Solar arrays are a popular way to improve energy efficiency that can be added on simply to an existing home. Through either rooftop or sidelong installation, solar electric panels can help you cut down significantly on electricity and utility costs. But with the rise in popularity of these installations – a growth rate of approximately 400 percent since 2010 – often comes builders and developers who cut corners in an attempt to save on manufacturing costs. When it comes to adding solar to your home, you want to be sure it is done correctly so you get the most out of your panels that you possibly can. If you are considering a new installation, you definitely want to hire a reputable solar company like Golden Solar to handle the process responsibly. But if you have had panels already installed in or on your home, there are a few ways to tell if it was done properly. Here are a few ways to inspect your array for faulty installation: Electrical – While electrical fires are rare, they do happen on occasion, and more often than not, they are the result of hasty or improper installation rather than a defective panel. Good solar installers will know that running the wiring properly, as well as using sufficient insulation around the wires, is critical to the system functioning properly. Generally, any certified electrician, home inspector or professional solar installer can evaluate your system to ensure there are no electrical issues. Low quality components – Whether structural or electrical, defective elements in a panel contribute to premature wear and tear. One common defect throughout the solar industry is the disintegration of the panels’ protective coating, which in some cases happens within a few years. This can lead to water leaks and electrical issues, which obviously impact the effectiveness of the unit. Other areas to check for quality are the inverters, controllers and connections. Racking – Larger arrays pose risks when it comes to installation because ensuring that they won’t move or be damaged in high winds or inclement weather is a challenge to installers. That is where racking comes in. The structure that holds panels down should be inspected semi-regularly, especially if the array is installed on your roof and could pose danger if dislodged. Best practice is to check the unit for loose bolts and indicators of stress or wear. Sitting – Solar panels only work if they receive sufficient sunlight to store energy. One of the most difficult faulty installations to overcome is poor sitting. This means that where the units are located does not receive enough lighting to constitute a worthwhile return on investment. It is important to consult a professional solar installer for an at-home consultation so you can evaluate the location together and best understand the pros and cons of installing a panel on your property. Water – No matter where you install your panels, they are going to be exposed to the elements. This means that the coating on the panels needs to be top-notch to protect the integrity of the unit. Additionally, many homeowners choose to have the panels installed on their roofs as a way to maintain the aesthetic of their homes and surrounding yard space. According to Proud Green Home, “Most roofing types require penetrations in the roof in order to secure the panels. If these are not properly flashed, the resulting water leaks can damage the integrity of the roof, its underlying structure, and even the interior of the home and its contents.” For the best in rooftop solar installation, contact Golden Solar today. Our staff will come for a free on-site consultation and help you determine the best way to install your own panels.

Solar electric panels have been built using a number of materials, but with recent technological developments, solar arrays could be made to become even more efficient. Researchers at MIT have found that new solar panels can be made from lead-acid car batteries. These types of batteries are often retired and replaced with more efficient lithium-ion batteries. According to the study conducted at MIT, the lead from these older batteries can be recycled into making more efficient solar panels. Additionally, reusing the lead would prevent its integration into local landfills, increasing eco-friendliness even further for this industry. Another plus is that because the solar cells do not require much of the lead – called perovskite – just one car battery could supply enough solar panels for up to 30 homes, according to The Washington Post. This also makes the new design of panels even less expensive than the current models. “They’re definitely cheaper,” Angel Belcher, Professor of Energy at MIT and co-author of the study, tells the source. “And the efficiencies right now are at almost 20 percent, which is competing with the 20 to 25 percent in silicon.” From a manufacturing standpoint, perovskite is easier to work with than silicon, which is currently used for panel construction as it requires lower temperatures and less specialized equipment. While this panel technology is very exciting, it is still very much in the research stage of development. If you want to get involved now in the environmental revolution, consider purchasing solar electric panels for a home rooftop installation. If you are interested in learning more about your options, contact Golden Solar.

With the widespread growth of the solar industry, many smaller niche markets have sprung up as major players within the renewable energy field. One such area is the expansion of solar carports, which has grown substantially over the past few years. According to GreenTech Media, the generating capacity of solar electric panels installed into these structures will exceed 100 megawatts for the fourth year in a row. In a report conducted by GTM Research entitled “The U.S. Solar Carport Market 2014-2018: Landscape, Outlook and Leading Companies,” it was projected that over 180 megawatts of energy would be added to solar carports this year in the U.S. alone. “The U.S. solar carport market has historically been driven by solar incentives dedicated to government and educational entities coupled with physical and regulatory limitations for rooftop systems for these customers,” writes Scott Moskowitz​, the report’s author. “With the average system price of solar carports continuing to fall, commercial solar developers can offer increased value to customers in the form of larger project sizes and greater electricity savings.” California currently remains the market leader, responsible for over half of the nation’s total solar carport installations. However, by 2016, GTM Research predicts that the market value of solar carports in the country will reach approximately $843 million. With so much potential for growth and development in such a niche market, more home and business owners are looking to become involved in the carport arena. At Golden Solar, we offer a variety of arrays in this market and can offer sage advice for creating your own solar-powered carport at your house or business. For more information on solar panel installations, contact us today.

Colorado has long been a leader in the solar power industry, pioneering endeavors like rooftop and community solar programs. In recent news from the area, Adams County in Colorado announced this week that they have signed a deal that will create a governmental reliance on community-generated solar power. The deal allows all of the government buildings in Adams County to be powered by energy generated by the local Community Solar Garden program. This plan allows consumers to purchase energy from pre-installed solar electric panels that are located somewhere in the community. The power that customers purchase is fed from the array into the main power grid and grants individuals credit on their bills for the amount allocated by their shares. This program, initially established in late 2010, was the inspiration for endeavors that are now found around the country. “Adams County has made an important first step in moving to cleaner energy,” said Nick Kittle, Adams County’s performance, innovation and sustainability manager, in an official statement. “We believe that this project is a winning opportunity for our organization, our community and our citizens and we are excited to be the first county in the nation to be a partner in a community solar garden.” While community solar is growing in popularity across the nation, rooftop installations are also highly desirable because of their customizability and cost-effectiveness. Colorado homeowners interested in their own rooftop installations for home solar power systems are encouraged to contact Golden Solar. Our staff of trained professionals will provide a free on-site consultation install the units for you. For more information, visit us online or schedule an appointment today!