Do you know...about solar panel efficiency?
Solar energy is the new rage! Protect the environment! Big Utility is raising your rates...AGAIN!
But...Do you know what it means when you hear that solar panels produce electricity? Where you may hear from some sales people, "Solar can ZERO out your electricity bill!" It is not an typical result and some customers may not be well informed about the way their PV systems truly work. Some owners take the liberties from having a solar system and think they can use all the electricity they want - risking increased utility bills and lower solar savings!
First, each PV (photovoltaic) module can produce only a limited amount of power, this amount is generally referred to as "Efficiency Rates". Most panels generate anywhere from 16% - 20% of energy, which is why all systems have multiple panels installed. More panels, more energy production. If you use more kilowatts than your system generates, your utility company bills you.
Second, you may receive a Net Energy Metering bill from your utility company at the end of a 12-month period where you are asked to pay for the net amount of electricity used over-and-above the amount of electricity generated by your solar system. Likewise, if you generated more energy than you used over that period, it could fall under your Net Surplus Compensation and you may be eligible to receive a payment. (Each utility company and solar plan is different)
So while you are impressed by the flashy long term savings and environmental impact of solar systems....TAKE NOTE of your monthly kilowatt usage from your PG&E bill and ask your sales consultant what your PV system's monthly average kilowatt production is estimated to be. See the savings sooner and be proactive about your energy consumption by installing the best solar system to fit your needs.
Don't go into solar uninformed! Call us to get a free consultation and we can answer all of your questions! (510) 559-7700
BIG DEAL: White House goes big on climate change policy
Today was a BIG move in to stop climate change. Obama took the drastic measure and bypassed Congress with a plan that forces power plants to cut their emissions by 30% in the span of 15 years. 74% of total CO2 emissions in the U.S. in 2012 is a result of coal, compared to electricity generation from natural gas and petroleum. This is one of the biggest actions taken by the U.S. government — and the biggest taken by any U.S. president — to slow climate change.
With big climate issues coming to the forefront of the world's attention, this is hardly a surprise. Just this May they released the news of the dramatic speed in which the Antarctic ice sheet is melting, read more here. Scientist can see no way to stop the melting and fear major and environment damaging sea-level changes
The White House also released the results of a study done on climate change which highlight the measurable impact carbon is having on our environment, http://nca2014.globalchange.gov.
Though there are voices trying to dampen the validity of these climate concerns, it is difficult to ignore what is happening across the planet and here at home. It is past the time for action and with this policy change we hope that the movement keeps growing for renewable and clean energy such a solar, wind and nuclear.
ALLY is doing their part in helping communities around the Bay Area go green and reduce their carbon footprint. Installing solar systems and helping make homes more energy efficient.
BPI and Home Performance Standards
The Building Performance Institute, BPI is a national organization for residential energy efficiency and weatherization retrofit work. Their standards are noted by the US Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency as well. The BPI Standards program is an industry leader in standards. Individuals that have been trained, tested and certified to BPI’s nationally recognized standards use the house-as-a-system approach to improving the performance of existing homes – an approach proven to reduce home owner annual utility bills by as much as 20 percent or more.
Our company president, Metin, is undergoing BPI’s certification process and wanted to share the knowledge he’s getting…
“BPI approaches entire building as a whole system. Integrating science with practices. The idea is to make our living environments healthy, safe, energy efficient and comfortable for the occupants. Nearly 90% of the homes in Bay Area are not up to BPI standards in safety. If there are small children in the home, the problem can be considered more serious. Most of the new constructions do not qualify or pass the BPI test.
For example: Turning up the thermostat to warm up our living space can cause the furnace fan to force the air out from our room (depressurizing) which can allow air from the attic and crawl space into a room. Particles of dirt, chemicals and rodent feces can be found in that air, too. Disgusting! Think about the thousands dollars we spend on beautiful remodeling jobs with high-end appliances and high quality materials. All in a home that still may be an unhealthy living environment for you and your family.
At that point choosing a well-trained contractor is key for safety and health of our little ones and ourselves. Making contractors get the certification before starting a new building will help enormously to improve the well being of our lives."
More on BPI's standards for home performance to come...stay tuned