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How Home Solar Systems Work Without a Battery

If you’re wading into the solar energy pool but not ready to commit to a full-blown setup, Solar Bear is here to help. Our team can design a solar system that meets your home’s needs and sometimes, that includes installing solar panels without battery storage. It is not essential to have a battery backup and still possible to take advantage of all that solar energy has to offer. Read on to see what you can expect. 

A solar battery is used primarily to provide electricity to critical loads for 24-48 hours in the case of a power outage. If you decide to forego battery storage, here’s one way a solar system works without it. There are generally two times a day – early morning and dusk – when solar panel production is lower, but energy needs are higher. During these times, most homes will pull power from the electrical grid. This is called a grid-tied system, or a system that is connected to an electrical power grid. With this system, you are reliant on a grid to produce usable solar energy and direct any excess energy to net metering. Net metering, a billing process that credits solar energy system owners on their utility bills for any excess energy they add to the grid. Currently, Tampa Electric Company (TECO), Duke Energy, and Florida Power & Light (FPL) all offer utility net metering programs in Florida. This could be considered “storing” energy so that is available to use later. Should you need additional power at night, the system will reverse and pull the power that you need. As long as you’re connected to the grid, you can pull power from it when needed. However, during times of peak sunshine, any solar power produced by your system will be used first. 

Using solar power without battery storage will still drastically reduce your carbon footprint but there are a few things to note. If you plan to live a fully remote lifestyle without any tie to a utility grid, you must have battery storage. This will be essential if you want to use energy or lights at night when your system is not producing. Batteries can also qualify for additional state and local rebates so make sure to check with the Solar Bear team to see what you qualify for if you decide to waive battery storage. 

With Solar Bear, a sustainable future is yours for the taking! Give us a call today at (813) 922-3735 or schedule your free estimate online. 

How Does Voltage Drop Affect My Solar Energy System?

Has the spark gone out? On your solar energy system, that is. It could be a voltage drop affecting the efficiency of your system. At Solar Bear, we’re not relationship experts but we do pride ourselves on knowing the ins and outs of solar energy and the systems that create sparks that everyone can benefit from. Read on to see how voltage drop could affect your solar energy system.

Within every solar panel system, electrical currents run through wires. Ironically, those wires have an inherent resistance to the current’s flow that results in small amounts of voltage lost during the transmission, also known as voltage drop. Because of this, most solar panels cannot deliver 100% of the power produced. However, there are techniques available to minimize voltage drop and increase the efficiency of your solar system.

A few of the most popular options are below but during your initial consultation with the Solar Bear team, we will create a plan that covers these possibilities in greater detail. Our main objective is to prevent or minimize the resistance in the transmission wires that leads to voltage drop. The first approach would be to strategically install your home’s solar inverter closer to solar panels rather than the traditional meter box. Another option would be to use thicker and shorter wires during the installation process. A thicker wire will allow more electrical currents to pass through while a shorter wire encourages higher efficiency. Lastly, consider transmitting higher voltages that will result in a lower current. This should minimize power losses associated with the current. 

It’s important to note that voltage drop does not reduce the efficiency of your solar system. By using small wires with long wiring runs, there is always a possibility of short energy losses that produce hiccups in a solar system’s efficiency. According to the National Electric Code, there should not be a limit on voltage drops because all systems are unique, and it is impossible to eliminate — in most cases a 2% DC voltage drop is normal. 

Ready to learn more? Solar Bear is on a mission to create a stronger, more sustainable future with energy saving solutions for Florida families. Give us a call today at (813) 922-3735 to schedule your free estimate. 

Solar, Wind & Hydropower-FAQ

Concerns for the future of our planet have caused a shift in the mentality about sustainability, particularly with the continuous development of new highly efficient sustainable energy. 

Solar wind and hydropower can work hand in hand with solar energy to create a truly eco-friendly option for our power needs across the globe. 

Wondering how solar, wind, and hydropower work? We’re glad you asked! Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to answer all your renewable energy questions. 

What Makes These Energy Types “Renewable?” 

Renewable energy is any kind of energy that is produced from resources that restore themselves naturally, such as sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat. 

Being able to capture the energy from those resources and convert them into a usable form of electricity is where the trick occurs. The most common types of renewable energy include solar, wind, and hydropower.

How Does Solar Energy Work? 

Solar energy has been around since the 1970s and has gained popularity for residential homes in the last couple of decades, due to its affordability. 

Solar panel systems convert the sun’s rays into electricity that can power a person’s home, electric vehicle, or warm their pool. 

Here’s a quick solar power 101 lesson. Photovoltaic or PV solar systems are used to harness the energy from the sun. Energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the PV cells inside the solar panel when the sun’s rays shine on the solar panels. This transfer of energy creates electrical charges that move in response to an internal electric field in those cells, causing electricity to flow. 

Solar is useful in residential applications as a solar system can be installed on a roof, carport, or even on the ground, and the size of the system can be modified to fit a home’s unique energy needs. 

Learn More> PV vs. Thermal Solar Power 

How Does Wind Energy Work? 

If you have ever driven through the Midwest, you may have seen huge wind turbines dotted across the landscape. These use strong wind and airflow to produce energy. Today’s wind turbines can produce between 600 kilowatts and 6 megawatts depending on the wind speed. 

The rated power output increases as the wind speed also increases, and to maximize wind energy technology, these turbines are often grouped in “wind farms.” Usually located in areas where strong winds are the norm like high altitude, large open plains, and offshore of the ocean, in the right location, wind turbines can spin constantly. 

The one downside to this renewable energy resource is that it is not consumer-friendly, meaning that you likely won’t see wind turbines in your neighbor’s backyard or at the local park. 

How Does Hydropower Work? 

There are a couple of different methods that we can use to capture the strength of water including hydroelectricity, tidal power, and wave power. 

Tidal energy is created by structures that are similar to wind turbines, but they are inverted underwater. These structures utilize the changing of the Earth’s tides to produce power. This is particularly useful as tides are more predictable than other types of renewable energy. 

Wave-generated power is similar, but it is dependent on surface waves. 

Hydroelectricity produces power through flowing water. Turbines are installed in structures like dams and turn with the force of the water flowing through them to generate power. 

Why is Renewable Energy Important? 

It’s simple. Using energy that is generated from renewable resources that produce no greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels can reduce some types of air pollution, diversify our world’s energy supply and dependence on imported fuels, and create stable jobs in the renewable energy sector. 

Just think about it, bright sunny skies, strong winds, fast-moving water, and heat from the earth can each provide a vast and renewable supply of energy. It’s just our job to convert it to the energy that we need! 

Related Reading> Solar Installation in Florida-The Facts 

Choose Renewable Energy with Solar Bear Orlando  

If you want to power your home with a renewable and more eco-friendly energy source, you’ve come to the right place! Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is ready to help you install a new roof, a solar panel system, and even help your home use less power and be more efficient with our spray-foam insulation services. 

Choose renewable energy and protect the planet! Call Solar Bear Orlando for a quote today; 407-904-7585! 

Do I Need a New Roof Before I Put Solar Panels On?

Are you finally getting ready to install solar panels? Congratulations! A solar energy system will help you slash your expensive energy costs and protect this beautiful planet that we call home. There’s just one thing that you might not have considered—your roof. 

We’ve seen it many times, a homeowner starts the process of solar installation only to discover a roofing problem that stops the solar installation in its tracks. 

Don’t let a roofing issue surprise you as you start your solar installation! Our team at Solar Bear Orlando discusses everything you need to know about roofing before you go solar. 

Your Roof: A Crucial Component 

Your roof is a crucial component of your solar panel system. Your solar panels have to be installed somewhere after all, and while some homeowners choose to install their solar systems on a ground array, the majority have them installed on their roofs. 

This means that your roof must be sturdy enough and in optimal condition to handle the added weight of a solar panel system. 

Your roof isn’t just tiles or shingles attached to the top of your home, it is a complex system made up of multiple layers that work together to keep your home insulated and the harsh elements out. 

Generally, a standard roof is comprised of:

• Roof Truss
• Decking
• Insulation
• Ice and water barrier
• Underlayment
• Wood frame
• Shingles or tiles

If any component of your roof is damaged, it can weaken the entire structure of your roof, and installing solar panels will have to wait.

Why Your Roof’s Age Matters 

Just because you don’t notice any damage at first glance at your roof, it doesn’t mean that your roof is ready for a solar panel installation. The age of your roof can play a big role here too. 

The lifespan of a roof depends on multiple factors including what it is made from, the climate and environment, and how well it has been maintained. 

Many Florida roofs use clay tiles which have a long lifespan of almost 50 years. Shingled roofs often last for 15-20 years. If you live in a harsh climate your roof may have a shorter lifespan. 

Why does this matter? Well, as the components of your roof age and wear out, they become vulnerable to cracking, holes, and leaking. An old roof will not be able to carry the added weight of heavy solar panels and might not hold up well when installing racking for your system. 

If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it is wise to replace it before installing solar panels. 

Why You Should Install a New Roof Before Installing Solar Panels 

Repairing and replacing your roof can be expensive, and the last thing that you want to do is spend more money on your roof especially if you are planning to install solar panels. 

We know it can be difficult to budget for a new roof, but the stronger and better your roof, the longer your solar panels can do their job to power your home. 

If you try to cut corners and install solar panels on an aging or damaged roof, you’ll have to address these problems in the future, and it can get quite costly. Imagine how expensive it would be to have to take down your solar panels and then re-install them on a new roof later. It’s just not worth it. 

Learn More> Will Installing Solar Panels Affect My Roof Warranty? 

Choose a Solar Company that Does Both! 

It doesn’t have to be a nightmare to find a roofing company or a solar contractor. At Solar Bear Orlando, we offer both solar installations and roof repairs/replacements so you can get everything done by one contractor that you trust. 

Combining a roof replacement with a solar installation allows our team to be as efficient as possible, and we are happy to pass those savings back to you, our customer!

Your search for a trustworthy solar and roofing contractor is over! Call our team at Solar Bear Orlando for a roof and solar installation quote today; 407-904-7585!