Adding Solar Panels To Your Existing System

There are several reasons why you might want to add solar panels to your existing system. Perhaps your budget allowed you to start with a smaller number of panels, maybe you’ve increased your energy usage over the years, or you’ve built an extension on your home and now have space for more panels. Whatever the reason, our expert team at Green House Solar is here to explain how this process works. 

Can You Add More Solar Panels to an Existing Setup?

Yes, you can add panels to your existing solar system. If you have space on your roof then your solar installer can simply add more, but solar panels don’t need to always be on the roof. They can also be placed in various locations around your property, taking into account things like sun exposure and shaded obstructions, like trees and shrubbery. 

How Many Panels Should You Add?

The number of panels you add will depend on several factors, most importantly how much energy you’re using on a monthly basis. It’s common for peoples’ energy usage to increase over the years, especially if your family has expanded or you add new appliances to your home. Share your most recent energy bill with your solar installer, so they can recommend the correct number of panels to add. 

How to Upgrade Your Solar System

Call your solar installer and let them know you want to expand your existing solar system. They’ll conduct an inspection and let you know what’s possible, whether it’s adding more panels to your roof or installing additional panels somewhere else on your property. Upgrading your system does even more to reduce your emissions while providing your home with clean, free, renewable power from the sun. 

Adding Solar Batteries

Solar batteries collect and store solar power to distribute throughout your home at a later time. If you’re expanding your solar system you may want to add an additional solar battery (or two), and this is something your solar installer can do alongside installing your new solar panels. 

For more information about adding solar panels to your existing setup, or if you have any other questions, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. We look forward to hearing from you, but until then please visit our website at: https://greenhouse.solar/

 

 

Let There Be Light!

Solar panel maintenance in the summer is necessary to maintain the efficiency of your home solar system. With all the sunshine the season offers, it is a peak production period.

Because solar panels are designed to be durable, withstand the elements, and have no moving parts, they need very little maintenance. But it is good practice to clean the solar panels once a year and remove anything that might be blocking sun from the panels. It is the best maintenance to review the solar panel monitoring system to ensure it is still performing optimally.   

Give the solar panels a good clean this summer and let there be light!

Solar System Warranty and Panel Cleaning.

Solar panel installation in NJ is often covered by a warranty. Before cleaning any panels, review the terms and conditions of the solar system and panel warranty. Sometimes cleaning is covered by a maintenance warranty. If you feel the warranty is unclear in this matter, contact your solar service provider.    

Call In The Professionals for Rooftop Solar Panel Cleaning.

When you have a rooftop solar system, safety must always be the first consideration. Let a professional service provider clean the panels as they have all the necessary equipment to work safely on a rooftop. Ask your solar service provider if they clean panels or can provide a recommendation.        

How to Make Ground-Mounted Solar Panels Shine.

Residential solar panels in NJ are sometimes ground-mounted, and you might choose to clean the panels yourself. SunPower suggests cleaning the panels early in the morning or evening, as high heat will cause streaks and smears. However, if you feel more comfortable having your solar panels maintained professionally, our experts at Greenhouse Solar are always available.     

Remove The Shade.

Solar panels must be kept free from shade to function optimally. Check during daylight hours for trees or plants that shade the panels and trim them back. If there are other obstructions, remove them if possible. 

Review The Solar Panel Monitoring System.

Double-check that the light of the inverters is flashing green. It is an indication that there are no problems with the system.   

Our experts at Greenhouse solar provide high-quality solar installation, back up power and maintenance in Morris County and Northern NJ, for both residential and commercial properties. If you need assistance with solar panel maintenance in the summer, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Home solar systems continue to increase in popularity, and it’s easy to understand why. Solar panels are extremely durable, they last on average for around 25 years, they provide your whole house with free, clean energy, and they allow you to divest from your city’s electric grid. In fact, home solar panels can even generate and store electricity when it’s cloudy, despite the popular belief that they require full sun to produce energy.

Each home solar system is unique, which means the cost of installing and maintaining your solar panels will be determined by specific factors about your property and your home. Here are some of the factors that will determine your home solar costs:

  • The make and model of the solar panels you choose. As the expression goes, “you get what you pay for,” and we recommend investing in top-of-the-line solar panels. At Green House Solar, we only stock and install market-leading solar panels, and we’re happy to make recommendations for your property. 
  • The size of your solar system, which is determined by the size of your house. Larger homes with bigger families most likely use more electricity than a smaller residence, but as long as your property can accommodate the solar panels, you can choose however many you want.
  • The direction your roof faces. You ideally want your solar panels to get as much direct sun as possible throughout the day. If your roof is slanted it can affect how much sunlight your solar panels can absorb. However, a trusted solar company can inspect your property and give you a solid idea of what to expect.
  • Your local weather. As mentioned above, solar panels can generate and supply energy to your home on overcast days, but sunny climates are preferable for home solar systems. Here in Morris County NJ, we are lucky to experience bright, sunny summer days – perfect for solar panels.
  • Additional components for your home solar system, like solar battery storage. There are various components available to accompany your solar panels, and while they are optional, they can be beneficial to your home solar system if they are within your budget.

Solar panel maintenance costs in NJ

Solar panels are incredibly easy and cost-effective to maintain, and on average they last for 25 years. The panels will require an occasional cleaning to remove dust and debris that prevents them from working at maximum capacity, but aside from that, any repairs should be covered by your warranty. 

For more information about home solar systems or solar panel maintenance, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. Discover why so many people in the area choose us as their trusted home solar company.

solar

Solar power cell technology was first invented in 1839 by a French physicist, Edmond Becquerel. But, it’s come a long way since those early days. Like all cutting-edge technology, solar panel systems are constantly evolving to become more effective, more advanced, and more affordable. So, what can we expect for the future of solar power? Here are some insights from our team specializing in home solar in Morris County, NJ.

Increased Solar Panel Efficiency 

One of the biggest challenges in solar panel technology is efficiency – converting as much sunlight as possible into energy. It’s an incredibly difficult thing to do and even the most high-performance solar panels on the market currently are considered incredibly efficient at 22 to 23%.

There’s a huge drive to create more effective and efficient panels because of how beneficial they’ll be to consumers. By increasing efficiency, for example, solar panels can be smaller. This will allow people to generate solar power for their homes using less roof space, and it means multi-family buildings can effectively supply solar energy to all households within them using very limited roof space. Another benefit would be that buildings in low-light situations and low light climates can still power all their electrical needs with just a few panels.

Solar Farms 

Huge fields of solar panels are slowly becoming a reality, allowing large-scale solar farming to take place. In 2008, the first floating solar panel system was installed in California’s Napa Valley. In 2019, South African farmers built their own floating solar farm – the first in Africa. And Singapore is aiming to build the largest floating solar farm in the world in the next year, covering an amazing 45 football fields of space.

These solar farms are a huge boost to sustainable energy goals, allowing solar to become more accessible to more people. This is especially important in cities and locations where people don’t have the space, finances or permissions to install their own home solar systems. The farms feed solar power directly into the grid, reducing electricity costs and allowing you access to renewable energy with ease. As solar panels become more efficient, solar farms can dramatically increase their output.

Make Your Home More Sustainable and Experience the Cost Savings of Home Solar in Morris County, NJ 

Greenhouse Solar is one of the leading solar companies in Morris County, NJ. We are Sonnen Certified, and are NABCEP Certified PV Installers and licensed NJ Electrical Contractors, which means we don’t subcontract at all. We recommend SunPower solar panels to all our clients, as they are the most advanced, most efficient, and most durable panels on the market – offering you real value for money for many years to come.

Our experienced teams are ready to answer all your questions about the cost of home solar systems and solar battery backup systems, as well as evaluate your property to suggest a customized and effective solar system. We are here to help design, install, and maintain your solar system, completely customized to your needs and budget. 

To find out more about our company or solar panel maintenance in Morris County, NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at https://greenhouse.solar/

Solar battery backup systems allow your home to access stored solar renewable energy at night or on low-power days. Here is some advice not only on how to maintain this system, but also to ensure that it lasts for many years, from the specialists in residential solar in Morris County, NJ.

Program Your Solar Battery System 

When you first bring your battery backup system online, you’ll need to program the voltage set points as well as the charging voltage that should be applied during the battery cycle. It’s best to ask your installer to set these for you, as it is critical to the lifespan of your system. If your batteries charge incorrectly, you’ll find that they wear out much faster. You should be able to find this information in your installation manuals. 

Flooded Lead-Acid Battery Maintenance 

These systems require a checkup every 2 to 4 weeks, which should include:

Water: 

Check the water level of your flooded lead-acid batteries every 15 to 30 days as this evaporates during the charge cycle. Refill using distilled water only, as other water has minerals and particles that will affect the chemistry of the battery. Only fill to the max level line.

State of Charge (SoC): 

Using a refractometer and the instructions in the manufacturer’s manual, you can check how charged your batteries really are. If they are not holding a charge even after a full charge cycle, they may be old, damaged or defective and require replacing. Keep in mind that battery capacity lowers with age, so track their age and replace them within the manufacturer’s recommended time.

Equalization Charges: 

This ensures that cells are charged equally. It also requires a controlled overcharge every 30 to 90 days. First, check the water level and refill if needed. Turn off any loads before setting your charger at the equalize voltage (you can find this in your battery manual). Start the charge and take readings on your refractometer every hour. When the specific gravity stops rising, this process is complete.

Additional Maintenance: 

Check that the battery cable connections are tight, clean terminal connections with a paste of distilled water and baking soda to prevent corrosion, and clean away dust with a damp cloth.

Sealed Lead-Acid Battery Maintenance 

These batteries require less maintenance overall, but you should check the following:

State of Charge (SoC): 

Use a multimeter to check the DC voltage of your batteries and check these readings against the chart in your battery manual. Do this test when the batteries have no load. If they fail to reach 100%, they may be old or defective.

Additional Maintenance: 

Check cables and terminals to ensure that they are securely tightened, and clean away any dust collecting on the top of the batteries. Remember to always wear gloves and eye protection, and use insulated tools. 

Lithium-Ion Battery Maintenance 

These are a favorite solar backup system option for homeowners as they require the least maintenance. After having them professionally installed and set up, all you have to do is the occasional SoC reading to ensure they are holding the charge properly. You can do this with a specific tool recommended by your installer (they are unique to each manufacturer as they communicate with a built-in battery management system).

In addition, be sure to examine the the cables and terminals and tighten if needed, and dust the batteries thoroughly. As above, always wear gloves and eye protection, and use insulated tools.

Go Solar in 2020 with Residential Solar Experts in Morris County, NJ 

Greenhouse Solar is one of the leading solar companies in Morris County, NJ. We are Sonnen Certified, and our experienced teams are ready to answer all your questions about home solar system installation and solar battery backup systems. We are here to help design, install, and maintain your solar system, completely customized to your needs and budget.

To find out more about residential solar in Morris County, NJ, our company or services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://greenhouse.solar/.

While you can install home solar year-round in Morris County, NJ, spring is definitely the best time of year to make the most of your investment. Here’s why, from our home solar team.

  • The weather: Winter weather isn’t the best for home improvement projects – roofs are slippery and covered in snow, the wind is howling and it’s not exactly warm. This is especially true for solar panel installations, as your roof will have to be properly inspected, evaluated to position the panels optimally, and repaired to ensure that the installation can go ahead safely. Spring is perfect, however, and that makes installing your home solar system faster, easier and safer. And, of course, the sun is out and ready for your new panels to get you those great savings!
  • Tax refunds: One of the biggest barriers to installing home solar is the initial cost, even though your system will pay it off in the long-run. Fortunately, there are state and federal incentives, including tax credits, to help make this a more affordable project. But there’s no time to waste – time is running out on NJ solar incentives which are set to change in 2019.
  • We’re over the festive season cash crunch: The festive season usually means spending – on holidays, great presents, and all those great things we all love – but it does mean that January and February can be a bit of a financial challenge. By the spring, we can all start looking at home improvement projects we’d like to do – and solar panels are a great choice for adding more to those future savings!

If you already have solar panels in place, spring is also the perfect time to do your annual maintenance and cleaning. This will ensure that any minor repairs or maintenance issues are affordably taken care of and that your panels are optimized to take full advantage of the hot summer on the horizon.

Solar Panel Maintenance from Home Solar Specialists in Morris County, NJ 

Greenhouse Solar is one of the leading solar companies in Morris County, NJ. Our experienced teams are ready to answer all your questions about home solar systems and solar battery backup systems. We are here to help design, install and maintain your solar system, completely customized to your needs and budget. To find out more about home solar in Morris County NJ, our company or solar panel maintenance services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://greenhouse.solar/