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One assumption that many new solar panel owners make is the idea that solar panels are a one-and-done deal that’ll last forever. Like with anything else in life, solar panels degrade over time, albeit very slowly. But with the right knowledge provided by your friends at Solar Bear Houston, you can learn how to get the longest possible lifespan out of your solar panel setup.

What Causes Solar Panel Degradation?

To put it into numbers, solar panels have a degradation rate of around 0.5% a year. You may think that this percentage is minuscule, and it really is when you put it into perspective. At the very least, a solar panel can last 25 years but it can be much longer than that. But what causes them to degrade in the first place?

Light / UV Exposure

If a solar panel’s job is to absorb light and UV rays, then why would exposure to the sun cause them to wear out? A frying pan is meant to go on a flame, but the bottom will still sustain heat damage. Clothes are designed to be washed, but too many rinse cycles can loosen up the fabric. Solar panels are the same way when enduring the wear and tear of regular use.

Intense Weather Conditions

Although many solar panels are designed to withstand rain, wind, and other weather conditions, harsh and regular exposure can wear your panels down faster than if they weren’t being hindered by these events.

Improper Energy Distribution

Solar panels that have been installed incorrectly may suffer inconsistent energy usage. For the most effective setup, an even or balanced amount of electricity is ideal. However, poor installation can lead to too much energy overloading certain parts or not enough energy causing parts to try harder than usual.

Ways to Increase Your Solar Panel’s Lifespan

Even though you can’t completely stop the degradation of solar panels over time, you can still enjoy fully-functional panels over the course of many decades by:

• Acquiring high-quality solar panels
• Hiring the best contractors in the area
• Keeping up with regular maintenance

What does proper maintenance for solar panels involve? It doesn’t really take much, but that little bit of extra care can go a long way. One of the most important things you can do is to clean them about every six months. Solar panels can get dusty if left untouched for too long, thus hindering the effectiveness of their solar-collecting properties. Getting up on the roof yourself can be dangerous, but you can leave the cleaning to the professionals. They’ll likely know the proper methods to make them good as new!

As time moves on and technology becomes more advanced, the natural lifespan of a solar panel will continue to increase. To ensure that you get the absolute best and highest-quality solar panels available that’ll last you longer than average, seek out the best solar company in your area.

The Best Solar Panel Company in Houston

If you’re looking for the best quality solar panels with the most skilled contractors for the longest-lasting energy-saving experience in Texas, Solar Bear Houston can hook you up with the best setup at an affordable price. Call (727) 471-7442 today for a free estimate!

If you are short on space on your roof, placing solar panels on top of your pergola can be a great use of extra space, whether you want to support your household energy needs or simply power your outdoor living space.

Installing solar on a pergola is an efficient way to collect solar power—and the best part? It won’t impact your home’s aesthetics. Yes!

Read our guide to learn more about installing solar panels on your pergola!

What are Solar Pergolas?

A pergola is an outdoor living space that consists of a roof on top of four or more pillars. A wooden pergola is usually tall and narrow and made up of slats of wood laid horizontally. They are a beautiful way to shade your outdoor living space.

Solar pergolas incorporate solar panels on a pergola for the bonus of energy production.

Benefits of Solar Panel Pergolas

Here are some of the advantages of installing solar panels on pergolas:

• They increase solar power even if you have minimal space.
• Pergolas are beautiful and can enhance the look of your home.
• Solar pergolas offer dual benefits as both power generators and shade.

Can a Pergola Carry the Weight of Solar Panels?

A solar pergola consists of two parts:

• The pergola structures
• Solar panel system

You will need to decide if you want a freestanding pergola or one that is attached to your home.

Pergolas can carry the weight of solar panels, with a caveat. Since the weight of solar panels varies, you must consider both the size of your pergola and the weight of the panels before installation.

A 300W solar panel weighs about 40 pounds, which may be too much weight for a small pergola. Even if it can support the weight, it might not be very durable as a wind gust or storm could send the panel flying off.

It is important to remember that solar panels should only be installed on large pergolas that offer robust support.

Installing Bifacial Solar Panels on a Pergola

Bifacial solar panels are double-sided panels that can generate power on both sides. If the surrounding area around your pergola is composed of light colors, they can reflect light onto the backside of your bifacial panels and generate electricity.

Another added benefit is that bifacial solar panels are more attractive than traditional solar panels as they allow sunlight to pass through.

What Can a Solar Pergola Power?

The power generated by a solar pergola can power anything that uses electricity, including:

• Lighting
• Televisions
• Appliances
• Air conditioners
• Heaters
• Pool pumps
• EVs
• And more!

But remember, it all depends on the size of the solar system that you choose to install. A small system with around 200W can power a few lights and charge a phone, but a larger system with 8kW can power an entire home.

Additional Solar Pergola Tips

It is important to consider both the function and aesthetics of installing a solar pergola, so make sure that the design supports not just the solar panels, but also your home’s design.

If you want to get the most out of your solar panel pergola, it should face south, and the panels should be inclined at an angle of between 30 and 45 degrees.

Finally, when designing a solar panel pergola, all safety recommendations as well as construction requirements in your region should be followed.

Florida Solar Pergolas

If you want to install solar panels on your pergola to take advantage of the sun’s output, it’s time to call Solar Bear Orlando! We can help you decide what size system you need so you can enjoy the benefits of going solar!

Ready to get started? Call Solar Bear Orlando for a quote today at (727) 471-7442!

You most likely know what solar panels are, but did you know that they come in different materials? Most solar panels are commonly made of silicone, but scientists have been perfecting organic solar cells as an improved alternative. If you’d like to learn more, Solar Bear Dallas put together this basic guide to help you understand the concept of organic solar cells and how they work.

The Composition of Organic Solar Cells

Typically, you wouldn’t think to include organic compounds in a device made for electrical usage. In a way, organic solar cells defy logic by utilizing natural components for a more effective product. To be more specific, organic solar cells are made up of carbon-based materials and organic electronics in order to absorb photons of a higher energy level thus leading to increased voltages. The absorption process is done through dyes that are incorporated within the cells which activate when exposed to light. The electrons that are released are then converted into the energy that we use to power our devices.

Organic Solar Cells vs Traditional Solar Panels

To put it simply, traditional solar panels are made of silicon while organic solar cells are a mix of organic and inorganic materials. But what does that mean in terms of generating energy? Silicone-based solar panels are already great at doing their job, but organic solar cells are lighter and more flexible which allows them to be considered for more practical use such as portable devices as well as permanent installations. Not only that but organic solar cells have also been proven to be much more cost-efficient due to their thin design which doesn’t require nearly as much to produce.

What Are Organic Solar Cells Used For?

If you consider the fact that organic solar cells are thin, flexible, lightweight, and can be made to be transparent or in any color, you can imagine their usefulness in countless aspects. Many companies have already been incorporating these cells into their products such as in electric vehicles or buildings that are frequently exposed to the sun. These cells are also extremely useful in portable devices that are commonly used in places that are void of an available power source such as out in the wilderness where campers may find a place to spend the night. With boundless possibilities, the limit to organic solar cells is entirely up to the creative minds of the future. But we can all agree that they have incredible potential, and we are already off to a great start.

Ask Solar Bear Dallas About Organic Solar Cells!

Would you like to know more about organic solar cells and how you can use them for your everyday routine? The Solar Bear Dallas team would love to fill you in on why we love this intuitive method for gathering solar energy and suggest ways for you to reap the benefits that it has to offer. Give us a call anytime at (727) 471-7442 to ask for more details and hear about our solar options!

Owning an Airbnb comes with a great deal of utility and maintenance costs in order to keep your business running. Because of this, many business owners found the answer to their financial woes in solar panels. Solar Bear Houston would like to inform you of the many ways that the simple act of installing solar panels can improve your Airbnb property.

Maximize Profits by Cutting Down Energy Costs

After installing quality solar panels, you’ll see a noticeable difference in your monthly electric bill. As long as you go with a good brand and have them installed appropriately, your new solar panel setup could save you up to 50% on energy charges. Running an Airbnb comes with a lot of expenses, so the savings you accumulate from lower energy usage can end up paying for your amenities, repairs, listing fees, and so on. The sooner you get solar panels installed, the sooner you can start racking in the savings!

Attract Guests by Accommodating Electric Vehicles

All-electric vehicles are rapidly becoming the norm as time flies, but those who own these types of vehicles tend to worry about their battery levels when it comes to traveling great distances. Since charge stations are a priority for such individuals, any Airbnb that doesn’t offer them is immediately crossed off their list. Keep your business an available option for everyone by installing solar panels and hooking them up to an electric vehicle charge station setup.

Build a Positive Reputation for Your Airbnb

Did you know that installing solar panels can influence your customer base? Some guests exclusively look for Airbnbs that have made an effort to go green because they value the earth’s health to a high degree. People tend to hype up businesses that go green so reviews for your business are more likely to be very positive ones. For some online platforms, you may even receive a special badge on your listing for being more environmentally friendly which tends to catch the eyes of those looking for the best Airbnb choices to stay at.

Combat Excessive Thermostat Usage

When staying at a place that isn’t their own, some guests tend to make themselves feel more at home than if they were actually in their own homes. One of the most common occurrences involves leaving the air conditioner on at all times, even while they’re out exploring the town. This can be troublesome for most Airbnb owners since AC usage is one of the biggest culprits in high energy output. A proper solar panel setup can negate instances of poor AC practices on behalf of your guests.

Upgrade Your Airbnb with Solar Bear Houston!

If your Airbnb is located in Houston or anywhere in the surrounding area, Solar Bear Houston will gladly come down to your business and hook you up with the best solar panel setup for your property. We’ll send a contractor out to inspect the building and offer you a personalized solution to maximize your energy savings. Give us a call at (727) 471-7442 to get started on a free estimate!