SOLAR AND BATTERY STORAGE 2023

Solar and Battery Storage… 

A winning combination…..

Read Time: 5 minutes:

Highlights:

• Solar panels with battery storage can diminish your electricity bills completely.

• Claim unto 30% tax credit on investments in hybrid solar-battery systems.

• Sell electricity back to the grid during peak rate hours to enhance savings.

• Battery storage ensures continuous electricity supply during blackouts or storms. 

• Battery-solar combination will reduce your carbon emission even further.

Keywords: Battery storage, Solar Battery, PV battery, hybrid solar battery system

1. Solar energy impact

People are rapidly embracing solar energy systems because they are easy to install, low-cost, and noise free. Solar energy systems produce minimum carbon among renewables, and rooftop systems occupy no space. Their ability to generate free electricity significantly circumvents the bills and has the potential to become a long-lasting and clean source for future generations. According to U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), an average household consumes around 886kWh per month. Switching fossil oil-produced electricity to solar electricity will prevent 35kg per month of Carbon emission into the atmosphere  (Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Solar Photovoltaics, NREL). These features are more than enough to invest in the solar energy system. However, the sun does not shine brightly during cloudy days, and stormy weather causes solar intermittencies. We cannot harvest photovoltaic (PV) energy during the night. No supply during low sunshine and long night hours makes solar energy unreliable. But the good news is we can resolve these issues with modern storage batteries.

1. The need for battery storage with a solar energy system

Hybridizing solar panels with battery storage significantly reduce electricity bills, mitigates greenhouse gases, and provides independence from utility power. It is a winning combination for domestic customers who can independently generate, store, sell and control free solar energy dispersing on their roofs. One of the significant advantages of battery storage is energy security. Now the user is assured about the availability of a backup energy source during grid outages. Battery storage enables the user to choose how much and how long solar energy harvesting is needed to run the premises. The control flexibility even allows selling electricity back to the grid during peak hours at higher price slabs. Also, ever-changing utility company policies like peak hours timing, nonuniform unit kWh price, etc., will not affect your business as your battery backup provides your energy needs in peak hours and even without the sun.

1. Battery add intelligence to the solar energy system

Investing in battery storage adds intelligence to the solar energy system. The user can manage and regulate the incoming solar energy and the outgoing electricity. The battery storage and energy management software (EMS) optimally keep the system at maximum efficiency and also optimizes the cost. Some of the intelligent solar battery hybrid systems include “Powerwall | Tesla”, “sonnenBatterie | sonnen (sonnengroup.com)”, “Enphase Enpower Smart Switch” etc.

1. Solar investment tax credit

The Federal Government passed an enticing regulation for solar energy users on 16th August 2022. The law is called the Inflation Reduction Act (2022), which states that domestic and business users who invest in solar energy and storage systems between 2022 to 2033 can claim a federal tax credit of up to 30% of their total investment, including the cost of solar components, installation charges, and maintenance costs (The role of solar in the Inflation Reduction Act) . The solar investment tax credit (ITC) will attract many customers to reap the benefits of solar energy systems.

1. Limitation and operating cost

We have a vast experience in solar battery hybridization and have successfully implemented efficient energy management for many clients. However, before embarking on solar battery storage, let us guide you through the benefits and limitations of battery storage. Some general guidelines are given below.

1. Cost

Although battery prices have been considerably reduced recently, battery cost holds a leading place in the total solar energy system cost. As the technology progresses, the chance of battery faults is trending low. However, occasionally single or multiple cells in the batteries may break down and need replacement. Therefore, the user has to bear some operating costs too. 

1. Load evaluation

 Not all loads can run on batteries, and the load at your premises needs expert evaluation. Similarly, the leverage of the batteries utilization in net metering, peak times, and Time-of-Use must also be evaluated by the experts to maximize your savings.

1. Conclusion

Electricity consumption is rapidly increasing, and even a minor interruption may cause losses and nuisance to the user. Therefore, when designing the solar energy system, energy security and reliability can be ensured with suitable battery storage. During peak sun hours, the excess energy from solar PV modules is stored in the batteries. The batteries are always available in standby modes ensuring uninterrupted power to the designated load. The battery energy management enables the net metering at an appropriate time, thus achieving maximum savings. Also, batteries are quite a handful for long outages during stormy weather and scheduled utility shut down for maintenance. Finally, the solar-batter investment will also help reduce fossil fuel-produced electricity, thus contracting carbon footprint. Let us help bring you peace of mind while making informed decisions about your solar battery hybrid investment.

FEDERAL SOLAR TAX CREDIT

Claiming the federal tax credit for your solar panels is a simple and straightforward process. Here's how you can make it even easier:

Hire a professional: Hiring a tax professional, such as a CPA or tax attorney, can make the process much easier and ensure that you receive the maximum credit possible. They can guide you through the process and handle all the paperwork for you.

Gather all necessary information: Make sure you have all the necessary documentation, such as proof of your solar panel installation, the cost of the installation, the date of installation, and a copy of your permit. Having all the necessary information at hand will make it easier to file your tax return and claim the credit.

Keep organized records: It's important to keep detailed and organized records of your solar panel installation, including receipts, invoices, and other documentation. Having all the information in one place will make it easier for you to refer to it when you need to.

Take advantage of online resources: There are many online resources that can help you claim the federal tax credit, such as the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE). This website provides information on state and federal incentives for renewable energy, making it easier to find the information you need.

By following these steps, you can make the process of claiming the federal tax credit for your solar panels easier and more efficient. So don't wait any longer, start maximizing your solar investment today!

Clay Roof to Solar Roof Things to know…

Clay Roof to Solar Roof

Things to know… 

Read Time: 5 minutes:

Highlights:

• Clay tiles are fragile and can break with little pressure.

• Solar panel mounting methods.

• Comp-out is costly, but it is the most durable and risk-free roof replacement solution.

Keywords: Clay Tiles, Solar roof, Comp-out method, Solar racking, roof Flashing

1. Clay tiled roof to the solar rooftop?

SpANISH S TILE ROOF

Excessive California’s heat makes house owners install heat-repellent and aesthetically appealing clay tiles. Until recently, people have been considering investing in solar-paneled roofs because of their significant monetary benefits. However, replacing a complete or part of a clay-tiled roof with solar panels is not a straightforward job. Although clay tiles are better heat insulators, they are inherently brittle and can break with little pressure. Unlike asphalt tiles, clay tiles cannot even sustain walking and can easily break. Therefore, an unprofessional installation of solar modules on clay-tiled roofs may result in a damaged or leaked roof. In addition, an inexperienced solar installer can not only ruin the roof aesthetics but also further tolled with recurring repair bills in fixing minor cracks and poorly interconnected solar panels.

Solar module installation on the clay rooftop is a relatively new trend and needs extra care to prevent shingles breakage, poor solar panel to clay tile bond, and leakage issues. However, industry professionals have gained enough experience and devised intelligent methods which can make the clay tiles to solar modules replacement a seamless job. Some risk-free and low-cost options are briefly discussed in this article.

1. Solar mounting method

The mounting method involves removing the minimum clay tiles to install the mounting stands made of metal (iron or aluminum). While the clay tiles remain intact, the solar panels can easily install on the metal mountings. The solar mounting method is known for low leakage risk because only a small portion of clay rood is dismantled for clay to solar switch. However, clay roof comes in various shapes and slopes, making the mounting less durable. Additionally, the aesthetic look of the clay rooftop is also compromised.

1. Comp-out method

Unlike solar racking comp-out method involves removing all the tiles under the solar modules. Next, the composite shingles are installed onto the engraved area. Next, the shingle transitions and interconnections are reinforced with sheet metal, known as flashing. The flashing process enhances the durability, minimizes the leakage possibility, and increases the roof life and durability compared to both asphalt and clay-tiled roofs. Further, the flashing is followed by applying the sealant to the shingle interconnections, thus ensuring waterproofing. Finally, the solar panels are installed on the composite shingles. The area around the shingles is again filled with clay tiles giving a pleasing look of embedded solar panels on clay-tiled roofs without mounting.

1. Solar Racking Method

Solar racking is somewhat similar to the mounting method but the clay tiles that come under the solar modules are removed. Then the metal racks are installed on the engraved area with proper interconnections, followed by applying the sealants for waterproofing. The racking method is more durable than the mounting method but less sturdy than the comp-out method. However, a clean embedded look of clay tiles and solar panels is hard to achieve because of the metal racks interlocking.

1. Flashing Method

Flashing is a comparatively durable and cheaper roof replacement method:

1. All the tiles under the solar panels are removed and engraved up to the base plane (wood or concrete).

2. The compact mounting hooks are attached to the base plane.

3. The metal frames are connected to the mounting hooks. 

Finally, the solar panels can reside and fit onto the metal frames. The frames interconnect, and the hooks are adequately sealed with chemicals or tar. However, this method also has a disadvantage of an unembedded roof look and has a high leakage risk.