Easy Eco Blog » Solar

Picking Solar Panels – Finding the Best Solar Panels

easy eco blog — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:00:34 +0000

The Earth receives more energy from the Sun in one hour than the whole World uses in a whole year. Time to tap into that. Solar power is used to power everything from calculators to Coast Guard buoys to highway signs to the International Space Station.

You have read Are Solar Panels for me? and Solar Panel Installation – Planning and are ready for more details. Photovoltaic Solar panels were invented at Bell Labs in 1953. They have evolved over the years and several different types of solar panels exist, and choosing between then is confusing. No one vendor will have access to all products, so you will have to do some shopping around to find the best solar panels.

Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline Panels

These solar panels are made either from single crystal cells or stringing ribbon of multiple crystals. They are the classic version of solar panels and are rated for good efficiency, around 12-13% power conversion, and a Long lifespan, possibly 30 years+? Sunpower has a model with a very high 19.3% efficiency. Monocrystalline panels are less efficient in hotter climates and work best in unobstructed sun. A panel’s power will drop by 50% if a even one cell on the panel is half shaded. Temperatures typically above 75 degrees F cause most solar panel power generation to decrease. Solar panel suppliers include: Sharp, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Kyocera, Schott, SolarWorld, SunTech, Sunpower, bp solar, Mitsubishi electric, Evergreen solar.

Thin Film Panels

Less efficient than the Crystal Panels, but they much thinner and easier to make. Less efficient than monocrystalline, at 10-12% efficiency. They work better when you have slight shading and are not affected by hot weather as much as monocrystalline. Major Drawback of performance degradation over time. Possible lifespans of 10 years. Suppliers include: Nanosolar, Unisolar

Hybrid Panels

Hybrids of single crystalline silicon surrounded by ultra-thin amorphous silicon layers. Produces 10% or more electricity (kWh) than conventional crystalline silicon solar panels at the same temperature. Good efficiency levels of 16%. Hybrid Solar Panel Suppliers include: Sanyo

SDGE Rebates, SDG&E, or San Diego Gas and Electric Rebate for Energy Efficiency

easy eco blog — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:00:03 +0000

New rebates have been added.

San Diego’s power utility San Diego Gas and Electric rebates are here. SDGE or SDG&E has a bunch of cash SDGE rebates and ways to go green and save money.

Home energy efficiency rebates of up to $200 for Energy efficient refrigerators, recycling old refrigerator, attic or wall insulation, Central Natural Gas Furnace, dishwashers, clothes washers, Whole House Fan, water heaters, pool pumps and motors (Variable speed), room air conditioning
You can print rebate forms out online and then send in proof of purchase.

Instant rebates are available select retailers including:

B&B Appliance
Costco
Home Depot
Humphrey Appliance
La Mesa Appliance
MCAS Miramar Home Center
The Navy Exchange 32nd Street
Phillips Maytag
Multifamily energy efficiency rebates
Single-Family High-Efficiency Clothes Washer Rebates
Summer saver program for air-conditioning

Always check your local utility’s web site for rebates before you buy a new item. We recently bought a new dishwasher that had a $50 utility company rebate that was not advertised by the store. They fulfilled the rebate in only 2 weeks. Green your home and get cash back. Most rebates run through December 31 or while funding is available.

Be sure to also take advantage of the Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit. This Federal tax credit can save you money in addition to your utility companies’ promotions. It applies to many items including: Windows, Doors, Skylights – Wood Heat Stoves, Pellet Stoves, Fireplace Inserts – Energy Efficient Water Heaters – Solar panels.

Plug in Electric Vehicles

San Diego Gas and Electric has special rates for Plug in Electric Vehicles or Electric Cars.

Additional Resources for more information

Read our article: Ways to Save Energy, Money on your Energy Bill – It is full of tips to save you money.

Interested in Solar? Read our article Are Solar Panels for Me?

Other Power Utility Company Rebates

For Northern California Energy Rebates see: PG&E Energy Efficiency Rebates
For Southern California see: SCE Rebates or Southern California Edison Rebate for Energy Efficiency
For San Diego see: SDGE Rebates, SDG&E, or San Diego Gas and Electric Rebate for Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency Rebates for other locations.

SCE Rebates or Southern California Edison Rebate for Energy Efficiency

easy eco blog — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:00:19 +0000

New rebates have been added for 2012.

Southern California’s power utility Southern California Edison rebates are here. SCE has a bunch of cash SCE rebates and ways to go green and save money.

Energy efficient appliance $50 rebate Qualifying Energy Star Refrigerator, $30 Energy efficient Electric Water heaters – Expires December 31, 2012
$50 back on Refrigerator or Freezer recycling
Solar Energy rebates
Up to $300 on Energy Efficient Evaporative Cooling
Up to $50 on Whole House Fan or Energy Star qualified room air conditioner. Expires December 31, 2012
Up to $20 back on a portable room air conditioner
Save up to $200 with a summer discount plan
Air conditioner installation and maintenance, up to $2,000 back
Up to $200 on Variable speed pool pumps and motors. Expires December 31, 2012
Home lighting – Discounted Home Lights

You can print out rebate forms online and then send in proof of purchase.

SCE’s Operation Light Exchange allows residential customers to exchange halogen torchiere floor lamps and incandescent floor/table/desk lamps/night lights for new ENERGY STAR® labeled lamps.

You can also call Southern California Edison and ask about Southern California Edison rebate or SCE Rebates at 800-655-4555.

Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit

Purcell Murray distributes appliances in California and has Bosch rebates, Thermador rebates, and rebates for other brands.

Plug in Electric Vehicles

Southern California Edison has special rate plans for Plug in Electric Vehicles.

Additional Resources for more information

Read our article: Ways to Save Energy, Money on your Energy Bill – It is full of tips to save you money.

Interested in Solar? Read our article Are Solar Panels for Me?

Other Power Utility Company Rebates

2011 – 2012 Solar Tax Credit – Solar Rebate

easy eco blog — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:00:13 +0000

Get a Free Solar Power Estimate from a local vendor by clicking the advertisement above.

2012 continues the very popular residential Solar Federal Tax Credit first enacted in 2009. The previous solar tax credit program was capped at $2,000. With the new one one, you can claim up to 30% of solar power costs for a new solar electric system. Existing homes & new construction qualify. Both principal residences and second homes qualify. Rentals do not qualify. Expires: December 31, 2016

This Solar Federal Tax Credit especially well when coupled with a state rebate program. (CA, CT, NJ, NY) Also look for city solar incentive programs, that can also save you money on your solar panels.

On the tax credit, existing homes & new construction qualify. Both principal residences and second homes qualify. Rentals do not qualify.

This Solar Federal Tax Credit reduces the amount of tax you owe. The credit is a reduction of total income tax at the bottom of your tax return. This tax credit is a non-refundable tax credit. Consult your tax adviser for details about solar power. Use it or lose it!

Example Solar Electric System cost with Rebates

A 3kW solar electric system costing $24K would get $5K in California state rebates and $7.2k Federal rebate. Final price $11.8k. System payback time could drop to 6-7 years. Rebates vary depending on location of course. Rebates make solar power Very attractive!

This Solar Federal Tax Credit is not affected by the AMT or Alternative Minimum Tax.

Interested in Solar Energy? Read our articles on solar power:

PG&E Energy Efficiency Rebates

easy eco blog — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 07:00:41 +0000

New PG&E rebates have been added for 2012.

Our local utility Pacific Gas and Electric – PG&E has cash rebates and ways to go green and save money. Here are some PG&E Energy Efficiency Rebates:

PG&E Energy efficient appliance $50 rebate – Qualifying Clothes Washers, Dishwashers, Room Air Conditioners, Water heaters – Expires December 31, 2012
$35 back on Refrigerator or Freezer recycling, $25 on old Air conditioners
Solar Energy rebates
Up to $500 for Attic and Wall Insulation
Up to $200 per 1000 sq ft of a Cool roof
Up to $300 for Energy-Efficient Natural Gas Furnace
$50 for Energy-Efficient Variable Speed Motor Air Handler System
Up to $100 on Whole House Fan, up to $200 on Duct Sealing. Expires December 31, 2012
Upto $100 on Variable speed pool pumps and motors. Expires December 31, 2012
Home lighting – Discounted Home Lights

You can even submit PG&E Energy Efficiency Rebates requests online and then send in proof of purchase. Questions about PG&E Energy Efficiency Rebates, call 1-800-933-9555.

If you live in California, be sure to check out the up to $8000 Energy Upgrade California Energy Efficiency Rebate

You can also call PG&E and ask for a Smart Home Rebate Booklet or check out their Flex your power website.

Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit

Purcell Murray distributes appliances in California and has Bosch rebates, Thermador rebates, and rebates for other brands.

Plug in Electric Vehicle Discounts

Pacific Gas & Electric has a new E-9 rate plan for plug in electric vehicle or electric car owners. A second power meter may need to be installed for households in which their plug-in electric vehicle charging significantly impacts their daily energy usage.

Additional Resources for more information

Read our article: Ways to Save Energy, Money on your Energy Bill – It is full of tips to save you money.

Interested in Solar? Read our article Are Solar Panels for Me?

Other Power Utility Company Rebates

PG&E Energy Partners Program – Free Products

PG&E has an Energy Partners Program that provides income-qualified customers free energy education, weatherization measures and energy-efficient appliances to reduce gas and electric usage.

They provide:

Attic insulation
Caulking
CFLs
Door weather-stripping
Energy-saver showerhead
Minor home repair
Water heater blanket

Free Education and Assessment, Installation and Delivery, and Free Inspections.

You can contact them at 1-800-933-9555

PG&E Energy Efficient Rebates are another way to save money.

Also read: Save Energy and money on your energy bill.

Ways to Save Energy, Money on your Energy Bill

easy eco blog — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:00:54 +0000

Housing accounts for 20% of total US energy use with heating and cooling consuming a whopping 44% of residential energy use. US Energy Information Administration predicts heating oil, electricity, and natural gas will cost 2% to 10% more this winter.

Brought about by high fuel costs, single-family homes built with environmentally friendly features surged to 16% last year from 2% in 2006 according to McGraw-Hill Construction, a market research firm in New York. The cost of green homes are approximately 2% to 10% higher than a typical home.

Your Energy Bill arrived and it is way to high. You can start by asking your energy provider to check your meters accuracy, but you will have to do detective work to really save money. Our local utility, PG&E, just announced another energy rate increase for 2010. You can go green and save money by following our energy saving tips. This is an overview of the many energy saving tips we have covered over the years along with links to detailed articles.

In the San Francisco Bay Area most PG&E customers have tiered energy pricing (E1 Residential Pricing plan) that starts at 12 cents, but jumps to 14, 29.4 cents, 40.4 cents and 40.4 cents as you use more power. An average home in PG&E’s territory ends up paying 29-40.4 cents/KWHr for more than half of their electricity usage. This type of pricing encourages energy conservation. Baseline quantities are set within a range specified by state law and approved by California Public Utilities Commission. This figure can vary by geographic location. Over the last 25 years, PG&E rates have increased by 4% a year. This makes saving energy much more important to reducing your energy bill.

Energy Monitoring

How can you save energy without knowing you have reduced usage? The Kill a watt or Killawatt is a low cost energy meter that can show you how much energy your appliances use. For serious energy savers, the TED 5000 Energy monitor also helps to measure energy use. It is very advanced featuring connectivity to Google’s new PowerMeter tools and even an iPhone app. Power company Wireless Smart Meters have extended some of these power measuring capability to more folks. Microsoft’s Hohm ties into this capability to help you save energy.

Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency

Take advantage of the Federal Tax Credit for Energy efficiency and install Energy efficient items such as solar panels, windows, doors, skylights, water heaters, furnaces, boilers, pellet stoves, etc at a nice discount. This tax credit expires 12/31.

Heating & Cooling

Weatherize your home, Caulking, weather striping, thermostats, fixing any air duct leaks are easy to do. Window treatments and Window UV Films help prevent heat loss and buildup. Set your thermostat to come on before you get home and before you wake up. Set heat to off when you are gone. Be careful when using your fireplace because they can be polluting. Keep your furnace maintained and replace any dirty filters. Closing off more than 10% of vents in unused areas wastes energy because it causes your furnace to run inefficiently. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that most U.S. homes have over-sized HVAC systems, so make sure you buy the right size unit.

Seal up your light switches and outlets to prevent drafts.

Get a home energy audit to help find your problems. They use blowers that will detect areas causing heat loss.

Lighting

Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs or CFLs to save a bundle. Even more efficient LED Lighting is coming on strong.

Light up for the holidays with Eco Friendly Holiday Lighting – LED Holiday Lights

Appliances

Refrigerators and washing machines / clothes dryers use the most power in most homes. Reduce Refrigerator Energy Use by setting them correctly.

Wash Clothes in Cold Water to save energy. Optimize your Energy Efficient Dishwasher. Avoid pre-rinsing dishes. Energy rates are lowest between midnight and 7 AM in most areas, try to use your appliances during those early hours.

Computers

Set your Mac – PC to sleep or hibernate after of inactivity. There are tutorials on how to do this and free software. Use a smart power strip as wall warts draw power even when nothing is on. No need to buy a new PC or operating system to save power. Also consider installing a Digital Timer to control the smart power strip. These work well with your Cable/DSL modem, router, and wireless networking equipment.

For Notebooks and Cell phones: Extend Battery Life, Laptop Battery Life, iPhone Battery Life

TVs

People are realizing their TVs eat a ton of power. California’s CEC is proposing new power rules for TVs. When purchasing, try to buy a green LCD TV. You can optimize your TV set’s power use by making sure all energy saving options are on and that the picture is not set to the energy draining “Torch mode” setting used in stores to show off the brightest of pictures. Also use a smart power strip as wall warts draw power even when nothing is on.

Water

Water rates are sky rocketing. Save water in your bathroom and kitchen. Check your sprinkler system for leaks. Buy an advanced sprinkler controller that uses weather or soil information to adjust watering times. Switch to native drought tolerant plants.

Solar

It is a great time to go solar. The Federal 30% Tax Credit is now uncapped. Panels are more efficient than ever. A solar system can pay itself back in 7-10 years. There are no money down leasing options that drop your monthly bill and require no large initial outlay. Solar Panels require a little Maintenance and cleaning.

Swimming Pools

Pool and spa pumps and heaters use the most energy in homes, making them a critical area for saving energy. Cover your pool with a vinyl cover, not a solar blanket. You’ll reduce the water evaporation, chemical usage, and lower the time you need to run the pool pump. Newer variable speed pumps run longer but at slower speeds, reducing power use. Upgrade to one when your current one fails. Install a solar pool heater system, they work great.

Solar Panels can increase your Home’s Value

easy eco blog — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 07:00:05 +0000

Need another reason to install a solar electric power system? Your home’s value will increase after you install solar panels.

Internships to Help Companies Save Energy

Summer Internships are available for MBA students where they will get trained in energy efficiency and helped large companies save energy. The Environmental Defense Fund has set up this program and is accepting applications until Friday for companies to host Climate Corps interns.

MBA students are embedded as summer interns in large companies and help create action plans to cut their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. They are hoping that these fresh faces will provide new and more innovative solutions and help the companies think outside the box.

Solar Panel Installation – Planning

easy eco blog — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:00:21 +0000

You have read Are Solar Panels for me? and decided that Solar Panels are in your future. Planning a new solar installation requires lots of analysis and planning. You need to size your solar system, select solar equipment, select a payment option, and find a qualified local solar installer.

Get a Free Solar Power Estimate from a local vendor by clicking the advertisement above.

Sizing a Solar Electric System

Power Usage – Grab the power bills for the last year. How much power do you use in a given year? What rate plan are you on and what is it? Do you want to zero out your bill (most environmentally friendly) or just reduce your bill (financial benefit) by moving to lower price classes? It may be more cost effective to fall into lower price tiers. In the San Francisco Bay Area most PG&E customers have tiered energy pricing (E1 Residential Pricing plan) that starts at 12 cents, but jumps to 14, 29 cents, 40 cents and 40 cents as you use more power. The solar installer you select must be able to help you here.

It pays to reduce your electricity consumption by conservation and efficiency BEFORE you size a system. Read our tips on saving electricity. Each $1 spent on efficiency saves almost $3 in solar costs. Consider a home energy audit.

Sizing your system – Examine your roof size, power bill, solar panel efficiency, and see how large a system you can actually install. You may be limited by space on your roof. The very nice California Clean Power Estimator takes your power usage information, physical location information, incentive information to give you savings estimates based on solar panel size. Other states may have similar tools.

San Francisco has a nice solar map. It shows various solar system installations and how much solar power and money savings you can expect from your location.

Select Solar Equipment

Solar Panels – Picking the right solar panels is determined by how shaded your location is, your budget, and your efficiency needs. Be sure to compare panels using AC watt ratings.

Power Inverters – These units convert DC power to AC power. Each unit can only handle so many solar panels. Newer models have better efficiency at converting power. How many inverters do you need? Where will they be positioned? Do you leave room for future solar panel additions? Some communities require them to be in the shade and away from fire hazards. We recommend sticking to popular name brands like the Sunny boy.

Paying for Solar Panels

Many people do not have $30k sitting around. Do you want to buy or lease solar panels? Both have advantages and disadvantages.

Optimal Installation Date

The optimal time to get your solar panel installed is in early spring/late winter, avoid installations in fall if possible. Very little power is produced when the days are short or when the sun does not shine. The biggest factor affecting an installation date is usually when tax rebates ends or when they ratchet lower. Try balancing the two factors to optimize your solar electric system install.

Utility Company Interaction

Most utilities offer credit for excess solar electricity provided to the utility but not used by the home. When you have your solar panels installed, you should be able to select “time of use” billing where during peak times (Weekdays 1-7pm) in the summer, you generate more power than you need and collect energy credit for the lean winter months. The rates are 2.5x higher in summer, so you can earn a lot of winter offsets. They will also have an interconnection agreement for you to sign.

PG&E has a section on their Solar Energy section on their website. Net metering changes your power bill to an annual cycle. Our power bill is still charged a minimum $5 a month. At the end of the year, we pay them how much PG&E power we actually had to use.

Finding a Qualified Solar Installer

After reviewing the above criteria, the next step is to contact a local Solar Panel installer. They will first look at your property via online tools to see how your roof looks, examine your power bills, evaluate your goals, and see how your property is oriented.

Solar Electric installers should then visit your location to inspect it. Expect a customized solar system design, financial analysis, and options for financing.

A solar electric quote is a detailed quote a system tailored to your budget and home.

As with any vendor, look for one with a solid track record, solid references, and competitive pricing.

Questions to ask a solar electric system installer:

How long have you been in business, how many installations?
What is the minimum warranted power rating of the solar panels?
What is the PTC per watt rating of the solar panels?
Who makes the solar panels, how long have they been shipping these, factory warranty?
How efficient are the solar panels and power inverter?
Who makes the solar panels and power inverter?
Who makes the solar panel mounting racks? Are they commercial grade?
Get a quote for a solar electric system that will zero out your electric bill and a quote for a smaller system that will kick you into the lowest electricity tier.

California has a database of Solar installers, contractors, and solar panel dealers. California Solar Energy Industries Association

Be sure to read our solar panel deals page for the latest updates in special promotions.

Once your Solar electric system is installed, you will need to maintain them as Solar Panels will need occasional solar panel cleaning.

$0 Solar Panel Promotion

easy eco blog — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:00:02 +0000

560 Related posts:Solar Panel System Quote Solar Panel Installation – Planning Solar Panel Cleaning, Clean Solar Panels, Solar Panel Maintenance Related posts:

Green Summer Preparation Tips and Season Home Preparation Tips

easy eco blog — Thu, 26 May 2011 07:00:05 +0000

Summer is rapidly approaching, it is time to clean up your place. EWG Has a nice list of tips to help you clean your house the green more eco-friendly way.

Check the exterior of your home and repair any cracked or flaking paint
Check and clean gutters again
It is time to work on your garden, sprinkler system, and rejuvenate your lawn
Check and clean chimney if necessary
Check your water heater for leaks and sediment
Look for termites, ants, and other pests
The heater will get a rest, so it’s time to check your air conditioner and its filters
Check your roof and patch or replace any damaged areas
Consider a solar electric system

Some other useful tips include:

Using cleaners that do not have any of these chemicals: 2-butoxyethanol, Alkylphenol ethoxylates, Dye, Ethanolamines, fragrance, pine or citrus oil, Quaternary ammonium compounds.

Learn how to check on the products and ingredients by reading MSDS documents.

Baking soda and water works well as a substitute for acidic toilet-bowl cleaner and oven cleaners.

These tips are also incorporated in their healthy home checklist.

Recycle old unused electronics and computers responsibly and perhaps get some money back.

Donate or give away unneeded items.