If you want your solar panels to operate at peak efficiency, they need to be inspected and maintained on a regular basis. Inspections will allow you to identify and take care of any potential problems before they get worse, which can go a long way toward keeping your system running at its best. Regular maintenance can also keep problems from arising because of temperature fluctuations and extreme weather events.

Here are some common solar panel maintenance mistakes that should be avoided.

#1: Using Harsh Cleaning Agents or Abrasive Materials

Using harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive materials on your solar panels can damage the surface. They can scratch the glass or protective coating, which can reduce their efficiency and can even cause long-term damage. You should use gentle cleaning solutions and non-abrasive tools to make sure they don’t get damaged.

Use a mild cleaning solution (such as a mixture of water and gentle detergent) to clean your solar panels. Soft brushes, sponges, or microfiber cloths will be the best choice for removing dirt and debris without damaging the panels. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or solvents that can degrade the surface of your solar panels.

#2: Cleaning During Peak Sunlight Hours

Cleaning your solar panels during peak sunlight hours can be risky. The heat from the sun can cause the cleaning solution to evaporate more quickly. This can cause residue to build up on the surface, which can affect their performance. The hot surface of the panels can also increase the risk of experiencing discomfort or even getting burned.

The best times to clean your solar panels are early morning and late afternoon, because the panels will be cooler. This will allow the cleaning solution to stay on the surface long enough for you to clean the panels properly without the risk of quick evaporation.

#3: Using Improper Cleaning Techniques

Not using the right cleaning techniques can scratch or damage the surface of your solar panels. Scrubbing too hard or using rough materials can cause permanent marks to form, which can compromise their integrity. That’s why handling the panels carefully and using the right cleaning techniques is extremely important.

It’s best to make gentle and circular motions while you’re cleaning solar panels. Rinse the panels with water to remove any loose debris before applying the cleaning solution and gently scrubbing the surface with a soft brush or sponge. Thoroughly rinse the panels with water once you’re finished, but you should avoid using too much pressure or using any sharp objects that can scratch the panels.

#4: Neglecting Pest and Wildlife Protection

This is a common but often overlooked part of solar panel maintenance. Pests and wildlife can pose a significant risk to solar panels. Birds, raccoons, and other animals can nest underneath or on top of the panels. This can cause damage to the wiring, connections, or even the panels themselves. Bird droppings and nesting materials can obstruct sunlight, which can reduce their energy production. If you want to maintain the efficiency and integrity of your solar panel system, you need to proactively address these issues.

#5: Not Reading and Following Manufacturer Guidelines

Many homeowners make the mistake of not reading or following the manufacturer’s guidelines. They provide valuable insight into the specific requirements and recommendations for maintaining and operating your solar panels. Following these guidelines will make sure the system runs efficiently, safely, and for a long time. If you follow these guidelines, you can avoid any potential issues and will be able to maximize the return on your investment.

#6: Not Following Safety Protocols

Ignoring safety while cleaning your panels can lead to accidents, injuries, or even fatalities (especially in areas that are hard to reach or at a significant height). Safety is more than just a personal concern. It’s also a legal and financial one because accidents can result in expensive medical bills, legal issues, and complications with insurance companies.

If you want to clean your solar panels safely, you need to use the right equipment. This includes ladders, harnesses, and scaffolding — all of which must be used correctly and while they’re in good condition. If you’re not comfortable working in high places, lack the right equipment, or aren’t sure about how to do it properly, you can always contact a professional who can do the job correctly and more efficiently.

If you’re looking for one of the best places for installing and maintaining solar panels in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Solar Power Integrator.

We live in a time when people are more concerned about the environment, and there are more cost-effective solutions than ever. The choice between solar panels and traditional electricity has been a topic of significant debate, and the number of people adopting solar panels has been steadily increasing.

One of the biggest obstacles for homeowners who are thinking about installing solar panels is the upfront cost. You may be asking yourself if it’s worth the investment, but the benefits of going solar go far beyond their initial cost. There are many incentives that will help to lower the price, so there has never been a better time to go solar.

How Solar Panels Work

The sun releases energy in the form of light and heat, which solar panels can capture to create power. This renewable energy source is not only in abundant supply but can also be used anywhere. A solar system has several parts. The most visible are the solar panels, which are usually mounted on the roof. These panels have photovoltaic (PV) cells that can convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter changes this DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what’s used by most home appliances.

When sunlight hits the PV cells in a solar panel, it causes electrons in the cells to move, which creates an electrical current. This process is often referred to as the “photovoltaic effect.” The inverter will take this current and convert it into power that can be used in your home. Any excess power can be sent back to the grid, or it can be stored in batteries.

The Benefits of Solar Panels

One of the biggest advantages of solar panels is the amount of money you can save on your energy bills. By generating your own electricity, you can reduce the amount you need to buy from your utility company. This can save you a lot on your electricity bills, especially since energy costs have been steadily increasing. Because they produce clean and renewable energy, they can have a more positive environmental impact.

Solar panels can also be a great long-term investment. They don’t require a lot of maintenance after they have been installed, and they can last for 25 years or more. You can enjoy the benefits of having lower energy bills for many years, which makes it a smart financial decision. They can also increase the value of your home, so it can be a worthwhile investment beyond just energy savings.

How They Compare to Traditional Power Sources

Traditional power generation usually involves the burning of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and natural gas) to create steam, which drives turbines that are used to generate electricity. While this process is effective, it has several downsides.

The costs associated with traditional power will usually increase over time. Fossil fuels aren’t renewable, so their supply decreases as demand grows. This will, in turn, cause the price of these products to increase. Utility bills can also fluctuate according to the price of these fuel sources, which can lead to unpredictable energy costs for consumers.

Burning fossil fuels can release large amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere, so it can have a significant impact on the environment (including air pollution and a number of health problems). Solar panels can give consumers access to a cleaner and healthier alternative by generating electricity without producing harmful emissions.

What to Consider Before Getting Solar Panels

Getting solar panels can come with a large upfront cost, but there are financing options that can ease this burden. You can purchase a system outright, lease it, or get a solar loan. There are also government incentives and tax credits that can help you to reduce your initial investment.

The installation process for solar panels is pretty straightforward, but it requires careful planning. The condition of your roof will need to be evaluated to make sure it’s suitable for a solar panel installation. Once a plan has been approved, professional installers will mount the panels and connect them to your home’s electrical system. This process usually takes a few days to complete.

The maintenance requirements for solar panels are minimal. They don’t have any moving parts, so there isn’t a lot that can go wrong. Regular cleaning and occasional checks are usually enough to keep them running at optimal levels. Because they can last for 25 years or more, solar panels can be a good long-term investment.

If you’re looking for one of the best places for solar panels in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Solar Power Integrator.

If you’re a business owner, going solar can be one of the best ways to lower your operating costs and save money. It can be a great financial decision for many businesses, but it’s not for everyone. Deciding whether you should go solar can affect your bottom line. But to understand how solar power can help your business, you must have unbiased and accurate information. Whether you’re looking to build a sustainable brand image, get a stronger financial return, or improve your employee retention, commercial solar can give your business a number of benefits. But it’s important to make an informed decision.

The Advantages of Commercial Solar Power

Here are some of the advantages of installing solar panels in your business location:

• It will reduce your overhead — Every business wants to boost efficiency and improve its bottom line, and solar power is an easy way to achieve this goal. It will allow you to produce your own electricity, which will significantly reduce an unavoidable monthly expense.
• It can come with great tax incentives — Solar panels are great for the environment, which the government likes. They want more businesses to invest in solar energy, so they’re making it more affordable with tax-saving incentives.
• It can protect you from rising electricity rates — Electricity rates can vary from year to year, but it will almost certainly get more expensive over the long term. With solar panels, you can future-proof your business against these rising rates.
• It comes with low maintenance requirements — Business owners have enough to worry about, which is why many of them are reluctant to install anything that requires a great deal of maintenance and upkeep. But you may be surprised by how little maintenance a commercial solar system needs. You can have your solar panels cleaned if you want to. But in most cases, regular rainstorms will be enough.
• It’s a low-risk investment — Compared to other investments, solar panels are pretty low-risk (especially if you think about the potential returns it can give your business). It’s a reliable technology with decades of proven success, and you’re giving your business a hedge against rising energy costs.

Be sure to speak to a professional for more information

The Disadvantages of a Commercial Solar System

Despite the advantages, installing commercial solar panels has its drawbacks. Some of them include the following:

• It requires an upfront investment — One of the biggest barriers to entry when it comes to a solar panel installation is the upfront cost. While the cost has decreased significantly over the years, it’s still a significant investment.
• It requires a great deal of space — Many businesses decide to install their solar panels on their roofs, because it can turn an underused space into a money-making machine. It will also be out of the way from their normal business operations, but not all roofs are good for solar. If your roof doesn’t get enough sunlight or can’t support the extra weight, you may want to find another solution.
• You can’t generate energy without sunlight — A commercial solar system needs sunlight to produce energy. The more they’re exposed to, the more money you’ll save. Yet, not every location is suitable for solar energy (whether it’s because of regional weather patterns or because of the presence of trees and buildings).
• It can affect your building’s curb appeal — The look of your building can be an important first impression for a lot of businesses, which is why many of them take steps to improve their building’s curb appeal. While the potential return on your investment may be enough to convince you, solar panels may not fit into the aesthetic of every company.
• It may not give you the best return if you plan to move soon — Because it can take a few years for them to generate enough energy to pay for themselves, commercial solar panels are thought of as a long-term investment. So if you’re planning to move your business to a different location in the next few years, you may want to wait until you have settled into your new location.
• You won’t have backup power without batteries — If your power goes out, your grid-tied solar system will stop generating power for your business. If it’s sunny, your panels will still be able to generate electricity. But for safety reasons, your solar system is required to shut down until the grid power has been restored. You won’t have access to electricity unless you invest in solar batteries.

If you’re looking for one of the best commercial solar contractors in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Solar Power Integrator.

Originally By Charles W. Thurston on November 5, 2024

https://solarbuildermag.com/news/solar-leases-do-not-add-to-home-value-do-your-customers-know

Many homeowners with solar systems on their roof assume that the solar array adds value to their house, but unfortunately that is not always the case. Solar and/or storage that is leased, financed by a Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) tax lien, or otherwise encumbered by a Uniform Commercial Code-1 (UCC) lien cannot be considered to add value to a home, according to the latest guidance by the U.S. mortgage financier Freddy Mac.

Nonetheless, some over-zealous solar salespeople appear to have suggested that a leased system does add value to a home. Indeed, so many homeowners have felt duped by such pitches that Attorneys General in several states now are investigating solar sales practices for potential class action suits, according to Don Worthington, the division president of Primary Residential Mortgage (PRMI), based in Salt Lake City.

“Nobody wants to talk about the dirty little secret that solar won’t increase the value of your home if it’s financed incorrectly. There has been a lot of … unintentional misinformation that’s been provided to a lot of these homeowners, and I think that had they known the full truth, their financing decisions might have been different,” Worthington asserts.

One of the common themes of solar sales is that a solar array will increase the value of a home, and studies show this to be true when the solar array is purchased (see below). But “the common miscue or misrepresentation is when solar companies that use leases as a mechanism to sell solar claim that leased solar increases the value of a home,” says Worthington. “There’s a lot of money in leases.”

This is especially relevant after the rise in interest rates the past few years. As a result, purchase loans became more expensive while leases became a more popular option for solar adoption.

Other details about the rewards of going solar also may be glossed over by some solar salespersons. “What some homeowners have been told by a solar rep and what they were finding out later were two completely different things — things like they were going to get more power offset, or that their utility bill was going to be less, or that they would qualify for tax credits,” says Worthington.

He is not alone in his concern about some solar sales pitches. “There are some solar salespeople that like to tell you that you are always going to add value to the home. But that’s not true,” says Sandra Adomatis, president of the Appraisal Institute, in Chicago.

“Quite often an appraiser would go out and ask the selling property owner, ‘Do you own the solar system, or do you lease it?’ And they would say, ‘Oh, we own it.’ But then they would get down to the title search just before closing find out they didn’t own it,” says Adomatis.

Repayment misunderstandings also have come up with PACE financings. “I’ve run into instances where somebody’s got a PACE loan and didn’t realize that it was paid back with the taxes, which you pay once a year, meaning it’s a pretty big payment. So, they didn’t advise the mortgage company that’s holding escrow for the taxes. Then when the mortgage company gets this huge bill, they contact the property owner and say, ‘Now you owe us another $3,000’ or whatever it is,” says Adomatis.

Solar’s impact on home value

According to a 2024 analysis of Zillow data, the national average value boost from solar is 6.8%, according to SolarReviews, which compiles consumer reviews and ratings of residential solar panels and solar panel installation companies. The 6.8% figure is a strong rise from Zillow’s 2019 study of the added value of solar in a home valuation, when the national boost average was only 4.1%. More than 80% of home buyers say energy-efficient features are important, according to the Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report.

The solar value boost can vary widely, though. In Michigan, the 2024 boost was 9.2%, while in Wisconsin — where residents use less electricity than the national average — the valuation was negative 0.6.%, SolarReviews noted. Major solar adopter states California and Florida saw solar boosts of 5.4% each, the study showed.

Homebuyers can be a strong influence in the adoption of solar. NREL reported that “In a recent survey conducted by Japan’s Sharp Electronics, eight of ten Americans want builders to offer solar power as an option for new homes. Half of those surveyed said they would pay up to 10% more for a solar-equipped house.”

Value as cost savings

Apart from the market valuation of a home with solar, the value of solar also can be calculated by how much it reduces energy bills. A solar home’s value increases by approximately $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Thus, a solar system that saves $500 per year could add $10,000 to the home value.

Further evidence of the value of solar through cost reductions comes from a study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory that found buyers were willing to pay $15,000 or more for solar-powered homes. The Berkeley Lab in 2021 produced a study of 500,000 homes that found the national average of cost savings amounted to $691 per year. That adds up to $20,730 over 30 years.

To help educate appraisers to the economics of solar, the Appraisal Institute conducts classes around the country that earn participants a listing in the AI’s Appraiser Green Registry. The classes include 28 hours of education on green features, including 14 on solar. The participants use free PV Value software, which was funded in part through the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative.

Another national registry of solar-savvy appraisers is compiled by non-profit Earth Advantage, based in Portland, which has a database of 3 million properties. Solar installers can list their clients on the database, establishing a permanent record of the home array type and size, associated with the property tax ID number.

Financing solar at home purchase

The least expensive way to finance solar is to include it in the mortgage at the time the home is purchased or refinanced, says Worthington. “We’ll finance the purchase of a house, and we’ll finance solar in addition to the purchase of your house in the same loan at the same time. That’s the cheapest point for solar because that’s where your cost of funds are the least.

Such mortgages also can be used to install roofing, EV chargers, smart home devices, upgraded HVAC systems, and to finance other appliances and other options to reduce utility bills, notes Worthington.

Solar truth in lending

Stronger solar truth in lending will help illuminate the relative advantages and costs of solar loans vs leases and other financing options. This soon may come to pass in more state governments and could become an industry goal nationally.

In July, the non-profit Center for Responsible Lending issued such a roadmap, entitled, The Shady Side of Solar System Financing: To Spur Widespread Adoption of Clean Energy, Policymakers and Regulators Must Do More to Protect Consumers from Shady Practices in the Residential Solar Financing Market.

Also in July, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) released two new industry standards for public comment to promote consumer protection. The new standards are designed to ensure transparent, ethical solar sales practices and to raise the bar for safety and durability of rooftop solar and storage installations.

Standard 401 will outline training requirements for solar salespeople, helping to establish ethical sales practices and ensure all solar customers have a thorough understanding of their investment before committing. Companies and salespeople trained under this standard will provide customers with comprehensive and clear disclosure of costs, key contract terms and technology information.

The second standard, Standard 201, aims to enhance the safety and quality of residential solar and storage installations, helping to minimize risks to homes and businesses and enhance grid reliability. Companies will receive a third-party audit of their written practices and field installations, helping to ensure safe installations and create a better experience for solar customers throughout the life of their system.

“These groundbreaking standards reflect the solar and storage industry’s commitment to ensuring every customer has a great experience going solar,” said SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper. “We’ve heard customers loud and clear about what they want to see from the solar industry. Going solar with a SEIA-certified installer will give customers the confidence they need to make the best decision for their family.”

Once published, a certified third-party will evaluate whether a company or individual has met the requirements of the standard, giving customers confidence that they are receiving clear, professional guidance from salespeople.

https://solarbuildermag.com/news/solar-leases-do-not-add-to-home-value-do-your-customers-know

With an average annual growth rate of 24%, solar power has gained a great deal of momentum in the last ten years. With government incentives and technological advances combined with an increasing demand for energy and growing environmental concerns, more people are turning to solar as a renewable energy source that can cut their energy costs. But despite its growth, there are a lot of misconceptions about solar power that have kept it from being adopted more widely.

Here are some of the common myths about solar panels and the reasons why they’re not true.

#1: They Will Provide Power to My Property During an Outage

This is a common belief among many people, and it might have come from the assumption that they should provide power even when the grid is down since it generates energy from sunlight. Most solar systems are grid-tied, so they’re designed to automatically shut down during a power outage. This is done for two main reasons, and the first one has to do with safety.

When the power goes out, grid-tied systems will stop sending electricity into the grid so utility workers won’t get harmed. Most solar systems also use inverters that are designed to synchronize with the grid. When it goes down, they shut down to keep electricity from feeding back into the grid. Some systems can store excess electricity in batteries, which can provide backup power when the grid is down. But it’s important to understand this distinction and add battery storage to your system if you want backup power.

#2: They Will Offset My Entire Electric Bill

There are a number of reasons why people may think that solar panels will eliminate their electric bill, but it just isn’t true. They can reduce your electricity bill by a significant amount, but whether it will provide a complete offset can depend on a number of factors. Some of them can include the following:

• The size of the system.
• Your total energy usage.
• Local regulations.
• Whether you want to integrate battery storage.

Most properties use more electricity than the solar panels can produce at certain times (such as at night), so they’ll still draw power from the grid (which will incur charges). If your local utility company offers it, net metering will allow any excess energy generated during the day to be fed back into the grid for credits. But it may only cover some of your energy usage. Other utility policies may affect how much you can offset your electric bill, but they can vary.

#3: They’re Not Cost-Effective

There are a lot of misconceptions about upfront costs, efficiency, and maintenance requirements. There are also a lot of false beliefs about incentives and financing options, which have contributed to this false belief. Utility rates are rising across the country, but solar panels can help you lower your electricity costs. There are also a number of incentives (such as tax credits and rebates) that can help you reduce your upfront cost of a solar panel installation. You can save a great deal on your electric bill over time, so it can be a very cost-effective investment.

#4: They Can Cause Roof Damage

Many people who believe this don’t think about the age and quality of their roof before they do a solar system installation. If they’re properly installed, solar panels should never cause a roof to leak. They will usually protect your roof from outside elements, which can prevent damage. But you need to look at the age and condition of your roof before you proceed with the installation, because it will ensure the longevity of both systems.

#5: They’re Not Reliable and Won’t Work on Cloudy Days

This myth most likely comes from a misunderstanding of how solar panels operate and how they generate electricity. They can still generate electricity on cloudy days, but they won’t be as efficient. Solar panels are designed to capture both direct and diffused light. So while they’re not as efficient on cloudy days, they can still generate electricity. It will, of course, depend on the amount of cloud cover and the technology being used on your particular system.

If you’re looking for one of the best places to get solar panels in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Solar Power Integrator. We have a team of experienced professionals who would be more than happy to speak with you about what would work best for your specific situation.

Solar energy can be a great investment for your home because it will allow you to save money on your utility bills, but not all solar systems are the same in terms of design and function. You have two options to consider when you’re purchasing a solar system. You can go with a grid-tied system, or you can have them run off-grid. Grid-tied systems are connected to an existing power grid, while off-grid panels are not.

If you want to pick the right system, you need to understand what you want to accomplish with your solar system. The benefits of having an off-grid solar system can make it a dream for some people. But if you’re thinking about cutting yourself off from the grid, you also need to think about the drawbacks.

The Difference Between Grid-Tied and Off-Grid Solar Panels

Most rooftop solar panels are grid-tied, so they’re going to be connected to the electrical grid. You’ll be able to pull electricity from the grid when your solar panels aren’t producing enough energy. This is important during the nighttime hours, especially if you don’t have battery storage. With a grid-tied system, you’ll still have a utility company and get an electric bill every month, but it will be much lower than it would be if you didn’t have solar panels.

Off-grid solar systems aren’t tied to the grid, so they will produce all of the electricity a home uses. But because they don’t produce electricity at night, off-grid systems will need to have large battery storage banks. Most of them will also have backup generators that can be used for additional power.

The Benefits of an Off-Grid Solar System

Whether you want to use it in a big city or a small town, off-grid solar panels can come with a number of benefits. Some of them include the following:

• No electric bill — You’ll never have an electric bill with an off-grid solar system.
• Self-sufficiency — Off-grid solar systems will put you in complete control of your own power, so you don’t have to rely on outside sources.
• No blackouts — Off-grid solar panels aren’t affected by grid outages.
• Power in rural areas — Off-grid solar systems make it easier to get reliable power in rural areas that are out of reach for the electrical grid.
• Tax credit — Off-grid solar panels are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit.

Be sure to speak to a professional to find out more about the benefits of going off-grid with your solar panels.

The Drawbacks of an Off-Grid Solar System

Despite all the benefits of having off-grid solar panels, they do have some drawbacks that you should take into consideration. Off-grid solar systems will cost more to install than grid-tied units, because they’re more complex and require a lot more battery storage. Another drawback to an off-grid system is that you’ll be on your own when it comes to power generation, which can be a drawback when a problem comes up. If something goes wrong, you won’t have any power until the issue has been resolved.

When It’s Worth it to Get Off-Grid Solar Panels

An off-grid solar installation may be worth it for some people, while a grid-tied system may make more sense for others. In the end, it’s all about your specific goals. If you want to be free from the electrical grid and be in complete control of your own energy production, an off-grid solar system will be worth the cost.

Off-grid solar is also a good option for people who live in rural areas where grid access may not be available. It’s expensive to bring utility lines to a rural property, so an off-grid system would be more affordable than paying to install grid service. If you have grid access and want to save money on your electric bill, a grid-tied system will probably be the better choice. But you want to find a system that makes sense for your specific situation.

You can also go with a hybrid system, which will be tied to the grid but will also have a battery bank that can be used to store excess electricity. The added cost of battery storage will make it more expensive to install, but it will allow you to keep your lights on when the grid goes down. It can also reduce demand charges for businesses.

If you want to find out if an off-grid system is the right choice for you and are looking for one of the best places to get solar panels in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Solar Power Integrator.

A solar installation comes with a long-term commitment that can require maintenance and service throughout its lifespan. But if the company that installed them goes out of business, you could be stuck in a bad situation. Depending on your circumstances, you can take some steps to make sure their closing doesn’t mess up your access to solar power. One of them is to find a company that has been in business for at least five years, sells high-quality equipment, has active licenses and insurance, and is profitable.

Here are some things you can do if your solar installation company has gone out of business.

#1: Call Local Solar Companies or Electricians to Finish or Repair the Installation

If you’re having any issues with your solar panel installation or if the company goes out of business before the installation has been completed, you can call other local solar companies to take over the service. But you’re not likely to succeed, because most solar companies don’t take on jobs that have been done by someone else. Repairing or servicing jobs don’t make solar companies a lot of money. Also, the amount of effort it takes to get replacement parts and the time it takes to find an installer to go to any location isn’t beneficial for them when they can work on a brand-new installation instead.

Working on a system that they didn’t originate can also cause warranty issues, and the shoddy work that was done by the previous company could come back to bite them. There are a few companies that specialize in solar maintenance and repair. So if you’re lucky enough to have one in your location, it will be the best way to get your system up and running.

#2: Find Out if the Company Was Acquired or if Your Account Was Transferred

A larger company will sometimes acquire another. If that’s the case, you might be eligible for service under them. If you have a solar lease or power purchase agreement, your account will most likely be transferred to a new company. Solar companies that go out of business will often sell their leases as assets to other companies, which can be attractive to them because they will own the system and the incentives that can come from these assets. Many leases can also have production guarantees in their contracts, so the new company will want to fix and maintain its assets.

#3: Call the Equipment Manufacturer

If you have any problems with the equipment, you can contact the manufacturer. If the warranty covers the damaged equipment, they can help you get in touch with some certified installers in your area. But you may run into the same problems you would have if you had called them directly. Many installers are reluctant to take on jobs that aren’t theirs, even if they’re familiar with the equipment. And it’s only helpful if the warranty covers the repairs you need.

#4: Call Your Financing Company (If You Have One)

If you paid for your solar panels with a solar loan, you can call the financing company. They might be able to find a local installer with whom they have a relationship. So if you’re in a situation where parts of your system aren’t working and you can’t get them repaired or replaced, you might be able to work with your financing company to defer payments on the system. But it may only be possible if there’s something in your financing agreement that allows payment deferment.

#5: Get Insurance for Your Solar Panel Installation

A lot of insurance companies offer plans for renewable energy and solar panels, and getting one of these plans will give you some protection if you have defective panels, aren’t getting as much output, or have some other damage. These policies are expensive, but they can cover installation and operation damage, power output issues, as well as issues related to the health of the equipment. If you’re concerned about the cost, remember that you could spend the same amount of money on replacing parts (such as inverters or single panels) as you would if you entered into an insurance agreement.

#6 Call Solar Power Integrator, We Can Help

If you’re looking for one of the best places to get or service solar power in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Solar Power Integrator. We have a team of people who would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs!

One of the biggest misconceptions people have about solar panels is that they’ll keep your home running when the utility power goes out. But contrary to public belief, they can’t send electricity to your home when the power grid goes down (primarily due to safety). Grid-tied solar panels send electricity to the utility lines.  If they’re not shut off during an outage, they would continue to send electricity, which would threaten the utility workers fixing the lines. So, to keep them from getting injured or even killed, your solar panels will go out when the grid does. If you want your lights to stay on during an outage, you’ll need to have a backup plan. Homes with solar panels can be connected to a backup generator or a battery, but how it works can be a little tricky.

How Backup Generators Work

Often referred to as “standby generators,” these units can generate backup power to your entire home for long periods of time. Some of the popular manufacturers for these types of generators include:

• Generac. (our preferred brand)
• Kohler.
• Cummins.

The generator’s Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) can detect a power outage and will immediately switch your home’s power source from the grid to the generator. There are many types of whole-house generators, and they run on different types of fuel (including gasoline, natural gas, diesel, and propane).

How Solar Panels and Generators Work Together

Even if you have a backup generator, your solar panels aren’t going to turn on when the grid is down. So, you won’t be able to run your home with both at the same time. Solar panels can send dangerous feedback to the grid, which can create a hazardous situation for utility workers. They would also send feedback to the generator, which can damage either system (or even both). Also, the energy generators produce isn’t strong enough to boot up most solar inverters.

Just because neither system can work together, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a backup generator if you have solar panels. Many homes have both. They do, however, need to be wired properly so the two systems won’t interfere with each other. A solar installer or certified electrician will be able to determine the best and safest way to approach it.

Backup Power Options for Homes with Solar Panels

If you have solar panels and want to have backup power for your home, you have two options. Both will power up your home when there’s an outage, but there are some important differences between the two. Having a generator with solar panels will work the same way as any standby generator. It will automatically turn on when the grid is down and will provide backup power for your home.

Some generators are large enough to power your entire home, which is why they’re often referred to as “whole-house generators.” But other generators will only give you enough to power certain appliances (such as your refrigerator). They also rely on some type of fuel, such as propane or natural gas, for power. So, they’re not as environmentally friendly as solar batteries. They will, however, give you reliable backup power for your home and give you an extra layer of energy security.

Solar panel battery storage will let you save any excess electricity being generated by your solar panels during the day when there’s plenty of sunshine. This stored energy can be used to power your home at night when the sun isn’t out, during a power outage, or just to avoid peak demand charging periods. The amount of backup power your solar battery provides will depend on the size of the system you install. The more storage you install, the longer your backup power supply will last.

Solar batteries run entirely on solar energy, so you can have backup power without having to burn fossil fuels. If you can switch to off-grid mode, your solar panels will be able to stay on during a power outage. But if your system has battery storage, it can temporarily disconnect from the grid during an outage so you can continue to generate power and recharge your batteries during the day.

The main difference between a battery and a generator

When comparing generators to battery storage as backup solutions, both offer unique advantages depending on your energy needs. Generators, typically powered by gas or diesel, provide continuous power for extended outages and are well-suited for homes or businesses requiring large amounts of energy. However, they can be noisy, require regular maintenance, and depend on fuel availability. On the other hand, battery storage systems, which often pair with solar panels, offer a quieter, cleaner, and more environmentally friendly solution. Though batteries have a limited storage capacity, they provide seamless, instant power during short outages and are ideal for reducing energy costs through load shifting.  So, if you are looking for disaster preparedness with the ability to generate whole home power for extended periods, a generator is probably your best option.  If you are looking for shorter term backup to deal with stormy days, usage spikes, brownouts, overnight usage, or other shorter term electricity interruptions, a battery is probably your best option.  In a perfect world, we might like both, generators for emergency long term backup, and a battery for short term fluctuations and overnight use with solar panels.

If you’re looking for one of the best places for backup generators in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Solar Power Integrator. We have an experienced team who would be happy to speak with you!

Like most people, you have probably built a life of convenience by purchasing appliances and other electronic devices. But none of them will work if your power goes out. You’ll have to do without everything that runs on electricity — from your refrigerator to your HVAC system. This situation can be problematic during periods of extreme temperatures, but it doesn’t have to be the case. A home generator will kick into action as soon as an outage occurs.

Here are some good reasons to install a backup generator for your home.

#1: They Can Offer a Long-Lasting Power Supply

According to the Famer’s Electric Cooperative, the average duration of a power outage is about 2.5 hours. But they can last longer during strong storms and extreme weather events. It may take days or even weeks for utility companies to take care of the issue, which is a long time to have your perishable goods stored in makeshift coolers or spend time in the heat or cold. Standby generators can give you long-lasting power. Most units will run long enough to provide electricity during an extended outage, and most of them will be able to provide power to a mid-sized home for about 500 hours (20 days) before it needs maintenance.

#2: They Can Power Your Entire Home

You may not want to use the next power outage to run your dishwasher, washing machine, and HVAC system all at the same time. But you probably could. Standby generators can provide a lot more power than portable ones. A portable generator can supply 3,000-8,500 watts of power, but a whole-house generator can generate up to 20,000 watts of power.

#3: They Can Seamlessly Transition from Darkness to Light

Having your power go out is enough to remind you of how dark your home’s interior can get. While most people go to bed with all the lights turned off, there is still some residual lighting from appliances and outdoor fixtures that make their way inside. But in the total darkness of a blackout event, you and your family may feel unnerved. Standby generators are designed to seamlessly switch the electricity demands of homes from the utility company’s power supply to their own. Your lights may go down for a few seconds, but they’ll come right back once the generator kicks in.

#4: They Can Protect Any Residents with Special Needs

If you have anyone in your household with chronic, terminal, or age-related conditions that require 24-hour access to electricity, having a backup generator is essential. Medical equipment (such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators, medication monitors, and mobility devices) will continue to work during a outage if you have a generator. It will prevent the exacerbation of symptoms, increased reliance on outside medical support, and having to move to a hotel room.

When you’re thinking about the special needs of certain members of your household, you also need to think about what your pets need. Do you have fish that rely on a heater and filter? Do you have an animal that can’t survive long without the warmth of a special light? If you have a whole-house generator, you’ll be able to keep them safe and comfortable during a power outage.

#5: They Will Limit Any Outage-Related Losses

For a lot of homeowners, power outages seem to happen right after they have loaded up their refrigerators and deep freezers with perishable food. But with a standby generator, you’ll be able to keep it fresh and safe for consumption. When your area experiences prolonged and widespread power outages, your food supply can be impacted. If everyone in your neighborhood loses their perishable goods, they’ll be looking for them in stores once the power comes back on.

If grocery stores have been impacted by the same outage, they may have very few or no supplies to meet the increase in demand. Instead of dealing with overcrowded stores that may or may not have what you need, a generator will allow you to wait for the fallout to end. With more people buying food in bulk to save money, many households have a lot to lose when outages occur. If you have food stashed away, investing in a whole-house generator can help you protect the time and money you have invested in bulk shopping.

#6: They Can Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

One of the most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning is cooking indoors with outdoor cooking equipment. A lot of homeowners make the mistake of firing up their camping stoves for warmth and to prepare meals, even though they don’t have any feasible way of venting them. You may know better, but the desperation that these situations can cause may lead to someone taking more risks. Having a standby generator will eliminate this problem. You and your family will be able to eat well and rest in a more comfortable environment without having to use potentially dangerous survival tactics.

If you’re looking for one of the best places to get a standby generator for your home, be sure to reach out to Solar Power Integrator.

You may have seen the word “efficiency” come up while you read about solar panels. While it may sound like a good thing, you might be wondering what it really means and how it’s measured.  Solar panel efficiency measures the system’s ability to turn sunlight into energy that will power your home. Solar panels with a higher efficiency will be able to convert a larger percentage of sunlight into electricity. In other words, they will generate more kilowatt-hours per square foot than standard solar panels.

How Solar Panel Efficiency is Measured

Solar panels are made of module or photovoltaic (PV) cells. You can measure the efficiency of each cell according to the percentage of light energy it converts into electricity. So, the efficiency of each solar cell is measured according to its ability to capture energy from light particles (which are called “photons”). When light hits the solar panels, they release electrons that start moving and create an electrical current.

If a solar panel has a 20% efficiency, it can convert 20% of sunlight into usable energy. Most solar panels on the market have an efficiency of less than 20% (with an average range of 15-20%). These numbers may seem low, but you should remember that solar cells use free energy input with zero emissions. Power plants that use fossil fuels can operate at an efficiency level of approximately 60%, but the energy input isn’t free and generates continuous emissions.

The Difference Between Module Efficiency and System Efficiency

The efficiency of each solar panel isn’t the same as the overall efficiency of an installed solar system because like any other electrical system, some of the generated energy gets lost in the wiring. Solar systems also rely on inverters to convert the direct current (DC) from the PV cells into the alternating current (AC) that’s needed to power your home and its appliances. The best solar inverters can operate at 97% efficiency, but you can expect to see minor losses during transmission. Because of wiring and conversion losses, the efficiency of each solar panel will always be higher than the efficiency of the entire system.

Common Misconceptions About Solar Panel Efficiency

There’s a common misconception people have about the efficiency of solar panels — that it has a direct correlation to product quality. But it’s just a product feature that’s similar to power rating and module dimensions. You can find high-quality solar panels at all types of efficiency levels. The primary factor that determines solar panel efficiency is the material in which it was built. Monocrystalline solar panels usually have an efficiency of over 20%, while polycrystalline panels usually operate at an efficiency of less than 20%. Thin film panels are considered to be the least efficient, but new materials (such as perovskite) can match the efficiency of silicon cells.

The Advantages of High-Efficiency Solar Panels

While high-efficiency solar panels are more expensive, they have a number of advantages. The energy savings from going solar will make up for the higher upfront cost. Here are some of the benefits of high-efficiency solar panels:

• More effective use of your space — Because high-efficiency solar panels can convert more sunlight into energy, you’ll be able to use your roof space more effectively.
• Higher energy savings — Monocrystalline solar panels have a higher efficiency and wattage than polycrystalline panels of the same size. So if you have enough roof space for 20 panels, you can achieve a total system wattage of 6 kilowatts (kW) with polycrystalline panels. But you can generate 7.4 kW with monocrystalline panels.
• Less impact from higher temperatures — All solar panels will experience a small loss in wattage as their temperature rises. While they will recover from the lost productivity once they cool down, constant exposure to hot weather can cause a loss of production that will add up over time. Solar panels will usually experience a 10-25% decrease in solar panel efficiency during hot weather, but monocrystalline solar panels will only experience an 8% loss in productivity with a temperature increase of 20 degrees Celsius.
• Higher solar incentives — A lot of solar benefit programs calculate financial incentives according to a system’s per-watt capacity. Because high-efficiency panels can generate more wattage, they can qualify for higher incentive amounts. This rule does not, however, apply to incentive programs with fixed rebates.

If you’re looking for one of the best places to get high-efficiency solar panels in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Solar Power Integrator. We would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs.