Electrical wiring may seem like a simple thing because either the light goes on, or it doesn’t. Your electrical system is a vast independent network of circuits that are safe if they’re installed properly. But if they’re poorly designed, they can damage appliance motors and electronic gears because they didn’t get the right number of amps. Lights that are connected to even partially overloaded circuits can flicker when an appliance is being used. The breaker could trip, or a fuse can blow (which can shut the circuit down entirely). That’s why you need to hire an experienced electrician to help you avoid these problems.

How to Find and Hire the Right Electrician

Electricians tend to specialize in specific areas. Some focus on electrical installation for new construction projects. Others focus on commercial work, while some only do service calls related to electrical repair (whether it’s to fix dead outlets or repair faulty fixtures). Electricians who specialize in remodeling have mastered the techniques for wiring existing homes and additions (such as snaking wires through finished walls, determining the capacity of existing circuits, and deciding whether to install another service panel).

Most general contractors have a small list of reliable electricians. But if your contractor can’t recommend one, get in touch with your local homebuilders’ association or an electrical supply store in your area to see if they can give you a recommendation. Be sure to tell them what type of work you’re doing, so they can match you with the right person.

When you’re interviewing an electrician, ask them to give you a copy of his or her state license and proof of insurance. Make sure that both of them are current. An electrician who is working on a standard remodeling job for a residential property should have at least $500,000 in liability insurance, as well as workers’ compensation for everyone on the job site. If it all looks good, check any references and look at any previous jobs that he or she has done in the past.

Qualifications of a Home Electrician

Finding a good electrician is easier than finding the right carpenter or plumber. You can assume that electricians have a certain level of competence when they show you their state license, but there are two levels of professionalism that you have to consider. Most types of electrical work require a permit, which is issued by your local building department. Before the building inspector can sign off on the job, he or she must look at it to see if everything is up to code. This adds another layer to the proverbial safety net.

Master electricians have to pass a standardized test and must have at least two years of experience. They know the National Electric Code and any modifications that your state has made to it. They have the necessary qualifications to plan, design, install, and maintain an electrical system for your project. Journeyman electricians haven’t qualified for the master’s license, but they’re also licensed by the state. Some states require them to work with a master electrician. They’re not legally allowed to design electrical systems, but they can install wiring and equipment.

Judging an Electrician’s Quality of Workmanship

While it takes a trained eye to find mistakes made by an electrician, you can eliminate some names on your list by looking at the neatness of their work. If you’re able to access a site, find a place where there are a large number of wires running together (usually near a service panel). The flat, white, plastic-sheathed cable that’s used in the wiring of most residential electrical systems should run to the service panel in a neat and orderly fashion. If the cables are crossed and jumbled (or if they droop from joist to joist), the electrician isn’t doing a methodical job or taking the level of care that’s needed to safely install electrical wiring.

The cover plates on switches and outlets around the living area should be plumb and square to the wall, and they should be flat against the face. If they’re not, the electrician didn’t take the time to set the utility box squarely against the studs and at the proper distance from the wall. If any part of the work looks sloppy, hire an electrician who pays closer attention to detail.

If you want to find a quality electrician in Corpus Christi to help you with any type of installation or repair, be sure to reach out to Solar Power Integrator.

There are many advantages to installing solar panels in your home. Not only can they be a great way to save money on your energy bills, but they will also go a long way toward reducing your home’s carbon footprint. Installing them isn’t exactly inexpensive, but they can last about 25 to 30 years. You’ll have plenty of time to see a return on your investment. But if you want to get the most value and productivity out of your solar panels, you will need to do the proper maintenance.

While their maintenance requirements aren’t as heavy as other parts of your home, you can’t just forget about them. All you need to do is give your solar panels a good cleaning, because dirt and debris can collect on your solar panels (especially during storms and long periods of rainfall). You may also want to consider scheduling an annual inspection with a solar specialist who can make sure everything is in working order.

How You Can Monitor the Health of Your Solar Panels

To keep an eye on the health of your solar panels, you should regularly check them for the buildup of dirt and debris (which can affect their performance). It’s natural for your solar panels to experience a decrease in performance as time goes on. But if they’re underperforming, it might be a good idea to see if they need a good cleaning. Some solar panels have mobile apps that will show you how much energy each panel is producing in real-time. If you see a dip in performance that’s unusual for their age and condition or if something has gone wrong, you’ll get an alert on your phone.

How to Maintain Solar Panels

Because dust and debris can build up on your solar panels (which can affect their production), keeping your solar panels maintained may be as simple as grabbing a hose or bucket of water and cleaning them off. This is the only type of solar panel maintenance you need. But if you don’t want to do it yourself, you can hire someone to do it for a relatively low cost. If you experience any other problems, you can contact your solar panel installer to schedule an inspection. That way, you can find out if any other types of solar panel maintenance have to be taken care of.

How Often Solar Panels Need to be Maintained

Because solar panels require very little maintenance (with the most common issue being the buildup of dirt and debris), it will depend on where you live. It can also depend on your area’s climate, environment, and weather. If your area has an active storm season, you may need to clean your panels more often during that time of year. If you live in an area where you can experience long periods of no rainfall, you will most likely need to check your solar panels regularly for dirt buildup.

Solar panel companies often recommend cleaning your solar panels at least twice a year, regardless of the weather conditions and where you live. This will reduce the chance of having too much dirt and debris collecting on your panels. More will accumulate as time goes on. The longer you let it go, the harder it will be to clean. Read the manual that came with your solar panels, and look for any suggested maintenance practices.

The Cost of Solar Panel Maintenance

While the cost of keeping your solar panels maintained is pretty low, it might be worth considering other costs. Some solar panel companies have a mobile app that will allow you to monitor your usage, but you can always get your own by paying a small fee. If you’re spending $300 a year to have someone clean your panels twice a year and $200 for an annual maintenance inspection, those annual costs should be considered while you’re figuring out your break-even point for getting solar panels.

What You Need to Know About Solar Panel Warranties

The warranty from your solar panel company is a promise to fix or replace your solar panels if they don’t work properly or have any defects. Manufacturer warranties will usually cover solar inverters, solar batteries, as well as any defects related to workmanship or materials. Installers will also offer warranties, which typically cover any damage or defects during the installation of your home’s solar panel system. They may also offer a production, performance, or power output warranty (which guarantees that your solar panels will produce a certain amount of their original energy (also called “output”) over a certain period.

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

One of the most important things to consider while you’re finding a generator for your home or place of business is the type of fuel it needs to run. Most people believe that all fuel types are the same or that it doesn’t even matter, but it isn’t true. Fuel types can vary significantly in terms of price and availability. They will also have different storage requirements, which is especially important if you’re running a generator.

When it comes to fueling generators, diesel, gasoline, and propane are among the most common fuel types. There is no “universal fuel” for every single generator, but each one has its own set of advantages (as well as their drawbacks). Knowing this will help you to determine which type of generator works best for you.

Pros and Cons of Diesel

Diesel is one of the most common fuel types, and it’s one of the most popular. In fact, diesel generators are often used for facilities that run high KW appliances (such as commercial businesses) and for locations that need to have a steady supply of power to stay operational during emergency situations (such as hospitals and 911 call centers).

Here are some of the advantages of diesel fuel:

• Diesel is an easy fuel source to find.
• Diesel generators are the most suitable for long-term use.
• Diesel generators are the least expensive to operate and maintain over the long term.
• Diesel is the least flammable of all the other fuel types, so it can be stored on site for quick and easy fueling.

Some of the disadvantages of diesel fuel include:

• Diesel has a shelf life between 18 and 24 months.
• Diesel generators produce more engine noise than all the others.
• Diesel isn’t as effective in cold temperatures, so it has to be used in combination with another fuel source to power generators in colder climates.

Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.

Pros and Cons of Gasoline

As a fuel source, gasoline is the easiest to find. As long as they produce less than 150 KW of power, it’s suitable for most generators. They’re commonly used by people who need residential backup generators, but the issues of safety and affordability are among the most important when it comes to gasoline usage (especially when you compare it to other fuel types).

Here are some of the benefits of using gasoline as a fuel source for generators:

• Gasoline is the easiest fuel source to find.
• Gasoline generators have a simple fueling process.
• Gasoline is the most suitable fuel source for portable and smaller standby generators.

Some of the drawbacks of gasoline as a fuel source include:

• Gasoline has a shelf life of only 12 months.
• Gasoline is extremely flammable, which makes it a safety hazard for on-site storage.
• Gasoline is expensive, and the demand for it always goes up during an emergency.
• Gasoline is the least suitable fuel source for cold weather conditions compared to other fuel sources.

Be sure to talk to a professional for more information.

Pros and Cons of Propane

Because of the cost and complexity of storing it, propane isn’t used for commercial or industrial purposes. But it’s a great fuel source for smaller generators that are used to power any necessary appliances at home during a power outage. Some other advantages of using propane as a fuel source for generators include:

• Propane generators produce very little engine noise.
• Propane is a clean-burning and emissions-compliant fuel source.
• Propane has a limitless shelf life, so it’s easy to store on-site for refueling.

Here are some of the disadvantages of using propane:

• Propane generators have a complicated fuel system.
• Propane storage containers are pressurized and highly flammable.
• The installation and maintenance of propane generators are expensive.
• Propane generators have a high consumption rate and a short life expectancy.

Be sure to reach out to a professional for more information.

Final Thoughts

All these fuel types have their own uses, benefits, and risks when it comes to their use in residential or commercial backup generators. Not all of them are suitable for large-scale operations (such as commercial and industrial businesses), each of these fuel sources can be used to create backup power for your home (as long as you follow all of the specific safety requirements).

If you’re looking for one of the best places to purchase backup generators in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Solar Power Integrator. We would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs!

The average cost of solar panels in the U.S. is about $20,000, which is a significant drop from 10 years ago (when the average cost was more than $50,000). Now, the average cost of a solar panel installation is anywhere from $17,430 to $23,870 after taking the federal solar tax credit into account. On a cost-per-watt basis, the price of solar panels is an average of $2.95 per watt (which is before incentives). This is based on marketplace data from thousands of users across 37 states and Washington D.C.

What Can Affect the Cost of Installing Solar Panels?

There are a lot of things that can affect the price of installing solar panels. Because it’s such a unique product, the price you’ll pay to get them installed will depend on your specific situation as well as other factors related to your property and your electricity use. Here are some of the common things that can influence the cost of solar panels:

• System Size — The bigger your solar panels, the more expensive it will be to install. But the average per-unit price for solar panels decreases as the system size increases.
• Location — Pricing can also vary by location, which can lead to differences in both local quoting trends and system size differences. Areas with a larger system size will have lower average cost for installing solar panels.
• Panel Brand and Quality — Like any other product or appliance, solar panels can come in varying degrees of quality (which often depends on the brand).
• Panel Type — The type of panel you install (which will often be monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film) will have a direct impact on the quality of the installation. In this case, higher quality means a higher price.
• Roof Characteristics — The cost of a solar panel installation doesn’t just come from the equipment being used. The installer will also charge you based on the difficulty of the installation, so having a more complicated roofing system will increase the cost of the system.
• Labor — Solar panel companies charge different labor rates for their work. So, you may want to pay a higher price for a more reputable company with better reviews and a shorter timeline for installation.
• Permitting and Interconnection — While it’s not a huge factor, paying for permits and your interconnection fee to the grid will add a little more to the cost of your solar panel installation.

Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.

How Do You Pay for a Solar Panel Installation?

Once you have determined the cost of installing solar panels for your home, you need to decide how you’ll pay for it. There are three main financing options for residential solar system:

• Cash Purchase — This is a good option if you want to maximize your savings on a solar panel installation (provided that you have enough money to pay for the system upfront and you have enough tax liability to take advantage of the solar tax credit).
• Solar Loan — This is a good choice if you don’t want to get the amount of cash you need to pay for a solar panel system upfront and you still want to maximize the savings on your energy bills (while being able to take advantage of all the available incentives and rebates).
• Solar Lease — Also called a PPA, a solar lease is a good option if you want someone else to monitor and maintain the system. It’s also a good option if you aren’t eligible for any tax incentives or if you just want to reduce and/or lock in your monthly electricity bill.

Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.

How Long Does It Take to Break Even on Solar Panels?

It takes an average of 8.7 years to get back the upfront cost of a solar panel installation, but it’s better to think of solar panels as an investment instead of as a single product that you’re buying. The point that you break even on solar panels (which is called the “solar payback period”) can be calculated by dividing your combined costs (which is the gross amount of your panel installation minus any incentives and rebates) by your annual financial benefits (which is the amount you save on electricity combined with any eligible incentives and rebates).

Your payback period will depend on a few things, and it includes your electricity rates and energy usage. As energy costs continue to go up, you’ll be able to protect yourself from these rising prices by getting solar panels for your home. The faster energy prices increase, the shorter your payback period will be.

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

Installing a rooftop solar system is a great step towards achieving energy independence and lowering utility bills.

Solar energy has the potential to be exceptionally beneficial for both residential and commercial buildings; booking an appointment for a consultation is sometimes over looked amongst customers. There are many factors that apply to a home’s energy bill, but lets go over a few key points to consider during a physical assessment.

Once we get an analysis on the electrical panel & a rundown on the customer’s expectations, we will begin the physical assessment. Here are some important things to consider if you decide to go green with solar power:

Roof Quality

Before installing solar panels, the quality of the existing roof should be assessed. Most roofs last about 20 years but if the roof is due for a replacement, the replacement should be completed first. Solar being installed on a roof that is less than 10 years old is ideal. Installing panels on a roof that needs to be repaired will only result in excess money spent on the removal and reinstallation of the system.

Roof Pitch

The pitch of a roof can affect the production of a solar system. The latitude of the location where panels are being installed is considered an optimal tilt. Typically, pitches between 30-45 degrees work well, although most tilts within range will produce sufficient production.

Azimuth

Azimuth is the direction of the sun from the observer, angular distance from the north or south point of the horizon to the point at which the horizon meets the observer. Both south and west facing roofs tend to be the best orientation for solar systems in the northern hemisphere. Like pitch, the azimuth will also affect the amount of energy produced by solar panels. In some cases, utility rates may influence the direction of the system. For example, a time of use rate plan will benefit from a solar system that is positioned to have optimal irradiance during on peak hours (when energy use tends to be the highest).

Shading

Roofs need substantial sunlight to benefit from solar panels. Solar panels convert the sun’s rays into energy. Without the sun, solar panels are unable to produce electricity. Shading affects the solar system’s performance. Trees and rooftop obstructions typically create shading. Cloudy days can also result in a less efficient system. The location where panels are being installed can help determine the severity of cloud shading. Depending on the components of the solar system, some system’s production can be impacted greatly by shading.

Obstructions

Rooftop obstructions may be a critical obstacle in system design. Obstructions can vary from pipes to chimneys and skylights. Depending on the height and width of the obstructions, shading severity can vary. Aside from shading concerns, obstructions also restrict the system design. An aesthetically pleasing system design might be unachievable if the obstructions are permanent or unable to be moved.

Setbacks

Different codes require different setbacks to be implemented on solar system designs. For example, the fire code requires a three-foot setback from the ridgeline and sides of the roof plane. Codes may vary under which jurisdiction has authority and are continually changing. If there is already a lack of roof space, system design will be affected. On larger projects, walkways and setbacks around larger obstructions such as rooftop HVAC units are common.

Understanding what factors affect a solar system’s performance is important when considering an installation. Rooftop systems typically have a variety of fixed features that are unable to be manipulated with ease such as the steepness or direction of a roof. The influence these elements have will better prepare an owner on what to expect out of their solar system.

To book a free assessment, call Solar Power Integrator at (361) 360-1800 or click the link to visit the website!

Much attention has been given to the exorbitant electric bills issued by a single company selling an extremely high-risk index-based service in Texas – which unfortunately backfired on that company and its customers in light of rising spot market prices caused by power generation issues during the recent winter freeze.

Texas electricity rates are cheaper overall than regulated markets. Further, competition and consumer choice have resulted in ease of use and innovation that enables consumers to find cheaper rates and switch plans in minutes online, or choose to buy green electricity plans, or take advantage of special offers such as smart devices to reduce their consumption – whatever fits their desires. In fact, Texas leads the U.S. in green energy generation with 25% of its electricity produced by renewable green energy sources in 2020, more than any other State.

Since 2006, electricity generation in Texas from renewable sources increased over 1,200%, from 2% in 2006 to 25% in 2020 – that’s 12.5x growth in green energy in 15 years.

For those familiar with the Texas deregulated market, the WSJ article’s stated methodology for concluding that Texans in deregulated markets paid $28 billion more for electricity than their regulated neighbors appears overly simplistic and inconsistent with the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) own data on average electricity prices nationally and in each State. The WSJ article does not share its numbers, but states that it “calculated separate annual statewide rates for utilities and retailers by adding up all of the revenue each type of provider received and dividing it by the kilowatt-hours of electricity it sold.” It must be noted, however, that there are other sources of revenue generated by Texas retail electric providers (REPs), such as the commercial sale of smart thermostats, home energy monitoring devices, warranty products, HVAC services, and home services bundles, as well as revenues from the sale of excess power in the market, derivatives used to hedge its load requirements, or even their own power generation. Without transparency into the WSJ’s internal model calculations and a true apples-to-apples comparison of actual pricing within these diverse electricity markets, WSJ’s conclusions can neither be accepted nor verified.

Another factor is that significant numbers of deregulated Texas electricity customers purposefully pay more for their energy to subsidize green energy through Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Most Texas electricity retailers provide “Green Energy” plans that are premium or semi-premium priced that directly subsidize wind and solar projects through RECs.

At the same time, the EIA’s own by-State retail electricity price analysis states that average Texas retail prices since 2016 are on average 18% lower than the U.S. national average and ranks Texas as the 8th least expensive State for retail electricity prices. This clearly does not reconcile with the WSJ claim that the 60% of Texans pay 13% higher rates than the national average. Separately, the American Public Power Association studied average State rates from 1997, prior to any U.S. deregulation, through 2018 and noted that average electricity prices in 2018 vs 1997 increased nationally at a rate over 50% higher than price increases in Texas over that same period.

It is abundantly clear, however, that consumers find tremendous value in shopping for better prices and more service options, as well as the innovation and convenience brought about by the competitive electricity marketplace in Texas. This is reflected by continually increasing satisfaction ratings in JD Power over the past decade and our own Electricity Ratings reviews, in which over 10,000 customers have rated retail providers and expressed their opinions. To further emphasize the importance of comparison shopping, our internal data shows that shoppers using our online Texas marketplace have saved 20% since 2013 versus regulated rates in Texas, while enjoying some of the best and risk-free rates in the U.S.

Texas stands as the benchmark of success in deregulated energy markets, and while the recent cold weather disaster pointed out flaws in the generation, distribution and wholesale marketplaces. Texas’ retail electricity marketplace continues to provide innovation, value, and savings for those that take the time to get an estimate on their home.

To get a free estimate on your home, visit Solar Power Integrator’s website or call the office at (361)360-1800.

https://energycentral.com/c/pip/texas-electricity-rates-are-not-only-cheaper-deregulation-has-spurred-innovation

Considering the recent blackouts in Texas, and the 2019 outages in California, the home backup power industry is more essential than ever. And it’s also more varied than ever, due to cost-competitive solar generation and battery backup competing on the home generator’s turf.

There are pros and cons to consider when deciding between portable vs. standby generators, and solar battery backup vs. generators. There’s also the hybrid option of combining solar panels with a backup generator. This article, built on the knowledge of our Square D™ residential energy experts, explores each approach to help you decide.

Portable generators vs. standby generators vs. solar

Prepare for the next outage by weighing the pros and cons of short-term versus long-term fixes.

1) Short-term: portable generators
Let’s start with portable generators: a quick and easy power source for your home. These affordable machines typically run on either gasoline or diesel fuel. To play it safe, budget at least $30 per day for fuel costs.

Choosing the right size portable generator is important because it’s possible for them to overload. Overloads happen when you use more watts than your generator can handle, resulting in machine deterioration, fire, and possibly even an explosion.

To determine the correct portable generator for your home, consider making an appointment for an estimate with a utility provider such as Solar Power Integrator. This system captures device-level data on your household’s energy consumption and provides a clear picture of how many watts each appliance is using. Armed with this information, you can properly size a generator for your home.

A licensed electrician can also use the data from your home energy monitor to help you identify critical loads in your electrical panel and determine the best way for you to switch these loads on or off. For example, you may want your refrigerator and lights to remain on but you can do without your washer, dryer, and dishwasher.

The bottom line: Portable generators for the home are suitable when you require immediate power to your critical loads with low upfront costs, but they require manual startup, take time to turn on during an outage, and incur ongoing fuel costs. Another factor to consider is that many portable generators are quite noisy.

2) Long-term: standby generators
Standby generators, also known as pad-mount generators, are permanent household fixtures installed outside your home on a concrete pad. The unit size you need depends on your home’s square footage. During an outage, pad-mount generators power on automatically and continue running indefinitely, most often using your home’s natural gas or propane.

Although they cost considerably more than portable models when you factor in installation, a standby generator’s automatic operation and stress-free refueling provide peace of mind to homeowners in energy-inconsistent regions.

3) Long-term: solar with battery backup
One of the cleanest energy solutions during an outage comes from solar power. However, most household solar panel systems feed directly into the main power grid, meaning they stop working during an outage and won’t produce energy again until the utility starts up. That’s why you’d still need to combine your solar panels with a generator or battery.

To maintain power when the grid goes down, you can purchase either an off-grid residential solar power system or install a battery backup system that stores energy generated from the solar panels and switches on in the event of a power failure. For many years, the price of batteries made this approach cost prohibitive. Fortunately, the price of batteries has plummeted 89 percent between 2010 – 2020, and storage is rapidly approaching cost competitiveness compared to standby generators.

Once residential solar and battery storage systems are purchased and installed at your home, energy generated from your panels is free and will power your critical loads indefinitely if the solar array is sized correctly.

Prepare now by understanding your energy use

Although we can’t predict the next big outage, we know that with worsening weather conditions and increased stress on the existing grid, it’s just a matter of time

Prepare early by taking a deeper look at your home’s energy use using Wiser Energy. Not only will this monitor help you understand your backup power needs, but it also collects real-time information on your energy use — allowing you to make split-second decisions that extend the life of your backup energy source during an outage.

https://blog.se.com/residential/2021/02/19/portable-generators-vs-pad-mount-generators-vs-solar-whats-best/

Solar energy has come a long way since it first appeared on the market. Over the last 4 decades, solar panels have received major upgrades, making them more efficient while reducing the cost by 99% (1). The reduction of solar equipment costs is what makes it affordable for you!

There are a couple of different reasons why solar costs have decreased over the years. According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, the cost of solar has actually decreased more than 70% over the last decade (1). The primary contributor to falling costs of solar energy is the recent growth of the solar industry. In the last 10 years, solar has grown on average about 49% due to the solar investment tax credit (ITC) and increased demand (2). In 2010, there was a total of 266.5 Megawatts installed. Today there are 17,548.31 Megawatts installed.

Secondly, solar growth can be attributed to advances in solar technology. Solar technology has improved greatly throughout the years making it affordable for you. The power cells have become much more efficient in converting sunlight into electricity. Module manufacturing plants have also become much larger, creating a greater economy of scale. While we do see a decrease in hard costs (which includes the actual equipment), the soft costs (permitting, inspection, interconnection, etc.) are seeing an increase. Soft cost increase is primarily due to inconsistent building codes and permitting practices across jurisdictions, which puts more timely and costly strains on installers.

Lastly, governmental policy involvement has helped lower the cost of solar which accounts for 60% of the overall cost decline (1). The renewable portfolio standards, feed-in tariffs, R&D, and subsidies have helped lower the cost of solar. This provides insight to technological innovation and emission policies that can help lower the cost of solar over time. Jessika Trancik, an MIT associate professor, stated: “As emissions policies are implemented, low carbon technology markets grow, technologies improve and the costs of future emissions reductions can decline.” As we continue to improve solar technology, the cost to the consumer will only continue to decrease. In addition, the new Biden Administration has big plans to help reduce costs of solar and battery storage as the industry continues to grow.

Due to COVID-19, solar growth is hard to predict right now as there has been a fairly recent decline in the industry and overall economy. However, the SEIA predicts that once the economy starts back up, recovery of consumer and business demand, financial market stability, and resumption of growth in electricity demand growth in solar will continue (2).

Overall, it is evident that solar is here to stay, and with the cost going down every year why not make the switch! Call 361-360-1800 or schedule your FREE energy assessment to see how affordable your solar system can be.

http://news.mit.edu/2018/explaining-dropping-solar-cost-1120https://www.seia.org/solar-industry-research-data

https://www.seia.org/solar-industry-research-data

On the night of Valentine’s Day, lovers spent the holiday preparing for the most chilling winter storm on Texas record. Two days later February 16th, the repercussions began to surface among many cities across Texas.

This was not the average cold front of the annual season and communities all over the state suffered freezing temperatures dropping below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The infrastructure of homes, businesses and other institutions faced no chance at enduring the impact of the record low temperatures and reaching every city from North to South Texas impacting families to the brink of fatality.

Homeowners and renters took drastic measures to stay warm and survive the utility blackout. Homes of all classes lost power due to controlled outages ranging from one day to the entire week of the storm. The Houston hub has yet to resolve many of the infrastructure damage and about 2.5 million homes went without power in the entire Lone Star State.

As the second day rolled in, people started to ask questions to their energy suppliers as to why they have not seen any services being facilitated among residential neighborhoods. Status updates were released by AEP and shared through-out all social media platforms to inform concerned readers about interrupted service calls. Once the public became aware of the controlled outages, it led to more questions.

Whichever direction people point fingers; it’s only leading to endless blame and more division. Let your grumpy neighbor pound their fists at the energy suppliers but take heed to the reality in which Texas was much too dependent on the fossil fuel industry as the only firm power source in existence. The whole state must take ownership for lack of preparation and reinforce the infrastructure for the future. “DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS” isn’t just a phrase, it’s a standard to live by even on our darkest days.

The polar vortex hit record subzero temperatures that week and shattered most of the infrastructure, but it is also an opportunity to improve the systems that we consume from. Integrated solar markets, new digital communication, and energy distribution all play a role, but the question is how will it be properly managed? Many companies are innovating new methods to maintain energy resilience considering solar as one in high demand. It is important to consider that energy is being used on a day-to-day basis and will continue to evolve in high volumes.

To understand how solar can benefit your home, you can learn more by calling Solar Power Integrator at the office number or booking an appointment on the homepage.

When you go solar, we take care of all the permitting and inspections for you to make sure your system satisfies local jurisdiction codes. There is no need for you to do anything, but in case you are wondering about the process here’s a look!

Before applying for permits from the local government, we design the system with maximum structural and electrical integrity. This is all done in-house by our engineers to assure your system will run smoothly. There are 2 important aspects to take into consideration when identifying what permits to apply for and from whom:

• The location of your house. This is important because it will determine under whom we file permits. Certain areas require permitting jurisdiction to fall under the city you are in while other locations are determined by the county. Additionally, if you live in a homeowner’s association they might require permission for the installation, while some locations may not require any permitting at all.
• The size and type of solar installation. Commercial installations tend to require more permitting than smaller, residential installations. The type of solar installation, such as a ground mount or roof mount, could also affect what permits you will need (1). A ground-mount may require a land use review, but may not require a structural permit, whereas a roof mount does.

When applying for permits there are 4 types we apply for: windstorm, building/structural, electrical, and interconnection.

We create our own design/site plan to show exactly what the system will look like. We first send it to our windstorm engineers. If you live within a certain zone that requires your system to be windstorm certified by an engineering firm, we apply for that. The windstorm engineering firm makes sure the structural design can withstand high wind speeds. Next, we send our windstorm approved design and other details to the city or county offices, based on the jurisdiction for a building permit and electrical permit. Depending on your jurisdiction some places may not require these permits. Lastly, we apply for an Interconnection Agreement with your utility provider to give us permission to grid-tie your system. After all the permits are gathered and the installation is complete, the city, utility company, and windstorm inspectors will inspect the new system to make sure it is running smoothly. Once you have gotten permission to operate (PTO) by your utility provider, your system will be turned on.

All of these permits require time and money. Research has shown that while hard costs of solar, like equipment, have gone down. Soft costs such as permitting have gone up (2). Fortunately, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is currently developing a way to streamline the permitting and inspection process. Solar Automated Permit Processing (SolarAPP) is an online solar permitting for residential installations. According to The Solar Foundation, SolarAPP will (3):

Provide a flexible, web-based PV-permitting tool for residential systems at no-cost to AHJs.
Enable standardization of instant permitting processes.
Evaluate applications for safety and code compliance.
Offer opportunities to incorporate energy storage and expand to other market segments.

This app will help streamline permitting, reduce costs imposed on solar installers, and speed up the overall process. With the ongoing pandemic and more processes converting to user-friendly, automated online tools, there is hope that SolarAPP will be released sooner. It is scheduled to launch in Spring 2021 (3).

States like Colorado, California, and Massachusetts have policies in place to help make the permitting process fast and easy; however, not all states have something in place. SolarAPP will give solar installers a chance to be more efficient in the permitting process while reducing the costs for customers.

If you have any questions about solar energy and the permitting process give us a call at 361-360-1800 or call to set up your FREE energy consultation.

1. https://news.energysage.com/solar-permitting-inspections-an-overview/
2. https://www.seia.org/initiatives/local-solar-permitting
3. https://www.thesolarfoundation.org/solarapp/