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3 Tips for Diagnosing a Broken Solar Meter

A typical residential solar energy system consists of many components, all of which are built to last, helping you harness free electricity from the sun. When a component like a solar meter fails, what do you do?

A solar meter is responsible for logging your home’s solar energy system generation in real-time. By referring to historic production data against current data, you can quickly spot anomalies that indicate your system isn’t performing at its best. For most homeowners with a solar energy system, a solar meter is the only line of defense against lost savings. So, what happens if your meter stops working? Here are our tips to help you quickly identify and fix a broken solar meter.

Diagnosing a Broken Solar Meter

Any number of possible causes could lead your solar meter to stop working. While some situations require swapping out your current solar meter with a new one, there’s always a chance the root cause is something you can pinpoint and even troubleshoot yourself. Some of the potential causes—and how to fix them on your own—include:

• Tripped Breaker Switches. Your breaker switches manage electricity flow to your home, and a tripped breaker switch is one of the leading causes of solar meter “failure.” Breaker switches can get tripped due to storms or sudden power surges. If any breaker switches in your electric panel are in the down or “off” position, flick them back on and see if this resolves the issue.

• Lost Wi-Fi Connection. Most modern solar meters require a Wi-Fi connection to report energy collection. You can confirm that your solar meter has a Wi-Fi connection by turning off your router for 30 seconds, turning it back on, waiting for it to reboot, and checking whether your solar meter has a Wi-Fi signal.

• Outdated Meter. Solar meters are generally well-built and don’t need consistent maintenance, but they can become outdated if they’re running on 3G or 4G cellular protocols. Soon, your solar meter will be unable to wirelessly share the information it collects from your panels. Check the original manual your solar meter came with to determine what cellular signal it uses. If it runs on 3G or 4G, investing in a replacement is your best option.

Call Solar Bear of Tampa to Diagnose and Treat a Broken Solar Meter

Without a working solar meter, you won’t be able to tell if something’s wrong with your solar energy system until you’re hit with an expensive utility bill. Rather than leaving things to chance, and paying higher energy bills, call the solar experts at Solar Bear of Tampa to help you diagnose and treat any issue with your solar meter, or any other critical solar energy system components. Call us at (727) 471-7442 today — we’re ready to answer your questions!

How Hot Is Too Hot for Solar Panels?

While photovoltaic solar electric systems have been around for years, there are still some common misconceptions regarding how they function. Most people still assume that solar panels function best in hot climates. In fact, a solar system’s efficiency is less about the temperature and more about the amount of sunlight that the system soaks up each day. But is there a temperature that’s too hot for solar panels to function? Read on to learn about how solar systems work in very high heat, as well as other common extreme weather conditions.

Solar Systems Can Withstand Extreme Heat

Solar panels are built to withstand very high temperatures. In fact, the average solar panel can hold up to temperatures of up to 149 degrees Fahrenheit. Even in a warm place like Florida, this is no problem since the weather doesn’t reach over 120 degrees in almost any location in the country. When it comes to solar systems, the more sunlight the better. Your solar panels can soak up as much energy from the sun as possible, regardless of how hot the temperatures get.

Extreme Weather Conditions and Solar Panels

Now that you know that solar panels can withstand extreme heat, how do they hold up to other outdoor elements? Solar panels are built to last and stay put during even the wildest weather conditions, including:

• Heavy Rain: Most solar panels are designed to be waterproof, providing full protection of all electrical components even in the heaviest of rains. Rain won’t affect solar panels—they’ll stay in place and start soaking up energy once the sun comes out again.

• High Winds: The average solar panel is certified to withstand winds of up to 140 mph—higher than the windspeed of the average tornado. While some hurricanes can exceed this speed limit, damage to solar panels is most likely to come from large debris hitting the panels. Even so, solar panel damage is very rare during a hurricane.

• Hail: The average hailstorm rains down ice pellets at the rate of 20 mph. The typical solar panel is designed to withstand hail falling at speeds of up to 50 mph, so they hold up very well during even the most severe hailstorms.

Making the Switch to Solar Is Easier Than Ever

Solar panels are well-designed and well-built, able to withstand virtually anything nature throws at them. From extreme heat to high winds, heavy rains to hailstorms, you can count on your solar panels functioning well and adding value to your home for years to come—even in a place like Florida that sees volatile weather year after year. Want to learn more about how easy it is to switch to solar, and about all the benefits you’ll receive? Reach out to the solar experts at Solar Bear of Tampa today at (727) 471-7442—we’re ready to answer all your questions! 

4 Types of Batteries Used in Solar

Solar power has become an increasingly popular energy source in Central Florida due to its cost-efficiency and environmental friendliness. If you’re looking to make the switch to solar energy, it’s important to understand the types of batteries used for solar storage.

In this guide, our team at Solar Bear Orlando discusses four of the most common types of batteries used in solar storage systems so you can make an informed decision when it comes to powering your home with solar power.

Harness the Sun: Solar Storage Batteries Explained

Solar power is the way of the future, and Florida is a sun-soaked paradise that’s perfect for harnessing the power of the sun. One of the main challenges in using solar power, however, is that it can only generate electricity during daylight hours. This can be problematic for households and businesses that require power outside of these hours. Enter solar storage batteries – an innovative solution to this problem!

Solar storage batteries store excess energy generated by solar panels during daylight hours and release it back into the system when needed. These batteries are designed to work seamlessly with your existing solar panel system, always providing you with reliable and uninterrupted power. They come in various sizes and capacities, allowing you to choose one that meets your specific needs and budget.

Four types of batteries commonly used in solar power systems include:

1. Lead-acid batteries: These are the most common type of battery used in solar power systems because they are affordable and have a long lifespan. They require maintenance and need to be replaced every five years.

2. Lithium-ion batteries: These batteries have a longer lifespan than lead-acid but come with a higher price tag. They do not require maintenance and can last up to 20 years. Plus, they are considered the best for solar systems due to their efficiency.

3. Flow batteries: Flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes that flow through the system as needed, making them highly flexible and efficient. The drawback is that their battery management systems can be complex.

4. Nickel-cadmium: These batteries aren’t used as widely as lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries. They are more popular for commercial-sized projects as they can withstand extreme temperatures.

Discover Your Perfect Solar Battery Match

Finding the right solar battery type is a crucial step toward achieving a reliable and efficient energy system. With multiple options available in the market, it can be tricky to determine which one suits your needs best. However, with some research and expert guidance, you can easily find the perfect match for your solar setup.

First, consider your energy consumption requirements and patterns. If you have high energy demands or experience frequent power outages, a lithium-ion battery might be ideal as it has a higher capacity and longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries. On the other hand, if you have lower energy needs or prefer a more cost-effective option, then lead-acid batteries could work well for you.

Second, assess your location’s climate conditions as they impact how well different batteries perform.

Make the Switch to Solar Now!

If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly and reliable way to power your home, look no further than Solar Bear Orlando. With their cutting-edge solar panel technology, you can count on them to provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution.

Take the leap today and make the switch to solar with Solar Bear Orlando. Give us a call for a quote at (727) 471-7442!

What Does the 120% Rule for Solar Mean?

If you’re wisely considering the choice of switching to solar, you’ve likely heard about the 120% Rule. This regulatory guideline set by the NEC (National Electrical Code) is intended to protect both life and property from electric hazards. Solar power systems deliver electric currents to the MSP, or Main Service Panel. Each panel has a specific capacity, rated in amps, and homeowners must ensure any additional current won’t overload their MSP’s capacity, and that’s where the 120% rule comes into play. Here’s what the 120% rule for solar means.

Computing the 120% Rule

Every solar system relies on an MSP to absorb electric current, and at the center of every MSP is a metal busbar that can melt when overloaded, creating a potential fire hazard. When a solar system injects additional current into the MSP, its capacity becomes overstretched. 

The NEC 120% Rule attempts to prevent home solar systems from being overwhelmed by an electric current. It states that photovoltaic solar systems must be installed in electrical boxes that carry up to 120% of the busbar’s label rating. So, if a home has a 175-amp electrical meter rating, there can be an additional 20%–or 35 more amps—coming from the solar system. For example:

175 amps x 120 = 210 amps

210 amps – 175 amps = 35 amps

The system operates within an acceptable limit of 210 amps. The problem lies in the fact that 35 amps isn’t sufficient for most PV solar installations and battery storage, which require an average of 60-80 amps. Most homeowners need to expand the system’s capacity, so the additional solar current can be absorbed safely.

How to Comply With the 120% Rule

If your setup exceeds the 120% Rule, some viable alternatives include:

• Downsizing the MSP. In some cases, it’s smart to contact your electrical service provider to remove your main breaker and replace it with one with less capacity. A new MSP with a lower-rated breaker can seamlessly integrate a solar system without compromising the power load.

• Alternatives to Downsizing. If it isn’t practical to downsize the breaker—like in cases where the electric system capacity is too large—you can either create a line-side connection between the meter and service panel; introduce a solar-ready service panel; or even feed the existing MSP into a sub-panel with a higher busbar rating.

Get the Right Solar Setup for Your Home With the Help of Solar Bear of Tampa

While you need to check all the boxes like capacity, safety, and compliance as you integrate solar energy into your home, the process is easy when you work with the solar experts at Solar Bear of Tampa. We’re here to answer all of your questions and ensure you get the best solar setup for your budget and your needs. It’s never been easier to make the switch to clean, renewable energy that saves you money on your monthly electric bills. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to get started!