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/

How to choose the best home solar panels for you

We’re thrilled that you’ve made the decision to install a home solar system! You’ll soon be joining many other homeowners across the country who enjoy the benefits of completely clean, free, renewable energy and you’ll be doing your part to make positive choices for the environment. 

A question many people ask is: what are the best home solar panels for me? As with many things there is no singular “best” home solar panel, and the answer depends on several factors that our team will discuss below. If you’d like to learn more about which home solar panels are best for you, our team will be happy to assist. 

Cost per watt

Your budget will be the biggest determining factor in which solar panels you choose, and panels come in many different sizes. Full-size panels are generally in the range of 275-400 watts, so to deduce the true cost, you can divide the total price of the panel by the number of watts it outputs. You may have the budget for full-size panels or you may want to go with a smaller option. We can work with all different budgets at Green House Solar. 

Efficiency

You obviously want your solar panels to be efficient because they’ll be powering your whole house with renewable energy. Check the efficiency ratings of the different brands you’re considering – between 15-22% is considered a good efficiency rating. 

Temperature Coefficient

Your solar panels will be subjected to all different types of weather conditions and varying temperatures, especially as our summers get hotter and our winters get more severe. Very hot temperatures can make your solar panels less efficient, so if you live in a place where it gets hot on a regular basis, we recommend asking your solar installer which panels are best suited for hot climates. 

Warranties

Home solar panels come with a workmanship warranty and a performance warranty. The workmanship warranty protects your panels against any manufacturer defects and other physical problems, while the performance warranty ensures your home solar system continues working above the efficiency rating for their entire lifespan. 

Company History 

When choosing a solar installer, we recommend selecting a company that has a long, successful history of installing home solar panels in your area. The company you choose will be with you every step of the way until your solar system is complete, so picking a company you feel comfortable with and that you trust is very important.

For more information about the various types of home solar panels, or if you have any questions about which ones are best for your home, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. We look forward to hearing from you.

What documentation do I need when installing solar panels?

If you’ve made the decision to install a home solar system, obtaining the necessary documentation is an important first step. Each year, thousands of homeowners go off the grid and make the switch to solar, but before you can have your solar panels installed, there is certain documentation that needs to be completed. In this article, our experienced solar technicians will explain the permits and the documents you’ll need, and if you have any questions – our team is happy to help. 

Permits and documents: the logistical paperwork required for your solar panel installation

The first step is to contact your county and city government offices and ask what their requirements are. If you’re working with a licensed solar company, then chances are they know the requirements and can help you understand them. It’s worth noting that not all cities require permits.

If your city requires you to obtain a permit, you’ll now need to prepare all the documents for your permit application. These typically include a roof plan, a site plan, a construction plan, an electrical plan, and a location plan, among others. Your solar installer should be familiar with the process and may be able to assist you in submitting your permit application. 

Next, your local government may ask you to attend a hearing before issuing your permit for solar panel installation. If this is the case, your solar installer can attend on your behalf and answer questions, such as what your panels will look like, but we also encourage you to attend the meeting as well. 

Solar panel permit approval and interconnection

Once your permit has been approved, your solar installer will pay for and pick up your permit, which needs to be on site during the installation of your solar panels. The permit will include information about which inspections are required during and after installation, and your solar company can help you schedule the necessary inspections. 

Many solar panels draw energy from the grid as a back-up electricity source, so you’ll also need to complete an interconnection agreement, which is between you and your utility company. This agreement notifies the utility company that you’re installing a home solar system and will be connecting it to their energy grid. 

For more information about the documentation needed to install a home solar system, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. We’d be happy to walk you through each stage of the solar panel documentation process.

Can solar power be used as the world’s main source of energy-

Addressing climate change means searching for alternative sources of energy, and for some, solar power might be the answer. Solar energy is free, clean, renewable, and doesn’t produce any carbon emissions. Solar panels continue to increase in popularity despite several persistent myths, including that they only generate energy on bright sunny days and that they’re only a viable option in certain climates. 

In this article, we’ll explore the demand for clean energy, take a look at the energy outlook, and discuss the benefits and limitations of solar energy. If you’re considering investing in a solar energy system please don’t hesitate to call our team today to learn more about your solar power options in NJ. 

Demand for clean energy

We’ve been seeing a rise in extreme weather incidents in the US and across the world, and climate experts agree: investing in clean energy sources is critical to slow the speed of climate change. Everyone has a part to play, both on a personal and corporate level, and as solar panels have increased in popularity they’re now more affordable than ever before. 

Energy outlook

The International Energy Agency (IEA) released a report stating that by the year 2050 the sun might be the world’s main source of energy. Solar system capabilities go far beyond home and personal use, and large corporations and huge manufacturers must also invest in solar power in order to reduce their emissions and their carbon footprints. Business owners may not think that solar systems can supply adequate clean energy for large, commercial operations, but advances in technology have made it more than possible. 

Solar energy has benefits and minimal limitations

The benefits of solar energy are clear: reduced emissions, reduced monthly energy bills, reduced operating costs, very low maintenance costs, plus solar panels are extremely durable. On the other hand, there are some limitations, including upfront installation costs, efficiency is dependent on climate and how much sunlight there is on a particular day, and storing solar energy for a large business can be costly.

It’s up to each individual to weigh the benefits and limitations, however we recommend you speak with a solar energy expert to learn more about your options. For more information about solar energy systems for your home or business, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. Discover the many benefits of using solar power by visiting our website at: https://greenhouse.solar/

Understanding how solar panels work

More and more homeowners and businesses are seeking to move away from non-renewable energy, and opt for clean energy options like solar panels that allow them to reduce their carbon footprint. While you’ve probably seen solar panels atop many roofs, do you know how they work? In this article, we’ll discuss what solar panels are made of, how they generate electricity, and how weather conditions affect the production of solar energy. 

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