FAQs

The orientation of solar panels is an important factor to optimize energy production from solar panels. The direction that solar panels face depends on the part of the hemisphere. In the northern hemisphere, the main rule is to face solar panels true south. Mostly it is the best direction as long as there are no shadings affected by physical objects such as buildings, constructions, or trees during the day. In the southern hemisphere, solar panels should face the north. The other important consideration is the appropriate tilt. Solar radiation should hit the surface of solar panels perpendicular to produce the most energy.

Installing solar panels in your home has many advantages. The benefits from solar panel installation have a huge positive impact on your energy spending. In addition, from an ecological point of view, rooftop solar panels are a great way for you to help save our planet. So how do solar panels contribute to savings?

1. Free energy – solar energy is free energy because it comes from Sun. Therefore, you instantly start saving from the first day after installing a solar system.

2. Clean energy – solar energy is clean energy. Clean energy provides energy with little or no greenhouse gas emissions, reducing your carbon footprint. Going solar is one of the best options to help take care of the Earth.

3. Increased home value - the value of your home increases after mounting the solar system on it.

4. Secured investment – your solar panel home investment is secured because you have a guaranteed payback period. Solar panels start working instantly as you install them because they only require the Sun to produce electricity. These installations are really simple because they don't have moving parts and no service is needed to maintain their work. Saving from the time when the system was installed guarantee the payback due to lower electricity bills.

5. Superior performance - solar panels have superior performance because they use the best technology on the market. The technology used in solar panels is high quality and provide good working performance. The panels produce electricity during the day which can be stored or sent to an electric network.

These are only some benefits of buying solar panels for homes. Make your home a small power plant that helps you save both our planet and your money! To learn more about why you should go solar, click here.

Solar energy is a renewable energy source which means that it is infinite compared to fossil fuels like propane, oil, coal, etc. The energy generated by the sun is enormous. The sun's surface is around 1.5 quadrillion acres. It only takes around 50 acres of the sun's surface to generate the equivalent of Earth's yearly energy consumption. A solar electric installation once set will generate free energy for many years and a return on the investment in 7 to 8 years.

Energy from the sun is transferred to the Earth's surface via radiation and just before it gets to us it is diffused in the atmosphere. Depending on the location, the power we can get at noon is around 320 kBTU/hr/sqft (or 1000 W/m2).

Unfortunately, we are not able to use solar power as a whole. We are limited with solar panel efficiency. Most of the PV modules used have a maximum efficiency of around 20%, which means usable power at noon is around 64 kBTU/hr/sqft (or 200W/m2). That is why standard 60 cell solar modules are around 300 W - 340 W.

Solar electric system size is measured in kWp (kilowatt in peak) because their energy output is not the same throughout the year. To estimate your system size you can divide your yearly utility bill by kWh/kWp coefficient.

Values of kWh/kWp coefficient vary based on the location. If you want to find out what is the value for your area check Global Solar Atlas map. Open the map and legend at the bottom right corner to estimate kWh/kWp coefficient value for your house. To achieve maximum performance of your system sign up with us and we will match you with the right professional installer company.

An Example:

For NY State we estimated 1,300 kWh/kWp and annual bill of 5,000 kWh. Your estimated system size will be 5,000 kWh / 1,300 kWh/kWp =  3.85 kWp.

Source: Global Solar Atlas map.

Every year we see our electric rates continue to rise. New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) stated electric delivery rates will increase by 23.7% as early as May 2020. Articles of similar nature are being published in cities all over the country. We all see electric rates increasing in Florida, as legislation is being passed to make the electric grid more hurricane resilient. The increasing energy costs lead to homeowners all over the country asking the same two questions:

1. Why is my electric bill rising? 
2. How can I save money on electricity?

There are several factors that affect electric rates. The largest cost of electric companies face is generating electricity. The maintenance and operations costs for operating a power plant continues to increase, and with that electric rates go up as well.  The price of fuel is one of the driving forces that lead to increased costs to generate electricity. During periods of high demand for fuel electric rates go up due to the increased prices the electric companies have to pay to produce energy.  

We also see increased electric rates when the demand for electricity goes up. The demand for electricity goes up in the summer when people are running their air conditioners, and in the winter when people put up their holiday lights. This leads to higher electric bills for consumers and more money for electric companies. 

Weather conditions also play a huge role in the cost of electricity. Major storms can cause damage to powerlines and transformers. The cost of fixing these damages lead to higher costs for the consumer. Finally, regulations can affect the consumer's electric bill. Some states regulate electric rates so they are consistent statewide, while others allow customers to choose an electricity provider. States such as California, Delaware, and New York are some examples of states that are deregulated. Both regulated, and deregulated states face increased electric rates year after year. As there is no end in sight for these rising electric rates, consumers are looking for ways to save money on electricity. 

Saving money on electricity in 2020 may seem like an impossible task. Alternative energy may seem out of reach for many families financially.  In reality, these are myths! It is a fact that solar energy can save consumers money long term. 

New York, along with several other states have passed legislation to incentivize alternative energy. For example, in New York City, the green new deal has been passed to help make New York City carbon neutral by 2050. Another example of this is California passing a law that requires solar to be put on all new construction homes starting in 2020. Laws like this increase the amount of clean energy being put into the grid. Thus, lowering electric rates due to decreased cost for electric companies. Solar is one of the most easily accessible alternative energy sources for consumers. Laws implementing clean energy, and tax credits decrease the barriers to entry for solar. California has incentive programs to decrease barriers for low-income families to go solar. You can also check out our solar learning center cost-benefit page to learn more about tax credits.

Another solution is energy management. There are several simple steps you can take to reduce your energy consumption, including replacing incandescent light bulbs for LED alternatives.

Utility costs will continue to rise, and consumers must start thinking about alternatives to the current system. The factors that increase electric rates are out of consumers control, and it is time for homeowners to take control of this situation. Intelligent Green Solutions offers more than just solar installation, we are a company that prides ourselves on our energy management consulting as well. If you are ready to start learning about how you can start combatting rising energy rates reach out for a free quote today and follow our social media accounts for more energy-saving tips!  

If you have to relocate due to job or family circumstances, don’t worry. Your solar panels will increase the resale value of your house and prepare you to install a system on your new home!

What if you heard that solar panels could increase the resale price of your home? In our solar learning center, we mention that going solar can save you money. We briefly explained in this FAQ that the addition of a solar energy system to your house can increase the resale value of the home by an average of $15,000. In the past, we only briefly touched on is why solar is desirable to potential buyers.

The past few decades have seen vast growth in electronic technology within households. There are refrigerators with screens, mirrors that display your notifications, and devices that control your lighting, heat and sound system. The trend shows that more and more people want these types of upgrades in their homes. With solar energy constantly improving, potential buyers may see the solar panels as a significant technological upgrade to a house.