Category: Solar Panels

solar panel systemThis recent trend toward environmental-friendliness doesn’t look to be an isolated one. It’s been near the forefront since 2013, and in 2015 there it will remain. We will see an even greater emphasis on eco-friendly building material. Among all of these fun green trends, however, the one that stands head and shoulders above the rest though is solar panels. Solar power systems have been growing in popularity since they were first introduced, and in 2015, plan to see their popularity continue to grow. These photovoltaic solar cells appear just as a standard roof shingle would but also provide that added eco-friendly edge that standard roof shingles lack. In this way, solar panels are able to blend in such as homeowners might prefer; after all, the name of the game for many homeowners’ associations is uniformity. While managing to appear main stream, this solar technology, however, is anything but. Instead of following the crowd, these solar panel systems are the stars of the roofing industry.  Why, you ask? Well, in addition to providing energy efficiency, these panels actually capture the sun’s energy using monocrystalline silicon solar cells. Captured solar power can be harnessed by individual panels such that, when grouped in a solar panel system, they can provide electric power for the entire house. Do you see why they’re the stars of the green movement? They not only benefit the individual consumer’s bottom line but also reduce his carbon footprint, this latter result being a benefit both locally and globally. Here at Golden Solar, we applaud the growing popularity of solar power systems, and at the same time, we invite individuals not currently operating on solar power to consider making this change away from the old standard to the rising star. After all, solar panels, for all of their other virtues, are also an investment that pays for itself. Indeed, each and every state in the Union offers the Federal Solar Tax Credit, a blend of rebates, incentives, and subsidies that will make the move to solar power highly attractive. So, with solar power systems, you are going green and doing so in a financially beneficial way. What’s not to like?
solar renewable energyRecently the Californian government set the stage for affordable solar energy to low-income residents.   About $14.7 million has been raised from the Golden State’s cap and the trade system  to move the project of installing solar panels to underprivileged neighborhoods for free forward . This program aims to lessen the energy costs for families that could be of great help, as it also lessens the environmental footprints. This approach limits the amount of greenhouse gases a company can emit on a regular basis, and it reprimands polluting companies, such as power plants and oil refineries to purchase credit for each ton consumed. This credit can be used to help families save a good amount of cash over the year. The group is also planning to install the paneling for more than 1,600 families before the end of next year. These families will be able to save money every month for clothes, food, medical expenses, and so on. To support that, one of locals who can enjoy this kind of privilege is Roy Rivera. He lives with a disability and relies on a fixed income, that it’s almost impossible to make ends meet. However, because of this project, he’ll be able to save as much as $818 one energy costs during the first year of installation, and he can use that money to buy his other essentials. Even though the use of solar energy can help in cutting down the family’s costs, the installation price can be quite expensive– it can cost $15,000 or more, and this is the main reason why a lot of low-income Americans aren’t capable of using their energy source. The price of installation alone restricts them. This was based on the findings made by the San Francisco Chronicle. Based on the data gathered last year, there are more or less 3.5% of all rooftop solar installations across three different states, namely: Massachusetts, Maryland, and New York. The median household incomes fall below $39,999. Though, there are more than 54% of installations in Maryland where the household income exceeds $90,000. This only implies one thing: people are interested in trying this source of energy if they’re capable with, and can pay it. Thus, the California program is trying to alleviate this kind of financial burden to those residents who barely earn a living. If granted, this can be a win-win situation for both the company and residents as well. Just like what the Vice’s Brian Merchant mentioned, being able to control the population business, that will allow the families to take advantage of that can be the best strategy for all. This program also has the opportunity of increasing the ‘good optics,’ because everyone wants to have a cleaner environment, but the cost and expense of it are just some of the usual restrictions that make it impossible.
Typically, most residential consumers use power grids for their electricity.  So when there is a huge power shortage or outage many people are affected. Not to mention there is much concern that we are rapidly depleting our energy sources. So what does the future hold? Commercial solar energyMany people theorize that the next wave of energy production must come from renewable energy sources.  Such as solar power.  Solar power is a viable commercial energy source and is a constant; as opposed to the other renewable energy sources like wind, biomass, biofuel and geothermal power.  Which is why many people are making the investment in installing solar panels.  There are a large number of reasons why people should consider installing solar panels.  For the sake of brevity, and sticking to the most important ones, here is a list of the top five reasons why you should get solar panels installed on your home. 1.  Economics.  The first reason you should add solar panels to your home is that they will save you money.  Solar panels produce energy for your home, which means they allow you to take less energy from the utility company.  After you have made the initial investment to install solar panels, your monthly utility bill will decrease drastically.  Over the course of 5, 10, or 20 years, you will save thousands upon thousands of dollars, because your home will be producing the energy that it uses. 2.  Community.  Solar panel installation is also good for the community you live in. Everyone in your community relies on the utility company in your area for energy.  However, those utility companies can increase the rates as they like, and people have to pay it.  Having solar panels decreases the amount of energy that your home takes from the utility company, and can even put energy back into the grid.  This helps to decrease the demand for energy in your community and works to stabilize energy rates for your neighbors. 3.  Environment.  One of the most obvious benefits of solar panels is that they are better for the environment.  Rather than depending on coal burning power plants to provide electricity, which dirties the air and leads to all sorts of environmental problems, solar panels harness the clean energy of the sun.  They make the world cleaner and better for future generations. 4.  Infrastructure.  The fourth reason solar panels are great is that they increase the infrastructure in the country.  If everyone depends on the utility company, and that company has an issue one day, everyone loses their power.  Utility companies are susceptible to this sort of thing.  Having solar panels decreases your reliance on the utility company, benefiting the overall infrastructure of the country. 5.  Security.  Along the same lines as the infrastructure argument, having solar panels on your home creates more energy security for your home.  You are no longer dependent on anyone else for your energy.  This means that even if the grid goes down, or the utility company runs out of coal to burn, you will have power in your home. A great solar panel company in Colorado is Golden Solar.  They understand all of the benefits solar has to offer to communities and individuals, and want to help you go solar as soon as possible.
Solar energy is quickly becoming one of the most talked about forms of renewable energy.   The benefits of installing solar panels is quite evident and there are many consumers looking to make the switch.   But where to begin?  How do you know what kind of solar panels work best for your property?  To answer these questions, you must first educate yourself on the different types of solar panels are on the market today. Everyone who intends to install solar panels to generate electricity should know the main types of panels available. This knowledge will make panel selection easier and faster. Here is a brief description of the three major types of solar panels on the market.
  1. Mono crystalline

These solar panels are made from single-crystalline silicon (or monocrystalline silicon) solar cells. You can recognize them easily because they have the same black color with a uniform appearance. Monocrystalline solar cells are produced from cylindrically shaped silicon ingots. To maximize the performance of each solar cell, the four edges of the ingots are cut out. This is what gives the monocrystalline panels their unique look with typical black and white sections. The white sections are produced by the intersection of the rounded edges. Some of the major advantages of monocrystalline panels are: * Efficient Electricity Generation. These panels are made from the best grade of silicon so they produce electricity at 15 to 20 percent efficiency. * High Space Efficiency. Due to the higher amount of electricity generated by these panels, they require a smaller amount of space than other types. * Long Lifespan. These panels last the longest; usually they work for close to 50 years. That is why manufacturers place a 20 – 25 year warranty on their monocrystalline panels. However, monocrystalline panels have a few disadvantages. First, they cost more to produce than other types of panels. This is why some homeowners consider their prices to be relatively exorbitant for their residential solar energy projects. Also, the production process for these panels requires more energy. The edges that are cut off lead to more waste. In addition, these panels are fragile. Hence, great care must be taken when transporting or installing them.
  1. Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline solar panels are made of multiple silicon crystals. These crystals are not all perfectly aligned to each other. Thus, there are losses at the joints resulting in less efficient electricity generation. Some of the advantages of polycrystalline panels include: * Lower cost of production. Less energy and materials are wasted during production. * Lower prices. They are cheaper than monocrystalline panels with the same rating. * They perform better at lower temperatures. One of the major demerits of polycrystalline panels is their lower efficiency. Typically, these panels attain an efficiency rating of 13 – 16 percent. This leads to another drawback – lower space efficiency. To produce a similar quantity of electric power as a monocrystalline panel, you will need to install a larger polycrystalline panel on your roof.
  1. Thin-film

Thin-film panels are produced by depositing several layers of thin photovoltaic material into a substrate. Four different types of materials have been successfully deposited into a substrate. These include: organic photovoltaic cells, copper indium selenide, cadmium telluride, and amorphous silicon. Thin film panels are also commonly called amorphous silicon panels. These panels offer the lowest efficiency but they are the cheapest to produce. Currently, they provide an efficiency of between 7 to 13 percent. But research and improved production processes are expected to boost their efficiency to between 10 to 16 percent. The flexibility of thin-film panels makes it easy to incorporate them into so many applications and devices. The two major considerations that influence a homeowner’s choice of solar panels are space and cost. The crystalline panels are more cost effective where there is limited space while the thin film panels may be more suitable for those who have more space and want to get the most electricity at the least cost. However, the actual quality and efficiency of various panels can only be determined with the help of professional solar panel installers.
In recent years, there has been a major push to increase our production of solar power.  It is touted as the cleanest and most constant source of power. But there has been some backlash based on a series of myths.   Below we will identify some of the most common misconceptions, dispute them and share some fun facts about solar power. Myth #1.  Solar panels in residential areas are too expensive. Not true, in fact most states offer Solar tax credits and incentives making these systems very affordable to install and maintain.  Leaving you with little dependency of getting your energy from the grid.   In some cases, solar panels may even eliminate your energy bill, saving you even more money. Myth #2.  It does not work on cloudy days. The truth?  On cloudy days the panels just absorb less energy than it normally would,  which is why you need a storage cell. This is where the energy you collect and do not use can be easily stored for when you need it. Myth #3.  It is an inefficient source of energy.  This is just false. Solar energy is very efficient, in fact it is self-sufficient.  As long as the sun continues to shine there is power to be produced.

Not convinced solar energy is for you?  Take a look at some of these mind-blowing facts.

Fun Fact #1- Did you know that by installing solar panels in your Colorado home can lower  water bills by more than 50% each year in a home. Fun Fact #2- According to the Department of Energy, over the last 30 years the price of photovoltaic solar panels has dropped 200% . Fun Fact #3-  Solar power offers a sense of control and reliable source of energy.  In many cases, conditions around the world are optimum for solar power and could protect people from losing power. Fun Fact #4-  According to a study done by the United States Department Of Energy, installing solar panels on the roofs for California’s city and county buildings could result in the generation of  200 megawatts of clean energy. In fact, if California installed solar panels on every commercial and industrial roof, it could produce enough electricity needed to power the entire state . Fun Fact #5- Today, Germany is the only country that is making the best use of solar energy.  Despite the climate, Germany has made great strides in the realm of solar energy. Fun Fact #6- Did you know that you only need about 8 minutes of solar energy to travel from the sun to the earth. For more information on how Golden Solar can help you achieve energy independence, contact us today!
Copyright 2020 | Golden Solar Electric LLC