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Category Archives: New York Solar

Should You Add Backup Batteries to Your Grid-Tied Solar Array?

convert-to-net-zero-energy-640x400When it comes to residential solar installation, several homeowners are not sure if adding backup batteries is a good option. The best part about the backup batteries is that they continue to power the house even if the grid goes down. Various individuals who had batteries installed didn’t face issues due to an outage during the Hurricane Sandy.

Another benefit is that the residents are select when to sell power to the grid and when to purchase it. This feature especially becomes useful in regions where the utility doesn’t let the users sell power back to the grid.

The only thing that a user needs to keep in mind is that the cost of the backup battery is higher than you have expected. Also, you will have to replace them after around ten years, unless a company designs a battery system in the future that lasts for decades. If you are seeking a solar provider that helps you in residential solar installation, connect with us for all your needs.

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Home Backup Power: Generator vs. Battery

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When one thinks of backup power options, he/she often gets confused between generator and battery when considering solar panel installations.

Conventionally, the residents and business owners have relied upon generators powered by natural gas, diesel, and propane. These generators require the users to refuel regularly for regular power supply. Conversely, battery backup doesn’t require the user to refuel. Also, the former requires more maintenance than the latter.

Talking about the cost, you need to spend around 3,000-5,000 dollars for a generator. Whereas, the complete installation of a battery backup system is in the range of 10,000 to 20,000 dollars. But this just one-time investment, as the user need not pay a single penny for fuel.

Also, by using batteries instead of generators, you are contributing to keeping the environment clean. We hope that backup power solutions, you can connect with one of our representatives today.

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Solar Electric Backup for Disasters? Not as Easy as You Think

solar-electric-backup-521x292When one thinks of disasters like hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes, we usually think of immediate dangers, which is not a bad thing. But, most of us often ignore the problems that linger for a long duration even after the disaster is over. One such issue is that of an elongated power outage. A regular grid-tied system won’t offer solar electric backup in such events. There are several technologies still in their infancy, such as hydrogen fuel cells that can’t be used by the homeowners. Similarly, we still have to wait for years before electric vehicles are able to solve the energy-related issues of the home. A wise idea is to use a backup transfer switch so that you can use any type of portable generator for powering all the lights and appliances safely. You can also rely upon propane generator. One of the popular alternatives is to install a grid-tied system with a battery backup. Connect with us today for solar panel installation in your area.

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BATTERY BACKUP POWER

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Grid-tied solar systems are one of the most popular and efficient ways to produce clean, renewable energy. However, these grids stop power supply temporarily in case of power outages. You can’t use your appliances and lights even if it is a bright, sunny day. This is where solar battery power backup takes the stage.

There are several benefits of installing battery power backup.

  • You need not rely on the burning of fossil fuels, which is a case with generators.
  • You are able to decrease demand charge by use of solar and storage for decreasing the power needs especially during daylight hours
  • The dependency on the utility grid, and thereby Net Energy Metering, is substantially reduced.

 

All these factors show why people are increasingly relying on backup with their grid-tied system. You can connect with us for battery backup or solar installation in New York.

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Do I need the battery backup system for solar?

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This question can’t be answered simply in the form of ‘Yes’ or ‘No,’ due to several factors involved. Let’s first understand what solar battery backup system is. It is an array of batteries that store excess power that your solar electric system produces.

In general, you don’t need a battery backup system, as a regular solar electric system is sufficient for your energy needs. A user pulls power from the grid when he/she is not producing power the from the solar systems, such as during night or during cloudy days. The extra power produced and sent to the grid compensates for this difference.

Unless you live in an area where power outages are frequent, you won’t need solar battery backup. They unnecessarily add to your upfront costs. If you are searching for solar providers in Westchester County, New York we are here to help.

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What happens when the grid goes down?

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When the grid goes down for long-haul irrespective of the season, whether it is summers or winter it is itself pretty exhausting. But if you have a grid-tie system with standby generators installed, the inverter will disconnect the solar back feed from solar panel installations and switches on the generator automatically.

If you are using generator backup, the only disadvantage it has is that one can’t enjoy the aid of the energy generated by solar panels. The truth behind the same is that generator backup runs on different fuels such as natural gas, gasoline, diesel and propane. Each has its own gain and loss.

In the case of solar panels with battery backup, one is able to utilize the energy generated by the solar panels. Moreover, it is independent of the utility company and periodic maintenance. Also, doesn’t need refueling or periodic fuel replacement.

For further info on this topic, connect with our solar panel experts.

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Four Things You Should Know about Adding Battery Backup to Solar

solar-battery-backup-626x626Perhaps your solar installer had suggested you add battery backup to your solar energy, and you are confused about the same. Let’s sort out your confusion by discussing four essential aspects related to it. Here we will focus on AC coupling approach that lets a user store energy that can be used during emergencies and outages.

Elements of an AC-coupled system

The major elements include:

  • An energy storage system having batteries and an enclosure
  • A grid/hybrid inverter or charger
  • A center or a coupling device
  • Additional electrical wiring

Importance of AC-coupling

This approach is valuable for every party involved, including the end users, solar installers, and distributors, thereby creating a win-win situation

Factors to look for while choosing the equipment

Make sure the inverter you choose operates effectively with different brands of string inverters. Try to get an inverter with split-phase design and generator input and protection.

The cost of AC-coupling

The average cost of AC-coupling is approximately 16,000 dollars, whereas the electronics-only package cost you around 8,600 dollars.

For solar installation in New York, connect with us today.

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During Irma’s Power Outages, Some Houses Kept the Lights on with Solar and Batteries

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Isn’t it shocking that Hurricane Irma was history’s most powerful hurricane in the Atlantic?

Apart from destroying communication, it also resulted in massive power outages. Even the numerous residents who had gone for residential solar panel installation were out of power.

But, some houses kept the lights on even during such a catastrophic time. It was made possible by the presence of solar power batteries. Though the use of such batteries had to limit their energy use, they were able to keep the utilitarian appliances functional such as air conditioners and refrigerators.

A nursing home in Florida had lost its air conditioning due to which 11 seniors had perished. Such a situation wouldn’t have arrived if batteries and solar systems were installed in conjunction. This shows how vital it is to go for a hybrid system in the US.

If you are searching for residential solar providers in New York, connect with us today.

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Solar battery backup: Does my solar panel system need one?

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Our customers often contact us to get suggestions on solar battery backup. The answer depends on the type of system you are using. In the present scenario, the net metering is gaining popularity across the US. It is wise to install batteries with net metering for more reliability. In case of power outage, you won’t face any productivity issue or financial loses if you have invested in a solar battery backup.

You can connect solar energy battery backup systems to the utility grid, which will ensure that you have access to a power source continuously. The user need not worry about generating enough power even though he/she will remain connected to the grid of the local utilities.

For more information on solar panel system, battery backup or solar installation in New York, you can always connect with one of our representatives.

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The Basics of Battery Backup In Solar

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To help the individuals get a better idea of battery backup related to solar energy, we have discussed several aspects related to it.

How much does it cost?

If we compute the costs related to labor, parts, and materials when it comes to adding a backup battery, then its accounts to 6000-8000 dollars. This means the option of solar battery backup is not for everyone. But, those who consider utilizing can enjoy instant and more reliable backup.

Adding backup to an already existing system

It is possible to add battery backup to modern or conventional grid-tied systems without any alterations in your solar system. You will require a battery pack with around 9.5 kWh of stored energy, along with DC cabling, AC/DC power centre, battery boxes, and an inverter.

Battery backup on new systems

You will have to pay around 50 percent less for installing a solar system with the backup battery when compared with add-on systems. The price also depends on the system’s size and the amount of backup required.

Connect with us for more details on this or solar installation in New York.

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