REAP Grants: What You Need To Know

The government is under increasing pressure to combat the effects of climate change, while making solar systems more affordable. One major way they’re doing this is through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). You may have heard about REAP grants, but what are they, who is eligible, and how does one apply for the grant? Our solar energy company in NJ has compiled a guide of what you need to know. 

REAP Grants (Overview)

REAP grants provide financial assistance to small rural businesses and agriculture producers to buy, install, or build renewable energy systems, or to make efficiency improvements on existing renewable energy systems. These grants cover aspects  including:

  • Geothermal for electric generation
  • Small and large wind generation
  • Small and large solar generation
  • High-efficiency HVAC systems
  • Lighting
  • Insulation
  • Cooling and refrigeration units
  • Switching from diesel to electric

Small rural business owners are under unique financial pressures and often don’t have the extra funds to install or upgrade renewable energy systems. REAP grants can provide much-needed assistance and you can check the official website to learn more about eligibility requirements. 

REAP Grants for Farms

Farmers across the country can benefit greatly from REAP grants. Whether it’s upgrading the existing infrastructure or switching over to solar power, farmers can utilize more energy-efficient equipment and help reduce the massive costs that come with operating a farm. If you’re unsure about how solar panels or other energy-efficient equipment would work on your farm, our team is happy to discuss your options. 

REAP Grants for “Rural” Businesses

Rural business owners can also benefit from REAP grants. Think about changes you’d like to make like installing new windows and doors to prevent heating and cooling loss, upgrading your existing refrigeration units or building a customized solar system. If you’re a rural business owner and you qualify for a REAP grant, you can receive loan guarantees on loans up to 75% of total eligible project costs, grants for up to 50% of total eligible project costs, or you can combine both grant and loan guarantee funding for up to 75% of total eligible project costs.

Solar systems have become much more affordable over the years and the government has created various programs to incentivize business owners to embrace renewable energy. REAP grants can help offset what might otherwise be prohibitive installation costs, and the grants also allow you to upgrade your existing infrastructure to save money on your monthly energy costs. As a farmer or a rural business owner, you’re undoubtedly under pressure to keep costs low while increasing your production and your sales, and renewable energy can help you do exactly that. 

For more information about REAP grants including how to find out if you qualify for one, or if you have any questions about NJ solar panel installation, please contact our team at Green House Solar today or visit us at: 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.

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

Is my home suited for solar panels-

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.