Some people have a misconception that the stronger the sun is the more energy your solar panel will produce. This is incorrect, Solar panels capture light from the sun and convert it into energy that can be utilized in your home. Solar panels are exposed to high amounts of heat especially on very hot summer days and the excessive heat can cause a drop in energy output from your solar panels. 

Why heat is bad for your solar panels?.

High temperatures don’t affect the amount of solar energy a solar panel receives, but it does affect how much energy they output. Solar panels use sunlight to produce energy and don’t need heat in any way. Under the standard test conditions (STC) Solar panels are tested at 25°C (77°F) and temperatures that go above that could affect your energy output. Solar panels could run 10 to 25% less productive on hot days reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If panels are operating in temperatures lower than 25°C, it will run most efficiently.  Lower temperatures mean that the solar panels will have optimal energy production on cold days making up for the loss you obtain in energy on hot summer days. 

Determining Your Efficiency.

To determine how much heat your solar panel can handle you can look at the manufacturer’s datasheet. You will see the maximum power temperature coefficient (Pmax). This gives you an indication of how much power your unit will lose if the temperature rises by 1°C above 25°C. @ STC (STC is the Standard Test Condition temperature where the module’s nameplate power is determined). It also tells you how much the efficiency of your system will increase with temperatures below 25°C. No matter where you are, your panel may be affected by the change of season. So, in most normal climates, the efficiency will balance out over the long run.  For areas where temperatures are normally higher than 25 degrees consult a professional to help you with alternatives. 

How Can I Prevent Heat On Solar Panels?

There will always be some energy output loss due to heat. But, there are several ways to mitigate the negative effects of high temperatures: 

  1. Install your panels a few inches above the roof to allow for convective airflow or add a ventilation fan for further cooling down your solar panels. 
  2. Make sure that your panels are made with light colores materials to minimize heat absorption. This is especially important if you live in an area with very high temperatures. 
  3. Place units like inverters and combiners in a shaded area and not in direct sunlight. 

Reduce Your Home’s Power Cost in Morris County, NJ, let us help you with your solar needs.

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 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 solar backup systems and residential solar in Morris County NJ, our company or services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://greenhouse.solar/.

solar panels

Residential solar panels are one of the most popular and cost-effective upgrades for your home. If you want to get the most out of your system, then now’s the perfect time to give your home a fantastic gift – a solar storage backup system! Here are some of the many benefits of this investment, from the specialists in solar backup in Morris County, NJ.

Constant Availability of Renewable Energy: 

Solar panels only generate electricity during daylight hours, which means that your home is still pulling power from the grid after the sun goes down. With a solar backup system consisting of powerful batteries, you can store excess renewable energy from the day and use it at night – and light up the neighborhood with your festive Christmas lights!

No More Blackouts: 

Many people choose to move their home into solar power so that they don’t have to deal with power outages on the grid. However, you won’t have 100% energy security unless you have a solar power storage system. Without it, your home will be in darkness if there’s a blackout on the grid at night.

A Green Home: 

If you moved onto solar power to support the environment, then your move isn’t complete without a solar storage system, as you’ll still be partially reliant on coal-generated energy of the grid.

Peace and Quiet: 

If your home is off the grid, a backup power system is always a good idea. However, a diesel or biogas generator isn’t always the best choice. Why not? Well, they’re noisy, emit unhealthy fumes, and require flammable fuel that needs to be stored safely. Solar backup systems are a great alternative as they are exceptionally quiet, low maintenance, and unobtrusive. They’ll simply store any excess solar power generated by your panels for use as needed.

Reduce Home Energy Costs Even Further: 

A significant benefit of solar power is that it’s free. Even though the solar power systems themselves carry costs, there are great rebates and finance plans on offer to NJ residents to make them as affordable as possible. And, once they’re paid off, you’ll have free energy. Having a solar backup system not only adds a little more to your investment but it can also help you pay off your system faster and get you even lower energy bills. You won’t have to use energy from the grid at all, and excess energy can be sold back to the grid through the SREC system for additional cash.

Find Out More About Solar Storage Systems 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 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 solar backup in Morris County NJ or to speak to us about home solar installation, please contact us today or visit our website at https://greenhouse.solar/.

On average, there are about 206 sunny days per year in New Jersey, making it a sound investment to install solar panels for your home and lower your energy bills. But what happens when cloudy weather sets in? Will your solar panels still perform? Or will you have to invest in solar backup in Morris County, NJ?

  • High-Efficiency Panels Mean High Performance 

As with any product, you can get a wide range of quality and cost when looking at solar panels. This, however, directly relates to how well your panels will perform on low-light days. Cheaper panels using older or less efficient technology require more sunlight to generate the same amount of electricity than a high-quality panel would. If you choose to invest in solar panels that offer high-performance technology, like SunPower panels, then you’re still going to generate a good amount of electricity for your home, even on more cloudy days. 

These panels have an efficiency of 22%, the highest on the market, capturing red and blue wavelengths that penetrate clouds to ensure minimal impact on your panel performance. It may mean a bigger upfront investment, but it really does pay off when you don’t have to rely on the grid.

  • Solar Backup Systems for Peace of Mind 

Weather is unpredictable and, even with the best solar panels, you can’t generate much electricity on days that have very heavy cloud cover or during storms. This is simply because very little of the sun’s rays can penetrate heavy cloud. On these days, you have two options:

  1. Keep your home partially on the grid, or 
  2. Invest in a solar backup system. 

This is a battery system that allows excess solar energy from sunny days to be  stored for use on heavy cloud days, so you can keep your home off the main grid entirely. It will not only increase the cost of your home solar system, but will also (like your home solar panels) pay for itself. It also offers great peace of mind because if the grid goes down due to a storm or blackout, your electricity won’t cut out. This takes the place of your backup generator, keeping your sump pump, appliances, and electrical systems working reliably.

Invest in Solar Backup in Morris County, NJ, for Complete Peace of Mind 

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 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 residential solar and solar storage in Morris County NJ, our company or services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://greenhouse.solar/.

solar panels

Batteries play an important role in your home’s solar energy system. It stores energy produced during the day to be used at night or on cloudy days, and ensures optimal use of renewable energy as well as independence from the grid. Generally, there are two battery options for solar backup– lead-acid and lithium batteries. Here’s some insight into how the two measure up.

  • Technology – Lead-acid batteries are traditional battery technology. They’re tried and tested but they are falling behind when it comes to supplying modern systems. Lithium is the new, premium battery type, and while they offer far better technology, they do have a few drawbacks.
  • Cost – Newer technology costs more, so expect to pay more for lithium solutions for your solar backup system than you would for lead-acid (both flooded lead-acid and sealed lead-acid).
  • Maintenance – Maintenance is higher for lead-acid batteries. They require more labor and have higher costs over the long-term than their lithium counterparts. For example, flooded lead-acid batteries must be checked and refilled every 1-3 months, while lithium batteries require very little, if any, maintenance over their long lifespan.
  • Cycle life – One charge cycle occurs each time you use up the battery’s power and then recharge it to full capacity with your panels. These cycles are limited in number. Over time, the battery will lose its capacity and efficiency, resulting in shorter and shorter cycles. A lead-acid battery has around 300 discharge/charge cycles, while a lithium battery can last around 5000 discharge/charge cycles, so they last much longer and need to be replaced far less often.
  • Cleaner electricity – When a lead-acid battery discharges energy for you to run your appliances, the voltage can be inconsistent. This is more wears down appliances and surges can affect more sensitive equipment such as computers. Lithium batteries are known for their stable, clean power, so they are much safer to use to power electrical equipment.
  • Efficiency – The greater your battery’s efficiency, the more of the battery’s capacity you can access. Lead-acid batteries are only around 80% efficient, so if you have 1000W of solar energy coming into your solar backup system, you can only access around 800W of this power. Lithium batteries are more than 95% efficient and getting better every year, so you can access 950W of your stored power.

In the end, the choice is up to you. But as residential solar professionals, we’d recommend lithium for its efficiency, affordability over the long-term, and lower maintenance.

Want to Find Out More About Home Solar and Solar Storage 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 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 residential solar and solar storage in Morris County NJ, our company or services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://greenhouse.solar/

In recent years, solar power systems for homes have become more affordable and more effective, making them a rewarding investment for homeowners who want access to reliable, renewable energy. One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is whether or not it is important to invest in solar backup systems as well as solar panels. Here’s some insight from the specialists in solar storage in Morris County, NJ.

Home Solar Systems Without Solar Backup

Firstly, let’s take a look at the performance of a home solar system that has no backup or energy storage system. These systems work by connecting your home to both solar panels and the local grid, so you can pull electricity from both. Energy from the solar panels is directed into the household and can supply all or part of the home’s requirements as any shortfall will pull directly from the grid.

The advantages of this system is that it can be as large or as small as you’d like it to be (the bigger the system, the less reliant you are on the grid), it’s less expensive to install, there are fewer components to maintain, and you still benefit from cost-savings and a smaller environmental footprint.

However, there are disadvantages. Solar panels will need electricity to work, and if there is no solar backup system, it gets this electricity from the grid. This means that if the grid goes down due to a blackout, natural disaster or manmade disaster, your home won’t have any power. The panels also require sunshine to provide you with electricity, so you’ll be totally reliant on the grid at night time or very dark days.

Home Solar Systems That Include Solar Storage

These systems are slightly more complex, as they include a battery system that allows solar energy that is produced during the day to be stored and used as needed. This means that the system can be completely independent of the grid if you wish, and that you can use stored solar power at night or during a blackout as well as to power your solar panels.

Although home solar solutions that include solar backup are more costly to install and require more maintenance, the benefits are significant with massive long-term cost savings if you install a comprehensive system. You can also sell excess solar power back into the grid for additional income and keep the lights on regardless of activity on the local grid. This is the solution that provides the most independence and the greatest ecological benefits.

High-Quality Solar Backup Systems from Solar Storage Specialists 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 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 solar backup systems and solar storage in Morris County NJ, our company or services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://greenhouse.solar/