Solar solutions offer a viable alternative to traditional energy sources. Whether it’s for financial savings, environmental concerns, or energy independence, these systems have a positive impact on our planet.
Solar technologies range from building-integrated photovoltaics to community solar projects. They are transforming the energy landscape by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Residential
Residential solar solutions are ideal for homeowners looking to save on energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. These systems consist of rooftop panels that capture sunlight to generate electricity for household use. Solar panels contain photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts DC into alternating current (AC) that can power household appliances and devices. Solar power solutions for homes also feature batteries to store surplus energy and ensure a continuous supply of electricity during overcast days.
Homeowners can take advantage of federal tax credits to lower the upfront investment and offset operational expenses. In addition, local and state governments offer various incentives to further reduce the cost of solar installation, including rebates, refunds, and grants. Additionally, homeowners can take advantage of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing to finance their system.
The ideal home solar solution depends on a number of factors, including energy consumption, roof space, and budget. Solar solutions for homes are available in a variety of configurations, including grid-tied and hybrid systems. Hybrid solar systems combine the benefits of off-grid solutions with grid connectivity for backup power, making them popular among homeowners seeking a balance of independence and grid reliability.
Commercial
Commercial solar energy solutions are a powerful tool for business owners, from large corporations to local small businesses. These systems can help companies save money, reduce carbon emissions, and improve their public image.
Getting new commercial clients requires educating them about the benefits of solar energy, including cost savings and tax benefits. Workshops and seminars are one way to do this. Partnering with local business associations, chambers of commerce, and industry groups is another. Digital marketing, including targeted ads and content marketing, can also be an effective way to reach out to potential commercial solar clients.
When designing solar power solutions for commercial use, it is important to consider the size of the property and energy needs. Generally, larger properties benefit from higher-wattage panels that can produce substantial energy output. Businesses located in less sunny areas may want to prioritize energy storage, which can offset energy production during off-peak hours.
Many government and utility programs offer incentives for businesses to switch to solar. This can significantly lower the initial costs of a system. For example, the investment tax credit (ITC) offers a 30% deduction on the total cost of the system in year one, and the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System allows businesses to deduct a certain percentage of the cost of the system each year. These tax credits make solar power for commercial use an attractive option for businesses looking to invest in a long-term energy solution that delivers a high return on investment.
Industrial
Businesses rely on solar solutions to significantly lower their energy costs and improve their green credentials. Whether a manufacturing plant, distribution center, or any other industrial facility, commercial solar systems can provide significant cost savings and increase profitability.
Like commercial systems, industrial solar solutions can include rooftop and ground-mounted options, depending on the space availability. During the installation process, experts assess the energy usage of each business and design a system tailored to their needs. Solar panels capture the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity, while inverters integrate them into a business’s existing power system. In addition, many systems offer an option for a battery storage component to ensure continuous energy supply during low sunlight periods.
The emergence of renewable technologies is expected to accelerate the adoption of industrial solar solutions, particularly as companies seek to meet their sustainability goals. This is because generating their own solar energy helps industries reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support climate change initiatives and contribute to a more sustainable global economy.
Additionally, companies that invest in industrial solar solutions can take advantage of various tax incentives. These rebates can help reduce upfront investment expenses and shorten the payback period. Partnering with a trustworthy solar company will allow businesses to maximize their savings and financial benefits. This includes ensuring compliance with local regulations regarding permits and net metering policies.
Energy Storage
Every day 27 years’ worth of energy falls on the planet, but harnessing it can be a challenge. A solar solutions system with integrated storage provides the opportunity to generate power at night or during cloudy days, reducing reliance on the grid and improving overall energy efficiency.
Energy storage is a critical component of a solar solution, providing backup and optimizing energy use, particularly for homeowners on time-of-use billing rates. Cutting-edge technology offers a range of solutions, with battery chemistry options like Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) or Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC). Homeowners can prioritize capacity and energy needs, and intelligent software systems like Aurora provide smart battery sizing recommendations based on customer priorities.
Beyond residential applications, large-scale energy storage can help stabilize the electricity grid and mitigate the impact of outages caused by overloads or natural disasters. By increasing the amount of available local or system capacity at strategic times, battery storage can help avoid or defer the need for new transmission and distribution lines – something known as “non-wires alternatives”. Energy storage intelligence also enables batteries to offer ancillary services to the electric grid, such as Frequency Regulation or Operating Reserves.