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

Why Solar Power Is Worth It

Many homeowners are harnessing the power of the sun and installing home solar systems in NJ. It helps now that there are many incentives available to homeowners to more easily power their homes with free, clean, renewable energy. But you might be asking yourself: is solar power really worth it? In this article, our residential solar team discusses the basics, including why solar power might be the right choice for your home. 

The Cost of Solar Panels

The largest cost you’ll incur with solar panels is the initial installation fee. Depending on the size of your residential solar system, it can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000, however there are federal tax incentives you can claim to mitigate this cost – we’ll discuss them more below. 

The payback period, meaning the period of time it usually takes to recoup the solar installation costs, is around six to ten years depending on your home’s energy needs, and we estimate that the average home saves between $50 – $190 a month on their energy bills once their solar system is up and running. 

Is Your Roof Suitable for Solar Panels?

The shape, angle, direction, and size of your roof will be  big determining factors on whether or not you can install a home solar system. While many roofs are suitable for supporting solar panels, if yours isn’t, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a solar system. Many solar technicians install solar panels elsewhere around the homeowner’s property when the roof isn’t suitable. 

Solar Tax Incentives

There is a 30% federal tax credit available to people who install residential solar panels, and many states have other tax incentives and rebates available. You can check this database to see what’s available in your state. This is a big step in the right direction, and we expect the federal and state governments to continue doing more to help homeowners cover installation costs in the future. 

Your Energy Consumption

Solar panels are best for homes that have high energy consumption. A single person living alone in a small house won’t benefit as much from solar panels as a family of five living in a suburban home. If your family uses a lot of energy on a daily basis and you’ve noticed your energy bills continuing to increase, solar panels would be a more energy efficient and cost effective alternative for you. 

If you’d like to talk with one of our professionals about why solar power is worth it, or if you have any questions about the installation process, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you with your solar needs.  https://greenhouse.solar/

The Future and Solar Power

Solar technology is evolving quickly, and there are several different types of innovative solar panels you can expect to see more of in the near future. While solar panels themselves are not exactly a new technology, their prevalence among homeowners is relatively new within the last few decades. As the need for clean, renewable energy continues to grow, so will the various futuristic solar options. Here are a few you can watch out for.

Solar Skins

A solar skin is a piece of thin material that produces an electrical current when it’s exposed to sunlight. Think of it as a piece of saran wrap that you can wrap around an object, like a cell phone for example. Solar skins can be applied to almost any surface – cars, the outside of a home, a motorized scooter – and they generate power for the object they’re wrapped around. Soon you may be able to buy a solar skin to charge your phone in the sun!

Floating Solar Farms

Floating solar farms are clusters of solar panels installed on the surface of lakes, industrial ponds, reservoirs, and other bodies of water near coastal areas. Land is both limited and expensive, so utilizing water to generate renewable energy is an excellent alternative. Portugal is home to Europe’s largest floating solar park, located on the Alqueva reservoir, and it supplies the nearby towns with a third of its power. 

Solar Power Street Lights

Did you know that it can cost millions of dollars per year to keep street lights illuminated using electricity from the grid? Solar power street lights are just one way that cities can reduce their dependency on non-renewable energy. Not to mention, a solar power street light has a lifespan of around 25 years, making it incredibly efficient. 

Replacing the Grid With Solar Energy

If you’re interested in getting your home or business off the grid, investing in a solar system is the right choice. Despite the common misconception, your solar panels will still release energy to your building when it’s not sunny or when it’s dark outside, and solar accessories like batteries ensure your home stays powered around the clock.

As you can see, the future of solar is very exciting and full of possibilities! If you’d like to learn more about innovative solar panels, or if you have any residential or commercial solar questions, please give us a call or visit our website at: https://greenhouse.solar/

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/

 

 

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.

How long can solar energy be stored -

Are you thinking of transitioning to solar energy for your home or business? More and more people are turning to solar panels because they are becoming more interested in free, clean, completely renewable energy from the sun. Instead of relying on traditional energy, why not invest in a solar system that gives you total control?

Solar panels are consistently generating energy, and when they generate more energy than you’re using, the excess energy is stored in a battery pack. While there are differences in battery types, a standard solar battery can store energy for one to five days.

How is Solar Energy Stored?

For home solar systems, solar energy is stored in batteries. The most common type is a Lithium-Ion battery, and other types include saltwater batteries and lead-acid batteries. Your solar installer will recommend the best batteries for your system, and batteries are useful for storing solar energy during high-production, low-use periods, like on a sunny day while you’re at work. 

The number of solar batteries you’ll need depends on several factors, like the size of your home, how many people live there, and how much energy you all use at various times of the day.

Can I Use a Solar Powered Battery Pack instead of a Generator?

Generators are loud, dirty, wasteful, and very inefficient. They also only provide power for a limited amount of time. On the other hand, solar powered battery packs are environmentally friendly, have a longer life than generators, and emit no noise. 

Additionally, solar powered battery packs don’t require any servicing or maintenance, they come with a 10-year warranty, and they are smart home ready. There’s a misconception that solar panels only work on bright sunny days. However, solar power battery packs make it possible to use solar energy at night and during adverse weather conditions, meaning your home will never be without a steady supply of energy. 

How long will the charge on battery storage last for?

Like all batteries, solar batteries do need to be re-charged from time to time. An average fully-charged solar battery can last anywhere from one to five days, while Tesla batteries can last as long as seven days without a charge. 

Solar batteries have a very long life, lasting on average nearly 20 years. How frequently you need to re-charge your solar batteries depends on several factors, including the make and model, and how frequently you use it. 

To learn more about solar batteries or solar panel installation for your home, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://greenhouse.solar

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/

How many solar panels do I need for my home

If you’ve decided to join the ever-growing number of homeowners who install solar panels, congratulations! You’re well on your way to harnessing the power of the sun and supplying your household with completely clean, free, renewable energy. You undoubtedly have a lot of questions about what type of home solar system is just right for you, so our team at Green House Solar has put together this helpful guide. 

How many solar panels power a house? 

Although there is no set number, the average suburban home needs 20 – 25 solar panels to cover the full cost of monthly electricity bills by using only solar energy. The exact number of solar panels you’ll need will be determined by several factors, including the climate where you live, the type of roof you have, and the size of your home. 

How many hours of sunlight can you expect in your area? 

Solar panels can generate energy from both direct and indirect sunlight, so even on cloudy days they’ll absorb light from the sun and turn it into energy for your home. If you live in an extremely sunny state like Arizona, you may require fewer solar panels than someone who lives in a place like Seattle. And while hours of sunlight is more preferable, it’s by no means necessary to generate solar energy for your home.

What affects solar panel output efficiency? 

The most important factor that affects output efficiency is the quality of your solar panels. You should consult with a leading solar company in your area who can explain the differences between various market-leading solar panels, and who can recommend the highest quality solar panels for your type of roof. 

What is the effect of solar panel size? 

The size and shape of your roof will determine what size solar panels can be installed. Limited roof space usually means smaller, high-efficiency solar panels, while larger roof space can accommodate larger solar systems. Newer, more compact home solar systems are now on the market, making them ideal for homeowners without large, flat roofs. 

If you’re considering installing a solar energy system at home, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. We’re proud to be a trusted seller and installer of market-leading solar panels, and we look forward to hearing from you.