Author: Solar Bear

Our Simple Breakdown for Understanding Solar Panel Output

Solar energy is changing the way we power our world, and understanding the output of solar panels is becoming increasingly crucial. Whether you’re a homeowner considering a switch to solar, a business exploring sustainable energy options, or simply curious about the technology, having a grasp on solar panel output is valuable knowledge.

Let’s go through the basics, so you can understand how solar panel efficiency, capacity, and environmental factors all play a role in the amount of power you can harvest from the sun.

Solar Panel Efficiency: What It Is and How It’s Measured

The efficiency of a solar panel is a measure of how well it converts sunlight into electricity. Typically represented as a percentage, higher efficiency means more power output for the same amount of sunlight. The industry standard efficiency for most solar panels is approximately 15-20%, but high-end models can reach 22% or more.

The most common method used to measure efficiency is the efficiency formula:

Efficiency = panel power (in kW)/panel length x panel width (in m) x 100%

Understanding Nameplate Capacity and Real-World Performance

The nameplate capacity, also known as peak watt rating, is the maximum power output under ideal conditions—usually direct sunlight with few or no clouds. It’s the number you often see on the sticker of a new solar panel in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW).

But, real-world performance rarely matches nameplate capacity. Factors like temperature, shading, and panel degradation can all reduce a solar panel’s output. The temperature coefficient is a crucial consideration. For every degree above the panel’s rated temperature, the output decreases by a certain percentage, usually around 0.5% to 0.7%.

Solar panel degradation is the gradual decrease in the panel’s efficiency over time due to exposure to the elements. Most high-quality panels have degradation rates of around 0.5% per year, so that’s another factor to include when calculating true output.

Environmental and Installation Factors

Beyond the panel specifications, the environment in which the panel is installed shapes its performance. Here are some major environmental factors and their effects on solar panel output:

• Sunlight Exposure: The more hours of direct sunlight, the greater the energy production. Slightly adjusting the angle of the panels can significantly improve exposure.
• Shading: Even small amounts of shading can have a disproportional impact on overall system performance. It is important to regularly trim trees and address any shadows cast on the panels.
• Geography and Climate: Different geographic locations experience varying amounts of sunlight and weather patterns, affecting panel output.
• Panel Tilt and Orientation: The angle and direction in which the panels are installed can maximize energy production. For example, in the northern hemisphere, panels facing south generally have the highest output.

Proper installation and regular maintenance are key to maximizing the solar energy system’s efficiency over its twenty-plus year lifespan.

Make Informed Decisions About Your Solar Setup—Contact Solar Bear of Tampa Today!

Understanding solar panel output involves more than just knowing how to calculate efficiency. It’s about recognizing the sum of various components that contribute to power generation and the interplay between sunlight levels, climate, and panel condition. Need help? Solar Bear of Tampa is ready to answer all your questions and help you design the perfect solar setup for your needs. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 for your free estimate!

Everything You Need To Know About Solar Panel Permitting

When you decide to go solar, there are many steps in the process, but trust us, it’s worth it in the end! One of the most important steps in the process is a little more complex, and it involves getting the proper permits from the city, county, or state.

We get it, it can feel daunting to get started, so here are some FAQs that our team at Solar Bear Orlando often gets about the solar permitting process.

Solar Permitting Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t see your question on this list, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team! Now, let’s get into those FAQs!

#1. Do I Need a Permit to Install Solar?

Yes. Just like any other home improvement project you do, permits are required before our team can get to work. This ensures that your project complies with local building codes.

Solar installs involve a lot of complex electrical work and are seen as a higher risk to people and property if they aren’t installed properly, so getting a permit is key.

Generally, there are 3 different permits that we will need to acquire before moving forward:

• Building: This outlines any structural work that will be completed.
• Electrical: Ensures all electrical work is up to code and wired correctly.
• Zoning: Allows property owners to modify their buildings in compliance with designated land use zones.

#2. Do All Solar Installs Require a Permit?

Yes, most solar system installations, whether mounted on your roof or the ground, will need a permit.

#3. Do I Need to Pull My Permits?

No. When you work with our experienced solar team at Solar Bear Orlando, we handle the entire process for you and will submit permits on your behalf.

Once the necessary permits are approved, we will give them to you for final inspection before we start the installation process.

#3. What if My Permit is Denied?

Every project that is undertaken in your city needs to be compliant and up to code. While we rarely run into any problems with solar permits, there are sometimes changes that need to be made to comply with your county’s regulations. 

We will make any necessary changes and resubmit the denied permit so it can get approved as soon as possible.

#4. How Long is the Solar Permitting Process?

The timeline to obtain a solar permit will vary depending on the scope of your project and location. It can take days, weeks, or months to be approved, but rest assured we do everything in our power to get your solar array permitted and installed as quickly and safely as possible.

#5. Will My System Need to Be Inspected?

After we install your solar system, yes, it will need to be inspected to ensure that it is up to code. Once it passes, you will then be able to be connected to the utility grid.

Read More > Solar Cost Breakdown: Average Prices for Solar in 2024

Enjoy Easy Permitting and Installation with Solar Bear Orlando

At Solar Bear Orlando, our skilled team is dedicated to providing you with a seamless and hassle-free experience. From determining the right size of the solar system to handling all necessary permits, we are here to guide you through every step of the installation process.

Contact us today at (727) 471-7442 for a solar installation quote anywhere in Central Florida!

Solar Panel Timing – Here’s What “Off-Peak” Means for Your Solar

Harnessing the power of the sun with solar panels is a bright idea, but understanding the nuances of the daily solar cycle can significantly amplify your savings. After all, you’re not just capturing sunlight—you’re capturing tremendous energy potential! But how do you make the most of your solar energy system and make every drop of sunshine count?

Solar panels are more than just a set-it-and-forget-it way to save on your energy bills. There’s an intricate relationship between your setup, the sunlight available, and the way you use power in your home. One of the most critical factors in this relationship is timing and knowing when “off-peak” hours occur can rev up your savings from sunny to sizzling.

The Solar Jive: Defining “Off-Peak” for Solar Panels

When engineers talk about solar panels working at their maximum, they often mean during peak sunlight hours. These hours are usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.—the sweet spot for solar panel efficiency. But what about the hours outside of this golden window? These are what we call off-peak sunlight hours, when panels might not be at their most productive but still churning out valuable energy.

Then there’s the energy bill dance. Off-peak electricity hours are those when utilities charge less due to decreased community demand. Think of it this way—electricity supply follows a pattern similar to sunlight. During off-peak hours, the grid is less stressed, and electricity costs are lower.

Solar Panel Efficiency and Its Relationship Supply and Demand

Electricity rates ebb and flow with grid demand, just like solar production does throughout the day. The goal here is to align your solar energy usage with these cost-saving ‘’waves’’, where you’ll find that onboarding an understanding of time-of-use electricity plans can make those utility bills shine.

Consider batteries for storing energy during off-peak hours, reducing your reliance on the grid during pricier peak times, or possibly even going entirely off-grid for certain periods. Furthermore, alternative time-of-use plans offered by some utilities tailor energy rates to align with your solar production, further optimizing the timing of your power consumption.

Solar Energy Strategies to Maximize Savings

Owning a solar system grants you the flexibility to play with off-peak hours in ways traditional grid users can’t. Here’s how to take advantage:

• Offset Peak Hours with Solar Production. Leverage your solar system to counteract peak grid hours. Be aware of your peak sunlight and electricity hours, and try to use energy-intensive appliances during periods of high solar production to minimize grid dependence.
• Battery Power Storage. Invest in home storage solutions like batteries, smart appliances, or even thermal mass to store power generated during off-peak hours. This stored energy can then be used strategically, such as during peak hours when solar production isn’t at its best.
• Time-of-Use Plans Tailored to You. Reach out to your utility company to explore time-of-use plans designed to work in harmony with your solar energy system. These plans often offer significant savings on energy consumed during the off-peak hours.

Make the Most of Your Solar Investment With Help From the Solar Experts

Ready to harness free, clean energy from the sun? Solar Bear of Tampa can illuminate your way to smarter energy usage. We help you make the most of customized strategies to make the most of off-peak solar hours, turning your investment into a powerhouse of savings.

By syncing your solar strategy with these off-peak opportunities, you’re not just going green—you’re minting money, all while basking in the homegrown glow of renewable energy. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to get started!

What Are Avoided Cost Rates For Solar Energy Systems?

If you are taking advantage of net metering with your solar system, then “avoided costs” are something that you need to be aware of. These help you determine the value of the solar power that your system generates and what you share with the grid.

This can be a complex topic, so our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to explain a quick overview of what you need to know and how avoided costs work.

What Are Avoided Costs?

The term “avoided cost rates” was introduced in the solar industry in 1978 by the United States Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURPA).

In layman’s terms, avoided costs are equal to the expense that your utility provider will avoid by not having to generate new power with traditional fossil fuel sources. Avoided costs define the amount that your energy company is required to pay you if your solar system is grid-tied and set up for net metering.

Generally, the factors that influence the avoided costs rate is the wholesale price of electricity which varies widely depending on:

• Time of day
• Season
• Location

Due to the demand for solar energy, the industry has become a lot more competitive, and costs are declining, so solar-avoided cost rates are becoming quite more favorable.

What Impacts Solar Avoided Cost Rates?

Some of the most common factors that affect the value of avoided cost rates for solar customers and utilities include:

#1. Time of Day

Per the time-of-use (TOU) energy rate structure, solar power is more valuable when energy demand is at its peak. For most areas, this means that avoided cost rates are typically the highest on weekday afternoons and during the early evening, especially during hot summer months.

#2. Fuel Prices

Ever-fluctuating fuel prices have a direct impact on avoided cost rates as they directly influence the cost of generating electricity from different sources.

#3. Technology Advancements

Due to demand, the cost of solar and wind power continues to decline due to technological innovations, thus impacting the avoided cost rates.

#4. Regulatory Policies

Regulatory policies set guidelines for compensation mechanisms for renewable energy providers and encourage investment in cleaner energy sources.

#5. Market Conditions

Changes in market trends can influence the availability and pricing of alternative energy sources like solar and can have a big impact on the rate of avoided costs.

Important Note

Avoided costs are calculated differently across the United States, but most utility companies have a predetermined schedule that outlines the avoided costs based on the day, week, and year that energy is shared with the grid.

If you live in an area where your excess solar is paid back to you at avoided-cost rates, we recommend installing solar batteries that can capture excess power. This allows for greater energy independence and maximizes your solar system’s saving potential.

Related Reading > Solar Cost Breakdown: Average Costs for 2024

Contact Solar Bear Orlando

Want to make the most of your solar system? Lean on our team of solar experts at Solar Bear Orlando for efficient solar installations all across Central Florida. We will help you gain control of your home’s energy by harnessing the power of the sun. You might as well, you live in the Sunshine State after all!

Contact us today at (727) 471-7442!