What happens to solar panels at night? In order for photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity, there must be sun. At nighttime, when the sun makes its daily round across the globe to provide other areas with sunlight, solar panels also go into sleepy mode. Solar panels work best during the seasons where sun is more available with longer hours, such as the summer. Of course, like myself, I have a tendency to work late at night and I often enjoy those late night movies playing on my television set prior to going to bed; thus, if you’re like [...]

During the day, the sun shines brightly and solar panels get busy absorbing rays and generating electricity. But what happens when the sun goes down? Can solar panels work at night? Even though solar panels are not actively producing much at night (maybe just a little bit if the moon is bright enough), appliances are still getting power in your home. How? Your home is connected to a main utility grid. Think of the grid like a giant bank that you can draw power from or even deposit power to from your solar power system. During the day, extra power that your [...]

Utility companies give many reasons for rate increases. In fact, there’s a huge list of fees and taxes they pass on to all ratepayers which is broken down directly on our monthly bill. These fees are used to cover: Power generation Replacement of aging power plants and decommissioning of retired plants Distribution costs (power lines, poles, transformers, etc.) Public assistance programs (general assistance for low-income customers) There are also other charges tacked on by individual counties or cities based on a percentage of your total charges, and a state fee which is generally a flat rate. Gas is charged an [...]

Solar is not just a phase – it’s an aggressively growing alternative as more and more people realize that they can save money every month by using solar panels. Save money and do something good for the planet? Where do I sign up?! How It Works Traditional power: your home or business is connected to the main power grid (which you pay a connection fee for) and you buy power directly from a utility company. The utility company dictates the rate you pay depending on time of use or amount used. Solar power: your home or business is generally connected [...]

Unfortunately, you cannot fix a cracked solar panel. Although there are many internet sites that claim you can, the chemical reactions that occur within the photovoltaic panels we install on your home require properly and completely sealed cells to allow for maximum performance of your system. Once moisture enters your panel after it has cracked, it is: 1. Unlikely able to be removed completely and 2. Can lead to possible corrosion within the panel and even further damage to your system. Either scenario will compromise the system integrity and could be potentially hazardous. Prevention and maintenance of your solar panels [...]

Before you decide to get a quote for solar panels, there are some important questions you should ask any company you are considering hiring. Think of it as an interview – after all, they will be working on your home, so get to know what the company is about and what their reputation is as installers. In addition to general questions the contractor’s website or brochure may answer, be sure to ask: Are you a licensed solar contractor and how long have you been in business? Make sure anytime you hire a contractor to work on your home that he [...]

You’re interested in installing solar panels on your home and your roof is the ideal place for the solar array. But is your roof up to the job? A few items to take into account when considering whether or not to replace your roof before you switch to solar: the roof’s age, its condition, and the costs involved for repairs or replacement. There are a few signs you may know about already to determine the condition of your roof without even climbing up a ladder. Those signs include: Leaks or stains in the attic or walls Mildew Dark “dirty-looking” spots on [...]