The History of Solar Power_ Where Did It Begin_

Although solar power is a relatively new concept, humans have been harnessing the power of the sun for centuries. From using magnifying glasses to start fires, to using mirrors and glass to generate warmth, mankind has been aware of the sun’s power for a very long time. However, the modern solar panels we see today are a little bit more involved. In this article we’ll explore when solar panels were invented, as well as several solar power milestones along the way. 

When Were Solar Panels Invented?

In 1954, three employees of Bell Labs created the first silicon solar cells that converted sunlight into energy, and these employees were the first to discover that these silicon solar cells could use sunlight to power electrical devices for hours a day. This was a big breakthrough from previous solar technology, which mainly consisted of selenium. 

Important Solar Events

1958: The Vanguard Satellite I was launched into space, becoming the first spacecraft to use a single-watt solar panel to power radios. By 1964, NASA had spacecraft that were entirely powered by solar systems. 

1973: The University of Delaware built Solar One, the first solar residence that generated solar power and used it at night. 

1979: President Jimmy Carter had solar panels installed on the roof of the White House, marking a turning point in public awareness about solar energy. President Barack Obama was the second US President to have solar panels installed at the White House in 2010. 

Solar Power Today

Home solar systems are much more affordable today than they were in decades past. We now know how important it is to slow climate change, and the government has created several programs and tax incentives designed to encourage homeowners to invest in solar systems. 

Political Problems

In the past, oil and gas crises have demonstrated the need for the general population to have access to free and renewable energy. The US imports some of its oil from other countries, and instances like oil embargos created soaring prices, depleting supplies for consumers across the country. 

As you can see, although solar panels are a fairly recent invention, the history of solar power goes back quite a way, and its role in our society continues to become more important as we try to slow climate change. For more information, or if you have any questions about solar panel installation, please contact our team at Green House Solar in NJ. You could also visit our website at: https://greenhouse.solar/

 

The Pros And Cons Of Net Metering

If you use solar panels to generate electricity for your home or business, you’ve probably heard of net metering, but do you know how it works? Solar systems have become much more affordable over the last decade, and with a range of financial incentives and tax credits available, many people are choosing to use solar power and net metering for their energy needs. When you have a solar system you can opt in to net metering, but what exactly is it, and what are the pros and cons? Let’s take a look. 

What Is Net Metering?

Net metering, sometimes called net energy metering (NEM), is when someone who privately owns their solar panels gives any excess energy generated to the electric grid. So if on a sunny day your solar system generates more electricity than your home or business can utilize, the excess electricity is fed back to the grid and the customer builds up a surplus.  At night or on a cloudy day, they can draw on that surplus and get the power they need from the grid.  Customers enrolled in this program are only billed for the net amount of power that they use, which in some cases means no charges at all.

To use net metering you must be connected to the grid, which the majority of people who have solar systems are. If you want to determine if you’re eligible to opt in to net metering, please contact your solar installer and they’ll be able to explain your local regulations.

The Pros of Net Metering

  • Increased control over your energy bills. Once you start paying closer attention to how much energy you’re using on a regular basis, you can be more mindful about not leaving lights on when you don’t need them, or not leaving your hot water running unnecessarily. 
  • Reduced demand on the grid. Sending your excess energy to the grid means there is less reliance on non-renewable energy. 

The Cons of Net Metering

  • It isn’t available everywhere. Most states in the US currently mandate net metering, but not all of them do. That’s why it’s important to ask your local solar installer about the regulations for the state you reside in. 
  • It requires being connected to the grid. If you’re completely off the grid, you won’t be eligible for net metering. You must be connected to your local power grid in order to send excess energy to it. 

For more information about how you can use net metering with your home solar system, or if you have any other questions about solar panels, please contact our team at Green House Solar today or visit us at: https://greenhouse.solar/

 

 

How Do Solar Power Inverters Work

People across the United States are growing increasingly interested in solar power and other renewable sources of energy. Solar systems are now more common, more affordable, and more efficient than they were several decades ago. To boot, the U.S. government has passed several pieces of legislation that offer tax credits and other incentives for people who install home solar systems.

While a solar system is made up of many components, the solar power inverter is perhaps the most crucial. So what is this piece of equipment, and how does it work? Let’s take a look. 

What Is a Solar Power Inverter?

A solar power inverter is a type of electric converter that takes the direct current electricity generated by your solar panels and converts it into alternating current. Alternating current is the standard flow of electricity used by domestic appliances and electric circuits. Essentially, it turns sunlight into renewable power for your home. 

How Solar Power Inverters Operate in Your Home Solar System

When the sun shines down onto your solar panels, they absorb the light and send the energy to the photovoltaic cells. This energy produces direct current, which is then sent directly to the inverter. From there, the energy will be converted into alternating current then sent into your home or stored in a solar battery. 

Types of Solar Power Inverters

  • Battery inverters: A battery inverter is a good choice if you need to fit your inverter into an existing solar system, or if you want your battery to be in a separate spot than your solar panels. 
  • Microinverters: Microintervers are about the size of a small book, making them a convenient option if space is a concern. You’ll need one microinverter per solar panel, and each inverter optimizes one solar panel efficiently. Due to their many advantages, Green House Solar designs the vast majority of our systems with microinverters.
  • String inverters: String inverters are another choice for residential solar systems, and they’re called this because they’re connected to a string of solar panels. 
  • Central inverters: The largest type of inverter, a central inverter is used for commercial or industrial purposes, in systems that require hundreds of kilowatts of volume. 

Are Solar Power Inverters Weather Proof?

Certain solar inverters are weatherproof, while certain types aren’t. The placement of your solar inverter is important, and if you need extra protection from the weather we recommend installing a weather-proof cage. Speak with your solar installer to learn more about which solar inverters are weatherproof, and which choice is best for your property. 

If you’d like more information about solar power inverters, to learn which one would operate best with your home solar system, please contact our team at Green House Solar today or visit us at: https://greenhouse.solar/

 

What The Rural Energy For America Program Means For Solar

The U.S. government, through various pieces of legislation and several programs, is incentivizing both homeowners and business owners to use renewable energy. We’ve seen a range of tax credits and other financial incentives rolled out recently, and people across the country are not hesitating to take advantage. One incentivized program in particular is the Rural Energy for America Program, called REAP. In this article, our team of solar panel installers will explain REAP, including who qualifies and how to apply. 

What is the REAP Program?

The REAP is a government program that provides guaranteed grant funding of up to 40% of the value of the project and loan financing for up to 75% of the project value to small, rural businesses and agricultural producers for renewable energy systems, or to make energy efficiency improvements. According to REAP, agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment, and for new system loans for agricultural production and processing. 

Who Qualifies for REAP?

Rural small businesses, meaning businesses located in areas with a population of 50,000 residents or fewer, and agricultural producers in both rural and non-rural areas qualify for the funding available through REAP. All applicants must prove they are citizens of the United States, or can prove they are residing legally in the country. Borrowers must prove that the loan funds will stay in the United States.

How to Apply for REAP

To apply for the REAP, visit the United States Department of Agriculture’s website and select your state from the drop-down menu. Once you’ve chosen your state, the appropriate form and accompanying instructions will follow. This website also contains important information about deadlines. 

How Green House Solar Can Help You with REAP

At Green House Solar, we work closely with several REAP specialists and can help you complete the necessary paperwork for the REAP program in New Jersey. The March 2023 deadline is quickly approaching, so we recommend you submit your application as soon as possible. Don’t miss out on this excellent chance to invest in a renewable energy system for your rural business in NJ. 

For more information about the REAP, if you need assistance completing your application, or if you have any other renewable energy questions, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. You could also visit our website to learn more about harnessing solar energy for your home or small business: https://greenhouse.solar/

Home Energy Storage Keeps Your Solar Power On

If you have solar panels then you should also have a solar powered energy storage system. Especially if your solar panels garner more power than your home is able to use. That energy has to go somewhere, which is why solar batteries are an essential part of any residential or commercial solar system. In this article we’ll discuss how they work, advantages and disadvantages, as well as how to choose the best solar battery backup system for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions, or if you’d like to schedule a one-on-one consultation. 

How Does a Solar Powered Energy Storage System Work?

When your solar panels generate more electricity than your house is able to use, the excess energy cannot and should not go to waste. The solution? Excess energy goes into a solar battery backup system where it’s stored until your home needs it. Rather than sending excess energy back to the power grid, you can store it in a solar battery and access it when necessary. 

Advantages

  • Energy independence: If you live in an area that experiences frequent blackouts or where your power supply goes on and off, having a solar battery is a huge advantage because you can continue powering your home when the power grid goes down. 
  • Eco-conscious: When your home pulls the excess energy from your solar batteries, that’s power that it doesn’t have to draw from the grid – making it a much more environmentally friendly option. 
  • Peace and quiet: Which would you rather have powering your home during a blackout – a silent solar battery or a noisy generator? 

Disadvantages

  • Expensive installation costs: Installing a home solar system that includes solar batteries can be expensive, but there are various solar tax credits and incentives within the state of New Jersey that you can take advantage of to help offset the cost. You’ll also be earning your money back in the long run with lower monthly energy bills.
  • The battery’s lifespan decreases with age and usage: Solar batteries aren’t as durable as solar panels, which can last decades without much maintenance, but the technology has come a long way and some batteries now come with 10,000 full charge cycle/10 year warranties. 

Choosing a Solar Powered Energy Storage System for Your Home in NJ 

The best type of solar battery backup system for you will depend on several factors, including the type of solar system you have, the layout of your property, and your energy needs. There are two main types of home energy storage batteries currently on the market – Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP).  We recommend and install LFP batteries exclusively because of their safer chemistry – they will not combust when punctured. 

For more information about solar powered energy storage systems and how they can help extend the power of your solar panels generate, please contact our team at Green House Solar today or visit our website at: https://greenhouse.solar/

Why New Jersey is The Ideal State to Install Solar Power

Solar power is an ideal sustainable solution for powering your home or your business. And the state of New Jersey has a range of incentives and tax credits you can use to your advantage to make it even more affordable. If you’ve been considering installing a solar system at home or at your business, now is an excellent time to invest in clean energy. Here’s why:

New Jersey’s Solar Incentives

New Jersey’s Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program is divided into two sub-programs:

  • Administratively Determined Incentive (ADI): This program provides a fixed-incentive payment for residential, most commercial and industrial, and community net metered solar projects, and the payment is guaranteed for 15 years. The type and size of the solar project will determine the value of the incentive, and it generally ranges from $70 to $120 for every megawatt hour of energy the system produces.
  • Competitive Solar Incentive (CSI): This program is for projects larger than 5 megawatts and grid supply projects, and it involves a competitive solicitation process. The goal is to set the lowest financial contribution from rate-payers for solar projects that provide energy directly to the grid, and for larger-scale commercial and industrial projects.
  • NJ Solar Sales Tax Exemption: This incentive allows a 100% sales tax exemption on all major solar equipment you buy for your home, which means you save 7% upfront. All taxpayers are eligible for this incentive.
  • NJ Property Tax Exemption: Under this incentive, home and business owners are not taxed on the increase in value to their properties when a solar system is added.  

 

Solar Tax Credit – NJ Residential and Commercial

The Federal solar tax credit reduces the cost of solar panels for both residential and commercial buildings. Also known as the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), it allows you to deduct 30% of the installation costs from your federal income taxes. 

Switch and Save Today with Green House Solar

If you’re ready to make the switch from traditional energy to solar energy, our team at Green House Solar is happy to help. We’ve helped plenty of homeowners and business owners across New Jersey make the change, so they can harness the free, clean, renewable power of the sun. 

For more information about solar power and how you can take advantage of New Jersey solar incentives, please contact our team at Green House Solar today or visit our website at: https://greenhouse.solar/

Guide to Solar Financing Options for Homeowners

While the cost of home solar systems has decreased over the years, the total installation costs can still be prohibitive for many homeowners. Luckily, there are several solar financing options that make it easier to power your home using clean, renewable energy from the sun. Our team explains some of the most common solar financing options, and is standing by to answer any questions you may have. As you read below it is important to know that all these options are available at no upfront cost to customers with strong credit. 

Solar Loans

There are many different types of solar loans available, and if you have good credit, your options will be more plentiful. Certified solar installers offer loans to homeowners who are ready to have a home solar system, usually through a third party, similar to applying for a line of credit. When you apply for and receive a solar loan, you can claim the federal solar tax credit (that has just been increased to 30%), which makes this option very appealing to many homeowners. 

Solar Leases

Solar leases work similarly to car leases – you lease your home solar system from a solar provider and you make payments on your system for as long as you’re using it. At Green House Solar we are proud to lease the highest quality solar panels available on the market, and we’ve made home solar systems an affordable option for hundreds of families and businesses in New Jersey. 

Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a legal agreement you make with a certified solar supplier, and just as the name implies, you pay for the power. A solar installer pays for the cost of installing your home solar system, as well as any other associated costs, then they sell the energy back to you at a fixed rate. Homeowners can enjoy lower monthly energy costs without having to dig into their pockets to pay for the installation upfront. 

Third-party Solar Panel Ownership

Third-party ownership of a home solar system allows you as a homeowner to circumvent the upfront installation costs. Instead, you’ll make monthly payments to the third-party, similar to making a car payment or a mortgage payment, and the third party will be held responsible for costs associated with repairs and maintenance. 

For more information about which solar financing option is best for you, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. 

Learn more about residential solar panel installation by visiting our website at: https://greenhouse.solar/

Why You Don't Want to DIY Your Solar Panel Installation

Are you thinking about installing your own solar panels in NJ? While it’s great that you’re ready to power your home or business with clean, free, renewable energy, solar panel installation is a job that requires the precision and expertise that comes with years of experience. With that said, we recommend you leave the installation to a trusted solar installer in the area. If you’re not yet convinced to hire a professional, here are just a few more reasons why you don’t want to DIY your solar panel installation.

Requires a Lot of Time and Effort That You Might Not Have 

Your solar panels must be placed in a very precise position to maximize their efficiency, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you’ll likely have to start over until you get it right. Not to mention, solar panel installation can be a big job depending on the size of your roof. Combine those two big factors and you really won’t want to waste your time and energy by installing incorrectly. 

Greater Risk of Roof Damage and Leaks

Most solar panels affix to the roof, and you need to know how to secure your solar panels without damaging your roof or causing any leaks. Although your roof might seem hardy and indestructible, you can ruin it easily if you’re not careful. You might think you’re saving money by DIY, but if you damage your roof in the process – the roof repair in conjunction with the panel installation will end up costing you more money in the end. 

Inexperience Breeds Physical Danger

Working up on the roof of your home or business is inherently dangerous. Even professionals, like roofers, solar panel installation teams, and house painters always take extra precautions when working on a roof. One misstep and you can have a serious fall, or you might discover there are weak spots in your roof that don’t support your body weight. 

Inability to Claim Incentives

Certain tax rebates are available to homeowners who have solar panels, but only if a certified company has performed the installation. You don’t want to miss out on big potential savings, in addition to the money you’ll be saving on your monthly energy bills. This is especially lucrative as the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit has been expanded to 30% and will apply to all certified solar panel installations that began in 2022! 

No Support for Faults or Warranty Claims

What happens if you install your own solar system and it breaks? What if it stops working? You’ll be able to get a warranty if a certified company handles your solar panel installation, which protects you in the event that your solar system breaks or malfunctions. 

For more information about how our team of experts can help you with solar panel installation, or if you have any energy questions, please contact Green House Solar today. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Learn more about harnessing solar energy by visiting our website at: https://greenhouse.solar/

Did you know about the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit_

There are several great reasons to invest in solar panels for your home. It’s the most environmentally friendly way to generate energy, it reduces your monthly energy bills, it allows you to divest from your city’s energy grid, and more. While some people are hesitant about the initial installation cost of a home solar system, did you know that you can apply for the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit to save money? More importantly, did you know that the senate has just passed a bill that increases the tax credit you receive for your residential solar installation? With that being said, our team at Green House Solar has compiled what you need to know about the recent changes to the Federal Solar incentives program, and why it is now even more beneficial to you. 

What is the Solar Tax Credit?

This tax credit gives homeowners back a percentage of the total cost of their home solar system. Until very recently, the tax credit for residential properties was worth 26% of the amount of money invested in an eligible solar property, with the stipulation that construction had to begin before 2023. For example, if you paid $40,000 for your home solar system, you would have been eligible for a tax credit of $10,400. The good news is that the tax credit was just expanded to 30% and will apply to all installations that began in 2022. That means that for the same $40,000 investment in a solar system, your potential Federal Tax Credit is now worth $12,000.

The Solar Tax Credit incentivizes homeowners to invest in home solar systems, and other energy saving products. The cost of installation used to be prohibitive to many people, but financing options like solar leasing and solar loans now exist, making it much easier to afford. 

Can I Still Qualify?

You can still qualify for the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, but there are provisions included in the new legislation. The existing credit has been extended at 30% through 2032, for anyone who starts their solar installation in 2022. For a better understanding of your unique qualifications, give us a call so we can go over all the details with you. 

Contact Green House Solar today to get started with a free consultation

We’ve helped thousands of local homeowners get started on their solar power journey. From solar panels to solar storage batteries we’re here to help you harness the power of the sun by turning it into completely clean and renewable energy for your home. If you’re interested in applying for the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, please call us today so we can discuss your options. 

For more information about saving energy with a home solar system, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Why You Want a Solar Battery Backup Installed With Your Solar Panels

Once you’ve decided to install a home solar system, you’ll also need to stock up on the appropriate solar products to accompany your new system. You may have heard about solar battery backup, but you aren’t sure what it is or why you need it. Our team at Green House Solar explains, and if you have any questions please contact us. 

What is Solar Battery Backup?

Solar battery backup is essentially storage for the energy generated by your solar panels that you instantly use when you need it, like during a power outage or overnight. Excess energy generated by your solar panels during the day will go into the battery, and it’s available on demand. Solar powered batteries are recharged by the sun, making theman extremely convenient option to accompany  your home solar system. 

Why You Need It

If you experience a power outage during a storm, or if for some reason your home is using more energy than your solar panels can generate in real time, a backup solar battery is critical. We’ve seen an increase in inclement weather conditions, whether it’s rain storms or blizzards, and you need to be prepared in case the power grid goes down. And with more of us now working from home, having wifi around the clock is a must. 

Can It Be Installed To Existing Solar Panels?

Yes, solar batteries can be installed to existing solar panels by an experienced solar installer. Home solar systems generally have a very long lifespan of several decades, so even if your solar panels are more than 10 years old, we can add a solar battery to your system. 

Green House Solar is the First Solar Company in NJ to Install the SunPower SunVault Storage System!

The SunPower Sunvault storage system is an industry-leading solar battery backup system, allowing you to control energy usage inside your home despite the weather conditions outside. You can control everything from the handy app, including setting your power preferences, monitoring your usage and savings, and ensuring excess energy generated by your panels is successfully transferred into your solar batteries. 

For more information about solar power battery backup, if you’d like to know more about our other solar products, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. We look forward to hearing from you.