In many ways, Solar is as simple as installing a solar array to start taking advantage of the free energy the sun provides, but when you go solar, you must consider HOW you’re going to go Solar. Will you go with roof-mounted solar to optimize your space and make the most of the property that you have, or will you opt for ground-mounted solar to take advantage of the positioning freedom that isn’t afforded to roof-mounted systems?

No matter the mounting option you decide to go with, there is an abundance of benefits that come from going solar that are not exclusive to the type of mount you install; however, it is important that you make an educated decision that is best for the needs of your home or business. We’ll be looking at the advantages and disadvantages of ground-mounted solar arrays compared to roof-mounted solar arrays, and at the end of this article, you should have all of knowledge you need to make a decision for your upcoming solar project.

Ground Mount:

Roof Mount:

A Quick Comparison:

Ground-mounted systems take up a bit more space and require a sizable amount of property available to dedicate toward your panels, but they also offer easy access for installation and repair. Roof-mounted systems are less expensive as they utilize the existing roof as a foundation for installation. When you use your roof, you eliminate the need to take up precious property space for your solar installation, however, you are limited to the space that you have. When you install a ground-mounted system, you have the freedom to orient your solar panels in a way that maximizes your energy production, which isn’t necessarily afforded to roof-mounted systems due to roof obstructions.

Benefits of Ground Mounted Solar Systems:

The greatest freedom offered by ground mounts is the flexibility of placement. When you install ground-mounted systems you can align your panels to get as much sun as possible and the more sun you have, the more energy you’ll be producing. Ground-mounted systems produce optimal performance that outmatches rooftop systems, largely because of this. Another great advantage of a ground-mounted system is the ease of access it provides.

Instead of requiring a team to scale your home whenever you’re first installing your system or later when you’re upgrading/repairing the system, everything is on the ground and far easier to access. Having that ease makes upgrading your system in the future far less labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Ground mounts also make it simpler to clean your solar panels. Cleaning your system regularly is important. Dust, dirt, smog and sand can accumulate over time and affect the efficiency of your solar panels. Having your system on the ground eases the cleaning process and doesn’t necessarily require a team to do the work for you.

Benefits of  Roof Mounted Solar Systems:

When space on your property is a constraint, then rooftop-mounted solar is an excellent choice. Roof mounts make use of the foundation that is already available to you. You won’t have to construct another structure on your property to house your solar panels, making rooftop-mounted systems less expensive. Installing a roof-mounted system also frees up precious space on your property that would have otherwise gone to solar.

Roof-mounted systems are also less expensive. You don’t have to create a racking system to house your solar panels, so the upfront cost is typically less than that of a ground-mounted system. Less metal = less costs. You’re working with a pre-existing structure which means you won’t have to purchase costly materials like poles or concrete, and you won’t have to have your soil surveyed before installing. Roof-mounted systems can be both more convenient and more affordable than ground-mounted systems.

Things to Consider When Making your Decision on Solar:

Ground Mounted

· Requires open property space for installation

· More expensive upfront cost

· More labor intensive

· Can be less aesthetically pleasing than roof-mounted system

Roof Mounted

· Difficult to repair, replace and restore

· Difficult to access

· Installer is limited to the space on their rooftop

· Roof holes lead to leak potential

· Potential to reroof

What is best for me?

Whichever solar energy solution you opt for is a good choice, but it’s important that you make the best decision for your home or business. If you are limited on space and looking to spend less up-front then roof-mounted solar is the way to go. If you have the property to spare and are looking for the most efficient solar energy solution, then ground-mounted systems are definitely your best bet.

Whichever system you decide to go with, our team at SolarTech is happy to help get you the information you need to get the job done. With over 20 years of experience in solar, we’re experts who ensure that every project receives the focused attention it deserves.

For more information about going solar with SolarTech, give us a call today at (619) 743-9193 or click the link below to receive a free quote!

Start Saving – Receive a FREE Solar Quote

System Down, Not Producing, WiFi Problems, Shaded, Electric Issues, App Not Reporting

Customers tend to misunderstand the way SolarTech monitoring works.
SolarTech is only alerted after the system has been down for 24 hours.  SolarTech normal business hours are 8 am – 4:30 pm Mon. – Fri., once staff is in the office alerts are tended to on a first come first serve basis.  Once the system has been down, we are then alerted, and can schedule a service call to have a technician review the system to find the faults.  We understand clients can be frustrated when scheduling service, sometimes we have calls scheduled out weeks in advance because the service demand at that time is so high.  It is understandable that customers feel upset having to wait in line for service when their products are under warranty.  Just like a normal product process, we must work with our dealer to remedy customer problems.  Sometimes this is software updates, hardware issues or replacements.

The good news is how your solar system is designed to work.  Your solar system is designed to reset as necessary in the event of a power failure or issue with WiFi.  Your solar array is designed to produce energy over-time.  You average out the credits you earn with the amount of energy you use over the year with your true up bill.  Normally a solar system is sized to 100% to about 110% to offset the energy the home of business uses.  This being the case, usually the true up bill credits will average out with the loss of production to come to a zero bill, even if you have had issues with the solar system throughout the year.  The even better news is SunPower has been known to work with customers and if they are at fault will work to remedy the situation and, in some cases, may reimburse if they are at fault.  SolarTech stands behind SunPower products and service.  We love hearing from our clients how much money they are saving from the premium solar array we have installed for their home or businesses.  Be part of the money saving crowd with Solar by SolarTech.
Ask for a FREE Quote Today!

SolarTech is not automatically alerted to down systems or system changes right away to allow for system inaccuracies to happen.  For instance, we are not alerted when the system is shaded abnormally for the day.  Instead, we are alerted after a period of time (24 hours) if the system is still not producing as it should we will then schedule a service call.  Of if WiFi goes down, which happens frequently, we are not instantly alerted, we are alerted after 24 hours.  This allows the system to restart and reconnect to WiFi without producing a service action item for SolarTech.  Since some of the issues tend to self-rectify the situation, there is no need for service to be alerted instantly.  There are also firmware updates which are controlled by SunPower.  These can be done remotely and can take time or be very quick.  We are not told when updates happen from SunPower.  So, when we say SolarTech monitors 24/7, we do, and we are here for service if you need it.  We appreciate the SunPower service structure and work within the confines of the SunPower Service Process as it is set up.

SolarTech customers understand how monitoring of their systems work and continue to provide accolades and approval.
Understanding how premium solar products work in conjunction with service is key to a happy customer relationship. 

SolarTech installs premium solar products that save the most money for our customers.
Experience the SolarTech Difference!

HURRY & SAVE BIG!
Up to $2000 on New Solar Energy System Installation
& Up to $500 on New Solar Pool Heating System Installation

SolarTech is proud to be Celebrating 20 Years Powering California homes and businesses.
Learn more.

Looking into solar electricity?

You may have some questions?

Are you starting to read into solar and seeing more terms then you know what they are?

Here are some everyday solar terms that will help in your research.

Array – Also a “Solar Array” is when multiple solar panels are strung together to form an array.  The more panels you wire together the more power you will capture from the sun to power you home or business.

AC / DC – Alternating Current & Direct Current – the types of electricity used to power your home, before and after the solar microinverters if you have solar installed.

Kilowatt – abbreviated (kW), a measure of 1,000 watts of electrical power. . . so a saw needs 1,000 watts to run it needs 1kW to work.  Solar panels are defined by the watts they produce, they higher watt panel, the more power it produces.

Kilowatt-hours – abbreviated (kWh), a measure of electricity equivalent to a power consumption of 1,000 watts for 1 hour.

Microinverter – a solar micro-inverter is a plug and play device used in solar electricity that converts direct current to alternating current. The idea of microinverters is that they isolate the panel so weather, shade, snow do not effect the whole array, rather just one panel.

PV – Photovoltaics is the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials.  Electrons in these materials are freed by solar energy and can be induced to travel through an electrical circuit creating power.  That power can be used in your home or business.

Solar Azimuth – This has to do with the position of the sun relative to the positioning of the solar panels.  The azimuth refers to the compass angle of the sun as it moves throughout the day.

Solar Zenith – this refers to the angle of the sun looking up from the ground.  These angles are important when determining the correct angles your solar panels should be placed for optimal solar generation.  Be sure to have a solar analyst create an array that works for your home or business.  Request a FREE Solar Quote Today!

True-Up Bill – Any remaining credits or kilowatt-hours (kWh) you return to the grid exceeds the amount of kWh’s you have purchased, you will be compensated for the difference.  The amount you are compensated is usually less then what you pay for the energy from the utility but be sure to check with your utility for specifics.

Shading – When talking about solar energy, shading refers to the lack of sunlight reaching the solar panels, not creating solar energy.  Caused by trees, canopies, snow, other buildings, etc.  A solar array needs to be placed strategically so the shading does not impede solar production.

Solar Monitoring App. – This is a system that can help monitor you solar system production to help ensure your system produces the electricity you need for you home or business.  Ask for a FREE Solar Quote Today and experience solar monitoring for yourself.

A Solar Analyst can help answer any questions you may have and provide you with a custom solar quote for your home or business.

Give us a call today 619-743-9193.

References:

https://us.sunpower.com/solar-array-definition

https://www.seia.org/initiatives/photovoltaics

https://www.sdge.com/residential/savings-center/solar-power-renewable-energy/net-energy-metering/billing-information/excess-generation

https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-glossary

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_micro-inverter

Did you know power rates 5 years ago were different than they are today?

Power rates were on average about $0.04 to $0.08 cents per kilowatt hour less expensive than rates today. Naturally rates have gone up over time.  Power five years ago were much less expensive leading to solar arrays that only offset about 80% of power consumption. The solar arrays were sized to only 80% in an effort to keep customers in Tier 1 rates.  They would offset the cost of the higher rated power, keeping them in Tier 1.  Today, rates are much more expensive, you must pay attention to when you are using power, aware of Time-of-Use rates (TOU) and On-Peak Power times.  With these new rate structures, you are vulnerable to charges and higher rates. You can see price surges jump about $0.15 to $0.24 cents per kilowatt hour depending on the tier you are in and where you live. Power consumption in higher rate tiers can get expensive very quickly.

Read our Time of Use Case Study to learn more.

According to a SDG&E rate hike request report by ABC 10 News San Diego, they state in 2020, rates are expected to increase by 6.9%, 5.1% in 2021 and 4.9% in 2022. According to the rate hike requests we will see more increases.  What do the rate hikes mean to you? A solar array sized to 80% five years ago will now see rates up to 28% higher than when the system was installed.

Solar Arrays installed years ago are not able to keep up with today’s power consuming customers.  Today homeowners and business owners are powering more than they ever have. Solar arrays need to be able to power more electronics and rechargeable products than ever before.

Request a FREE Solar Quote  |  Need Service or Repair?

Re-Chargeable Products (Just a Few):

• Full Electric Vehicle – Nissan Leaf (2010) / Tesla (2012)
• Full Electric Harley Davidson – LiveWire (2019)
• GPS on Cell Phone (2008)
• Computers – faster/bigger/more screens = more power
• Air Buds (2016)
• Cameras – widely available = more power
• iPad (2010)
• Ring Doorbell (2012)
• VR Oculus from FB (2012)

Electric Vehicles (EV’s) are a newer trend that impact your power consumption.  EV’s are becoming more mainstream throughout today’s society with more fully electric cars and truck options coming to market daily. With these products come more power consumption.  SolarTech is here to help you with your power needs.  We can install a new solar array or *add to an existing array.  We understand what adding a new electric vehicle will do to your electric bill.  Our solar analysists can help you understand where you are today with your power consumption and help explain what the differences will be when your adding an electric vehicle to your home or business.  SolarTech can install a new solar array and charging station at your home or business.  Give us a call and let a solar analyst help answer any questions you may have. 619-743-9193

Need Service or Repair? Give us a call 619-743-9193 or click here to learn more.

*Some existing solar arrays may not be able to have panels added. A solar technician will be able to help you determine what options you have with your solar electric system.

References:

https://webarchive.sdge.com/sites/default/files/documents/820535334/FINAL_S1410002_RateDesignWindow.pdf

https://solartechonline.com/blog/sdge-rate-increase/

https://www.sdge.com/residential/pricing-plans/about-our-pricing-plans/standard-rate-plan

https://www.solarmaxtech.com/blog/p.190208000/the-cost-of-charging-an-electric-car-at-home-grid-solar-gas-compared/

https://www.10news.com/news/san-diego-gas-and-electric-requests-major-rate-hike

https://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/the-true-cost-of-powering-an-electric-car.html

Run your AC MORE with Solar

Fact: Installing solar panels on your roof can help lower your homes temperature. Researchers at UCSD found that installing solar panels will block the sunlight hitting your roof by as much as 38%, in-turn lowering your homes temperature by as much as 5 degrees. This air gap allows cooling of the roof and cooler solar panels which produce more solar over time. This can help to reduce cooling costs in your home.  There are other factors that play into this calculation, roofing type, insulation value, etc. The key take-away is the added value of reduced heat to your home or building with solar installed.  Adding solar panels is a benefit over adding solar roof tiles that sit right on the surface of the roof, eliminating the air space and the cooling factor.

• Increase Building Efficiency
• Save money on Cooling Costs
• Passive Shading – Added Insulation Value to your Roof
• Reduce building temperatures
• Save Energy and Operation Costs
• Install before the end of the year

SolarTech, San Diego’s leading Solar provider provides premium roofing services.  Some customers may require new or partial roofing before installing a solar system on their old roof.  SolarTech has leading roofing options that help in cooling the home or business.  Options such as Duration® Cool Shingle technology, have heat reflecting granules to help decrease the amount of heat transferred onto the home and meet Title 24 Cool Roof requirements. This is just one of the many cool roof options SolarTech has to help you combat heat and energy consumption.

Join the Cool Roof Initiative!

References:
https://phys.org/news/2011-07-solar-panels-cool.html
https://www.thesolarnerd.com/blog/do-solar-panels-cool-your-roof/
https://savingenergyforlife.com/blog/solar-panels-lower-your-rooftop-temperature
https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/shingles/trudefinition-duration-cool

SunPower and Maxeon created a new two company structure that will continue to develop, manufacture, and commercialize next generation solar panel technologies. This change will facilitate scale-up of Maxeon’s production capacity and allow for development of the next generation of Maxeon product, the company’s core focus. SunPower will have an exclusive supply agreement for the U.S. while Maxeon will expand distribution worldwide. SunPower will continue to focus on sales of residential and commercial solar and storage products, becoming a “pure-play, distributed generation energy services company leveraging the world’s best solar platform.”

SunPower’s new Maxeon® Gen 5 cell is 65% larger than prior generations, delivering the most powerful cell and highest-efficiency panel in residential solar. The result is more power per square foot than any other solar panel on the market.

The new SunPower/Maxeon business structure will help in supporting SolarTech to bring premium solar products to our residential and commercial customers.  We are encouraged to hear about this exciting restructuring and how it will help SunPower continue to lead the U.S. solar industry. The unique suite of “all-in-one” products SunPower is focused on delivering will continue to set the company apart from competitors, while Maxeon will focus on innovation and manufacturing cost reduction.

SolarTech is committed to providing our customers with the best products at the best prices, and that’s why we’ve partnered with SunPower to bring you the best in residential and commercial solar panels. With decades of experience designing and building the most efficient solar cells in the world, SunPower also stands as the industry-leader in product performance and durability, allowing them to offer a substantially better warranty than the competition.

Experience the SolarTech Difference!

References:
Solar Power World – https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/08/sunpower-officially-turns-over-its-panel-manufacturing-to-maxeon/
The Motley Fool – https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/08/27/why-sunpower-and-maxeon-solar-stocks-both-popped-t/
Greentech Media – https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/maxeon-completes-spinoff-from-sunpower
Solar Industry Magazine – https://solarindustrymag.com/sunpower-maxeon-complete-spin-off-transaction

We’re halfway through 2015, and the world has already seen exciting tech advancements this year, from consumer tech like Apple Pay, to medical advancements like Brain Organoids. However, these aren’t the only industries developing break-through technologies. In the past six months, we’ve also seen many solar innovations that are changing the face of the industry. Check out some of the latest and greatest solar advances of 2015 below.

Solar Power Becomes More Efficient

Solar power has always been an ideal source of energy because, unlike fossil fuels, the energy is renewable. Unfortunately, most solar panels aren’t as efficient as they could be. The typical solar panel converts only about 11-15 percent of the sunlight hitting it into electricity.

The Swedish company, Ripasso is changing that by doubling solar panel efficiency through a concaved design that rotates to follow the sun. The Guardian reports that these solar panels convert up to 34 percent of the sunlight hitting them.

These solar dishes are able to generate 75 to 85 megawatt hours of electricity per year, which could power 24 typical UK homes, says The Guardian. The newspaper also reports that an equivalent amount of energy made by burning coal would release 81 metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. The dishes are currently being tested in the Kalahari dessert.

The First Solar Sail is Being Tested

The idea of a solar sail — a wide reflective surface on a spacecraft that, with the force of solar radiation, helps push the ship along — is not a new concept. The idea dates all the way back to the 1600s, and we’ve since seen the concept in sci-fi books and movies, such as Jules Verne’s From the Earth to the Moon, Star Wars Episode II, and Avatar.

However, the idea has never been officially tested — until now. In May, the first flight test took place, and another is planned for 2016. The LightSail project is headed by Bill Nye (the “Science Guy”) and backed by the Planetary Society.

A Solar Sharing Project Launches

One concern about solar power is that some people simply don’t have access to it, whether it’s because they’re in an apartment and don’t have access to the roof, or their yard is shaded by trees. Yeloha changes that by making solar power available to more people.

As EcoWatch reports, the project works by sharing solar energy between neighbors. Sun hosts, who have access to solar energy but don’t have the money to invest in solar panels, can receive the panels free of charge from Yeloha as long as Yeloha has access to the energy. Sun partners are those who don’t have a proper roof or don’t own their home, but they can access the energy from the sun hosts’ panels for a fee less than what they’d pay for utilities.

This program is currently available on an invite-only basis to Massachusetts residents, but as the program gains traction, we’re likely to see a more efficient use of solar energy while consumers gain the opportunity to save money and the world.

Solar Energy Helps Provide Clean Drinking Water

Today, parts of the world are running low on clean drinking water. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a method of converting brackish water into fresh drinking water using solar energy, according to EcoWatch.

As EcoWatch reports, “with this technology, water recovery is above 90 percent and the 5-10 percent reject concentrate is dried in a solar pond without creating any environmental hazard.” In addition, this system could supply enough water for 2,000 to 5,000 people.

This solar-powered machine is able to pull the salt out of the water while also disinfecting it using ultraviolet rays. This would make the water suitable for irrigation and drinking, and would be especially useful in areas where quality water is hard to come by and funds are scarce.

We’re only halfway through 2015, so imagine what the rest of the year could bring in terms of solar technology advancements. What solar energy advancements do you hope to see over the next six months?

We’re halfway through 2015, and the world has already seen exciting tech advancements this year, from consumer tech like Apple Pay, to medical advancements like Brain Organoids. However, these aren’t the only industries developing break-through technologies. In the past six months, we’ve also seen many solar innovations that are changing the face of the industry. Check out some of the latest and greatest solar advances of 2015 below.

Solar Power Becomes More Efficient

Solar power has always been an ideal source of energy because, unlike fossil fuels, the energy is renewable. Unfortunately, most solar panels aren’t as efficient as they could be. The typical solar panel converts only about 11-15 percent of the sunlight hitting it into electricity.

The Swedish company, Ripasso is changing that by doubling solar panel efficiency through a concaved design that rotates to follow the sun. The Guardian reports that these solar panels convert up to 34 percent of the sunlight hitting them.

These solar dishes are able to generate 75 to 85 megawatt hours of electricity per year, which could power 24 typical UK homes, says The Guardian. The newspaper also reports that an equivalent amount of energy made by burning coal would release 81 metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. The dishes are currently being tested in the Kalahari dessert.

The First Solar Sail is Being Tested

The idea of a solar sail — a wide reflective surface on a spacecraft that, with the force of solar radiation, helps push the ship along — is not a new concept. The idea dates all the way back to the 1600s, and we’ve since seen the concept in sci-fi books and movies, such as Jules Verne’s From the Earth to the Moon, Star Wars Episode II, and Avatar.

However, the idea has never been officially tested — until now. In May, the first flight test took place, and another is planned for 2016. The LightSail project is headed by Bill Nye (the “Science Guy”) and backed by the Planetary Society.

A Solar Sharing Project Launches

One concern about solar power is that some people simply don’t have access to it, whether it’s because they’re in an apartment and don’t have access to the roof, or their yard is shaded by trees. Yeloha changes that by making solar power available to more people.

As EcoWatch reports, the project works by sharing solar energy between neighbors. Sun hosts, who have access to solar energy but don’t have the money to invest in solar panels, can receive the panels free of charge from Yeloha as long as Yeloha has access to the energy. Sun partners are those who don’t have a proper roof or don’t own their home, but they can access the energy from the sun hosts’ panels for a fee less than what they’d pay for utilities.

This program is currently available on an invite-only basis to Massachusetts residents, but as the program gains traction, we’re likely to see a more efficient use of solar energy while consumers gain the opportunity to save money and the world.

Solar Energy Helps Provide Clean Drinking Water

Today, parts of the world are running low on clean drinking water. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a method of converting brackish water into fresh drinking water using solar energy, according to EcoWatch.

As EcoWatch reports, “with this technology, water recovery is above 90 percent and the 5-10 percent reject concentrate is dried in a solar pond without creating any environmental hazard.” In addition, this system could supply enough water for 2,000 to 5,000 people.

This solar-powered machine is able to pull the salt out of the water while also disinfecting it using ultraviolet rays. This would make the water suitable for irrigation and drinking, and would be especially useful in areas where quality water is hard to come by and funds are scarce.

We’re only halfway through 2015, so imagine what the rest of the year could bring in terms of solar technology advancements. What solar energy advancements do you hope to see over the next six months?