Defining Different Types of Grid Interconnection with Solar

Grid-tied solar system

This type of system is for anyone connected to the local power grid. Depending on the policy of your utility provider, being grid-tied allows you to sell extra energy you produce back to the grid to offset your energy costs. Grid-tied systems are the most cost-effective option. They offer the fastest payback and the best ROI. Grid-tied solar is good for homes who are looking to save money on their electricity costs.

Grid-tied solar system with battery backup

Grid tied solar systems with battery backup provide the reliability and convenience of grid tied, with the security of back-up power when circumstances arise. These systems send excess energy into the grid for credits, pulls energy from the grid when the solar system isn’t producing at night, and have backup batteries that store power to use in times of a utility outage. This type of system is more expensive than a standard grid-tied system but ensures you have reliable access to electricity.

Off-grid solar system

Historically, off-grid systems were the only option for individuals who lived remotely and didn’t have access to utility power. Off-grid solar systems use solar panels to charge a bank of batteries which then power your home at night, or when the solar PV system is not meeting the load demand, especially during the winter or on cloudy days. These have a higher system cost due to the addition of the batteries and a standby generator to the solar system. With an off-grid system, energy conservation is important. Energy efficient appliances, reducing your energy consumption, load management, and relying on a backup generator are all part of what you’re signing up for when you decide to go off-grid.

Grid-tied batteries or grid-tied generator

Tesla Powerwall can charge from the grid and doesn’t need solar to charge the batteries. This provides emergency backup power in the case of grid failure. Kholer generators interact seamlessly with the grid to come on during a power outage, too. Grid-tied batteries or generators are great for individuals who have necessary medical appliances operating in their homes.

Why Grid-Tied Solar Systems Are Best for Most Homes

Solar power allows you to generate your own energy, which means you won’t be buying power from the utility. You might assume this means going off-the-grid, but this is not the case.

If you have access to the grid, you will store the excess power you create in the utility grid. You are treating the grid like a big battery, charging it when you have excess power and taking energy when you need more. In most cases, the utility company credits you for the extra power you produce (net-metering) and allows you to pull from the grid when you need it (at night).

An off-grid system doesn’t have any connection to the utility grid, so having some sort of alternative for storing excess energy is necessary. Off-grid homes require battery banks to store excess solar energy for later use. Without batteries or access to the grid, there wouldn’t be a way for you to have energy at night when your solar system isn’t producing.

The top mistake people make when they decide they want to go off-grid: equating breaking ties with the utility company with cost savings.

Grid-tied solar systems and off-grid solar systems are on different ends of the spectrum when it comes to cost. Grid-tied solar is the most cost-effective type of solar system. Batteries ensure you have power when the grid goes down.

Maintaining grid interaction with your solar system through net metering is actually the best option for homeowners looking to cut costs.

The second mistake people make when deciding to go off-grid: thinking that off-grid homes are greener and more sustainable than conventional “grid tied” homes.

This may come from the roots of the off-grid movement… Most early solar pioneers were off-grid. They relied upon solar, batteries, and often a generator to power their homes with no connection to the utility grid. Many people did this to live a more sustainable existence.

We find that most of our customers don’t live far from power lines. With a grid-tied system, any excess power generated from solar goes back into the grid and helps your neighbors reduce their carbon footprints.

Remember- it’s fossil fuels that we’re trying to avoid, not the grid itself.

While many are eager to cut ties with the utility company for one reason or another, the reality is that most of us are already tied in and the efficiencies of the grid generally outweigh an off-the-grid solar system.

Kokosing Sun Solar doesn’t take you off the grid, but we can get you very close.

The good news: you do not have to go off-the-grid to enjoy the benefits of clean, solar energy!

Your home is only a few smart steps away from enjoying the benefits that solar energy has in store. Contact us if you’re ready to start talking about solar for your home or business.

The Governor’s Executive Workforce Board engages communities, state agencies and stakeholders in Ohio to identify ways to prepare Ohioans with skills needed for in-demand jobs. The mission: focus on preparing Ohioans for in-demand, quality wage jobs that give our state a strategic economic advantage.

The Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation selected Third Sun CEO and co-founder, Michelle Greenfield to sit on the board, given her positions in leadership, business education and workforce development. Along with her peers on the Board, Michelle’s role is to advise the Governor, Lt. Governor and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation about emerging workforce needs, solutions and best practices.

In addition to her role at Third Sun Solar, Michelle currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Clean Energy Credit Union (CECU) which specializes in lending nationwide for solar PV systems, electric vehicles and green home improvements. In the past, Michelle has served on several Boards of directors, including as a member and past president of Green Energy Ohio, the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, the Appalachian People’s Action Coalition, the Appalachian Development Federal Credit Union and the CECU.

How is Ohio Preparing to Carry Out the Mission of the Workforce Board?

The Workforce Board seeks to prepare Ohioans for employment through a variety of methods:

• Career credentials for High School Students
• Choose Ohio first scholarship expansion
• Supporting Ohio’s workforce
• Supporting industry sector partnerships

Additional information about the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board can be found here.

Michelle is Representing Renewables & Southeast Ohio.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “solar photovoltaic installer” is the fastest growing job in the country. Projections indicate that the position will grow 63% from 2018 to 2028 which is faster than average for all occupations. What’s creating the growth? Falling prices as the market develops and increased use of solar financing. According to the Solar Foundation, Ohio’s solar workforce grew in 2018 to reach over 7,000 jobs, making the state the seventh highest solar job supporter nationwide. Ohio has an abundant solar resource and big potential for future growth.

As industries change and employment sectors diversify, Ohio needs to think about what’s next. Solar certainly seems to be on the frontier. We, along with many of our partners in Ohio see solar employment as the antidote to a changing energy economy.

Career Opportunities

We have a whole lot of amazing staff members who have been with our company for a long time. But, as solar increases in demand, Third Sun will need new staff in all different types of positions of the company. From solar installation technicians to solar system designers to project managers – there is a lot of potential.

If you’re interested in getting involved or learning more about the skills we’re looking for, take a look at the careers page of our website.

Time To Act

Michelle is a great strategic planner –it’s what got Third Sun to where it is today. And Michelle’s voice at the table of the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board is needed as our leaders strategize to create the workforce of the future. If Ohio plans to take advantage of the job growth potential that renewable energy has to offer, we must start thinking about how to make that happen – now.

Are you ready to work for a team that is accelerating the shift to clean energy by creating solar systems, services, and solutions based on core values for the past 20 years?

About the Business

At Third Sun Solar, we are here to serve by creating business as a force for good and making the planet a better place. Our teams are serving our customers, each other, the community, and stakeholders, which ultimately shows in the genuine pride our team takes in delivering the very best solar solutions.

We are reliable. Our team is filled with dependable, honest, and reliable people. We keep our promises and strive to do it right the first time.

Our team is driven. We are passionate about solar, and that shows in every project that the Third Sun Solar team completes. The team does what it take to ensure the finest system and the best customer experience, and we take pride in our dedication in doing things right.

Third Sun Solar values growth. We have been in business for twenty years and we have a bright future ahead. Our hunger for knowledge and continuous improvement keeps us at the top of our ever-evolving industry. Our staff are on the pulse of cutting-edge solar advancements. We strive for greatness and are not satisfied with the status quo.

Not only do we operate our team with a clear mission and values, we are a certified B Corporation. That means we operate with a triple bottom line commitment to people (our employees and their families, our clients and residents of the communities where we do business), the planet (we appreciate the wonders of nature and believe that a habitable plant is worth fighting for), and profit (generating capital to keep increasing our impact and revenue to share among our team and partners).

We are a talented team of electricians, crew, project managers, engineers, finance, supply chain, permitting, and veteran community members, who are all excited about crafting beautiful solar systems to enable our communities to power their lives with clean energy.

Third Sun Solar is committed to providing our staff with competitive wages, health care benefits, travel expenses, paid holidays, vacation, and a caring, flexible, vision and value-oriented work environment.

Are you interested in joining an established team? We are hiring a Solar Operations Specialist for Athens, Ohio, and surrounding area.

Job Description & Responsibilities

The Solar Operations Specialist will be part of our Operations Team. This position requires you to be flexible in your workflow between solar installation, site audits, and service work as assigned based on current needs. Travel is required within Ohio and surrounding states.

Primary Responsibilities

• Join the installation team to build solar electric systems for residential and commercial customers. Installing solar panels and their components on roofs and ground mounted racking systems
• Perform service on solar systems to ensure they are operating to their best efficiency. This will include the coordination, communication, troubleshooting, and performing the actual service on the system. You will coordinate with the Service Manager to ensure all customer and Third Sun Solar expectations are met
• Complete site visits at commercial and residential customers, by coordinating with the customer for your arrival to complete the site visit. As part of the site visit, you will be required to gather photos, measurements, and other applicable materials to ensure that our engineering and operations teams are able to efficiently install a quality solar system
• Must always be 100% safety requirements during your work
• Maintain a clean vehicle, and a safe and clean work environment
• Communicate with all members of the team and ensure that you are exhibiting all company values

Job Qualifications

• Two years or more experience in the solar industry
• Experience working on the electrical components of a solar system
• Construction experience preferred
• Understanding and the ability to incorporate a high level of knowledge and concepts of construction and renewable energy into your daily workflow
• Must be able to climb ladders, lift +50lbs repetitively, and work on sloped roofs in all weather conditions
• Ability to read, and analyze plan sets, processes, and procedures along with the general ability to communicate and read information provided to the employee
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions, including the ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions
• Must be willing and have the ability for 2 to 4 nights of weekly overnight travel
• Must have strong customer/people relationship skills
• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Basic computer proficiency, including the use of applications on a cell phone
• Basic math skills required
• Must have the ability to qualify for a drug and alcohol-free workplace policy including annual and random testing
• Have obtained or the ability to obtain your OSHA 30 certification
• Possess a valid driver license with a clean driving record

Work Location

• Athens, Ohio

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible schedule
• IRA Retirement Account

To Apply

If you’re interested in learning more about working with us, please send us your resume and include a cover letter letting us know what you are great at and why we would be better with you on our team: [email protected]

Third Sun Solar is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.

Are you ready to work for a team that is accelerating the shift to clean energy by creating solar systems, services, and solutions based on core values for the past 20 years?

About the Business

At Third Sun Solar, we are here to serve by creating business as a force for good and making the planet a better place. Our teams are serving our customers, each other, the community, and stakeholders, which ultimately shows in the genuine pride our team takes in delivering the very best solar solutions.

We are reliable. Our team is filled with dependable, honest, and reliable people. We keep our promises and strive to do it right the first time.

Our team is driven. We are passionate about solar, and that shows in every project that the Third Sun Solar team completes. The team does what it take to ensure the finest system and the best customer experience, and we take pride in our dedication in doing things right.

Third Sun Solar values growth. We have been in business for twenty years and we have a bright future ahead. Our hunger for knowledge and continuous improvement keeps us at the top of our ever-evolving industry. Our staff are on the pulse of cutting-edge solar advancements. We strive for greatness and are not satisfied with the status quo.

Not only do we operate our team with a clear mission and values, we are a certified B Corporation. That means we operate with a triple bottom line commitment to people (our employees and their families, our clients and residents of the communities where we do business), the planet (we appreciate the wonders of nature and believe that a habitable plant is worth fighting for), and profit (generating capital to keep increasing our impact and revenue to share among our team and partners).

We are a talented team of electricians, crew, project managers, engineers, finance, supply chain, permitting, and veteran community members, who are all excited about crafting beautiful solar systems to enable our communities to power their lives with clean energy.

Third Sun Solar is committed to providing our staff with competitive wages, health care benefits, travel expenses, paid holidays, vacation, and a caring, flexible, vision and value-oriented work environment.

Are you interested in joining an established team? We are hiring Crew Lead Solar Installation Technicians for our Athens Ohio office.

Job Description & Responsibilities

The Crew Lead Solar Installation Technician is a member of our Operations Team. They are primarily responsible for the leading of the installation crew and the installation and service of components of a Solar PV system in a residential or commercial setting. Travel is required within Ohio and surrounding states.

Primary Responsibilities

• Leads the installation crew to build solar electrical systems for commercial and residences
• Installs and provides service to solar electrical system
• Required to manage the time of your crew and your time to ensure that you have safely and correctly complete your work
• Communicate with all members of the team and ensure that you are exhibiting all company values
• Must always be 100% safety requirements during your work
• Maintains a clean vehicle, and a safe and clean work environment
• Train new and current installers on best practices and how to install a solar electrical system

Job Qualifications

• High School Diploma required
• At least 1 year of proven experience in a leader/supervisory role of a construction team
• At least two years construction experience preferred
• Understand basic concepts of construction and renewable energy
• Basic computer proficiency, including the use of applications on a cell phone
• Must be willing and have the ability for 2 to 4 nights of weekly overnight travel
• Must have the ability to qualify for a drug and alcohol-free work-place policy
• Must be punctual and be able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to climb ladders, lift up to +50lbs repetitively, work on sloped roofs in all weather conditions
• Hold or have the ability to obtain an OSHA 30 card

Work Location

• Athens, Ohio

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible schedule
• IRA Retirement Account

To Apply

If you’re interested in learning more about working with us, please send us your resume and include a cover letter letting us know what you are great at and why we would be better with you on our team: [email protected]

Third Sun Solar is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.

One of the first questions we hear from folks who have heard about solar is: “how much will it cost me to have solar installed on my house?”

Have you heard something that sounds too good to be true? While some companies advertise $0 down and free at install – there is still a cost to the person buying the system. Like buying a car with a loan, you may not have to pay anything upfront or make no down payment. But you will be the owner of the solar panels and you will eventually begin making payments on the system.

There are plenty of websites around that try to help answer these questions, but they’re complicated and use a lot of industry jargon. We strive to make solar easy for you and that starts with cutting through the noise and laying it all out on the table. So let’s break it down.

So, how much does solar cost?

Our average home solar panel system costs $32,000 before any incentives are considered ($22,400 after the federal tax credit). For the typical home in Ohio, solar prices this year come in a range from about $25,000 to $40,000, on average, before the tax credit. All our systems are custom designed, so the average price is just an average.

Looking at the big picture: the price of home solar can range from $15,000 – $100,000 based on your energy usage, goals, batteries, and budget. The reason it is hard to find an easy answer to your question is because solar systems are custom designed based on several factors unique to you (more below). The best way to get an answer is to sign up for a free, no-obligation solar quote.

How do I get started?

Our Solar Consultants are ready to walk you through the options and help you calculate the economics and payback. With Smart Solar Financing, many of our clients are able to go solar for zero money down and have payments that are less than their old electric bills. Some clients treat solar as an investment with a stable and predictable return – every client is different and we look forward to helping you evaluate your options and harness the clean, free energy of the sun.

To start the free evaluation process with one of our Solar Consultants and get a more precise quote for your specific household, you can call us during regular business hours at: 877-696-7652 or you can complete our online form HERE.

Solar Array Cost Breakdown

1. Solar Panels – the biggest part of your solar system
2. Inverter – converts the energy generated from the solar panels (DC/ direct current) into energy that can be used by all the appliances and systems in your home (AC/ alternating current)
3. Racking – attaches the solar panels to your roof or in place and angled in your yard
4. Installation labor – our highly experienced in-house crew installs all the parts and pieces of your new clean energy power plant
5. Design, permitting and admin – as a full turnkey installer, our team designs your system and files all permits with your local utility and inspection department. We take care to ensure that your local utility does their work needed to ensure the successful commissioning of your array.
6. Other parts and pieces – nuts, bolts, wires, fuses all are all the small pieces necessary for a quality, long-lasting solar system.

Major Cost Variables

System Size

Pirce Impact: Boundless

Size is the most obvious adder when considering solar. The size of the solar system will determine the system’s cost. As your system increases in size, it will require more materials and labor which will increase the price. But due to the economy of scale, as your system gets bigger the price per watt will come down. In other words, as you add more solar the number of watts you get for each dollar you spend goes down. (more on how we size a system below)

Ground Mount vs. Roof Mount

Price Impact: 10% – 15%

Our typical residential solar array is mounted on the roof of a home. But, in rural areas where land is boundless and shading might be an issue on the roof, some of our customers opt for a ground-mounted solar array. Because the trenching adds more labor to the job and the racking system requires more materials the price for a ground-mounted solar array usually increases the cost of the project by about 10 – 15%. Over time, however, the added cost will be worth it. You may save more money by generating more power over the lifetime of the system.

Battery Storage

Price Impact: varies widely

Whether to increase self-consumption of solar rather than exporting it back to the grid or to have reliable power in times of power outages, batteries are exploding on the market. They are optional add on. We encourage solar shoppers to think about if solar batteries are part of their goals when going solar.

In Conclusion…

We hope this information has helped you get an understanding of the genuine cost of a solar system. Here is a summary of the most important points:

• Our average residential solar system costs ~ $32,000
• Incentives can reduce the cost of the system by 30%
• The price of solar varies widely & is based on your personal: roof space, energy goals, budget
• The best way to get an answer to your question is to get a customized solar quote

20 years ago they took a leap of faith. Geoff and Michelle Greenfield decided to launch themselves into the adventure of a lifetime and start a business. The year was 2000, the beginning of the new millennium. While starting a business wasn’t that unusual, the subject matter of this new business was. Renewable energy and solar power had yet to become mainstream or even a consideration in most people’s minds in Ohio and the Midwest, yet the Greenfield’s decided to launch a business installing renewable energy systems, wind and solar.

The Beginning

In the late 1990s, using solar and wind for powering homes, businesses and schools was a very unique proposition. After the invention of photovoltaic (PV) cells in the 1950s, the technology was reserved for space applications and tiny projects. During the 1980s the costs of using PV started to come down as production increased. The 1990’s saw some growth in the use of wind and PV, but it was still relegated to demonstration projects and experimental sites, and a tiny number of remote homes.

The Greenfield‘s were not the type of people to just follow the mainstream. When they purchased their property in rural Athens County in 1995 and it did not have any power connection to the “grid”, they decided to look at alternatives to mainstream power and build a home “off the grid” and powered by the sun. They moved into the home in 1997 with a tiny 600 watt solar array (that is 0.6 kW to use today’s sizing reference) to power everything. It was ironic that they were able to see, from the hilltop where they built their house, the smokestacks and pollution of coal fired power plants to the south along the Ohio River.

By the year 2000, they had two young sons, ages three and one, and were still working on finishing the house that they were living in. Geoff envisioned the plan to leave his permanent employment and go out on his own installing solar for the few people who were seeking it back then. Starting a business, continuing to build their home and also needing to provide for their children made this leap a little bit scarier. The risks were there, but the mission to enable people to take control of their own energy future was compelling. And what better way to teach their children that there is a clean alternative to powering our lives; that we do not have to use the polluting, unsustainable, and – now we know – climate change causing electricity produced by burning fossil fuels.

Third Sun

The name of the business became an embodiment of this small family. The Greenfields knew that starting a business would require constant nurturing and care, just as having children did. It would become their “third son”. The business grew, alongside their actual kids. Now, their sons are ages 21 and 23, and the business is 20 years old. All three have definitely brought thrills, excitement, fulfillment and love. All three also have presented challenges along the way, with ample opportunities for learning and growth for parents (and business founders) Michelle and Geoff.

Reflecting back to the time when Third Sun was an infant, it is evident how the business grew in a “bootstrapped” way. Picture the start-up office in the attic of the house, with piles of papers and makeshift desks. A lot of work and dedication was needed to get the business off the ground and onto stable footing. The path from the attic to their current location in Athens, encompassing more than 3,500 square feet of office and warehouse, passed through a variety of office spaces from 2003 to 2012 at the Ohio University Innovation Center. It was there that the Greenfields really began to understand that small business “helpers” were abundant in Athens, encouraging and providing tools and advice to entrepreneurs like them.

A Nurturing Environment for Entrepreneurs

During their 9 years as tenant clients at the Innovation Center, Third Sun Solar was able to go from the 2 founders to more than 21 employees, completing some of the largest solar power projects that the state of Ohio had ever seen. Business counselors and support from Ohio University’s Small Business Development Center, the Voinovich School and TechGROWTH all assisted the Greenfields in learning how to close contracts, manage employees, understand the financials and strategically grow the business. Third Sun also began to cultivate its network of outside advisers such as lawyers, accountants, business professionals and other business owners. Geoff and Michelle now felt comfortable asking for support. By 2012 they were “hatched” out of the incubator space into their own home office on West Union Street in Athens, where they remain headquartered today.

Even with all that support, nothing can replace the gumption, the persistence, and the intelligence of the owners to keep a business going. Entrepreneurs need to react quickly when faced with obstacles and understand how to capitalize on opportunities. Every day it is hard work to keep the ship moving forward and to keep growing, keep the doors open, and keep contributing to the economic health of the community.

Ohio is the 5th Largest User of Electricity in The Country

Third Sun Solar is proud to be the oldest continuously operating full service solar installation company in the state of Ohio.

In the very early years, on a visit to as solar conference in California, Michelle told a California solar installer that Third Sun was a young company based in Ohio. He looked at her and said “it takes guts to do solar in Ohio!” He was right. But the fact is that Ohio is the fifth largest user of electricity in the country. The state has a robust network of utility infrastructure and a large population of residents as well as manufacturing and commercial facilities. If a larger portion of utility customers in Ohio went solar it would leverage a great impact on reducing our carbon omissions in the United States and working towards the carbon emission reduction goals that need to be achieved in order to curb climate change.

The Impact

The Greenfield’s first two sons are grown and have left the house that the family built so long ago in the hills of Athens County. As they pursue their own paths and ideas of what work and careers that they want to pursue, their third “son”, Third Sun Solar, continues to enjoy the attention of its “parents”. With Geoff and Michelle still at the helm as owners and operators, the company has built up a professional team of employees that contributes to the continued growth and success of this “child”.

The impacts across the state of Ohio and even beyond this state have been great. Since 2000, Third Sun has installed over 23 MW of total renewable power, mostly solar, which produces over 26.5 million kilowatt hours of emission free power each year. As a result of Third Sun Solar’s work, 39 million pounds of CO2 emissions are avoided as customers switch from using utility power to their own clean power systems. The company is truly fulfilling its long-time mission to “Accelerate the Shift to Clean Energy”.

Over the next 12 months of 2020 Third Sun will be celebrating their 20th anniversary.

What a major milestone! Stay tuned to Third Sun newsletters, blogs and social media posts during 2020 to experience the rich tapestry of company history that will be presented. It will be fun looking back at favorite projects from the last two decades. There will be an interesting cost comparison of what it used to cost to go solar and what it costs today. Keep an eye out for archival photos, newspaper clippings and stories of the history of the company that might provide a few giggles. Expect to learn more about the forward thinking and sustainability mindset that has underpinned this company from it’s very beginning; our goal in sharing this history is to celebrate how far we have come and recognize how the current solar opportunity is built on the foundation stones laid in the past.

Third Sun Solar is a Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer.

We have met Tesla’s strict standards of quality and customer service. Tesla certifies installers to ensure quality installations of products across the United States and across the world.

Homeowners become interested in lithium-ion battery backup for a variety of reasons:

• Protection for homes that experience frequent power outages: from blazing hot summers that increase grid demand, to extreme storms – outages are becoming increasingly common.
• Self-sufficiency: power your home with the solar power you generate, during the day and at night
• Increased use of your solar resource: powering your home with 100% renewable energy – day and night.

What is Powerwall?

Tesla is well known for making quality batteries. Tesla Powerwall and Backup Gateway interdependence make it the safest energy battery system on the market. The Backup Gateway controls the flow of electricity from the grid, solar or other energy sources to loads in your home and to the Powerwall. Powerwall is an inverter, a battery, and a temperature control unit, all in one. It is designed to be resistant to internal fire exposure, mechanical stresses, and electrical abuse. It is a safe touch system as no live terminals accessible to you or your family. Unlike other battery systems, the terminals are isolated and there is zero voltage when the system is turned off. Powerwall is the only double enclosure battery system for a home. The Back Gateway and Powerwall work together to safely provide your home with energy storage that you configure to your preference.

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2 Powerwalls mounted with stack kit
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Generation panel
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Backup Gateway
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Main panel
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PV load center
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PV meter
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SMA Sunny Boy inverter
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SMA Sunny Boy inverter
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If you are interested in whole house backup, we can talk you through the pros and cons in your scenario. It’s possible to even back up your whole house. Our team will size your system based on what is going to fit your needs.

Enjoy the Benefits of Powerwall:

• Decide when and how to use the charge from your Powerwall to power your loads using the Tesla app
• Monitor your energy use and configure your storage settings through the Tesla app
• Select the modes of operation you desire and the amount of battery you wish to reserve in the case of an outage

[av_image src=’https://kokosingsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Tesla-App.png’ attachment=’6560′ attachment_size=’full’ align=’center’ styling=” hover=’av-hover-grow’ link=” target=” caption=” font_size=” appearance=” overlay_opacity=’0.4′ overlay_color=’#000000′ overlay_text_color=’#ffffff’ copyright=” animation=’no-animation’ av_uid=’av-21ij4a’ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_image]

Benefits of Choosing Third Sun Solar as your Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer:

Remember that the Certified Installer you choose should offer a full range of services and have and a good track record for customer service and support.

With Third Sun you get:

• Electricians that have been employees for a long time – As a certified benefit corporation we review and hire based on our core values and employees receive benefits and paid time off. We’re proud to say that our staff has been with us for a while.
• The same goes for our office crew who will thoughtfully design your battery system, get and pay the permit with your local utility, procure equipment from the Tesla headquarters and make sure it gets to your home safely and is installed safely and legally.

We’re the oldest installer in the market and we’ve learned how to choose our equipment wisely.

After 20 years in business, we’ve seen a lot of products and companies come on the market – not all of them are in it for the long-haul. We are, and it’s important to us that we choose companies and products that are too. We’re experts at choosing quality products for our customers. And we think Tesla Powerwall is certainly one of them.

Fill out the form below to start a conversation with us and learn if Powerwall is right for you!

Third Sun Solar is a Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer.

We have met Tesla’s strict standards of quality and customer service. Tesla certifies installers to ensure quality installations of products across the United States and across the world.

Homeowners become interested in lithium-ion battery backup for a variety of reasons:

• Protection for homes that experience frequent power outages: from blazing hot summers that increase grid demand, to extreme storms – outages are becoming increasingly common.
• Self-sufficiency: power your home with the solar power you generate, during the day and at night
• Increased use of your solar resource: powering your home with 100% renewable energy – day and night.

What is Powerwall?

Tesla is well known for making quality batteries. Tesla Powerwall and Backup Gateway interdependence make it the safest energy battery system on the market. The Backup Gateway controls the flow of electricity from the grid, solar or other energy sources to loads in your home and to the Powerwall. Powerwall is an inverter, a battery, and a temperature control unit, all in one. It is designed to be resistant to internal fire exposure, mechanical stresses, and electrical abuse. It is a safe touch system as no live terminals accessible to you or your family. Unlike other battery systems, the terminals are isolated and there is zero voltage when the system is turned off. Powerwall is the only double enclosure battery system for a home. The Back Gateway and Powerwall work together to safely provide your home with energy storage that you configure to your preference.

If you are interested in whole house backup, we can talk you through the pros and cons in your scenario. It’s possible to even back up your whole house. Our team will size your system based on what is going to fit your needs.

Enjoy the Benefits of Powerwall:

• Decide when and how to use the charge from your Powerwall to power your loads using the Tesla app
• Monitor your energy use and configure your storage settings through the Tesla app
• Select the modes of operation you desire and the amount of battery you wish to reserve in the case of an outage

Benefits of Choosing Third Sun Solar as your Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer:

Remember that the Certified Installer you choose should offer a full range of services and have and a good track record for customer service and support.

With Third Sun you get:

• Electricians that have been employees for a long time – As a certified benefit corporation we review and hire based on our core values and employees receive benefits and paid time off. We’re proud to say that our staff has been with us for a while.
• The same goes for our office crew who will thoughtfully design your battery system, get and pay the permit with your local utility, procure equipment from the Tesla headquarters and make sure it gets to your home safely and is installed safely and legally.

We’re the oldest installer in the market and we’ve learned how to choose our equipment wisely.

After 20 years in business, we’ve seen a lot of products and companies come on the market – not all of them are in it for the long-haul. We are, and it’s important to us that we choose companies and products that are too. We’re experts at choosing quality products for our customers. And we think Tesla Powerwall is certainly one of them.

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This beautiful farm in Granville, Ohio now lives out their sustainability dreams with solar! 18.87 kW system, with annual energy savings equivalent to 20,187 lbs of coal burned for electricity. This project was the recipient of a USDA REAP grant.
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[av_image src=’https://kokosingsolar.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/IMG_1769-scaled.jpg’ attachment=’6439′ attachment_size=’full’ align=’center’ styling=’no-styling’ hover=” link=” target=” caption=” font_size=” appearance=” overlay_opacity=’0.4′ overlay_color=’#000000′ overlay_text_color=’#ffffff’ copyright=” animation=’no-animation’ av_uid=’av-bzjh2l’ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_image]

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This beautiful farm in Granville, Ohio now lives out their sustainability dreams with solar! 18.87 kW system, with annual energy savings equivalent to 20,187 lbs of coal burned for electricity. This project was the recipient of a USDA REAP grant.
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The investment tax credit, otherwise known as the solar tax credit will allow you to deduct 26% of the cost of installing a solar system from your federal taxes. This is about a $4,000 – $8,000 average savings for homeowners who go solar in 2020.

The solar tax credit will remain at 26% for solar systems completed and placed in service before December 31, 2020. The tax credit will be reduced to 22% in 2021. After 2021 there will be no solar tax credit for residential customers. However, a 10% credit for commercial entities will remain.

We recommend that those seriously considering solar begin their solar journey early this year.

The History of the Solar Tax Credit

The solar tax credit has been the biggest stimulus for residential and commercial solar that the industry has seen. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the residential and commercial solar tax credit has helped the U.S. solar industry grow by more than 10,000% percent since it was implemented in 2006, with an average annual growth of 50% over the last decade alone.

The solar tax credit was originally intended to expire in 2007. Fortunately, it has seen extensions every year leading up to 2022.

Here is the current timetable:

• 26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2019 and before 01/01/2021
• 22% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2020 and before 01/01/2022

How to Take the Solar Tax Credit

You claim the tax credit when you file your federal tax return.

The tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of income tax that you would otherwise owe. If you don’t have a tax liability great enough to claim your entire credit in one year, you can roll the remaining credits over into future years so long as the tax credit is still in effect.

There is no cap on the value of the credit, and it is available to both residential and commercial customers.

It’s important to understand that the solar tax credit is not a rebate. In the case of rebates, taxpayers receive payment even if no tax is owed. Anyone who doesn’t owe federal income taxes will not be able to benefit from the solar tax credit.

We advise you to seek professional tax advice before determining if you can claim the tax benefit.

Here are some useful documents:

• A homeowner can claim the 26% credit on IRS 5695, Residential Energy Credits (PDF)
• Solar Energy Industries association has a great FAQ about the solar federal tax incentive (PDF)

Ohio Tax Incentives

Ohio Tax Incentives remain the same. There are no new programs in Ohio to help support the growth of solar.

In 2019 Ohio saw a slew of anti-renewable legislation. The passing of House Bill 6 legislation granted subsidies to two failing nuclear power plants and reduced Ohio’s Renewable Portfolio Standards. Hybrids and electric vehicle owners saw an increase in annual registration fees for their environmentally friendly cars ($100-$200 registration fees). At a national level, the solar tax credit, which had seen regular annual renewals, did not see renewal in 2019.

Incentives boost the market for solar and make renewable energy more accessible to all people in Ohio. But, Ohioans have been without any robust solar incentives for many years now, and the industry has still seen large, natural growth. We see that even in these market conditions consumer demand, return on investment and consumer confidence in solar has created growth in the market.

The solar tax credit combined with the dropping prices has created a strong market in Ohio. Solar makes financial sense for homeowners.

Existing Ohio and non-government programs and assistance for solar include:

• ECOlink – This public/ private partnership ECOLink provides up to a 3% interest rate reduction for up to seven years on bank loans when you complete energy efficient upgrades to your home (like installing solar!)
• $0 Down Loans – Third Sun Solar partners with a national credit union to offer zero money down, low interest loan options. The loans are easy to understand and streamlined through our process

We strongly urge you to choose solar in 2020 to make the most out of the solar investment tax credit and start recouping savings right away!

[av_font_icon icon=’ue866′ font=’entypo-fontello’ style=” caption=” link=” linktarget=” size=’40px’ position=’left’ animation=” color=” av_uid=’av-2o8fg5′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_font_icon]

The investment tax credit, otherwise known as the solar tax credit will allow you to deduct 26% of the cost of installing a solar system from your federal taxes. This is about a $4,000 – $8,000 average savings for homeowners who go solar in 2020.

The solar tax credit will remain at 26% for solar systems completed and placed in service before December 31, 2020. The tax credit will be reduced to 22% in 2021. After 2021 there will be no solar tax credit for residential customers. However, a 10% credit for commercial entities will remain.

We recommend that those seriously considering solar begin their solar journey early this year.

The History of the Solar Tax Credit

The solar tax credit has been the biggest stimulus for residential and commercial solar that the industry has seen. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the residential and commercial solar tax credit has helped the U.S. solar industry grow by more than 10,000% percent since it was implemented in 2006, with an average annual growth of 50% over the last decade alone.

The solar tax credit was originally intended to expire in 2007. Fortunately, it has seen extensions every year leading up to 2022.

Here is the current timetable:

• 26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2019 and before 01/01/2021
• 22% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2020 and before 01/01/2022

How to Take the Solar Tax Credit

You claim the tax credit when you file your federal tax return.

The tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of income tax that you would otherwise owe. If you don’t have a tax liability great enough to claim your entire credit in one year, you can roll the remaining credits over into future years so long as the tax credit is still in effect.

There is no cap on the value of the credit, and it is available to both residential and commercial customers.

It’s important to understand that the solar tax credit is not a rebate. In the case of rebates, taxpayers receive payment even if no tax is owed. Anyone who doesn’t owe federal income taxes will not be able to benefit from the solar tax credit.

We advise you to seek professional tax advice before determining if you can claim the tax benefit.

Here are some useful documents:

• A homeowner can claim the 26% credit on IRS 5695, Residential Energy Credits (PDF)
• Solar Energy Industries association has a great FAQ about the solar federal tax incentive (PDF)

Ohio Tax Incentives

Ohio Tax Incentives remain the same. There are no new programs in Ohio to help support the growth of solar.

In 2019 Ohio saw a slew of anti-renewable legislation. The passing of House Bill 6 legislation granted subsidies to two failing nuclear power plants and reduced Ohio’s Renewable Portfolio Standards. Hybrids and electric vehicle owners saw an increase in annual registration fees for their environmentally friendly cars ($100-$200 registration fees). At a national level, the solar tax credit, which had seen regular annual renewals, did not see renewal in 2019.

Incentives boost the market for solar and make renewable energy more accessible to all people in Ohio. But, Ohioans have been without any robust solar incentives for many years now, and the industry has still seen large, natural growth. We see that even in these market conditions consumer demand, return on investment and consumer confidence in solar has created growth in the market.

The solar tax credit combined with the dropping prices has created a strong market in Ohio. Solar makes financial sense for homeowners.

Existing Ohio and non-government programs and assistance for solar include:

• ECOlink – This public/ private partnership ECOLink provides up to a 3% interest rate reduction for up to seven years on bank loans when you complete energy efficient upgrades to your home (like installing solar!)
• $0 Down Loans – Third Sun Solar partners with a national credit union to offer zero money down, low interest loan options. The loans are easy to understand and streamlined through our process

We strongly urge you to choose solar in 2020 to make the most out of the solar investment tax credit and start recouping savings right away!

Solar shingles are a sleek and exciting new technology. We’re not surprised they’ve peaked the interest of homeowners who are looking for an aesthetically appealing solar solution. Solar shingles are a type of solar energy solution known as building-integrated photovoltaics (PV). They look like normal asphalt shingles and are designed to protect your home, in the way that your roof does now. One solar shingle doesn’t produce a lot of power, but when you string a whole rooftop together, they produce a similar energy output to what you would expect from a roof mounted solar array. They are installed on roof sheathing then are wired together for tie-in to your home’s electrical system.

The History

The 1970s saw the first stages of building-integrated PV: photovoltaic products that were fully integrated with building materials. These applications were largely for remote buildings with no access to the traditional electric grid. In the 1990s PV products designed to blend in with a building’s architecture entered the market. Over time the technology, application and integration of building-integrated PV into the building trade has grown and changed. Solar shingles became available to the public in 2005. As of 2009, building-integrated PV represented 1% of all solar installations worldwide.

Read more about the history and future of building-integrated PV here.

Things to consider before choosing solar shingles over a roof mounted solar array:

1. Payback – because the full cost of a solar roof is greater than traditional solar panels and installation, the payback time is longer.
2. Efficiency – traditional solar panels have a higher energy density than solar shingles.
3. Practicality- the lifetime of solar shingles is less than traditional solar panels.
4. Maintenance- While solar systems are a low maintenance technology, the more variables you add to a system, the greater the risk is for something to go wrong. Each solar shingle has its own microinverter, so a whole house system would have many more microinverters than a solar array, which requires one microinverter per panel. For example, a 28-module solar array is equivalent in energy output to a solar shingle array with 136 shingles. Each system requires one microinverter per unit.
5. Timing- The availability of product and number of installers who can or will install solar shingles is limited. With the Investment Tax Credit for solar dropping down to zero in 2022, we don’t foresee large quantities of product or solar shingle installers putting up systems before this incentive drops. Additionally, it looks like there have been some hiccups in production of this product.

In Conclusion…

When shopping for solar there are certainly questions, you’re asking about the technology you are planning to purchase: should I wait for better technology? Am I choosing the product with the fastest payback? Which solar solutions look good enough to put on my home?

When it comes to solar shingles, our advice is not to wait around. The traditional solar array is a tried, true and optimized technology with the best power density, efficiency and installation cost.

Don’t get us wrong –we’re excited to start seeing solar technology integrated into normal building materials. This will mean big things for the future of building and energy production. Utilizing every built surface imaginable to harness the power of the sun is the world we’re aiming for.

We don’t think the technology is there yet – quite yet.

Solar shingles are a sleek and exciting new technology. We’re not surprised they’ve peaked the interest of homeowners who are looking for an aesthetically appealing solar solution. Solar shingles are a type of solar energy solution known as building-integrated photovoltaics (PV). They look like normal asphalt shingles and are designed to protect your home, in the way that your roof does now. One solar shingle doesn’t produce a lot of power, but when you string a whole rooftop together, they produce a similar energy output to what you would expect from a roof mounted solar array. They are installed on roof sheathing then are wired together for tie-in to your home’s electrical system.

The History

The 1970s saw the first stages of building-integrated PV: photovoltaic products that were fully integrated with building materials. These applications were largely for remote buildings with no access to the traditional electric grid. In the 1990s PV products designed to blend in with a building’s architecture entered the market. Over time the technology, application and integration of building-integrated PV into the building trade has grown and changed. Solar shingles became available to the public in 2005. As of 2009, building-integrated PV represented 1% of all solar installations worldwide.

Read more about the history and future of building-integrated PV here.

Things to consider before choosing solar shingles over a roof mounted solar array:

1. Payback – because the full cost of a solar roof is greater than traditional solar panels and installation, the payback time is longer.
2. Efficiency – traditional solar panels have a higher energy density than solar shingles.
3. Practicality- the lifetime of solar shingles is less than traditional solar panels.
4. Maintenance- While solar systems are a low maintenance technology, the more variables you add to a system, the greater the risk is for something to go wrong. Each solar shingle has its own microinverter, so a whole house system would have many more microinverters than a solar array, which requires one microinverter per panel. For example, a 28-module solar array is equivalent in energy output to a solar shingle array with 136 shingles. Each system requires one microinverter per unit.
5. Timing- The availability of product and number of installers who can or will install solar shingles is limited. With the Investment Tax Credit for solar dropping down to zero in 2022, we don’t foresee large quantities of product or solar shingle installers putting up systems before this incentive drops. Additionally, it looks like there have been some hiccups in production of this product.

In Conclusion…

When shopping for solar there are certainly questions, you’re asking about the technology you are planning to purchase: should I wait for better technology? Am I choosing the product with the fastest payback? Which solar solutions look good enough to put on my home?

When it comes to solar shingles, our advice is not to wait around. The traditional solar array is a tried, true and optimized technology with the best power density, efficiency and installation cost.

Don’t get us wrong –we’re excited to start seeing solar technology integrated into normal building materials. This will mean big things for the future of building and energy production. Utilizing every built surface imaginable to harness the power of the sun is the world we’re aiming for.

We don’t think the technology is there yet – quite yet.

We’re partnering with Women for Recovery this holiday season to use our business as a force for good – a central goal in our business- while supporting their mission to provide stable, safe, reliable housing to those in recovery.

We chose Women for Recovery to support their honorable work. Third Sun Solar believes that everyone has the right to a healthy environment and a brighter future.

The need is great

In 2016 a group of local stakeholders convened to address the need for recovery housing for women with substance abuse issues in Athens County. They affirmed that the need is critical. A call to action ensued. Stakeholders working on the project are comprised of local woman with experience in the recovery community and are personally familiar with individuals in recovery.

The project is budding

Women for Recovery became a 501c3 nonprofit organization in March 2017 and closed in July on their primary location: Serenity Grove. Located just outside the city of Athens and nestled among stately oak, hickory and chestnut trees, the house can accommodate up to eight women in a safe, secure, and sober environment. At Serenity Grove, women dedicated to the eventual goal of transitioning back into independent living will hone the skills necessary to live free of drugs and alcohol.

Feel Good about your power

We come to solar with a lot of heart. So do our customers, advocates, solar champions and partners. A commitment to better communities, care for our neighbors, and the desire to make the world a better place for generations to come is why we choose solar every day.

We know that, for many people, solar means cost savings and modern solutions. Solar also allows us to power our lives with clean, healthy, renewable energy. We’re happy to pass along this gift to Serenity Grove. Through the efforts of hardworking individuals, their residential facility has been made a space of comfort and recovery – soon to be powered by the sun!

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We’re partnering with Women for Recovery this holiday season to use our business as a force for good – a central goal in our business- while supporting their mission to provide stable, safe, reliable housing to those in recovery.

We chose Women for Recovery to support their honorable work. Third Sun Solar believes that everyone has the right to a healthy environment and a brighter future.

The need is great

In 2016 a group of local stakeholders convened to address the need for recovery housing for women with substance abuse issues in Athens County. They affirmed that the need is critical. A call to action ensued. Stakeholders working on the project are comprised of local woman with experience in the recovery community and are personally familiar with individuals in recovery.

The project is budding

Women for Recovery became a 501c3 nonprofit organization in March 2017 and closed in July on their primary location: Serenity Grove. Located just outside the city of Athens and nestled among stately oak, hickory and chestnut trees, the house can accommodate up to eight women in a safe, secure, and sober environment. At Serenity Grove, women dedicated to the eventual goal of transitioning back into independent living will hone the skills necessary to live free of drugs and alcohol.

Feel Good about your power

We come to solar with a lot of heart. So do our customers, advocates, solar champions and partners. A commitment to better communities, care for our neighbors, and the desire to make the world a better place for generations to come is why we choose solar every day.

We know that, for many people, solar means cost savings and modern solutions. Solar also allows us to power our lives with clean, healthy, renewable energy. We’re happy to pass along this gift to Serenity Grove. Through the efforts of hardworking individuals, their residential facility has been made a space of comfort and recovery – soon to be powered by the sun!

Third Sun Solar in the news: Solar Power World spoke with our Geoff Greenfield, who give a snapshot into the state of sustainability in 2019 in Ohio.

Read the full story here.

Third Sun Solar in the news: Solar Power World spoke with our Geoff Greenfield, who give a snapshot into the state of sustainability in 2019 in Ohio.

Read the full story here.

Solar Part of Cuyahoga County’s Sustainability Plan

Medical Examiner’s Office, Animal Shelter and Harvard Road Garage to See Energy Savings

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH — The Cuyahoga County Department of Sustainability, in partnership with AEP Onsite Partners, LLC, is bringing energy savings to the County through the installation of solar panels on three County buildings.

The following properties have or will have solar panels installed:

1. The Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter located at 9500 Sweet Valley Dr., Valley View 44125
2. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office located at 11001 Cedar Ave., Cleveland 44106
3. The Cuyahoga County Harvard Road Garage located at 2501 Harvard Ave., Newburgh Heights 44105

“As part of the County’s Climate Change Action Plan, we have committed to adding more renewable energy into both our properties and the local grid as a whole,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “We want to provide energy savings at all levels of the County, and with inaction at the federal level, local governments have a greater responsibility to step up and act.”

Two-hundred and twenty-two solar panels have been installed at the Animal Shelter. The Medical Examiner’s Office is currently having 488 solar panels installed. Roof repairs on the Harvard Road Garage are currently being conducted, then 1,948 panels will be installed.

All installations should be completed by Spring 2020. The solar panels are expected to yield a total of 1,147,000 kwh of energy. The panels would account for 13 percent of the total load for the Animal Shelter, three percent for the Medical Examiner’s Office and 25-30 percent for the Harvard Road Garage.

Last Monday, Lakewood approved legislation to join the County’s power purchasing agreement and add solar panels to four municipal buildings. Cleveland Heights anticipates introducing similar legislation within the next two or three months.

“The work we are doing at the County level is achievable and can be done at the local level as well,” said Director of Sustainability, Mike Foley. “We’re encouraging businesses and communities to learn about the benefits of solar and potentially join our power purchasing agreement for further energy savings, just like Lakewood did.”

“AEP OnSite Partners collaborates with communities and businesses to put in place advanced, clean energy resources in a way that is both affordable and hassle free. This project will enable Cuyahoga County to add sustainable, low-cost energy to help meet their power needs without requiring them to own or maintain a solar system,” said AEP OnSite Partners Chief Operating Officer, Joel Jansen. “Providing advanced energy solutions, like solar installations, is the type of innovative, customer-focused approach that AEP OnSite Partners can provide to help communities be more sustainable.”

Solar During a Power Outage

When you install a solar energy system, you might expect that the lights will stay on when the power goes out because you’re generating your own power. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

With grid tied solar systems, any excess power you create will be stored in the utility grid. The grid is sort of like a big battery, you send power to it when you have excess and take energy from it when you need more. Because of this connection, when grid power goes out – so does yours. This keeps electricity from leaking onto the grid lines and putting folks working to correct the issue in harm’s way.

To get power during a grid blackout, you will need a grid tied solar system with battery backup. When the grid is up and working, the system functions like a normal grid tied solar system. Some of the electricity your solar system produces will top off your batteries. In the case of grid failure, the batteries kick in to keep the lights on.

A solar system with battery backup costs more than your traditional grid tied solar system but having power during a blackout can be invaluable to some. Any home that already has solar panels, is battery backup ready.

You are a good candidate for a backup battery system if you:

• Want to know that you will have seamless energy when the grid is down
• Experience frequent power outages
• Experience extreme weather conditions
• Have critical appliances at your home

Power Outages Becoming Increasingly Common

Unfortunately, we’re seeing power outages becoming more common place as more and more people are in the path of severe weather patterns. In some places power companies are preemptively shutting down the grid when they anticipate a blackout.

The good news is that there are solutions to grid failures through battery and solar battery storage.

Tesla Powerwall: Home Battery Storage

Powerwall is a home battery system that turns your home’s solar panels into an all-day resource. Daily it increases your self-consumption of solar. In the event of an outage, it offers reliable home backup power. With Powerwall, more of your home’s electricity use will come from solar, which enhances solar functionality, reduces energy costs and provides peace of mind to homeowners.

Powerwall allows you to store 14 kWh of energy and use that energy to run your home with solar during the night and back up your home in the event of a power outage.

The technology withing Powerwall is able to detect a grid outage, disconnect from the grid and bring power back to your home in a fraction of a second. That is over 100x faster than typical standby generators, and fast enough to keep your appliances running without interruption. You will not have to reset your clocks or your alarm. Powerwall can provide backup to your entire home. However, depending on the type of appliances at your home, we may recommend an essential load backup instead of whole home backup. Read more about Tesla here.

Right Sizing Your Backup System:

Whole Home Backup

If you’re interested in whole home backup, our Solar Designers can analyze your homes electric use patterns and the recommended number of Powerwall’s needed to keep all loads running. In some cases, an upgrade to your electrical panel may be needed and we will advise you if this is the case. You can add more Powerwall’s to keep your house operational longer during an outage.

Essential Load Backup

If your electrical situation doesn’t require whole home backup, we can backup select essential loads. Since lights and outlets require less energy, a single Powerwall will typically be enough.

In summary, during a grid blackout, power from your solar system won’t be available for you to use unless you have a backup battery system. If you’re interested to learn more about solar or battery back-up, give us a call today! 1-877-OWN-SOLAR.

https://kokosingsolar.com/residential/does-solar-work-in-a-blackout/