastly, structural damage. This only happens on rare occasions. This change in your roof structure can lead to a collapse, putting you and your family at risk.
Why roof age matters
By Installing solar panels on an older roof, your cost will increase. If you go ahead with the installation, you’ll likely have to pay the contractor, even more, to remove the panels later on. The average life span for a roof is about 20 years old, this doesn’t mean push it to the limit and install solar on your 20-year-old roof. Solar panels should never be installed on a roof that is older than 15 years old, some signs to look for in an aging roof is:
Curling shingles
Missing shingles
Rotting roof
Excessive growth on the roof
Streaks and decolorization
Since the solar panel lifespan will outweigh your roof, the most ideal situation is to install a new roof prior to installation.
Benefits of Roof Replacement
Replacing your roof means improving your solar panel security. When you get things like high winds and natural disasters – this is where the newly replaced roof will come in handy. Your roof is responsible for protecting your panels, so installing on an older roof is just setting your solar system up for failure. Newly replaced roofs can withstand storms and other movement much better than older, worn-down roofs.
With today’s new roofing materials and designs, it can increase the energy efficiency of your home. The current shingles on the market outperform older materials and designs by keeping your home dry, repelling heat, and withsanding harsh weather conditions.
A new roof that repels heat can help prevent excess heat from reaching your HVAC system. Having extra heat on your HVAC puts a lot of stress on your PV device. Installing a new roof will help you meet your residential energy demands and limit how much you rely on your grid, essentially saving you money over time.
Stability is important when it comes to your roof and its safety. You’ll need a stable roof due to the weight of solar panels. Additionally, having that new roof can withstand excess weight, and prevent leaks, mold, and pests.
Roof replacement vs repairing
Make sure you’re truly in need of a full replacement rather than a repair. if your roof is younger than 15 years old and is in good condition, you might only need a minor repair. However, if your roof is nearing the 20-25-year mark and requires a significant repair, consider a full replacement. A replacement can be costly but it will increase your home’s value and prepare you for a successful solar installation.
In conclusion, your roof Is a very important part of your home especially if you want solar. Roof replacement is not only good for the production of your PV panels but for your and your family’s safety as well. Be sure to identify any damage that your roof may have before considering installing solar. Consider the age of your roof before piling on all of the weight that comes with solar installation. A roof replacement can be very beneficial to your home and solar system. Before jumping right into a full replacement, be sure to check out if you just need a replacement. This can end up saving you a lot of money.
Solar energy works with the grid, using solar panels to generate electricity from sunlight and sending excess back to the utility grid.Â
Grid-tied solar energy systems are the most common type of solar panel system: these systems connect directly to the utility grid and you can operate with or without battery backup equipment.
With the National Electric Code, a grid-tied solar system has to turn off every time the grid goes down.Â
Even with solar panels, you aren’t guaranteed power during a grid outage. However, if you combine your system with battery storage, you can use your stored energy during an outage
Grid-Tied Solar and Off-Grid Solar
A grid-tied solar system means your property connects to your local power company’s line, allowing you to use solar energy to offset your electricity bill, while still relying on the company’s service. Â
A grid-tied system is a great way to reduce your electric bill.Â
An off-grid solar system is a self-contained energy system that independently produces and stores electricity from the sun, it uses solar panels to generate power – this power is transferred to a battery by a charger controller.
Can Kokosing Solar take me off-grid?
Unfortunately, Kokosing Solar can’t take you completely off-grid, but we can get you close.Â
At this time Kokosing Solar does our best work installing full turnkey, grid-interactive solar energy systems. We do not install off-grid systems and do not recommend them if you are already connected to the grid. Off-grid systems are a whole different type of engineering and installation.Â
You need to carefully engineer the solar system and battery bank to ensure they are large enough to fully support your loads at all times and in all seasons. Off-grid systems also require a generator to keep the batteries charged when the sun can’t, either at night or in the winter when there is less sun. With off-grid, you can expect your generator to run a lot. You also need to manage your loads carefully and avoid running multiple high-demand appliances, like the dryer, dishwasher, and TV, at the same time.
A grid-tied system provides energy from the solar panels during peak sunlight hours, the rest of the electricity will come from the grid. An off-grid system has no access to the grid, limiting your energy storage and production capabilities. Â
A grid-tied system with a battery backup will offer self-reliance on days when the grid is down, at nighttime, and on days with little sunlight.
Although more expensive, a solar battery system can help you through outages.Â
Solar panels alone won’t work during a grid outage. But, paired with batteries, they will. When you pair batteries with a solar system, solar panels send the electricity they produce to your house, the grid, or a storage device.Â
Grid-connected systems with and without energy storage
A pro that comes with having a grid-connected solar system is the cost savings. You can potentially save money by spending less on power and less dependency on the grid.Â
A grid-connected system is a reliable power supply. By generating your own electricity, you can reduce your reliance on the utility grid, which can lead to lower energy bills. A grid-connected system is reliable and provides continuous power, as long as the grid is up and running.
In conclusion, grid-tied solar systems are a cost-effective way to lower utility bills, but they don’t provide power during an outage.Â
If this is essential to you, adding battery backup to your grid-tied system is an option. If you seek complete independence, an off-grid solution is your best fit.
If you’re getting ready to build your new home, this is a great opportunity and time to install solar! By installing solar on your newly built home, you’re not only saving yourself from more construction later on, but you’re also taking advantage of the environmental and financial benefits that solar brings!
Why installing solar is a great idea when building a new homeÂ
You will be able to design your house to be perfect for solar. While building your home with the intention of installing solar, you will already have that PV system in mind. By installing solar during the construction stage, you’re saving yourself from any issues that could occur later on.
You can literally design your home so that it gets the most solar electricity production possible. Of course, your new home doesn’t have to revolve around solar, but if you are considering solar, wouldn’t you want a home that can produce energy easily?
Some things to consider when building a new home with solar in mind
Roof orientation: The ideal roof orientation for solar panels is a south-facing roof with an angle between 30 and 45 degrees.
Layout: stay away from things that could cause shading on your panels, like vents, chimneys, and dormers. Shade can negatively impact how much electricity you are receiving.
Roof bearing: Solar panels are heavy; make sure your roof can withstand the additional weight.
Building your new home, saving money, and helping the environment
One of the biggest reasons to install solar while you are building your home is that it saves you money. Although the initial solar installation is expensive, the amount of money you save on electricity bills will make the initial price worth it by paying for itself over time.
While saving money is great, helping the environment is even better! Going solar reduces the reliance on fossil fuels. Like fossil fuels, solar does not affect climate change; it’s a renewable energy source. Fossil fuels also produce harmful emissions, while solar energy produces clean energy that is great for the planet!
If you configure your solar system with solar energy storage, solar can provide you with power during times of bad weather and power outages. With solar batteries, as long as you still have sunlight hitting your roof, those lights will come back on.
So, you’re building a new home with a new roof. How would you feel if you were able to have extra protection on that new roof? With solar, you can! When solar is installed, it is attached to mounting rails, not the actual roof surface; these rails are what hold up and support your solar panels. The rails are connected to shingles to help avoid leakage. These rails give your roof extra protection against storms and anything else that might damage it.
In conclusion, when building a new home, it’s a great time to install solar to save money, reduce environmental impact, and increase property value. By designing your new home with solar in mind, you can ensure optimal solar electricity production. Additionally, solar panels are heavy, so ensure your roof can withstand the additional weight. In addition to saving money, installing solar reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and harmful emissions. Solar is also a renewable energy source that doesn’t affect climate change and produces clean energy that benefits the planet.
Strategies for keeping energy low in the summer months
As we get into summer months and the temperature rises so does your energy consumption, often leading to higher electric bills and greater environmental impact. Lucky for us, we can manage our usage with different strategies for keeping energy low in the summer months.
Here are just a few ways you can lower your energy usage while still staying cool in the summer heat.
 Home Cooling Efficiency
 Energy- Efficient Appliances
 Technology
 Renewable Energy Options
Optimizing Air Conditioning in the summer monthsÂ
First, and probably the most obvious strategy for optimizing your AC is increasing your temperature when you’re away. By doing this you can reduce your bill significantly. You can even consider installing a programable thermostat which allows you to schedule these adjustments. By doing this you can ensure that your home is cool when you’re there and reduced while you’re away.
Next, make sure you are utilizing your fans effectively. Fans are a great way to reduce your reliance on air conditioning. Fans will create that wind-chill effect that makes you cooler without even touching the thermostat. These can be portable fans and even ceiling fans.
Another strategy you can try is closing your curtains or blinds during the day. Keeping your curtains and blinds open during the day brings in direct sunlight, forcing your air conditioner to work harder.
Lastly, seal and insulate your home. Proper insulation and sealing can prevent cool air from escaping from windows, doors, and gaps in the walls and floors. By maintaining a well-insulated home you can keep your indoor temperature consistent and prevent air leaks.
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances can offer many benefits outside of reducing your electricity bill. Energy efficient appliances can lower your energy consumption, leave a positive environmental impact, help with long-term savings and they have many innovative features.
Energy-efficient appliances can help you consume 20-40% less energy than a standard model, saving on your electricity bill by doing so. With this reduced consumption comes lower greenhouse gas emissions These appliances can leave a positive environmental impact and contribute to sustainability efforts. Though these appliances have a higher price tag, the savings on your electric bill will make up for it in the long run.
Secondly, energy-efficient fans consume less electricity compared to other models. An energy-efficient fan will use an energy-efficient motor and aerodynamic blades that will maximize airflow while keeping your consumption low. These fans will distribute cool air from air conditioners more effectively throughout your home so you can turn up your thermostat without feeling uncomfortable and warm, reducing your cooling cost.
Lastly, energy-efficient air conditioners play a crucial part in maintaining comfort during this hot weather – they offer several advantages. To start, they have higher efficiency. Energy-efficient air conditioners are 10% more efficient than a standard model by using improved compressor technology, better insulation, and advanced airflow settings. Just like other energy-efficient appliances, the initial cost is higher, but the lower consumption will directly reduce your cooling cost, savings on electricity bills and offsetting the higher initial cost of the appliance.
Energy-Efficient Technology
With the new smart thermostat technology comes a significant advancement in home climate control. Smart thermostats offer numerous benefits that can contribute to both energy savings and comfort.
Smart thermostats have an automated temperature adjustment that uses sensors and Wi-Fi that allows them to monitor your temperature levels in and adjust those settings as needed. They can be set up to follow your daily routine and adjust to help conserve energy.
One of the main features of a smart thermostat is the ability to be programmed for personal preferences. This feature allows you to set specific temperatures for different times and days during the week.
Another feature is the remote access and control, letting you control the temperature of your home from anywhere. This can be useful if you forget to change your thermostat or even if you’re going to be away from home longer than expected.
Renewable Energy
Solar! The use of solar panels can offer great benefits for homeowners who are looking to offset their energy consumption. One of these benefits of installing solar panels is the energy cost savings. By generating your electricity from solar panels, you can reduce or even eliminate your reliance on the grid, lowering your electricity bills. Solar is a clean, renewable energy source that produces less greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based electricity. By going solar you can reduce your carbon footprint and improve climate change. By generating electricity with solar, you can enhance your energy independence. Solar reduces your reliance on the grid and can protect you from changes in energy prices or any disruption in the grid, like power outages.
Solar panels generate the most electricity in the sunny summer months, this is why it’s great for when you have those increased energy demands for cooling your home during times with higher temperatures. Solar’s ability to produce electricity during peak demand periods can help alleviate stress on the grid and reduce the need for fossil fuels.
Strategies for keeping energy use low during the summer months
In conclusion, using these strategies to keep your energy consumption low during the summer months not only reduces your electricity bill but also contributes to sustainability. Improving your use of air-conditioning, utilizing fans effectively, and sealing your home against air leaks are great steps that will enhance energy efficiency while still being comfortable. Energy-efficient appliances, like refrigerators, fans, and air conditioners not only lower your energy consumption but also have long-term savings and minimize the environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Using smart thermostat technology can further your efficiency by adjusting your temperature based on your schedule and preferences. Renewable energy options, like solar panels, can provide a sustainable solution to offset energy consumption. By using these strategies for keeping energy low during the summer months you can improve your finances and also take a positive effect towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Over the next 30 years, this 10.93kWÂ solar array is expected to offset the homeowners annual energy by 78 percent. in greenhouse emissions, the systems savings is equivalent to saving 9 tons of coal, 1,695 trees planted or driving a car 163,771 miles.
Over the next 30 years, this 11.34kWÂ solar array is expected to offset the homeowners annual energy by 101 percent. in greenhouse emissions, the systems savings is equivalent to saving 10 tons of coal, 1,831trees planted or driving a car 176,868 miles.
Over the next 30 years, this 10.08kWÂ solar array is expected to offset the homeowners annual energy by 72 percent. in greenhouse emissions, the systems savings is equivalent to saving 7 tons of coal, 1,440Â trees planted or driving a car 139,116 miles.
Over the next 30 years, this 9.66kWÂ solar array is expected to offset the homeowners annual energy by 43 percent. in greenhouse emissions, the systems savings is equivalent to saving 7 tons of coal, 1,444Â trees planted or driving a car 139,507 miles.
Over the next 30 years, this 17.22kW solar array is expected to offset the homeowners annual energy by 107 percent. in greenhouse emissions, the systems savings is equivalent to saving 14 tons of coal, 2,743 trees planted or driving a car 264,964 miles.
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