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Category Archives: New York Solar

Solar Outshines Coal

Gone is that era when solar was considered a thing of the future. In the present day and age, people from across the globe are showing more interest in renewable energy sources than fossil fuels. The solar isn’t just limited to New York.

Two years ago, an article published in Money Inc. predicted five regions where solar power was expected to outshine coal. These regions included India, Australia, Middle East, Southern Europe, and the US. We have already seen positive trends from different regions.

A report published by Bloomberg mentioned that solar is going to be cheaper than coal in the next four years. The report also stated that China, Pakistan, India, and other highly industrialized countries will be new marketplaces for solar. As per the same report, solar prices are expected to decrease by 85 percent in Japan and 67 percent in the US, by 2040. This means myriad of people will have access to solar energy for their household needs.

Let’s now put our focus on a report by the International Energy Agency. Through this report, we came to know that more than 50 percent of the power-generating added across the globe in the last few years has been in solar and wind. The amount spent on renewable sources of energy was 297 billion dollars in 2016, whereas the amount spent on new fuel oil, gas, coal, and nuclear power plants was 143 billion dollars. Such statistics show that the future is actually bright for solar. It also hints on why people from New York gravitate towards solar energy.

As per the data published by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), renewable sources of energy accounted for 19.867 percent of the total electrical generation in the US. This was accounted for the first half of 2018. Nuclear power, on the other hand, accounted for 19.863 percent. This shows that renewable energy had beat out nuclear power even if by a slight margin. As per EIA, the contribution of coal power in the total electrical generation was 26.93 percent in the first half of 2018. This is 5.6 percent less than the first half of 2017.

There are several reasons why solar is taking over coal when it comes to electricity production. Myriad of individuals from the US are realizing the threats of climate change, and therefore, are considering the options like solar as the solution. The top “solarized” states of the US include:

  • Georgia
  • New York
  • Texas
  • California
  • Arizona
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • Utah
  • Massachusetts
  • Georgia
  • North Carolina

 

And of course, the consumers don’t have to pay for energy on a monthly basis, which drives a lot of people towards solar. If you are also looking for solar panels in Brooklyn, New York, connect with Promsun.

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Is Home Solar A Scam?

The opacity related to some aspects of solar energy has made various consumers think that it is a scam. The clear answer to this question is NO. If you still have doubt, we must tell you that, in 2017, the quantity of solar power installed across the world was 98 GW. This report by the UN denies the myth that solar is a scam.

No doubt there are some contractors and installers that follow unethical practices, which is something that happens in almost every big industry.

To avoid getting scammed when considering solar energy, follow these tips:

  • Install your solar system from a renowned, certified and experienced installer.
  • Check the roof size and strength to ensure it is suitable for the panels.
  • Analyze how much sunlight your area receives to ensure maximum efficiency.
  • Go for energy audit so that the inefficiencies can be fixed.
  • Try to get not less than 25 years of warranty from year installer
  • Check tax credits and rebate in your area related to solar installation

 

For residential solar requirements, connect with our team today. We will also guide you through the entire process of installation to remove the doubts.

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Photovoltaic System Options: Should You Have a Battery Backup?

Integrating solar battery backup to your photovoltaic (PV) system can be a tough decision. To help you in this process, we have discussed the features of for each type of PV system.

Grid-tie with solar battery backup

The benefit is that you can provide power to server, refrigerator, or other designated appliances. This system also stores energy that can be used during an outage. By sending excessive energy to the power grid, one can get credits. It is complex, requires maintenance, and can increase overall costs.

Grid-tie without batteries

The maintenance is less in this simple and cost-effective system. The energy is stored through the process of “Net Metering.” The user can get refunds and credits by sending excess energy into the utility-provided power grid. The drawback is that there is no backup during an outage.

Off Grid/Stand Alone

This system works with hydro or wind-powered renewable energy generators. There is no dependency on utility. This system is costly, complex, and requires maintenance.

PV Direct

This simple system connects directly to the pump or motor. Though there is low maintenance, it has limited usage.

Connect with us if you are seeking the best solar installation provider in New York.

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How many solar panels do I need for my home?

The solar panels for your home depend on your electricity usage and the location of your home. For an exact number, connect with a solar installation expert. Here, we will discuss the average data for a rough estimate. This information will help you identify the needs for residential solar in New York.

The average monthly electricity usage in New York is 595 kWh. This data is provided by US Energy Information Administration. As per this data, an average house in New York requires 21 solar panels with 60 cells and 275-285 watt capacity. Or, a house can use 17 solar panels with 72 cells and 350-watt capacity.

To calculate the electricity usage of your home:

  • Collect the bills of the past year
  • Add up the kWhs from each bill and divide the result by 12
  • Then further divide the resultant number by 30 to get daily kWh usage

The type of PV system also decides the number of panels. You will need fewer monocrystalline panels than those used in a thin film system.

Connect with renowned solar installers in New York to get the exact number.

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Planning a Home Solar Electric System

If you decided to install a solar system in your home, you have made of the most crucial decisions of your life. This is going to benefit you whether you stay in this home for long or plan to move. The latter is true because you will get a better price for your home.

These steps ensure success while using solar power:

Evaluate the energy efficiency of your home

This stage involves finding the areas where you are losing energy. Switching to LED light bulbs and more efficient appliances is also part of this stage.

Examine the solar potential of your home

Use tools like Energy Sage and Geostellar to identify the solar potential of your home. You will come to know financial benefit you can receive.

Analyze the available options

The available options include buying a solar energy system, solar leases, shared solar, and solarise program. Each comes with a unique set of features that you must go through.

Calculate the electricity needs

Use previous bills to track usage in kWh. Consider future plans during this stage.

Connect with solar installers

Several solar installers offer residential solar in Nassau County. Check the warranty, along with their expertise.

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How well do solar panels work in the winter?

A lot of individuals looking for residential solar in New York ask us this question. A common misconception is that solar panels are effective only during summer.

As these panels powered by light, instead of heat, the change of season doesn’t have any major effect.  The panels absorb the sun’s light energy and convert it into electrical energy.

The efficiency of the solar system, in fact, increases during winter. The white snow often reflects light, thereby increasing PV performance. The only issue you might face is when the panels get covered with snow. Make sure you have the right equipment to remove the snow from the panels easily.

If you still have doubt, we must tell you that Germany, with sunshine levels equivalent to that of Alaska, leads the world by solar panel installations.

The solar panels become more useful during winter time, as they minimize/eliminate the cost of heating the home. When it’s time for holiday decorations, the solar energy saves you from the enormous energy bill associated with lights and other stuff.

Connect with us for the installation of solar panels in Queens, Nassau County and other regions of New York.

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How to Determine Home Solar Panels Production Potential

If you plan to install home solar panels, it makes sense to determine their production potential. It hardly takes two to three minutes for this process. PVWatts, a free online calculator by NREL, has simplified this process for us.

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Visit https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/.
  • Enter your address in the ‘Get Started’ present on the header section of the page and then press GO.
  • If the default weather location is closest to your house, confirm it. Else, use the map to locate the closest one.
  • Press the orange arrow that you will find to the page’s right side that takes you to the System Info page.
  • On the page that appears, press the big orange arrow that takes you to the PVWatts results.
  • The number that appears on the screen is the total usable electricity that can be produced by a medium-sized solar system.

 

You can also connect with us for identifying the exact production potential of these panels. We can also guide through the process of installing solar panels in your home.

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I Rent My Home… Can I Still Go Solar?

Several renters ask us whether they can get residential solar in New York. Well, technically speaking, there is no issue with this idea. In fact, you will enjoy huge savings on your energy bills. This also ensures you are doing your part in conserving the environment.

If you plan to install residential solar in New York, you need to discuss the same with your landlord. Some landlords might reject the idea, thinking that it might harm the property. No, we are not discouraging you. We are just telling how crucial it is to help the landlord understand the profits.

It’s a wise option to share the expenses of installation. You can enjoy the benefits in the form of savings. Your landlord, on the other hand, will enjoy the increase in property value. Some landlords can even let you pay the amount in the instalments with your regular rent. In some cases, the landlords don’t want to put anything from their pocket. They will agree on sharing by deducting a certain amount from the rent.

As we have discussed that there is a lack of awareness among the homeowners about the solar energy system, you need to help them understand this technology. Answer each question that they have in mind. In case something sounds tricky or confusing, you can connect the representatives of the brand for information.

A lot of landlords don’t care about such an installation. They will agree with you as long as you aren’t causing harm to their property.

Consider modular/portable systems

The solar panels with negligible installation process are gaining popularity these days. With this setup, you don’t have to install heavy ground-mounted poles or bolt racking to the roof. There is no need to take permission from the owners for it. You can take this setup along when moving to a new place. The disadvantage with these systems is that their wattage is limited. The user needs to install multiple units to get the desired power, which can be messy and costly. Another issue with these systems is that you have to turn the panel occasionally towards the sun.

This is why if your landlord lets you install the panel on the roof, it is a better option. We, at Promsun, have helped numerous residents by offering superior quality residential solar in Nassau County. Our team also aims to educate people on different aspects of solar energy and its proper applications. If you also need our support in any form (installation, maintenance, or consultation), contact one of our representatives today. The experts from our organization will analyze your needs and property size to offer the most efficient residential solar in Nassau County, New York.

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Using Solar Electricity at Home

The inconsistency in the prices of electricity has encouraged the residents of New York to move to other sources. In the last few years, residential solar in New York has specifically gained popularity. Let’s have a look at different aspects of using this energy form for home use.

The Benefits

No worries of inconsistent rates of electric energy. It works even when there is no sunlight available. Using it ensures the environment isn’t harmed in any way.

Types of systems:

Grid-tied system – They are integrated into the power grid of the energy supplier in your area. Battery back-up isn’t a necessity.

A grid-tied system with batteries – By adding batteries to a grid-tied system, you receive power even during load shedding or when abundant sunlight isn’t available.

Off-grid system – This is an independent that replaces the conventional power grid. You get own grid completed with batteries and inverter.

Pre-Requisites

The roof must have sufficient space for placing the solar system. Also, it should be able to handle the weight of the system.

Choosing the installer

When looking for residential solar in New York, choose an installer which is NABCEP certified, experienced, and insured.

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How do you know if home solar is not right for you?

There are several considerations to keep in mind if you are planning to install residential solar in New York. In case you want to know if home solar is not right for you, check these factors.

Location

Different states of the US have different situations when it comes to sunlight. While some receive ample amount, others experience cloudy weather for most of the year.

Roof

If your roof requires replacement within 15 years, maybe the solar system is not a good idea. The efficiency of a solar panel decreases if the roofs are flat.

Incentives and electricity rates

To calculate the savings, you must first check the local electricity rates. Also, check the rebates and incentives you will receive.

Local regulations

Make sure there are no hindrances related to homeowner’s association. Sometimes, there is a need of local permits for this purpose.

If you don’t face issues related to these factors, you can proceed seamlessly. Else, you have to think about other options or discuss with your installer on how to get rid of these issues.

For those searching solar providers in Nassau County, Promsun is a name you can trust.

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