Learn How to Start Saving with Solar

To determine your home’s average energy requirements look at past utility bills. You can calculate how many solar panels you need by multiplying your household’s hourly energy requirement by the peak sunlight hours for your area and dividing that by a panel’s wattage. Use a low-wattage (150W) and high-wattage (370W) example to establish a range (ex: 17-42 panels to generate 11,000 kWh/year). Note that how much sunlight your roof gets and factors such as roof size and battery storage will figure in as well.

Look at your electricity bill for average usage. Look for "Kilowatt Hours (or kWh) Used" or something similar, and then note the time period represented (usually 30 days). If your bill doesn't show kilowatt hours used, look for beginning and ending meter readings and subtract the previous reading from the most recent one.

You want daily and hourly usage for our calculations, though, so if your bill doesn't show a daily average, just divide the monthly or annual average by 30 or 365 days, respectively, and then divide again by 24 to determine your hourly average electricity usage. Your answer will be in kilowatt-hours (kWh). (And just in case you are wondering, a kilowatt-hour is how much power you are using at any given time multiplied by the total time the power is being used.)

A small home in a temperate climate might use something like 200 kwh per month, and a larger home in the south where air conditioners account for the largest portion of home energy usage might use 2,000 kWh or more. The average U.S. home uses about 900 kWh per month. So that's 30 kWh per day or 1.25 kWh per hour.

Your average daily energy usage is your target daily average for to calculate your solar needs. That's the number of kilowatt-hours you need your solar system to produce if you want to cover 100 percent of your energy needs.

It's important to note that solar panels don't operate at maximum efficiency at all times. Weather conditions, for example, can temporarily reduce your system's efficiency. Therefore, experts recommend adding a 25 percent "cushion" to your target daily average to ensure you can generate all the clean energy you need.

The peak sunlight hours for your particular location will have a direct impact on the energy you can expect your home solar system to produce. For example, if you live in Phoenix you can expect to have a greater number of peak sunlight hours than if you lived in Seattle. That doesn't mean a Seattle homeowner can't go solar; it just means the homeowner would need more panels.

The Renewable Resource Data Center provides sunlight information by state and for major cities.

Now multiply your hourly usage (see question No. 1) by 1,000 to convert your hourly power generation need to watts. Divide your average hourly wattage requirement by the number of daily peak sunlight hours for your area. This gives you the amount of energy your panels need to produce every hour. So the average U.S. home (900 kWh/month) in an area that gets five peak sunlight hours per day would need 6,250 watts.

If you have a small or unusually shaped roof, solar panel size and numbers are important considerations. With a large usable roof area, perhaps you can sacrifice some efficiency and buy more larger panels (at a lower cost per panel) to get to your target energy output. But if your usable roof area is limited, or if it's partially shaded, being able to use fewer smaller high efficiency panels may be the best way to make the most possible power over the long term, ultimately saving you more money.

Typical residential solar panel dimensions today are about 65 inches by 39 inches, or 5.4 feet by 3.25 feet, with some variation among manufacturers. SunPower panels are 61.3 inches by 41.2 inches.

These dimensions have remained more or less unchanged for decades, but the efficiency and output from that same footprint have changed dramatically for the better. In addition, SunPower designs entire systems to have virtually no gaps between panels and uses invisible framing and mounting hardware to keep the rooftop footprint as tight, efficient and attractive as possible.

Knowing the answers to the above questions will give you an idea of the ideal number of panels for your electricity generation needs or at least a realistic range. Next, a professional installer needs to assess your roof architecture, angle to the sun and other factors to see if and how you'd be able to physically arrange the right number of panels on your roof to achieve your daily energy production goals.

You should also consider net metering as you're considering figuring out your ROI for your solar system. Net metering is how your utility company credits you for producing excess solar energy when the sun is shining and then lets you draw from those credits when you're using conventional power grid at night, if you don't have a solar battery storage system.

Our systems are designed to have a useful life of 40 years or more.* For more information about solar panel durability and performance, email [email protected] to request a report on solar system useful life field tests performed on SunPower® systems vs. conventional panels.

Your current monthly energy use and the size of your system will determine your actual savings amount. And with little or no startup costs*, systems can start paying for themselves immediately. Savings will vary based on several factors, including system size, performance, your household's average energy usage as well as any applicable solar credits, tax incentives, and current solar energy buyback (net metering) rates offered by your utility company. A detailed calculation of your potential return on investment (ROI) will be provided by SunPower during your solar evaluation. Get more information about what goes into calculating home solar panel system costs and other important solar energy questions to ask your installer.

Having a solar system typically adds value to your home.* Depending on where you live, there is often no increase in your property taxes.

Solar energy offers multiple benefits, from big savings on your electricity bill to increased home value. Most importantly, solar power is a renewable energy source, offering protection for the environment.

No! Solar Energy Partners also offers ground-mounted solar and solar carports. Our design team will consider your preferred aesthetics and your home's layout when helping you decide which option is best.

At Solar Energy Partners, we are more interested in educating clients on the benefits of solar power than making a sale. Our team promises to serve with integrity, educating our clients on the benefits of solar energy and empowering communities to build a sustainable future. With a highly professional and respectable team, we promise quality service, excellent communication, and a smooth installation process. We are proud to be considered the best solar company in Charleston / Mt. Pleasant!

Yes! With our backup power solutions, you can store any excess energy produced by your panel system and use it during the night, on a rainy day, or in the case of power outages.

Studies show that homes with solar panels have a higher resale value than comparable homes without solar energy.

If you are interested in going solar, the process is simple. Contact us for a free estimate and we will begin an initial consultation to see if solar is right for you. From there, there are only a few more steps until you're ready to power your home with renewable energy from the sun.

Backup Storage is designed to charge when it is sunny and discharge when needed based on your settings. In your mobile app, you can select how much of the battery you want to use daily for savings and how much to reserve for an outage.

We recommend indoor installation, typically in a garage. Outdoor installations are possible in shaded areas and where temperatures remain between 15-110° F and are protected from other severe and extreme weather.

This depends on your energy use, utility rate, rate structure, and several other factors. Your SunPower Equinox® proposal will provide an estimate of your annual savings from your solar and storage system based on your current electricity use.

A photovoltaic (PV) solar energy system is composed of solar panels, racking for mounting the panels on the roof, electrical wiring, and an inverter. From sunrise to sunset, the solar panels generate direct current electricity (DC) which is sent to the inverter. The inverter converts the DC into alternating current (AC), the type of electricity required for household use. The AC power is delivered directly to your home's main electrical service panel for use by you and your family.

It?s important to minimize shading because solar panels operate at optimal output when their entire surface is fully exposed to direct sunlight. The system will still produce energy if it is shaded but its output will lessen. SunPower will evaluate your particular situation and provide solar options for you.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) supports a range of initiatives, one of which includes community solar programs:

1. Residents: Most New York residents can join a community solar project. Typically, this includes homeowners, renters, and virtually anyone who pays an electricity bill, including those in apartments or condos.

2. Businesses: Local businesses can participate in community solar, which can be an attractive option for companies aiming to reduce their carbon footprint or to stabilize and potentially reduce their energy costs.

3. Municipalities: Local government entities, schools, and other public organizations can participate. This can help them to achieve sustainability goals and reduce public expenses.

4. Renters: Even if you don't own your home or property, as long as you have an electricity bill in your name, you can typically participate in a community solar program.

5. Others: There can be options for non-profits, faith-based organizations, and other community entities that participate.

Joining a community solar project doesn't mean you have solar panels installed on your property. Instead, you "subscribe" to a portion of the energy produced by a local solar array.

In New York, the community solar model operates under a system where subscribers can be anywhere within the same utility territory as the community solar project. This offers a significant advantage as it allows for greater flexibility and accessibility. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Utility Territory: As long as a customer is within the same utility territory as the community solar installation, they can subscribe to that project. This is especially beneficial in more urban settings or areas where individual solar installations might not be feasible due to space, shading, or ownership constraints (like apartments or rented homes).

2. Bill Crediting: Once you're a subscriber to a community solar project, you receive credits on your utility bill based on your share of the electricity produced by the solar array. These credits can offset or reduce your monthly electricity charges.

3. Expanding Access: This model allows for broader access to solar benefits. By not being restricted to immediate geographic proximity, more residents and businesses can tap into the environmental and potential financial benefits of solar power, even if they are some distance away from the actual solar farm.

4. Supporting Renewable Growth: By opening up the subscription to anyone within the utility territory, these community solar projects can quickly gain the subscriber base they need to become financially viable, encouraging the development of more projects.

Yes! Here's an explanation emphasizing why community solar sites partnered with Solar Energy Partners (or similar entities) tend to fill up quickly:

1. Strong Partnerships: Collaboration with Solar Energy Partners or comparable firms often ensures a seamless process from design to subscriber acquisition. This efficiency can generate significant interest from potential subscribers, making slots fill up faster.

2. Expert Marketing and Outreach: Partnerships with experienced solar energy entities often bring with them advanced marketing strategies and comprehensive outreach campaigns. These efforts effectively raise awareness and drive demand for the available slots.

3. Financial Benefits: When projects are backed by reputable solar partners, they often come with attractive financial incentives, clear savings projections, and transparency. This can instill confidence in potential subscribers, leading to rapid sign-ups.

4. Credibility and Trust: Established solar energy partners have a reputation for successfully executing projects and maintaining high levels of customer service. Their involvement can lend credibility to a community solar initiative, making residents more eager to participate.

5. Education and Workshops: Experienced solar partners often conduct informational sessions, workshops, and community meetings to educate the public about the benefits of community solar. This educative approach can demystify the process for many, encouraging quicker sign-ups.

6. Flexible Contract Terms: With the experience of managing various projects, seasoned solar energy partners understand the importance of flexibility. Offering short-term contracts or user-friendly opt-out options can make participation more appealing, leading to faster slot fill-ups.

7. Holistic Solutions: Solar Energy Partners and similar firms often provide end-to-end solutions, from project conception to subscriber management. This comprehensive approach ensures that potential issues are addressed preemptively, offering a smooth experience for subscribers.In summary, community solar projects backed by adept solar energy partners offer a combination of trust, transparency, financial benefits, and education. This mix can be very attractive to potential subscribers, leading to rapid filling of available slots.

Amidst the drive for sustainable energy and notable utility savings, Solar Energy Partners' community solar slots are in high demand. While businesses lean toward long-term commitments, residential subscribers have the freedom to unsubscribe with just 30 days' notice.

Absolutely! Subscribers can see up to 15% in monthly savings. Plus, with membership come added perks such as gift cards and exclusive SEP community offers, granting discounts at popular service, retail, and hospitality locations.

Yes! By signing up for the community solar program, you'll receive credits that can reduce your monthly electricity charges by up to 15%.

Absolutely! Solar Energy Partners is on the lookout for partnerships, ranging from large corporations and manufacturing facilities to small businesses. Our goal is to promote sustainable energy solutions and provide cost savings. We're always ready to team up with forward-thinking corporate partners.