Solar

Tiny houses have been growing in popularity since 2014. A tiny house is usually between 100 and 400 square feet. People are making the switch to “tiny living” for the reduced environmental impact, and the freedom that comes with a small house to maintain.  Tiny houses are more energy-efficient, and much easier to heat or cool than average-sized homes. They are also more portable, therefore tiny homeowners can really live anywhere there is land available. Adding solar to any tiny home will help further reduce the environmental impact and increase the possibilities of places you can live. 

It’s no secret that larger houses use more energy. The average American home uses 914 kWh of electricity per month. Tiny homes use about 120 kWh of electricity per month. This drastic difference is one of the many reasons people are making the switch to tiny living. Not only do tiny homes not use a lot of electricity, but they also are very easy to heat and cool. This makes the move to a tiny home a great decision for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. By adding solar to your tiny home, you can further reduce your impact. Solar is a viable option for any home with access to sunlight. However, tiny homes require significantly less energy making them an even better candidate for solar. A system for a tiny house is far smaller than an average home so they take up less space. Panels can be ground-mounted, or roof-mounted (if there is enough roof space with sunlight). 

Another way you can further reduce the environmental impact of your tiny home is by using heat pumps for heating and cooling. Heat pumps consist of an outdoor unit pulling air from outside the home, conditioning the air using a heat transfer liquid, and then pumping the heated or cooled air back into your home with an indoor unit. These are 100% powered by electricity so you no longer have to rely on finite resources to heat or cool your home. Heat pump systems are perfect for a tiny home because they do not take up a lot of space. They can also be powered by solar, making it easy to go off the grid and are environmentally friendly.

At the time of encouraging the discovery of different sources of energy, solar energy has become one of the most high-profile energy. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, in 2019, there are more than 71 gigawatts (GW) of solar installed in the U.S., which is enough to power more than 13.5 million homes.

So let’s find an answer to the questions: Is solar energy really worth it?

On the financial side, going solar can reduce your electricity costs significantly or eliminate your bill. The savings with solar depend on several different factors:

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!  

For homeowners and owners of commercial buildings, having their own solar system makes financial sense in most cases. Using solar power also has a positive affect on the local economy: Solar creates jobs and you can support your local economy.

The solar industry provides a number of jobs. Many areas of the industry require local labor. Let’s take a look at some figures from the previous years (this refers to the USA):

A ground-mount solar system or a roof system? What is the best option for you? Find out!

When you think of a solar system for your own house or business, you often have the image of solar panels on the roof in your mind. But you can build the solar system just as well on the ground. This can even have some advantages. Most installed solar systems are on the roofs of houses. Not everyone has the space on the property to have a solar system built on the ground. The roof is often the only option.

But if you have space, it definitely makes sense to think about it. For example, an installation on the ground is more flexible than one on the roof. So that the system can effectively produce energy.

• A roof may not be optimally aligned or it may even be too small.
• A ground-mounted system can be perfectly aligned to the required conditions.

It is not possible to say in general which of the two systems is better than the other. It all depends on your individual situation. We appreciate your interest. We are here to give you the best advice. Together we can find out what options you have: Solar panels to be mounted on your roof. Or a system in your garden.

What are the advantages of solar energy in comparison to fossil fuels? Cheaper? More environmentally friendly? More reliable? Does switching to solar energy save money? Is a solar power plant reliable in generating electricity? Does solar energy have a positive effect on the environment?

We provide the answers.

So, does solar energy make sense overall? Does it make more sense than fossil fuels? Does it make sense to switch to solar energy? We answer these questions with YES! How it looks like in the individual case financially and concerning the productivity – we will find out for you.

Besides NYSEG, Central Hudson is also increasing the costs of electricity. How to save despite rising energy costs?

NYSEG will continuously increase the prices of electricity in the coming years. For NYSEG customers, costs could increase up to 23.7% in the near future. You can read more about this in our News Section. Central Hudson is also continuing to raise the price of electricity. This already happened in July 2019, by 10%. A further 10% followed in 2020. In addition, the cost of supply is increaing. It becomes clear: electricity will not become cheaper. The costs are rising. And so does your monthly amount on your bills.

Be aware that electric rates are rising continuously. And will certainly continue to do so. This is unfortunately true. And you can easily look at it and see it clearly.

The best part is you don’t need to put any money down and New York State has one of the best tax credit offering to where in most cases 50% of the system is recouped in the first year!  You are going to be paying for electric regardless – you might as well invest in your home. Let us summarize some pros for you:

• No money down
• Save ~$50,000 over 25 years
• Eliminate your electric bill for a smaller payment toward a system
• Add home value ~$25,000 (cant be taxed on the added value)

We are here to help you with advice and support.

New York City buildings are supposed to have more solar systems on the roofs and the city is supposed to become greener. Thanks to two local laws that came into force in November, solar panels will be obligatory on the roofs of new buildings in the future.

Two laws will provide for more solar panels in New York City. Since November 15, 2019, owners of new buildings must install green areas on the roofs, install a solar system, or a combination of both. Since last month, new applications for building projects have to comply with Local Law 92 and Local Law 94.
Also, alteration projects with a vertical or horizontal extension or renewal of a roof are affected.

New York City is therefore committed to protecting the environment. The move towards more solar energy is extremely important in this context. Currently, 70 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in New York City come from building emissions but the goal is to be carbon neutral by 2050.

Buildings Commissioner Melanie E. La Rocca and Deputy Mayor Laura Anglin are pleased, as newspapers report. Likewise environmental activist Pete Sikora from the local nonprofit organization New York Community for Change. Nevertheless, he argues that 90 percent of square footage to be built in the city by 2050 has already been initiated or built, and so the laws do not have to be applied to it. Instead, he suggests that not only new but also existing buildings should be affected.

The two laws, Local Law 92 and Local Law 94, are part of the Climate Mobilization Act (CMA). This Act was enacted by City Council in April 2019 as part of the Mayor’s New York City Green New Deal and OneNYC 2050 plan.

In the state of California, solar systems have recently become mandatory on new buildings. In the state of New York, New York City is making the start. Will the state follow?

California was the first state in the USA to require solar systems on the roofs of new buildings. The new regulation, the California Solar Mandate, came into force in 2020.

Solar power will no longer be just a possible add-on, but a standard that will save the homeowner money in the long run and improve the environment. California’s environmental policies are always acting as pioneers for the whole country. Hopefully this time too. The state has set itself the goal to get 100 percent of its used energy from renewable energies in order to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The California solar mandate, which is part of an initiative of the California Energy Commission, states that the 50 percent mark should already be reached by 2030.

We consider this an important step towards a greener future. We, therefore, support our customers in California with advice and the implementation of solar projects when California goes green. If you are planning to build your own home in California or you are a housing developer, we can help you build a solar system on a California house or property.

We try to answer some important questions:

It is mandatory for all houses whose building permit has been applied for from January 1st, 2020.

No, it only applies to buildings that are less than three stories high. Higher buildings are not obliged to do so.

Ready for some fun under the sun? Let’s dive into these solar facts to make you brighter!

Our usage of fossil fuels has taken a toll on our environment and health – specifically through water, air, and global warming pollution. Drilling, fracking, and mining operations contaminate our drinking water and jeopardize ecosystems. Fossil fuels also emit harmful air pollutants. According to the CREA, fossil fuel air pollution in the United States led to 230,000 deaths and $600 billion in annual economic losses. Fossil fuels also contribute to climate change and global warming. However, solar is a clean energy source that offers none of these disadvantages. Going solar is a necessary step in building a clean energy future.

In any given moment in time, the Earth is intercepting 173 thousand terawatts of solar power from the Sun. That is 10,000 times more than the world’s total energy use.

The price of solar has significantly dropped with each year. When solar was first introduced in the 1970s, it cost about $76.67 per watt. In 2008, it dropped to $7.60 per watt. Now, the average cost is as low as $2.75 per watt.

Solar accounts for 40% of all new added electric capacity in 2019. In 2013, solar experienced a drastic surge in US installation. It made a jump from 9% of all new electric additives to 28% in just one year. Since then, solar has been on a steady increase. In 2010 it accounted for a 0.1% share of total US electric capacity but accounts for a 2.5% share today.

Solar energy has experienced rapid growth in this past decade. In 2010, the cumulative US solar installation barely passed the 2,000 MWdc (megawatts of direct current) threshold. However, the US is about to hit the 100,000 MWdc milestones in 2020. This means that solar has an annual growth rate of 48%.

Solar panel payback period refers to how long it takes to recover the cost of switching to solar. As of 2020, the average US payback period is 7.6 years. However, this period varies by the state due to the different offered electric rates and incentives. In fact, some states have payback periods as short as 4-5 years.

The Zephyr S HAPS (High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite) is an unmanned solar-powered aircraft. It has a flight time of 25 days, 23 hours, and 57 minutes. This broke the world record for the "longest duration flight ever made."

Solar sailing is a method of propelling a spacecraft through space. It takes advantage of the photons found in light to give the spacecraft momentum to move. Its large reflective sails transfer the photon’s bounce off the sail into energy that pushes and pulls the spacecraft. By strategically angling the sails based on its relativity to the sun, the solar sail can control the direction it moves. Unlike rocket fuel, sunlight is limitless. This means that the spacecraft can theoretically travel forever. While the technology for interplanetary and interstellar solar sailing has not been developed, this feat could happen in the future.

Lightyear One is an electric car that aims to be the first-ever long-range solar-powered car. It is a plug-in electric vehicle with solar panels stretched across its roof. In the most optimal conditions, the solar panels could generate enough energy to travel over 12,000 miles annually. Having solar panels also means that owners won’t have to constantly plug in their cars to charge. Lightyear One is paving ways for the auto industry.

Just northeast of Fort Myers, Florida is Babcock Ranch – America’s first solar-powered town. This suburban town is designed and built with a self-sustainability and pro-environment philosophy. From the 19,500 planned houses to self-driving shuttles, this entire town will be entirely fueled by the sun. A massive solar-powered farm with 350,000 solar panels that stretches across a 200 football-field-sized land will generate the town’s needs.