Solar Power vs Fossil Fuels_ A Comparison

When it comes to solar power vs. fossil fuels, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each energy source. We’ve largely been using fossil fuels because they’re convenient. However, with increasing warnings from experts about climate change and a desire to do our part to help the environment, solar power is slowly but surely gaining more traction. Let’s take a closer look at the major factors to consider when comparing solar power to fossil fuels. 

Availability differs between solar power and fossil fuels

  • Solar power: Because it’s derived directly from the sun, solar power is considered a renewable source of energy. It’s free and it’s not a finite resource because as long as the sun continues to rise every day, we are able to create solar power. 
  • Fossil fuels: Conversely, fossil fuels are a non-renewable energy source. There is not an endless supply of fossil fuels here on earth, and once the supply runs out it will take millions of years to replenish. 

Cost comparison between fossil fuels and solar power

  • Solar power: It goes without saying that sunlight is free, and the largest costs associated with solar power are the manufacturing and installation costs for solar panels. Fortunately, home solar systems have become much more affordable over the years, and there are federal tax rebates you can claim to help offset your installation costs. 
  • Fossil fuels: There are costs associated with every step of fossil fuels, from mining, transporting, supplying, and using fossil fuels. As resources run out, these costs are set to increase. If you have gas in your home, your monthly gas bill reflects only part of the cost. 

Difference in carbon emissions between solar power and fossil fuels

  • Solar power: Solar power doesn’t produce any carbon dioxide, nor does it emit any other harmful gases that are bad for the environment. 
  • Fossil fuels: When fossil fuels are burned, it emits carbon dioxide – which becomes trapped in the atmosphere and leads to heat retention. With climate change and rising temperatures around the world being serious threats to our livelihood, it makes sense to avoid energy sources that produce carbon emissions.

The Future of Energy Usage 

  • Solar power: From an environmental perspective, solar power is the better option for the future. The sun is a completely free source of energy that will never run out, and solar power can be used to run everything from small homes to large warehouses. And as far as vehicles go, solar power is already being used to power charging stations for electric vehicles. 
  • Fossil fuels: Moving away from fossil fuels on a large scale will require collective action from our governments. The recent tax incentives and federal rebates are a good start to encourage homeowners and business owners to make the switch to solar power.

For more information about solar power installation in New Jersey, please contact our team at Green House Solar today and visit our website at: https://greenhouse.solar

Do Solar Panels Break in Hail Storms and Bad Weather_

If you have solar panels, or if you’re considering investing in a home solar system, you might be wondering how they will hold up in inclement weather. For people who live in areas that experience extreme weather conditions, like blizzards, hurricanes, or hail storms, it’s important to understand how bad weather conditions will affect your solar panels. Let’s take a closer look: 

Solar Panels in Storms

If you live in an area where storms and high winds are common, you’ll be relieved to know that most solar panels are able to withstand winds of up to 140mph. Heavy rain, heavy wind, and hurricanes are a particular concern for those of us who live on the east coast of the US, and when Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast in 2012, minimal damage was reported by solar system owners across New Jersey. 

Solar Panels and Hail

In order to test and ensure durability, solar panels are subjected to various tests, and one of those tests involves shooting the solar panels with ping pong-sized ice balls at around 70mph. In 2017, Denver, Colorado experienced an unusually severe hailstorm that resulted in shattered car windows and left huge dents in roofs. However, only one solar panel was reportedly broken, proving that they’re durable and resilient even in dangerous weather conditions like extreme hail. 

Do Solar Power Batteries Help During Storms?

If your solar panels are connected to the grid, they’ll shut off if there’s a power outage. This is where solar batteries become essential. Solar batteries store excess energy generated by your solar panels, and release it to your house when it’s needed. During power outages, blackouts, storms, and other harsh weather conditions, a solar battery ensures your home doesn’t lose power. 

Consider a Change to the Rack

If hail storms are a concern in your area, we recommend you consider a dual-axis tracker that can move into a more vertical position to minimize damage from hail and other extreme weather. There are solar panels made from thicker and more durable glass, making them more hail resistant than thinner panels. 

For more information about durable home solar systems, or if you have any other questions about how your solar system will fare in a hail storm, please contact our team at Green House Solar today or visit us at: https://greenhouse.solar/

 

 

 

 

Solar panel system installation: what to expect

If you’re considering installing a solar panel system at home, you may be wondering what happens during the installation process and what you can expect. More people are opting for home solar systems now because they want to break free from conventional energy, reduce their environmental footprint, and lower their monthly energy costs. 

In this article, we’ll discuss each step of the installation process from start to finish. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our team today – they’ll be happy to help.

Step #1: Install Solar Panel Mounts

The first step is installing solar panel mounts. These pieces are affixed to your roof, and then your solar panels are affixed to the mounts. Your solar installer will inspect your roof to determine what type of mounts will work best, and then they’ll place them in the ideal position for maximum sun exposure. While it’s true that solar panels generate energy on cloudy days, you want your solar panels to be in the best position possible to absorb as much sunlight as they can, hency why it’s so important to properly place the mounts. 

Step #2: Install the Solar Panels

Once the mounts are firmly in place, it’s time to attach the solar panels to the mounts. Your solar installer will ensure the panels are properly attached to the mounts and that they’re angled correctly. It’s important that your solar panels are securely affixed to the mounts.

Step #3: Wire the Solar Panels

After your solar panels have been secured to the mounts, you’ll need to install the electrical wiring. Turn off your home’s power supply before this step. 

Step #4: Install Solar Inverter and Consumer Unit

The solar inverter is a crucial part of the home solar system. It converts sunlight into the energy used to power your home. Solar inverters are usually placed near the main solar panel, and we recommend they be kept in a cool place away from direct sunlight. 

The solar inverter will need to be connected to the consumer unit, which is your fuse board, in order to generate electricity. 

Step #5: Start and Test Solar Panels

You’re now ready to turn your power back on and let your solar panels get to work. Once your home solar system is up and running you can install an app on your phone that allows you to monitor your electricity usage in real time.

To learn more about solar power and how our team can install a home solar system for you, please call us today or visit our website at: https://greenhouse.solar

Are you a small business owner who is considering investing in solar power for your company? Solar panel systems have greatly increased in popularity among homeowners across the country, and many business owners are also investing in solar panels in order to run their businesses using completely clean, renewable energy from the sun. In this article, our team will discuss the benefits and cost factors of choosing solar power for your small business. 

Benefits of Solar Energy for Small Businesses

  • Decrease your monthly energy bills. Keeping your air conditioning and heating systems pumping year round, as well as your lights on, results in big monthly electricity costs. After the initial cost of installation, you’ll quickly see your energy bills decrease without seeing any interruptions in performance. 
  • Tax credits. The Federal Government offers a 26% rebate towards the overall cost of your solar system. So if the total cost of your solar system installation is $20,000, you are eligible for a $5,200 tax credit. 
  • Reduce your carbon footprint. We all have a role to play in reducing pollution, reducing carbon emissions, and making more environmentally friendly choices. Solar power is an entirely free, clean, and renewable energy source to take advantage of. 

Solar power gives you a great return on investment

The sooner you pay off the installation cost of your solar system, the sooner you’ll begin to see a return on investment (ROI). In fact, for small business owners who have solar panels, it’s typical to see a double-digit ROI for their solar system – these valuable savings are incredibly important for small businesses operating on smaller margins than large corporations. 

Solar power reduces your business operating costs

How many times has your HVAC system broken down, leaving your business without air conditioning or heating? In addition to saving money on regular monthly energy bills, solar panels also eliminate the need for expensive upgrades on your HVAC systems and emergency repair costs. 

How Much Does Solar Cost for Businesses?

The cost of installing a solar system for your business will be determined by several factors:

  • The energy demands of your small business
  • The make and model of solar panels you choose
  • The type of roof you have 

Our team will be happy to discuss these details and provide you with an accurate estimate. 

For more information about solar panel systems for your small business, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. Discover how solar power can help you reduce your carbon emissions and save on monthly energy bills by visiting our website at: https://greenhouse.solar/