Electric solar energy lingo- part two

There are many terms used in the electric solar energy industry which you may not be familiar with. In order to help you understand the information presented to you, or which you discover through your own research, we’ve put together another post with more detailed explanations of some common terms you may stumble across.

Module power ratings: Module power ratings refer to your solar panel’s electric solar energy output. The STC-DC (Standard Test Condition Direct Current) rating is the global standard for rating a panel’s output, and tests panels using ideal laboratory test settings. The CEC-AC (California Energy Commission Alternating Current) rating uses realistic conditions to measure a panel’s output, as well as inverter efficiency. The CEC-AC rating is always lower than the STC-DC rating because of the difference in testing conditions.

PACE: PACE, or Property Assessed Clean Energy, is a program administered through municipalities which allows residents to finance the installation of an electric solar energy system by paying for it through annual property tax bills. These programs can have higher interest rates than other solar financing options.

PPA: A PPA, or Power Purchase Agreement, is a method to finance the installation of an electric solar energy system. Through a PPA, you will purchase the energy produced by your electric solar energy system at a flat rate. The solar equipment is owned and maintained by the provider, which means you benefit from the energy produced without added maintenance and installation costs.

Prepaid lease: A prepaid lease is another option for those who want to utilize electric solar energy, but don’t want to purchase the system outright. By prepaying for the use of your system for a predetermined time period, prepaid lease providers warranty the system, and you are able to use the electric solar energy produced by the system during that time period.

If you have any questions about these or other terms you have come across while researching electric solar energy systems, contact Smith Sustainable Design. Our knowledgeable team can help demystify the electric solar energy industry, so you can make informed choices for your home or business.

Electric solar energy lingo- part one

Whether you are just beginning to investigate electric solar energy systems, or already have a system in place, there are many terms commonly used throughout the solar industry which you may be unfamiliar with. To ease confusion and understand important features and elements of electric solar energy systems, familiarize yourself with some industry lingo. Knowing the meaning behind these terms and phrases will help you better understand the valuable information you read, or what your electric solar energy contractor is saying so you can make informed decisions.

Balance of system: This phrase refers to the solar panel racking, wiring, conduit, and roof integration components necessary to install an electric solar energy system.

Interconnection: Interconnection refers to your electric solar energy system’s connection with the electric utility grid. In order to tie your system to the utility grid, therefore interconnecting it, you’ll need permission from the utility provider; Smith Sustainable Design can guide you through this process.

Kilowatt hour: A kilowatt-hour, often abbreviated as kWh, is equal to 1000 watt-hours. Electric companies bill in kilowatt-hours and you may measure your home’s electric solar energy use in this unit as well.

The grid: The grid refers to the network used deliver electricity from the utility company to the end user. When you install a “grid-tied” electric solar energy system, your system is connected to the utility grid, where you can access electricity from the utility if your system hasn’t produced enough for use, and deposit any additional electricity created by your system. “Off-grid” systems are not connected to the electric utility grid.

Net metering: With an electric solar energy system that is tied to the electricity grid, the utility company uses net metering to measure the amount of energy your system produces along with the amount of energy you are producing.

Solar inverter: A solar inverter is a necessary component of an electric solar energy system. This piece of equipment converts the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels to create alternating current (AC) electricity for use in your home or business. If you have a grid-tied electric solar energy system, the solar inverter also works to deliver excess electricity to the grid.

If you have questions about any electric solar energy terminology you come across in your research or conversations, feel free to contact us for further explanation and advice. Smith Sustainable Design educates our customers on electric solar energy in order to help them make informed choices.

Busting solar power energy myths

Unfortunately, there is a great deal of misinformation out there about solar power energy. This bad information can cause a lot of confusion, causing those interested in solar power energy to evaluate their decisions based on inaccurate criteria. Get the facts on solar power energy from Smith Sustainable Design; we’ve busted these solar power energy myths so you can weed out the bad information you may come across in your research.

Solar power energy myth 1: It’s too expensive

The cost of installation is often a fear factor for many people interested in utilizing solar power energy. The fact is, solar power energy technology improves every day. Improvements in technology have significantly reduced installation costs for solar power energy systems. Installation costs dropped 20% in 2011, and are expected to continue to drop another 33% in the next 10 years. Many programs are in place through the government and local utility companies which provide incentives to help purchase solar power energy systems. Plus, solar power energy costs less to use than utility-provided energy, reducing day-to-day costs.

Solar power energy myth 2: It’s a bad investment

The solar power energy industry is growing, and more and more consumers are investing in solar power for use in the home and at the office. With electric utility costs on the rise, solar power energy systems are a smart investment which can help you eliminate or offset increasing energy bills.

Solar power energy myth 3: It’s ugly

Some people may say that solar power energy equipment sticks out like a sore thumb. This is just a matter of opinion, and varies from person to person. As solar panel technology has evolved, there are newer options available for installation which can eliminate this concern. Some solar power energy systems boast sleeker panels and mounting hardware for installation. Looks or not, the benefits of installing a solar power energy system outweigh aesthetic worries for most consumers.

Get accurate information on solar power energy systems from a source you trust. Smith Sustainable Design’s team of experts can give you accurate information and guidance if you’re looking to invest in a new solar power energy system.

Solar installation: the benefits

If you are considering solar installation for your home or business, you may have different reasons than someone else. Or, you may be searching for more information about the benefits you’ll receive from installing solar panels to generate your own power. Everyone has their own reasons for considering solar installation, but let’s take a look at some of the most common ones so you can see the direct benefits solar installation provides.

Solar installation can help me save money

It’s true; the savings of generating your own solar energy for use at home is a major benefit of solar installation. With a grid-tied system, you may be producing enough electricity through your solar panels to avoid using energy from your electric company. Depending on the arrangement with your utility provider, they may even end up crediting you for the excess amounts of electricity your system produces. Each statement from your utility provider will reflect the savings which result from solar installation.

Solar installation helps the environment

A solar installation will produce clean, natural electricity for use in your home or business directly from the sun’s energy. Much of the electricity used from a utility provider was created by burning coal and other fossil fuels for energy. Electricity generated from your solar installation is a better choice for the environment. When you choose to go solar to help the environment, you are taking a huge step towards sustainable living. Generating your own electric power through solar installation reduces, and may even eliminate, your dependence on fossil fuels for energy use.

Solar installation utilizes the latest technology

Solar installation offers the latest technology for use in your home or business. Today’s solar panels offer efficient energy technology in a sleeker package. Solar installations can be custom designed for your home or business, so ignore the notion that solar panels are big, bulky, and ugly. The best solar technology combines looks and power which can help you turn your rooftop into prime real estate for electricity generation.

A solar installation has much more to offer than just these benefits. The decision to go solar is different for everyone, but many of us are seeking some of the same benefits. Let Smith Sustainable Design help you get all the benefits you’re seeking by going solar; contact us today to learn more about how solar installations benefit you and the planet.