(407) 504-0922

Solar Contractor

Emerald Sun Energy / Solar Contractor
Aftercare and maintenance tips for solar panels (1)

What are the aftercare and maintenance tips for solar panels?

With electricity bills becoming a money-guzzler and everyone becoming more concerned about the depletion of natural resources, the flocking of homeowners to solar panels is no surprise. 

There is no other better source of renewable energy than solar panels. Since solar energy is abundant, there is no need to worry about how much solar energy you use. This might be the reason why the solar panel market has witnessed a stagnant growth of almost 4.8% in the year 2020.

When it comes to installing solar panels, for most people, the maintenance and aftercare of solar panels is still an alien concept. Still, unlike the boiler, you should know that solar panels can work efficiently without yearly service. However, this doesn’t mean that some maintenance tips for solar panels won’t come in handy for homeowners. 

Here, we have outlined some easy to adapt maintenance tips for making the most of the solar panels installed on your rooftop. 

Why is it important?

It doesn’t matter whether you just want low electricity bills or don’t want the environment to become noxious because of greenhouse gasses; in all cases, solar panels are an impeccable solution for accommodating your power consumption needs with zero negative aspects. 

The annual growth in the residential electricity price reached 1.4% in the US, and according to the experts, this number will keep increasing in the future. To manage this breakneck pace of increase in the electricity bill, you need solar power consultants and proper solar power installation. 

Besides this, solar power has become a necessity due to the harmful effect of greenhouse gasses being produced due to non-renewable sources of energy. This means by choosing solar power through solar power consultants, you will be contributing towards a greener planet. 

Solar power also offers tax benefits and support from the government since even the government knows that solar power will be the future of power consumption. They need to motivate people to switch to solar power. 

5 Maintenance tips for solar panels to increase their life

  • Cleaning and caring for your solar panels

Solar panels are not invincible to dust and dirt as they are constantly exposed to the open environment. A thick layer of dust can block the solar panels, and it can reduce the ability of the solar panels to power up your house. 

You just need soapy wipes and water to keep the solar panel clean, and in some cases, even the rain does the same job. But instead of waiting for the black clouds, you should clean the solar panels at least once every six months, especially if you live in an area where dust and debris are ubiquitous. 

  • Keep a check on energy usage

Keeping an eye on energy usage is also an essential part of solar panel maintenance as it allows you to know the effectiveness of solar panels. But this doesn’t mean that you need a special tool kit for measuring energy usage as a solar power consultant offers a data monitoring solution and solar panel installation. 

The monitoring solution that you will get along with the solar panel installation offers accurate output data on a specific website or on a specially designed app that can be used on smartphones. This is why choosing the right solar power consultant is also necessary. 

  • Ensure ample sunlight is available in your area

The location where the solar panels will be installed will matter a lot. If you have trees around your house, they can block the sunlight, and thus, your solar panels can become less effective. Moreover, any construction on the roof that might block the sunlight can affect the performance of the solar panels. 

Even after the installation, you must check whether the solar panels are getting ample sunlight or not. For example, you can get rid of the new branches from a nearby tree that might be blocking the sunlight, or you can avoid any construction on the rooftop that might block the sunlight. 

  • Look at the components of solar panels periodically

PV modules, inverters, batteries, and mounting structures are the most common and essential solar panel components. You don’t need to be an expert to check this component periodically. Just a little bit of research on the internet can help you in determining whether all these components are in the right shape and size or not. 

When you call solar power company Orlando, you must take a picture of the complete solar power system. Upon the periodic check, you can know whether something is wrong by just comparing the picture with the current state of the solar power system. 

  • Time-to-time inspection

Since solar panels aren’t installed inside the house in a safe environment, they need a time-to-time inspection. Everything must be checked during these periodic inspections, from dust and debris to damages. Otherwise, you will end up cribbing about the solar panels not being that effective. 

You can check the orientation of the solar panels, their exposure to sunlight, color change in any of the parts, the output of the solar panels, and much more. Just make sure that you check all the aspects of a properly working solar panel during the inspection. 

Solar panels have become a necessity in the current era. Along with the increasing electricity bills, the traditional method of electricity production is taking a toll on the planet. Calling a solar power company Orlando like Emerald Sun Energy and installing solar panels can turn out to be the best decision. 

But if you want to keep the solar panel up and running, you must use the tips mentioned above and enjoy the renewable source of energy for a longer duration of time. 

Solar Contractor - 01/13/2022
Four common FAQs regarding Solar Energy

Four common FAQs regarding Solar Energy

Among food, communication channels, transport, etc., energy has become an essential element or, rather say, a basic human need in today's time. Without it, there is hardly any chore that can be completed in our routine. For instance, energy is required to keep the electric railways running to help people with commuting. It is also necessary for residential and industrial activities, so basically everything. 

Having such importance, it has become crucial to ponder over energy conservation and generation sources to keep its demands fulfilled in the near future. According to a report, worldwide energy consumption is anticipated to grow to 778 Etta Joule by the year 2035, which makes us worry about extensive energy-generating mediums such as solar panels. 

Speaking of, solar energy panels are extremely common in most households across the world, just because they have been pitched as a future need! When you bring up the subject' Solar Panel', several questions arise regarding their installation, usage, and especially maintenance. 

Do Solar Panels Need to Be Maintained Regularly?

A solar panel comprises little photovoltaic sheets which are responsible for transforming sunlight into usable energy. Often these photovoltaic cells are struck by pollen, bird poop, dust, and debris which hamper the lifespan of the solar panel. Therefore, the maintenance of solar panels is of utmost necessity to reinforce its full potential to generate energy. The installation and maintenance of solar panels installed in households are usually catered by solar panels consultants who carry out operative inspections to ensure that these devices are functioning well throughout the year.

Cleaning your solar panel allows the panel cells to absorb more quantum of light and, as more light hits the platform, it leads to more energy generation. Routine maintenance expands the lifespan of the solar panels, so it means you can invest your time in cleaning them on a bimonthly basis and keep on obtaining benefits from them for years to come. Although the required maintenance is relatively moderate, they can be cleaned with a water hose as the water pressure conveniently separates the dirt and makes it stainless. 

How Do You Maintain Solar Panels?

As we have briefly discussed the maintenance of solar panels, which experienced solar power consultants must ideally do, let us explore the ways you can maintain your solar panels in a do-it-yourself manner:

  1. First things first, get the solar panel installed in a way that it acquires optimal sunlight. For instance, if your rooftop gets a lighter shade, you must look for alternative ways to install your solar panel across the walls of the premises adjacently. This way, they work efficiently in drawing the maximum sunlight and lead to effective power generation. 
  2. Keeping track of the daily performance of a solar panel ensures its effective functioning. It provides you with vital metrics regarding average energy production units, their consistency over the weeks, and so on. These crucial values aid your understanding of the solar panel's working, and any inconsistency can further be taken up with the manufacturer for device rectifications. 
  3. Some homeowners also steer clear from cleaning their solar panels themselves. In these cases, portable self-cleaners come in handy because they act like tiny sprinklers that automatically wash the dirt off while you stay busy with your work. 

Is there a Maintenance Difference Between Ground Vs. Roof Panels? 

Often households get bewildered while choosing between a ground solar system or a rooftop panel. It is because they both have different installation approaches, and maybe require a little different maintenance. It depends upon the ease of access to the solar panels that make their maintenance simpler. Since the solar panels installed on your backyard ground are easier to make, you can conveniently clean them with soap water or a photovoltaic sheet cleaner. 

On the other hand, rooftop panels are slightly challenging to reach- you have to take up a ladder or call professionals for the same. Furthermore, not everyone plans on going to the rooftop to clean the solar panels. Thus, cleaning a roof panel might become stringent and complex. 

Can I Monitor the Health of My Solar Panels? 

Along with daily maintenance, monitoring your solar panels' performance and physical condition is vital to avoid any hefty upfront repair costs in the near future. Self-monitoring and evaluating solar panels is relatively easier than people think. Below are a few steps that homeowners can look forward to while monitoring the health of their installed solar panels:

  • Check your inverter - The solar Energy that the photovoltaic cells absorb is further transformed into the power used in our households. The power inverter converts the direct current received from solar panels to alternating current. Thus it is imperative to keep an observing eye on your inverters to ensure that the solar panels work efficiently and as designed. 
  • Manage power generation units via online apps - With the aid of digital transformation, you can now effortlessly analyze the panel system data such as daily power generation units, potential and expected production averages, etc. These numbers are portrayed over online apps downloaded on your smart devices and easily accessed via the internet. It promotes remote controlling and provides crucial insights that encourage homeowners towards responsible power utilization. 
  • Lookout for tangible impediments - Last but not least, physical things such as bird droppings or leaves can build up dry coatings on the solar panel's sheet, causing photovoltaic cells to delaminate. As a result, it is recommended that you clean your solar panels regularly to maximize their production capacity over time.

Why contact us?

 

Speaking of solar power consultants, Emerald Sun Energy is your one-stop shop to cater to all your requirements concerning the purchase, installation, and maintenance of solar panels. We understand the urgency to shift our focus on solar energy, which is why our expert technicians dedicatedly provide seamless services throughout your solar journey with us. Reach out to us today to book your appointment, or call us now to know more!

Solar Contractor Orlando - 10/29/2021
Solar Panel Installation

Solar Panel Installation: What to Expect

Even as the 17-year price drop of solar panels came to an end in 2021, it's still time to jump on these energy savers before federal tax incentives fall away forever.

All across the country, Americans are turning to rooftop or yard solar panel installation to reduce their electric bills. In some cases, in sunshine states where net metering is enforced, some homeowners are coming away with hefty credits.

Furthermore, solar technology has improved in efficiency and cost over the years. The panels are thinner, lighter, and generate more energy.

So, now that you've decided on a solar panel home installation, you're asking: What can I expect to happen next?

That depends on several factors. With none more important than the solar panel installation companies you're considering and the shape of your roof. In the following article, we'll examine how to install solar panels and what you can expect next.

Buy, Don't Lease

A solar panel installation is likely to increase the value of your home by about 3.5%. The U.S. Department of Energy also found that solar panels added about $15,000 to the value of your home.  But these figures on based on owning the system outright.

If you lease the panels, you may reap some short-term financial gain, but you'll likely have to make accommodations with the solar contractor for the 20- to 30-year term of the lease.

This can include arranging for repairs and removal due to roof issues and ensuring that a technician is available to check that the system is working properly.

In most cases, the solar provider has no problem letting a potential buyer take over your lease. They'll just need to meet the minimum credit requirements. However, anyone buying your home might balk at getting into a contract that could stretch longer than the life of your roof.

Credits Are Important

If it is at all possible, consider finding the estimated $40,000 either in cash or through a home improvement loan to buy the system outright. If you play your cards right, you'll likely only pay $12,000 out of pocket for the installation after tax incentives.

Worst of all, with a lease, you won't enjoy the lowest price of energy available from the panels, and the term of the lease could change, leading to higher costs later on.

Check Your Roof Before Solar Panel Installation

When eyeballing your roof before installing solar panels, try to calculate how much life your roof has left in it. As a rule of thumb, if you replaced your roof within the last 10 years or have 10 years or more of life left in it, go ahead with the solar installation without hesitation.

If you don't know or can't tell how much life is left in your shingles and roof, then consult either a roofer or your prospective solar installer.

This is a serious consideration since a roof replacement can cost close to $10,000 on average.

Then take a look at the shape, slopes, and direction your roof faces. You'll need about 200 square feet for a suitable solar panel system. Also, you'll want to have a moderate pitch so that the panels collect the maximum amount of sun. Ideally, you'd like your home to face south or west to maximize your exposure to the sun.

Lastly, you need to make certain that your roof can handle the additional weight. Again, a certified panel installer can help you determine the proper load-bearing requirements.

What Are Your Power Requirements?

After you've examined the limitations of your roof, if there are any, you should estimate your system requirements.

To do this, you should identify your annual energy usage by looking at your utility bill. Then calculate how many hours of sunlight you can expect where you live. When you have these numbers, compare them to the total output of the system you are looking to purchase.

How Do You Connect to the Grid?

The power that your new photovoltaic cells produce is direct current, or DC power. To turn that power into usable energy for your home, you'll need to convert that power into alternating current or AC.

This conversion used to take place with a standard inverter box, but now most panels come with individual inverters. In many cases, this power is then sent through a battery to store some of the power and then into a meter and back into the power grid.

Expect to have some equipment installed near your meter and fuse box that power can move from the panels to your home and onto the grid.

Get the Correct Approvals

Before you set up your appointment with your panel installer, make sure you are aware of any local ordinances. For example, many subdivisions and condominiums have rules about if and when solar panels can be installed and how many.

A good rule of thumb is that if you are paying HOA fees, you need to check with the association about any solar panel ordinances.

Insist on a Final Inspection

Before the solar panel installer walks off the grounds and on to the next job, ask them for a complete tour of the system and allow them to help you inspect the panels on top of your roof.

Even if you are unfamiliar with the equipment, you'll be able to inspect the wiring and your roof. If you have any concerns, make sure you raise them when the contractor is on the job site.

Solar Panel Maintenance

Now that the panels are up, make sure you know how to maintain them properly. This will help the panels retain their value and help you get the most out of their energy-producing capability.

In general, you should clean your panels twice a year. To do this, spray them down with clean water and give them a gentle brushing with a light solution of soap and water. When you feel you've removed any dirt and build-up, rinse them off with more clean water.

Watch the Meter Spin Backward

Now that your solar panel installation is finished, you can enjoy the power of the sun and watch that credit from the power company grow.

In many parts of the country, you can save anywhere from $400 to $3,500 yearly, depending on the number of sunny days you receive and the price of your current energy bills.

Are you ready to go solar? Contact us today to talk to start your estimate.

Solar company Orlando - 06/05/2021
Solar Panel Array 01

Going Solar in 2021: A Homeowner’s Guide to the Benefits of Solar Power

The planet is warming up and we are all responsible for doing our bit towards reducing the damaging effects of climate change. While governments and big businesses all have their part to play in minimizing the climate crisis, changing the tide starts at home for many of us.

One of the best ways that you can help the environment is by looking at the way that you consume electricity. Converting your home to use solar power is one step that everyone can take to reduce their carbon footprint.

But, what are the benefits of solar power?

In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of solar power and why you should have solar panels fitted to your home.

You’ll Cut Your Energy Bills

One of the best solar power benefits besides environmental concerns is that you can generate your own electricity for free.

If you live in an area that gets plenty of all-year-round sunlight, you’ll be well equipped to fight climate change and to save yourself money.

All of this means that you will get free energy from an abundant source; the sun.

If you’re not in an area that gives you lots of sunlight, there are ways of storing the power that you get on the brighter days so that you can power your home when it’s not so sunny.

You will of course have to get solar panels in the first place, however, there may be grants and financing deals that you may be eligible for to help you manage the costs.

Get in touch with the best solar power company and find out about the different financing options.

Solar Panels Add Value to Your Home

If you are planning on selling your home anytime soon, you will be able to add value to your property by adding solar panels.

Solar panels can be quite an expense to have fitted in the first place, however, there are innumerable long term financial benefits.

If your home is already set up to run from solar power, this will be very appealing to many homebuyers who will happily pay the extra for the property so that they don’t have to worry about their energy bills in the future.

You’ll Do Your Bit to Reduce Air Pollution

It’s no secret that burning fossil fuels produces a lot of air pollution. If you’re getting your power from the grid, then there is a strong chance that you’ll be directly benefiting from the burning of fossil fuels.

Because solar panels produce no air pollution whatsoever, you’ll be doing your bit to reduce the amount of pollution caused by big energy companies that are reliant on fossil fuels.

You’ll Get Energy Independence

If you are not connected to the grid, then you won’t have to worry about paying another cent on your electricity bill again.

In addition to saving money on your home’s electricity bills, one of the other advantages that come from not being connected to the grid is that if there is a national or local power cut, your lights will remain on.

Because you create your own power, you’ll be free from the grid and you can keep on living your life without interruption.

Your Home’s Carbon Footprint Will Improve

Did you know that through its energy consumption, the average home produces a staggering fifty tonnes of C02 waste each year?

One of the major benefits of having solar panels fitted to your property is that it will reduce your carbon footprint.

By switching to a carbon-neutral source of power, you’ll be making sure that the fifty tonnes of C02 won’t be let out into the atmosphere.

The more homes that reduce their carbon footprint in this way and become self-sufficient and carbon neutral, the better.

You’ll Help Conserve Water

Did you know that fresh drinking water is in scarce supply? Many countries are struggling to get fresh water, and yet every day thousands of liters are used in energy production.

Both nuclear and fossil fuel power stations rely on water to help in the cooling process, while the much cleaner hydro-energy is reliant on water too.

Solar panels require no water whatsoever and are therefore helpful in conserving water.

Solar Panels are Low Maintenance

Once you’ve got solar panels fitted onto your roof, there is not really very much that you will ever need to do with them to maintain them.

Get your solar panels fitted by a professional solar panel company and you’ll not need to worry about anything going wrong with them.

As there are no moving parts, there is no need to have your solar panels checked over by an engineer. They’ll just keep on catching the sun and producing power.

Solar Panels are a Great Long-Term Investment

Although there is an initial outlay associated with having solar panels fitted, they are in fact a very astute long-term investment.

Stop and consider how much you spend on your energy bills each year. Now think about how much money you’d save over your lifetime if you don’t even need to pay that.

When you have solar panels fitted, you’ll constantly save money on your electricity bills. You will be surprised at how quickly the savings will rack up and before you know it. your solar panels will have paid for themselves several times over.

Reap the Benefits of Solar Power

If you like what you have read in this article, and would like to reap the benefits of solar power while doing your bit to change the tide on the climate crisis, then take action now by getting solar panels.

Get in touch today to find out how Emerald Sun Energy can help you.

Solar Contractor Orlando - 02/02/2021

Case Study – Proves Solar Energy Works

Solar Before and After Comparison

Here is one of our happy solar energy customers power bills from February 2019 from here in Orlando Florida. As you can see he had a power bill of $190. On the right you can see that his power bill was reduced to $9.83 after solar energy installation in Orlando Florida. We compared February 2020 so it is from the same month to get direct comparison.

I-Pagan-Before

Power Bill from Duke Energy before Solar Installation in Orlando Florida

Ipagan-after

Customer reduced duke power bill after solar installation in Orlando Florida

If you look at the after bill you can see it highlighted in red that he received an additional 135 kWh credit for future usage, meaning he out produced what he would need ant the credit will be applied to future bills. In Florida this is an important strategy because in the winter months like February Orlando homeowners will produce more solar energy than they can use. These credits will be applied to months when they use more energy than they produce. Like June and July.

So you can see that you can destroy your power bill with solar Energy! Call Now and Start Saving!! Huge Tax incentives will end at the end of 2020!

Solar Orlando - 08/26/2020

Why 2019 Is The Right Year To Buy Solar?

Spoiler: It WON’T be this good next year!

The 30% Federal Tax Credit which was initiated in 2006 is set to expire at the end of 2019.  The Tax Credit has been the biggest contributor to the Solar Boom we have experienced over the last decade and 2019 will be the biggest year for solar energy to date.  In this article, we will take a look at what the 30% Federal Tax Credit is, how it works and how you can take advantage of it.  We will also explore how rising electricity rates has made solar even more affordable and the financing options that are available that will allow you to use the money you already pay the power company to purchase your own system with no money down and no money out of pocket.  Lastly, we will give you an incorporated view on how all of these current solar trends can work for you. The 30% Federal Tax Credit allow Home or Business owners to claim 30% of the cost of there Solar Panel System or other energy efficient upgrades to your Federal Income Tax as a Credit.  A tax credit works differently than a tax deduction. A Tax Credit is much more valuable as it is a dollar for dollar reduction in tax responsibility as opposed to a deduction that would only represent the taxable portion of the amount being deducted.  Another important variable to consider in taking advantage of the 30% Federal Tax Credit is the tax credit is directly related to the amount of Federal Income Tax that you have paid if you are a W-2 Employee or the Amount of Income Tax that you owe.  Why that is important to understand is because if you do not pay or owe it you can not claim it. This sometimes will affect eligibility if you are on disability or if you are retired and only collecting Social Security.  However many seniors on Social Security still qualify for The tax credit if they also are collecting income from a pension, investments or other retirement funds that are not associated with their Social Security. Also, If you have paid less in Federal Income tax than what your 30% Federal Tax Credit is that will limit your tax credit to the amount of the Federal income tax that you paid for that year.  You are able to carry over any of your remaining Federal Tax Credit to the following year.  You actually have up to 5 years to claim your entire credit. Here is an example: Let’s say that you have paid $5000 in Federal Income Tax but your 30% Federal Tax Credit is $10,000.  You would be able to claim $5,000 of your tax credit for the current year and you would carry over a $5,000 Federal Tax Credit for the following year. 2019 is the last year that the 30% Federal Tax Credit will be available.  This has been a tremendous program that has helped millions of homeowners upgrade their homes with energy efficient Solar Energy.  It can represent an Income Tax Credit that is dollar for dollar cash savings on anywhere from $3,000 to over $20,000 and maybe more depending on the scope of the Solar Energy System you are considering.  With the 30% Federal Tax Credit expiring this year it is your last chance to get incredible additional savings added to an already affordable alternative to traditional energy. If you are considering Solar Energy now is the time. Getting Solar in 2019 and taking advantage of the 30% Federal Tax Credit will give you the opportunity to convert your expensive monthly power bill into an incredible investment that will increase the value of your home while reducing your energy cost all while using the money that you already spend.  The reason why this year makes Solar an incredible investment is really 3 factors. The First reason is you are paying more for electricity now than in 2006. The cost of your energy which the power company bills in kWh have gone up by over $3.00 a kWh since 2006 when the Federal Tax Credit took effect.  That means you are paying 35% more now when in 2006. Secondly, The price of solar energy has dropped by almost 3 times its cost from 2006. Solar energy is sold by the size of the system you need and the price is determined by taking the total number of watts required and multiplying it by the price per watt.  So if the price per watt in 2006 was over $8.00 per watt when the 30% Federal Tax Credit began, and today the price per watt has dropped below $3.00 per watt that over a 160% decrease in the cost of Solar Panel Systems. What this means is that in 2006 the 30% Federal Tax Credit was needed to justify the cost of the system an to help homeowners achieve a long term return on investment.  But with those changes today the 30% Federal Tax Credit will create an immediate Return on Investment. So much so that you will often be able to have the same rate or lower rate than what you are currently paying the power company and still be able to pocket the Federal Tax Credit in cash the following year. I do not know of any investment where you do not have to spend one dollar more than you already do for an expense and can cash out in less than a year for potentially over $10,000 in cash. The Future for Solar Energy is bright as energy costs continue to rise while the cost of solar has dropped to all-time lows.  The more the cost of energy rises the cheaper solar energy will become. I don’t know about you but I don’t see the power companies lowering there rates any time soon.  They will probably continue to raise them 3-4% per year which will simply be a built-in profit return every year you have solar. Because once you purchase solar you are fix rating you energy expense while you pay off the system and then you will have no Solar Panel System cost and a significantly reduced energy cost of up to 95% lower than your current expense.  So the future is bright. However,  with the tax credit, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create an instant return on investment without using any money that you don’t already spend.  Simply reallocating it and creating a great investment and return. If there are any extenuating circumstances that will not allow you to take advantage of the Federal Solar Tax Credit in 2019 do not fret as the Solar Tax Credit will be phased out over the next 3 years. In 2019 The Tax Credit will be 30% (The last year where it will be this high).  In 2020 The Federal Tax Credit will drop to 26% of the purchase price of your Solar Panel System. In 2021 The Federal Tax Credit will drop to 22% of the purchase price of the Solar System. In 2022 The Federal Tax Credit will no longer exist for residential homeowners. For Commercial Solar there will be an ongoing 10% Federal Tax Credit.

Solar Orlando - 01/31/2019

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

Nest-Blue-300x300IPad_Air_2_Wikipedia-230x274
vb-9d075248bd0d80680364b53258e11a01-350x278FS-ra-125x85._CB515626475_

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 - 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 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 - 09/12/2018

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 - 08/19/2018

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

Solar Energy In Orlando, Florida is on the rise and the 7 most Important Questions You Should Ask Your Orlando Solar Company

1. What are the financial benefits of solar energy?

The biggest financial benefit for solar energy in Orlando, Florida is it will continually lower your kWh rate over time. As your power company raises its rates, by 4% a year on average, you will be insulated from these rate increases. Over the life of the system, your savings can exceed $50,000 over the money you will already spend. The best part about the money you make on solar is that it is in savings of post-tax dollars which means the money you make is not taxable and makes your gross rate profit the same as your net rate profit. For example, if you were to earn this same money in the stock market then those earnings would be taxable under capital gains.

2. What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?

Solar Energy will reduce your carbon footprint. Solar Energy doesn’t need to be drilled, Doesn’t need to be processed at a facility, doesn’t need to be transported and most importantly doesn’t need to be burned. According to a recent article from CNN, they state that solar may be the one variable that can rescue us from global warming. See link in video description below

3. How do I find out how much I pay for electricity?

You can look at your power bill to determine your active kWh rate, but make sure you factor in many power company charge either increased rates over a designated monthly kWh usage or a premium rate for energy used during peak hours. The average kWh rate including taxes ranges from $.12 to $.16 per kWh in Orlando, Florida.

4. What is net metering?

Net Metering is the agreement in place with power companies that allow you to produce your own energy and sell your excess energy to the power company for energy credits to be used at a later time or date. During the day your solar power system will produce all of the energy you will need for the entire day and then at night, you will use your accumulated credits from the energy you produced during the day. The best part of net metering is that you are able to sell your power to the power company at the retail rate for the energy that you use.

5. How does solar impact my property values?

This is what makes solar energy the best investment in the market. According to Forbes Magazine, you recoup 97% of your investment the day you install the panels on your roof. This is what allows you to convert a variable expense into a profitable asset. Essentially you are converting your power bill into an asset that increases your property value as well as insulating yourself from future power rate hikes.

6. How do solar photovoltaic (PV) solar panels work?

Solar panels generate electricity through the photovoltaic process. This is where the silicon solar panels separate the electrons from the protons. The electrons are then funneled down into the inverter that will convert the dc electricity into ac electricity which is what your home and the grid work off of.

7. Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?

It will generate some electricity but it will be less than when it is clear weather and sunny.
Here in Orlando, there is a lot of Sun but there is also a lot of clouds, hence getting a solar power system with SolarEdge power optimizers maximizes your solar panel system energy production.

For More Questions you should ask your solar company visit our ongoing series:

Questions you should ask your Solar Company – part 2

Questions you should ask your Solar Company – part 3

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

Solar Orlando - 08/01/2018

Contact Us

Contact Us
emerald-sun-energy-logo-600

Pages

Products

Contact us

2151 Consulate Dr

Orlando, FL 32837

info@emeraldsunenergy.com

Office: (407) 504-0922

Florida Lic #CVC57145

Lic #EC13010058