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Solar Energy Orlando

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Solar Panel Companies in Orlando

Why, When, and How to Clean Your Solar Panels? Here’s a Complete Guide!

People in many parts of this world are experiencing an extreme lack of electricity, aka energy sources that could light up their homes, act as fuel to their machinery and provide them with a better/ easy life. The energy crisis is a serious issue that has been prevailing for a long time. People have been trying to counter it by using natural resources to generate power, one among them being sunlight. 

Although it can be considered a new-found invention, generating energy directly from sunlight has proven to be more resource and cost-effective because it is available to us in superabundance. Electricity thus generated is better termed solar power, created by maneuvering PV panels (photo-voltaic) that absorb the sun's rays into usable energy. Generally, a power grid is integrated with these solar panels responsible for converting the Direct Current (DC) perceived into Alternating Current (AC), which appliances can use. 

What Are the Common Solar Blockers?

Solar panels are, in fact, quite easily exposed to natural elements that block their usual functionality of absorbing the sunlight. These solar blockers can be leaves, dust, debris, etc. Such recurring blockage could certainly be avoided if you plan to clean your solar panels now and then. Elements in your surroundings could be - 

  1. Dust - Dust particles could easily accumulate on the surface of your solar panels and remain there until an additional force acts on them, like you intend to clean it or it rains.
  2. Leaves or Twigs - Other commonly found items on solar panels are leaves and small branches of the trees in the people's surroundings. This mostly depends upon the geographical location of your solar panels and your home. If tall trees surround your house, you may see leaves falling onto the solar panels, more often in the Autumn season.
  3. Water - A combination of dust particles and twigs could become a bigger hassle when it pours down. The undesirable rainwater could further block the solar panels and minimize your system's efficiency.

Why Clean Your Solar Panels Periodically?

It is common for solar panels to get less cleaning and care due to their owners' busy routines. However, cleaning them occasionally, if not regularly, has been significantly helpful. Let's explore a few reasons why it should be done - 

  • Improves efficiency - System performance and efficiency levels are parameters most owners trust for their solar panels. The more they perform better and generate electricity, the better they are. Regular maintenance and day-to-day cleaning must do the job to achieve such results. Before the summer arises, you must plan and clean the panels from the surface area for them to absorb maximum sunlight and produce power. Doing so, you will surely notice the difference in performance. 
  • Improve Durability - Routine cleaning of the solar panels is often mentioned as a requisite in the user manual guides that come with the mechanism. The reason is that excessive dust and debris could significantly damage solar panels and lower their lifespan. Therefore, you can contribute significantly to the wear and tear of the system. To improve its durability, adopt a cleansing routine for your solar panels. 
  • Aesthetically Appeal - Solar-powered panels are a part of the latest housing trends, and homeowners wouldn't want their premises to look aged or out of trend. To bring a new, fancy look to your solar panels, one must keep them thoroughly cleaned and well-maintained.
  • Get an Opportunity to Inspect - And lastly, when you clean your solar panels more often, you get to inspect and analyze the issues in the system, if any. The earlier the issue is detected, the better it is. The condition of the complete system can be derived if you clean it periodically. 

When to Clean Your Solar Panels?

Extensive cleaning can be ventured once or twice a year and with the aid of designated professionals only. Nevertheless, if your warranty agreement states or provides you with a few additional cleaning services during the contract, do avail the opportunity and take advantage of their assistance. It is recommended to clean your solar panels before the arrival of summer, as the changing season brings with it environmental pollutants.

How to Clean Your Solar Panels?

Homeowners can use professional cleaning services or DIY it to clean their solar panels. The procedure requires a bucket of warm water, cleaning soap or detergent, mushy fiber cloths, and a sponge. 

Start by adding the dish soap to a piece of cloth and pour some hot water on it. Begin to lightly nudge or clean the panel and ensure gentle taps only. Since these panels are the source to absorb sunlight, you mustn't knock them off and damage the system. Continue the procedure till the entire surface is immaculate and looks like new!

Why Seek Professional Help?

If you need a hand, connect with your area's professional solar panel cleaners to expect better results. DIY cleaning is easy to apply, but some homeowners seek professional help to avoid the hassle. Professionals are better at this task because they acquire specialized training and expertise that qualifies them to determine the condition of your solar panels and work on them accordingly. 

Conclusion…

As solar panels are expensive equipment that needs proper care and maintenance, reaching out to expert professionals is beneficial. Luckily, you can contact Emerald Sun Energy, a Solar Installation Company in Orlando that caters to services like panel installation, cleaning and inspection tasks, etc. We have a designated service program that allows our customers to benefit from our dedicated services and experience. At Emerald Sun Energy, we aspire to prioritize our customer's needs and provide an action plan based on their requirements. Reach out to us if you need technical assistance!

Solar Energy Orlando - 10/17/2022
Tips to Make Your Every Move Green

7 Top Tips to Make Your Every Move Green!

Each year, more fuel is burnt, trees are taken down, landfills are filled, and more pollution is generated. Every decision you make, from the materials you use to how you purchase, travel, eat, and live, can have an effect on the environment. People desire information on how to live green at home and be more environmentally conscious, but they often do not know where to begin. 

If we wish to preserve the planet, we must alter our lifestyles. Thankfully, it is now easier and more convenient than ever to reduce your carbon footprint, and doing so may frequently result in financial savings. According to solar energy consultant Orlando, a list of simple recommendations for being green at home can enable you to make a significant impact on the environment, especially if everyone in the globe takes action.

The Meaning of "Going Green" 

Everyone has their own idea of what it means to "go green," but for us, it's as simple as making a conscious effort to reduce our impact on the environment. Small actions, such as using solar panels, supporting local businesses, reducing your car use, recycling, and landscaping with native plants, may have a significant influence. To lessen your influence on the planet, you need not renounce modern conveniences and live off the grid. Fortunately, eco-friendly living may be less of a hassle than ever before thanks to developments in home technology. 

For those unfamiliar, what exactly does it entail to "go green?" In order to keep you comfortable without wasting energy, your thermostat can track the weather and your daily routine. If you want to avoid sending that old chair to the landfill, you may use your smartphone to get in touch with a recycling facility in your area or maybe even a neighbor who would be interested in taking it off your hands. Going green is compatible with 21st-century lifestyles.

7 Tips to Go Green and Save Limited Earth Resources

  • Gather the Clutter and Donate or Recycle Them

One person's garbage is another's treasure, as the old adage goes. While you may have reached the conclusion that a certain possession is now useless, it doesn't mean everyone else does. Avoiding waste is fundamental to eco-friendly decluttering. 

Donations come in all shapes and sizes; whether it's clothing, tools, cookware, or other home things, or even repurposed construction materials. Materials such as bricks, sand, and rocks may be useful to others in some capacity. 

Long-term decluttering solution: a cardboard box with a label reading "donate" filled with neatly folded garments 

Give what you no longer need to places that can use it, such homeless shelters, women's and children's shelters, the local soup kitchen, and similar organizations. One of the best methods to reduce clutter and help the environment is to donate to a good cause.

  • Replace Your Appliances with Energy Efficient Units

It's a fact: we love shiny new gadgets. The rapidity with which technology is advancing fascinates us, and we would like to be there for every step of the journey. Despite the fact that some models are criticized for being destructive to the environment, advancements have been made in creating energy-efficient machines that are good for both your pocketbook and the planet. If your home's appliances are getting on in years, it might be time to think about replacing them. If you do, make sure to look into energy-efficient models.

  • Turn Your Home into a Smart Home

A smart home system may be both cutting-edge and environmentally beneficial. For instance, smart lighting may be programmed to turn on and off at specific times, and some models have motion sensors that automatically switch off after a certain amount of time. 

In order to save energy and money, smart thermostats can learn your routine and adjust the temperature accordingly, while smart appliances may be programmed to turn on and off at specific times of the day. The newest innovations in appliance design are typically reflected in the energy efficiency of smart devices.

  • Always Choose Eco-friendly Vehicles

Recent years have seen "green" emerge as a worldwide commercial catchphrase. In an effort to portray themselves as sustainable in the eyes of consumers, several businesses are branding their products with eco-friendly attributes and labels. As environmental resources are pushed to the limit, people around the world are becoming aware of the negative consequences of their own emissions. When it comes to the auto sector, companies are trying to get ahead of the competition by taking a more eco-friendly and sustainable route, with an emphasis on electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. It is a symbol of environmentally friendly modes of transportation that won't break the bank. Furthermore, improvements and redesigns are always being made to eco-friendly automobiles, with an even greater focus on minimizing pollution and waste. This means they often need less upkeep than their gas-powered counterparts. 

Until recently, drivers all over the world were satisfied to chug along in large, heavy vehicles that guzzled gas and released copious amounts of harmful exhaust emissions. However, with the introduction of fuel-efficient automobiles, the media began actively promoting the many benefits of green living.

  • Avoid Adding New Plastics to the Stream

The convenience that single-use plastic products (SUPPs) provide is outweighed by the risks they pose to human and environmental health in their manufacture, transport, and disposal. 

SUPPs should be phased out for many reasons, including the open burning of plastic garbage, the ingestion of seafood tainted with plastic, and the generation of dangerous microplastics. 

The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration includes a goal of reducing pollution caused by plastic products.

  • Use Eco-friendly Paints

Using paint products that contain harmful chemicals is not worth the risk to your family's health and happiness. Eco-friendly paint allows you to take pride in dazzling, luminous results while also protecting the environment. Green paints are cutting-edge materials developed to contain negligible or no volatile organic compounds. Eco-friendly paints are frequently water-based rather than oil-based and include no harmful plasticizers, adhesives, hardeners, pigments, or drying accelerants like their oil-based counterparts. Milk protein, clay, balsam, and other minerals are used as foundations by some producers of natural, eco-friendly paint. 

  • Make a Clean Switch to Solar Energy!

Installing a solar power system on your roof can help you reduce your carbon footprint by producing electricity for your home. Using solar panels, you can convert solar energy into clean electricity for your home without contributing to global warming. 

Home solar panels may reduce your reliance on the grid, which normally runs on fossil fuels, by providing you with clean, renewable energy. Going solar with Orlando solar energy company is a great way to help the environment and save money at the same time.

How Will Our Solar Energy Consultants Help You?

Earth would benefit much from harnessing solar power, especially in terms of preservation of the natural world. 

A good Orlando solar energy company has the potential to significantly lessen the reliance on fossil fuels and the rising cost of energy in the long run by improving air quality, decreasing emissions, and conserving resources like water. With recent advancements in technology, solar panels are now competitive with other energy sources and affordable to homeowners. Emerald Sun Energy is dedicated to assisting commercial and residential clients in realizing the financial and environmental benefits of switching to solar power. The world benefits each time someone makes the switch to solar power. 

Investing in solar energy has advantages beyond helping the planet. Both your credibility and bank account will benefit greatly from this.

Solar Energy Orlando - 09/14/2022
what-is-solar-inverter

What Is a Solar Inverter and You Do You Need?

If you're considering solar power, you might find yourself asking yourself "what is a solar inverter?". Well, you're in the right place to find the answer.

In essence, a solar inverter is a device that helps alter your electricity current for mainstream use. But that's not all it does. 

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about solar inverters. So that you can decide if you would like for your own solar system.

Whenever you're ready to acquaint yourself with the power of a solar inverter, keep reading.

What Is Solar Inverter?

A solar inverter is defined as a type of electrical device that modulates the dysregulated direct current output of a solar panel into alternating current. This type of currency can be subject to use for various applications, such as an off-grid network for electricity.

In PV systems, a solar inverter is a balance of a system that allows the use of normal alternating current devices. These inverters very variable functions, starting with the prevention of anti-islanding and power point tracking.

If you're using a solar system as part of your home, the installation and selection of the device are very important. The principle by which a solar panel inverter works was already mentioned. 

The power generated will range anywhere from 240V to 600V. This conversion is done via insulated gate bipolar transistors in most cases. When the solid-state entry of these devices is in H-bridge form, it oscillates the current from DC to AC.

A step-up transformer is usually used so that AC power feeds to the grid after the acquisition. A few entities have started to employ inverters without a transformer, which can prove to be more efficient when compared against transformer-equipped inverters.

In all solar edge inverters, a programmable microcontroller is used to push various function algorithms with precise predictability. The controller improves the output power from teh panel via maximum power point tracking.

A step-up transformer is employed so that the AC power can be subject to acquisition and feeding to the grid. A few designers have started designing inverters without a transformer which has high efficiency as compared with the inverters which have a transformer.

Now that you know what is a solar inverter, let's examine the various existing types of technologies used in them.

The Solar Inverter Types

Solar inverters fit into classifications of various kinds. There's no preset standardized type of solar inverter that is a one-size-fits-all solution to all solar setups.

String Inverter

A string inverter is subject to form as a string, where many other strings are jointed to a single inverter. Each string has DC power and modulates into AC power.

Based on the size of the setup, you might have several string inverters with each string getting DC from other strings. These inverters are great for setups in which panels are installed on the same plane facing the same direction.

String inverters are also used with power optimizers, as well as each solar panel. Manufacturers of panels use these technologies and sell them as a single solution, known as a smart module. 

Power optimizers are beneficial just like microinverters, but they don't cost as much. 

Central Inverters

Central inverters are relevant to string inverters, but they are larger and support a greater number of strings. Rather than having the string open, the strings are joined in a single box so the DC power runs into the inverter where it is transformed.

The inverters needles of the component connections will need a combiner box and pad that is suitable for large installations on production arrays. The range of central inverters goes from MWs to many KWs. They can handle up to 500kW in the area.

These inverters are not used for homes, but they are more common in utility-scale solar farms and commercial projects.

Microinverters

Microinverters are great for residential and commercial projects alike. Just like power optimizers, these are module-level technologies. Hence, each inverter is installed on each panel.

Microinverters transmute DC to AC at the panel, so there is no need for a string inverter. Due to panel-level conversion, if the panel performance is shaded, the residual panels are not exposed.

The inverters will monitor the single panel function. This is unlike a string inverter in which the act of each string is necessary for good panel installation. By using microinverters, lots of benefits come from solar optimization. 

Battery Inverters

Battery inverters are getting quite common now. These have a battery charger and inverter, they are unidirectional. The operation of these inverters is subject to assistance with a battery. 

The inverters are grid-interactive, grid-tied, and off-grid. The primary benefit of such inverters is that they give a continual function for critical power loads of the grid. 

In all cases, the inverters handle the power between the array and grid while simultaneously charging the batteries. They also monitor the battery status and regulate how the battery charges.

Hybrid Inverter

The hybrid inverter is a multi-mode inverter, it allows the use of batteries as part of the solar power system. It provides an interface for the battery via DC coupling. 

Electronics in this inverter manage the discharge and charge of the battery.

Pros & Cons Of A Solar Inverter

There are many benefits to having a solar inverter as part of your solar power system. Some people would beg to say it's an essential part of any solar system. But there are also some drawbacks to using a solar inverter.

Advantages

With the use of a solar inverter, the energy depletes the greenhouse effect. With solar products, you also save money on utility bills. 

The solar inverter helps your solar system be reliable for electronic use via DC to AC transmutation. The inverters are great for businesses that want to reduce their energy needs. 

Inverters are multifunctional with many functions for large energy consumers who want to optimize costs. Inverters are easily maintained and they work very well with regular maintenance.

Disadvantages of Solar Inverter
The primary disadvantage to using a solar inverter is that it can be expensive for many people. Sunlight is a necessary part of electricity efficiency, without it the inverters are useless.

Inverters often require lots of free space for safe installation. Some inverters also require a battery for night-time functionality, which can be problematic for some people.

Solar Solutions for You

Now that you know what is a solar inverter, you are that much closer to deciding if you would like to have one as part of your system. However, some of you might not even have a solar setup yet. 

If that's the case and you're interested in installing solar for your business or home, get in touch with us and we will happily accommodate your needs.

Solar Energy Orlando - 03/19/2021

How to get the best deal on Solar Financing

These Tips will Make your Solar Experience Even more profitable

Understanding your Solar Financing Options:

Understanding you solar financing options is usually one of the biggest indices that will give you the biggest return on investment.

A beautiful thing going on in the Solar Industry right now is that you can get solar for – No Money Down & No Money Out of Pocket!  It is true but it often creates confusion in the buyer’s mind so it is important to understand it.  The confusion is that sometimes people believe that the solar energy system is free, it is not.  What is being implied in the above statement is that you will be able to use the money you are already spending to fund the purchase because the financing options do not require any money down.  So the money you will save on your power bill will be more than the money you will have to pay to finance the system.  I go into much more details in my article “Can I really get Solar for $0 Down and $0 out of pocket”.

The next thing to understand when it comes to your solar financing is what your monthly payments will be vs the duration of the loan.  What this means the more your monthly payment for the solar panel system will be the shorter the duration that you will have to pay on the loan.  In most cases you can have a monthly payment lower than the amount of money that you will save on your power bill with a 12 financing option or 144 payments.  Since your solar panel system hence a performance guarantee of 25 years you will be getting 13 years of energy offset on your power bill which will accumulate to huge savings.  That does not factor in the savings you will receive from being insulated from the power companies rate increases which averages 4% per year.  That means you will make an additional 4% compounded every year even while you are paying for the system.

You can save money immediately if you choose a 20 year payment plan instead.  In this option you will save anywhere from $40 – $80 per month depending on the size of the Solar Panel System you install.  You would still see an increased saving of 4% a year as well while making money from day 1.  If it is $50 per month that is a cash savings of $600 in year one and in year 2 that would jump to $624.  However, you will have to make payments for an additional 8 years but the payments will represent a larger portion of your power bill.  The additional 8 years will cost you more in interest because of the additional 96 payments and most of the 20 year options are also at a slightly higher interest rate.

It really comes down to what your main financial goal in regards to going solar.  If you are looking for the most return on investment then the 12 year option will give you that because you will be making higher payments (still less than you pay the power company) with a lower interest rate hence lowering your overall actual cost of the system when compared to the 20 year option.  The 20 year option often makes sense for people who are on a fixed income and want to lower their overall monthly expenses.  So you make less overall but you make more now.

There are many great financing options available today to purchase a solar power system for your home.  There are some sub-prime rates available, what that means is if prime is 5%(like it is now) and we are able to offer you a rate of 2.99 then that would be a subprime rate.  Our current 12 year option available is at a 2.99 subprime rate.  It is great but it does come with a 17% financing charge that is added to the initial cost of the solar panel system.  At first look you would say NO WAY!  However it winds up being the cheapest solution in the long run and will generate the greatest return on investment other than paying for the system in cash.  We have a 20 year available with no financing charges at a 6.95%.  So you do not pay more for the system but you will pay a 6.95% interest rate for 20 years.

Now we need to understand what the true cost of the solar panel system is vs the retail cost of the system.  The retail cost of the system would be the price of the system with any added in financing charges.  The true cost of the system is what you will actually pay for the system.  To figure that out you will take your monthly payment at multiply it by the number of payments required to fulfil the loan.  If we look at an example of a 12 year 2.99% system that generates $225 a month of electricity.  Your monthly payment would start at $220 per month and when you multiply it by 144 (12 years) your true system cost is $31,680.  Keep in mind that this option also included the 17% financing charge.  Let’s take a look at the 20 year 6.95% (with NO Financing Charges added in) system that generates $225 a month of electricity.  Your monthly payments would be $168 per month and when you multiply it by 240 (20 years) your true system cost is $40,320.  So the system that had 17% added to the cost saved the customer a total of $8,640.  What that means is the subprime rate is a more important variable then the cost of the system.  That is an additional $8,640 you can calculate into your return on investment.

You are also able to secure your own financing through a home equity loan.  The benefit of that is you can write off the interest that you pay on the loan.  You might have a hard time getting a subprime rate but you may be able to get prime (5% in the above example).  That combination may save you similar about of money as the subprime rate.

Checking to see if PACE is available in your area may be another option to consider.  PACE (property assessed clean energy)  allows you to use your property tax to pay for the Solar Panel system.  You can spread the cost out over 25 years and pay it through your property tax.  This option is only available in certain communities in the Orlando and Florida area.  If it is available it will look at the equity that you have in the property as the main qualifier.  Hence if you have poor credit this is a great option because it is not dependent on your credit score but it has limited availability.  It is also transferable to the new homeowner which means you can get the additional value in your home and not have any other financing options to pay for it.

Retirees have an additional option available, they can look at a hecm loan or reverse mortgage.  I like this option for seniors who are looking to free up as much money as they can off of their monthly budgets.  With a Hecm loan they can use the equity in the home to purchase the system and then use the equity in the home to make the payments on the system.  Essentially freeing up the entire amount of money that they will be saving on the power bill into new dispensable income.

Solar company Orlando / Solar Contractor Florida / Solar Energy Orlando / Solar Orlando / Solar Panels Orlando - 10/01/2020

Federal Solar Tax Credit Beyond 2019?…

Won’t be completely gone until 2022 but will be reduced!

2019 is the last year for the 30% Federal Tax Credit!  The tax credit allows you to write off 30% of the cost of your solar panel system from your annual Federal Income tax return.  An important distinction to understand is that tax credit if better than a tax deduction. A deduction lowers your annual income that is going to be taxed.  A Tax Credit goes against the amount of tax responsibility you have for the given year. It is dollar for dollar against what you owed or paid on your w2. Where a tax deduction you really only recognize a percentage of the reduction in actual dollars usually to the percentage of your tax bracket.  So if you are in a 25% tax bracket and you have a $4,000 deduction that will translate into a $1,000 of actual tax responsibility. Where with a tax credit, if it is $4,000 tax credit it will translate into a deduction $4,000 of your actual tax responsibility.

That makes this the absolute best year to incorporate solar into your energy portfolio.  However, if you have a circumstance that will preclude you from taking advantage of the Solar Tax Credit you will not be left out in the rain.  The Solar Tax Credit will have a two year deceleration period. In 2020 the Solar Federal Tax Credit will be lowered from 30% down to 26%. So it will still be a good deal but you will be leaving money on the table.  For example, If you purchased a solar panel system in 2019 for $28,000 your 30% tax credit will be $8,400 and your net system price will be $19,600. However, If you purchase the same system in 2020 for $28,000 your tax credit will be $7,280 and your net system cost will be $20,720.  So if you are able to make your purchase in 2019 you will save an additional $1,120.

The Federal Solar Tax Credit for 2021 will 22% which is an additional 4% reduction in the tax credit.  As for our above example, if you paid $28,000 your 30% Federal Tax Credit will be $6,160 and your net system cost will be $21,840.  Which means it will cost you $2,240 more than it would in 2019 and $1,120 more than it would in 2021. That is still a great deal when you consider if you wait until 2022 there will be no Residential Solar tax credit which means your $28,000 system will cost you $28,000 or $6,160 more than if you purchased the system in 2021.

Not to worry even without the tax credit solar is a tremendous value for long term energy savings over what you would have paid the power company without it.  As the Power Company as an industry raises there rates between 3-4% on average per year. Once you have solar you will have isolated yourself from those increases and essentially creating an annual return on investment that increases its yield be 3-4% a year.  However, taking advantage of the tax credit will allow you to make the most return on investment as you will not be leaving any money on the table.

For Commercial Businesses the Federal Tax Credit is a little different.  Like the residential tax credit in 2019, there will be a 30% Federal Tax Credit.  In 2020 just like the residential tax credit the commercial tax credit will be 26% and in 2021 it will be 22%.  However, in 2022 when the residential tax credit goes away the commercial tax credit will be 10%. There is no current expiration date for the 10% tax credit but that doesn’t mean it won’t go away on short notice.

The future for solar energy is bright!  Even as the sun begins to set on the 30% Federal Tax Credit the growth of solar is predicted to continue to be one of the fastest growing industries.  If you are considering solar energy then now will be the most profitable it will be so the time to act is now.

Solar Energy Orlando / Solar Panels / Solar Panels Orlando / Solar Power Orlando - 02/12/2019

End of Year Super Solar Smart Home Upgrade

End Of Year Super Solar Special

Get Solar For No Money Down & No Money Out of Pocket

W/ Smart Home Upgrade Included

Henery-After

This is a limited time offer! Ends on Cyber Monday!

Act Now and Recieve these Smart Home Upgrades

To receive this offer simply mention it to your solar consultant

Included:

Nest Thermostat – Ring Central Door Bell – Alexa Echo – IPad

Over $1000 of Free Upgrades

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Emerald Sun Energy is a Solar Company located in Orlando Florida serving all of Central Florida from coast to coast. We are the most complete service in the market offering reliable solar energy solutions that take your unique needs into account. We look out for your interest as if they were our own. This is highlighted by our Production Guarantee, Subprime rate financing options, and 5 stars rated on Google. You will be happy that you chose Emerald Sun Energy as your solar power company.

Solar Company / Solar Energy Orlando / Solar Guarantee Details / Solar Panels Orlando / Solar Power Company - 10/23/2018

Picking The Right Solar Company is More Important Than Price!

Picking The Right Solar Company is More Important Than Price!

As we are entering the great gold rush of Solar Energy it is important to pick the right company to do the job.  Right now Solar Energy is such an amazing opportunity when you factor in great low financing rates with the Federal 30% tax credit (due to expire in 2019) and rising energy costs (power companies raise their rate by an average of 4% a year), there has never been a better time to switch to solar.  It is so good right now that you can literally convert a variable expense into a profitable asset all the while using the money you are already spending on your power bill to do it. If you qualify you will be able to incorporate solar power for $0 Down and $0 out of pocket. I didn’t even mention the environmental green energy benefits that solar can provide our environment over the current energy sources.

The biggest problem I find is that the general homeowner doesn’t have a strategic plan for what solar company they should use to install their solar panel system.  As a good consumer, their default position is to get the best price possible. This is the first huge mistake. Don’t get me wrong I am a savvy consumer and choose to do my due diligence as to not overpay for the products and services I desire.  It is a mistake because you often open yourself up to less reliable companies that usually use less than desirable equipment and take cost-cutting installation strategies to reduce their cost.

I believe the proper process for choosing a solar company should be multifaceted with the price just being one of the variables to consider.  I believe the most important variable should be the reputation of the Orlando Solar contractor that is going to install your solar panel system. I can’t tell you how many phone calls I get from solar owners who need service or an uninstall/reinstall for a roof change that can’t get in touch with the solar company that installed there system.  Sometimes it’s because the company just doesn’t get back to them but most often it is because they have gone out of business.

Solar is booming so why are so many installers going out of business?  Mainly they are underbidding the projects and not providing any resourceful customer service.  This then generates poor reviews and reputation which is a death sentence for any business. These people are then just left flapping in the breeze and needing a new solar company that is going to charge them retail rate on any work that needs to be done as they did not profit from the original installation.  So customers who are in this situation end up paying more than someone who chooses the right company from the start even though they may pay a little more today it will save them a ton tomorrow. Especially when you factor in the headaches that are caused when you can’t get in touch with your original solar installer.  That is not to mention that many of them will cut costs on there installation process meaning you may have significant maintenance, for example, if they do not take the time to tie the solar panel racking system into your home’s Truss frame, you will be exposed to the potential for your system to leak.

The beautiful thing about the solar industry today is that you can get a great system from a great company and reduce your energy cost while improving the value of your home all with $0 out of pocket.  What I am getting at is getting VOLUNTARY CONTRACTION IN MUSCULATIO winstrol oral stanozolol 50 terry tells her yes almost everything, she deserves her place in kosmo, who is trying a plan q will feel a lot of effort to begin bodybuilding and face to face time. the right company and the right solar equipment is more important than getting the best price. Because paying the power company in the current model is the worst deal out there and that is why these bottom feeders are able to prey on inconspicuous homeowners.  The use the homeowners desire to get the best price all the while setting them up for a higher long-term expense on their solar panel system. Don’t get me wrong this is still a better deal than paying the power company but why not just simply get the best deal by factoring in all of the important variables.

First is to make sure that you are getting the right equipment for the system you need.  Many companies that are trying to sell you a system are doing so by not including important equipment that will make your Solar panel system more efficient, effective and will save you a lot more money down the road.  You must make sure you get a system with power optimizers or microinverters. These devices will help your system to perform at the highest levels. I prefer Power optimizers over microinverters for a few reasons that I will not get into here.  I cover all of that in my “Secret Guide to Buying Solar” where you can get all of that information plus plenty of information on how to spot a dishonest contractor.

Picking the right solar company will make all of the difference in your solar energy experience.  With all of the money that you will save over the life of the system, it is worth paying a little more for the right company.

Here are 3 things you can do to vet your solar energy company.  First is check out their Solar Google reviews. If they have bad reviews you can simply disqualify them from your process.  To be fair if they have only 1 bad review you can read the review and determine if it was a situation the solar company tried to resolve or not, but if they have a pattern of bad reviews then simply disqualifying them is the wisest solution.  Second, call them and see how long it takes for them to get back to you. If they do not get back to you right away while you are in the purchasing phase then you know they will likely be slow at getting back to you after you have purchased a solar panel system.  I would recommend trying this a few times to make sure they give you consistent quality customer service. Finally, have them give you 2 or 3 former customers who you can contact and ask them how their buying experience was as well as the follow up after the system was purchased,  has the system performed as promised and how is their ongoing customer service.

If all else is equal in terms of quality of solar products and the reputation of the solar company then I think the price can be a very strong determinant for which solar dealer to choose. I know at Emerald Sun Energy we take your Solar journey and customer satisfaction very seriously.  Our motto is “We look out for your interests as if they were our own”. Competitive pricing combined with exceptional service is our secret sauce for success and hope we gain the opportunity to add you to our growing list of completely satisfied customers.

Solar Company / Solar company Orlando / Solar Contractor / Solar Contractor Florida / Solar Energy Orlando / Solar Panels / Solar Panels Orlando / Solar Power Company - 09/12/2018

Questions you should ask your solar company – part 4

Questions you should ask your solar company – part 4

22. Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?

Depends.  If you are thinking about replacing the roof or you know it needs to be changed in the next 3 years I would seriously consider changing the roof before adding a rooftop solar panel system to your home.  The Solar Panels will actually help to extend the lifespan of your roof by protecting it from weather damage like wind and hail.  You should get a replacement roof option with your solar energy system.  Many Solar Companies will offer this for a small upsell that you can include in your system.  However, the downside of paying it upfront is if the solar company you contracted with goes out of business then you will have to pay someone else to reinstall your system.  Emerald Sun Energy includes a solar panel replacement if you utilize our recommended roofer to do the job.  This only applies to normal roof replacement.  If your roof is damaged during a storm then your insurance company can be billed for the additional charges incurred to reinstall your solar panel system.

23. How long will my solar power system last?

Your solar power system will come with a 25 year performance guarantee, it will actually last 40-50 years.  You will have to replace the inverter at 12 years but solaredge offers an extended warranty on their inverter up to 25 years.  It is a great investment to extend the life of the entire solar energy system to 25 years.

24. What happens if I sell my solar house?

This is one of the most important reasons why it is better to own the system over leasing a system.  When you sell your home you will sell it with the system and receive on average a $20,000 increase in the value of your home.  According to Forbes Magazine, the average home increases its value by over $20,000.  If you are leasing a system when you go to sell your home you will have to require the buyer to assume the lease as well as the leasing company will have to approve the buyer.

26. How do I compare solar quotes?

Comparing solar quotes is not an easy task.  There are many factors that you have to be able to weigh against one another.  Such as quality of Solar panels, inverter, racking systems and wiring used. You will also have to compare company performance, financing options offered by companies(unless you secure your own financing prior to shopping), then you will have to compare add ons like maintenance, roof replacements and others.  Using a third party solar consultant to compare quotes is a great investment. You can usually get someone to compare your quotes for under $400 not a bad investment to protect against a mistake in purchasing $20,000 – $30,000 solar investment.  To find out more on what to look out for when purchasing Solar Energy for your home, read “The Secret Guide to Buying Solar” the most comprehensive solar buying guide on the market.

27. What are the different types of solar panels?

There are many manufacturers of solar panels to choose from.  Make sure the solar manufacturer you are looking at offers at least a 10 year manufacturer warranty and a 25 year performance guarantee.

There are two types of solar panels.  Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels.  Monocrystalline solar panels are more expensive but are more efficient and durable and worth the price difference.

28. What are the different types of power inverters?

There are three main types of inverter systems you can choose from.  First is a string inverter system, micro-inverter system and power optimizer systems.  String inverters are highly inefficient and require a perfect situation to utilize them.  However, they are the best option for large commercial jobs. Micro inverter systems for homeowners will increase the amount of efficiency the system can produce over a string inverter system.  There is a larger increase in maintenance with this system and for commercial use, this system is a virtual maintenance nightmare. The third system is the solaredge power optimizer system.  With this system, you can get the added efficiency of the micro inverter systems with a reduced long term maintenance on your system. This is the most prefered system to use for homes. For commercial it is also a good solution but in many cases, the straight string inverter is going to make the most sense.

For more Questions you should ask your solar company check out our ongoing series:

Questions You Should Ask Your Solar Company – Part 1

Questions You Should Ask Your Solar Company – Part 2

Questions You Should Ask Your Solar Company – Part 3

Solar Companies / Solar Company / Solar company Orlando / Solar Energy Orlando / Solar Panels Orlando / Solar Power Orlando - 08/27/2018

Questions you should ask your Solar Company – part 3

Questions you should ask your Solar Company – Part 3

16. Which is better – solar Energy loans or solar Energy leases?

Increased options available for solar energy loans have made them the optimal choice over a solar lease. Two distinct differences apply to solar energy financing, first you will receive a 30% federal tax credit and second it will increase the value of your home. Also, solar financing options now are available as low as 2.99% – 5.99%.  In Florida, Leasing a solar panel system is illegal and you have to tie the solar energy system to the electric companies electrical grid.  Leasing options are not as favorable because of the terms and that you do not receive tax credits or the increased value of your home. However, when leasing a solar panel system the leasing company is responsible for all of the maintenance of the system while when purchasing the homeowner is. Many solar companies will also include maintenance of the system but you will have to ask them to include it in most cases.

17. What is the difference between secured solar loans and unsecured solar loans?

A secured solar loan would usually entail an equity position on the home where an unsecured solar loan would operate more as straight credit. The advantages of a secured solar loan would be getting to write off the interest paid from the loan as well as getting a low rate without additional financing fees. The advantage of the unsecured solar loans is that there is no additional equity position/lean put on the home. There are also very attractive low rates available but you will usually have to pay upfront financing charges to get them

18. How do I choose the best solar loan?

To get the best solar loan you have to compare the total cost of the loan. Most people make the mistake of looking at the price of the solar panel system over factoring in the monthly rate and the term on the loan.  So when you look at the actual total of the loan it will calculate the total amount of money you will pay for the solar energy system including the interest.  To figure out the total cost of the loan you need to multiply the monthly payment by the number of payments(term) of the solar loan. That will give you your true system cost and allow you to compare your best deal.  Most Orlando Solar Companies will try to show you a lower cost of the system but have a higher monthly payment then a more expensive system because they are charging you a higher interest rate.  To get a lower interest rate the financing company will charge an additional financing charge which will increase the sticker price of the solar panel system.  However, because of the lower interest rate, your actual total cost of the system will be less.  This is important to understand and to get more information on this and other sales practices used by solar companies you can read “The Secret Guide to Buying Solar”.

19. Can I afford to go solar?

The better question is can you afford not to… The price of solar is now very attractive with the lowest rates ever (70% less than in 2009) combined with the current 30% tax credit and low financing options it is usually at least $50 a month cheaper than paying the power company and as time goes by the amount you save only increases.  Consumer Reports came out in 2016 and said there has never been a better time to go solar and that remains to be true.

20. Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

If your roof is less than 10 years old your roof is probably a good fit for a solar panel system. The best pitch that works for solar is 30 – 45% which includes over 90% of home roof pitches. Solar Energy will work with other pitches but you might sacrifice some efficiency in the process.

21. What size should the solar energy system I get?

The average system size that is purchased in the US is a 7KW solar power system. However, this differs from what size system you need. To determine the actual size that is needed you will need to know your monthly average kWh. In Orlando, Florida if you have $190 a month power bill you would require a 10KW solar panel system to produce enough energy to offset your electric power bill.  Emerald Sun Energy is an Orlando Solar Company that services the entire central Florida region Including Daytona, Orlando, Melbourne, Tampa, Vero, Sebation, Kissimmee, Lake County, Seminal County, Brevard County, Polk County and everywhere in between.

For additional Questions you should ask your solar company please see related posts:

The 7 Most Important Question to Ask Your Solar Company – part 1

Questions you should ask your Solar Company – part 2

Solar Companies / Solar Company / Solar company Orlando / Solar Energy Orlando / Solar Panels Orlando / Solar Power Orlando - 08/19/2018

Questions you should ask your Solar Company – part 2

Solar Energy In Orlando Florida is taking off & Here are some Questions you should ask your solar company – part 2

9. Can I go off grid with solar panels?

In the state of Florida, you are not legally able to go off-grid.  However, you can reduce your demand for electricity from the grid and offset all of the cost for electricity by producing electricity with solar energy.  In Orlando Florida as a Solar Company, we help homeowners go solar with no money down and no money out of pocket and they are able to reduce their power bill and energy consumption while improving the value of their home’s.

10. Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?

Yes.  You will still receive a power bill, however, your combined expense between power bill and solar will be less than what your current power bill is today.

11. Do solar panels work in a blackout?

Depends, there are two different ways to have power during a blackout.  First is to have an inverter that allows you to cut off the power to the electrical grid and will still power your home during daylight hours.  The second way is to blank your home with a battery backup system that your home will work off of during a blackout. It will provide power into the evenings until the batteries are drained.

12. How much will solar panel maintenance cost?

Very minimal, All of the equipment has long-term extended warranties so there is no production cost involved in maintenance.  Please make sure you know your warranties T & C’s. Many solar companies will include maintenance on warranty covered issues.

13. What solar energy rebates and incentives are available?

If Florida the biggest incentive is the Federal 30% Tax Credit that you are able to get in a dollar for dollar rebate from your upcoming tax seasons.  This rebate can range upwards of $10,000. It truly makes this the golden age of solar energy.  For a full list of all available rebates, you can visit DSIRE, it is a database that aggregates all available solar rebates for the entire country including state and local incentives.

  1. What are my solar financing options?

Solar Financing options have come full circle.  There are many great offers available today. You can own a system for no money down, no money out of pocket and a low fixed rate apr of 2.99% for 12 or 20.  In Florida, purchasing is the only option available for homeowners. For certain businesses leasing may be an option as well. In many other states, PPA’s are available (power purchase agreement), with this agreement solar company owns the system and you are buying your power from them instead of the power company.  It gives you moderate savings over the power company but not as much savings as owning a system yourself.  In many areas of central Florida PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) is available, PACE is a program that allows you to use your property tax as a payment vehicle for Solar Energy.  You are able to finance the project through your property tax and extend payments out for 25 years which lowers your monthly power bill rates.  The biggest benefit of PACE is that it is transferable when you sell the property.  To find out if your property qualifies for PACE, you can run a search at Renew Finance.

15. Should I buy or lease my solar panel system?

See above.  Except for specific cases for homeowners buying the system is your better deal.  Before the financing options became more competitive it may have made sense to go with a leased system.  Owning vs leasing you receive all of the tax incentives plus it increases the value of your home. For businesses, there may be reasons to lease over buying depending on business structure but more often than not it is still better to buy.

For more Questions you should ask your solar company check out our ongoing series:

The 7 Most Important Questions to Ask Your Solar Company – part 1

Questions you should ask your Solar Company – part 3

For a comprehensive solar buyers guide visit “The Secret Guide to Buying Solar”

Solar Energy Orlando / Solar Panels Orlando / Solar Power Orlando - 08/06/2018

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