solar power Archives - Green House 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/

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.

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.

If you’re a homeowner who is interested in solar panels for your house, our team at Green House Solar in NJ is here to help. Residential solar panels have skyrocketed in popularity over the last decade or so, partly due to the fact that many home solar systems are more affordable than in years past, and partly due to people wanting to take advantage of free, renewable energy to power their homes.

You may be wondering if solar panels can be installed on your roof. While it’s true that the majority of roofs are suited for solar panels, we’ve outlined some of the most important aspects that can help you decide. Our team is also happy to inspect your property and give you a professional assessment.

What kind of roof do you have?

Roofs made from durable materials like concrete tile or asphalt shingle are best-suited for solar panels. Solar panels require a strong base to which they are attached, and most modern roofs are made from strong materials. However, other roofing materials like slate tile and wood shake can also support solar panels, but you’ll need to work with an expert solar installer who has experience working with these roofing materials.

What condition is your roof in?

It’s easy to forget about maintaining your roof. Unlike plumbing and electrical systems, it’s common for homeowners to only pay attention to their roof if they notice a major problem, like visible cracks or storm damage. Considering that most solar panels have a life span of 35 years, your roof needs to be in its best condition before installation.

How much sunlight does your roof receive?

South-facing roofs are generally best for solar panels, but other factors including shading and roof angles also impact how much sunlight your roof receives. Solar panels don’t need full sun to generate electricity, and we recommend having your roof assessed by a professional. You can also check your roof’s suitability by using Project Sunroof from Google.

What is your local climate like?

Solar panels use both direct and indirect sunlight to generate energy, and solar panels are suitable in many different climates. Check with a local solar company to learn more about how your climate will impact the amount of energy your solar system can generate.

If you’re considering installing a home solar system and would like more information, or if you have any questions about solar power, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. Discover why so many homeowners choose us as their trusted solar panel supplier.

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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Tag: solar power