solar panel system

What Is Solar Inverter Clipping and Can It Be a Good Thing?

November 1, 2022 By Cassandra Love Leave a Comment

If you’re shopping for a solar energy system, or are just trying to get a better understanding of solar panel systems, you will come across a lot of new terminologies, and pieces of equipment that are needed for your system. These will include a piece of equipment known as an inverter, and a process known as solar inverter clipping. Inverters are essentially the brain of a solar energy system, helping transform the electricity produced by solar panels into energy for your home or business. Each inverter on your system will have a maximum output rating, and if the energy production exceeds the inverter output, this will result in solar inverter clipping.

What Is Solar Inverter Clipping?

person handling the wires of a solar inverter

As we said above, when a solar energy system’s production exceeds the total amount of energy that the inverter can handle, solar inverter clipping occurs. Don’t worry, this excess energy production won’t damage anything on your solar energy system unless it reaches extremely high levels. But the solar inverter clipping that happens as a result of this excess energy production will reduce the amount of electricity available for use in your home or business. This is because when the inverter cannot convert all the solar power that your solar panels are producing, you’ll be losing out on some of the free electricity produced by the sun.

How To Know if Your System Will Experience Solar Inverter Clipping

To determine whether your system might be affected by solar inverter clipping, you’ll need to look at the DC-to-AC ratio of your solar panel system. The DC represents the amount of DC power your solar panels can produce. The more panels you have, or the more sunlight your panels get, the higher the DC number will be. The other component is the AC power rating of the inverter. If the DC portion of the ratio is more than the AC, it is more likely that your solar energy system will clip.

In other words, in a system with an oversized solar array, such as one that has more solar panels than needed, you could actually end up losing out on some of your electricity production because you’ll have more DC power, meaning you’ll be more likely to experience solar inverter clipping. But if you have a system with more inverters, which will allow you to produce more AC electricity, it will be less likely to clip – but these larger inverters can be expensive.

The best thing to do is to try and even out the AC – DC ratio of your system as much as possible. In fact, a high amount of DC electricity can actually void the warranty of your inverter, and a high amount on the AC side could put a lot of stress on your converter and wear it out more quickly.

When Is Solar Inverter Clipping A Good Thing?

One of the ways that you can battle solar inverter clipping is to either downsize the number of solar panels that you install, or upsize your inverter. But, with that being said, if your system is designed correctly, a small amount of clipping can actually provide a better return on your investment.

house with solar panels and a large battery next to it

The energy that your solar panels produce will fluctuate based on the varying amounts of sun they receive during different seasons. To make the most of your investment in your solar panel system, the inverter should operate right around its maximum input rating for as many days of the year as possible. But if your inverters are too small, the energy lost from solar inverter clipping will be too great on sunnier days that have higher energy production.

Need Help?

Have questions? Go Solar Energy can help! Our agents are highly trained and knowledgeable in the solar industry and can assist you with any questions you have. If you are interested in installing a solar energy system in your home or business, we can compare quotes from the top-rated companies in your area and find you the best plan with the most efficient solar panels – and we’ll save you money. Get started by entering your zip code in the bar on our homepage, or for free quotes and guidance from one of our licensed agents, call 888-290-3112.

National vs Local Solar Installers: Who’s Better?

October 16, 2022 By Cassandra Love Leave a Comment

If you’re searching for a solar energy system, a lot of questions will come up, including which solar company you should go with. Of course, you will want to find the company that offers the best service at a great price, does quality work, and has generous warranties. But will that be a local or national solar company? When trying to decide between going with a national or local solar installation company, there are a few things to take into consideration.

Price Comparison

illsutration of a hand holding a bar with one side money and the other a light bulb

Price is one of the biggest factors that people look at when searching for a solar energy system. Most people are looking for the least expensive, highest quality option. So if, like most people, price is important to you, be aware that typically local companies will offer lower prices than national companies.

National companies will have more resources, and more projects, therefore their price will be a little higher 70% of the time compared to smaller, local installers. Not only that, but national companies base their pricing on the company’s market share and financial goals, unlike smaller companies that face less pressure and aren’t publicly traded, so they can offer better pricing.

Work Comparison

Another factor to consider when choosing between a local and national company is who will do better work for your home or business. The first thing you’ll want to do when making a decision is to check out how experienced and qualified the installation company is based on its certification and registration.

Next, look into how both national and local installers contract their work. National installers will have more projects, but they may not be the ones that are doing the installation of the solar panel system in your home or business. They might have regional offices, but they don’t always have a team of installers at these locations, so they will usually hire subcontractors.

Local solar installation teams will have a central office, alongside regional offices, that will be fully staffed. And unlike subcontractors, a local business will have a full staff at their locations, and will be held accountable by the owner of the company.

Financing Options

Generally, you have two options when financing your solar panel system: solar ownership or solar leasing. Long-term, solar ownership will benefit you more and offers a better return on investment. But solar leasing is a viable option in order to save money.

Larger national installers will offer you the option to lease your solar panel system or will offer a power purchasing agreement (PPA). With the PPA, the company will pay to have the solar energy system installed on your property, and then in return, your electricity will be generated by their system for a price lower than your electric bill. So, instead of paying the utility company, you’re paying the leasing company for that electricity. The agreement typically lasts between 20 and 25 years, but the price could change if the price of electricity goes up.

With local installers, typically you will only have an ownership option, and not a leasing option.

Who Should You Go With?

Deciding between a local and national installer can be a big decision, and there’s a lot to think about. So if you are trying to decide which option is best for you, come to Go Solar Energy. We’ll do all the work and comparisons for you. Our agents are highly trained and knowledgeable in the solar industry and can assist you with any questions you have.
If you are interested in installing a solar energy system in your home or business, we can compare quotes from the top-rated companies in your area and find you the best plan with the most efficient solar panels – and we’ll save you money. Get started by entering your zip code in the bar on our homepage, or for free quotes and guidance from one of our licensed agents, call 888-290-3112.

What Types of Meters Are Used With Solar Panels?

September 15, 2022 By Cassandra Love Leave a Comment

When you think of a solar energy system, you probably think of solar panels that are placed on your roof to convert the sun’s energy into electricity for your home or business. But there’s more to solar energy systems, including meters that tell you how much electricity your system is generating, how much energy you’re using, and how much energy you’re purchasing from the utility company.

These meters are often overlooked components of solar energy systems, but understanding what type of electric meters are used with solar panels can help you decide on a solar energy system. Let’s take a look at the types of electric meters that are available, and that you might need for your solar energy system.

Utility Meters

All owners of a grid-tied solar system will need a bi-directional utility meter to keep track of the electricity their system is taking from and transferring to the grid. So when you install solar panels, you will most likely get a meter installed during the process, which will show how much power is coming in from the grid, as well as how much power is going out from your solar into the grid.

Net Meters

Unlike bi-directional utility meters, net meters do not measure how much energy you are producing, or how much you are consuming from the grid. This type of meter actually measures the difference between the two, or the “net usage” of your solar energy system. And if your system is producing more energy than it’s using, you can actually see your meter run backwards!

PV Meters

Photovoltaic meters, or PV meters, are used to measure how much electricity your solar system generates. These are considered one-directional meters because they only measure power that is transferred to your solar energy system and not vice versa. They are accurate in measuring usable electricity, so can be used for solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) if you live in a state that has an SREC market. SRECs are credits you get from your utility company for every thousand kilowatt-hours your system produces. These meters are not necessary to install unless you plan on selling your SRECs.

PV meters need to be connected to the internet so it is possible to monitor your solar system’s production. You can then connect your meter to your computer or smartphone and read the meter instead of having to walk outside and look at the meter mounted on the wall.

Consumption Meters

These meters are not necessary but they are useful in informing you exactly how much electricity you have used, including the electricity that is used directly from your solar energy system. They also measure the electricity that is pulled from the utility company. A consumption meter can be useful for determining your exact electricity usage, so you can make sure that your solar system is meeting your electricity needs and isn’t falling short.

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Can You Install Solar Panels on a Metal Roof?

August 8, 2022 By Cassandra Love Leave a Comment

Metal roofs have been gaining in popularity across the US, just as making the switch to solar energy has. So if you currently have a metal roof or are considering getting a metal roof, and you’re also considering solar panels, you might be wondering if you can have it both ways. And the answer is yes! You can install solar panels on a metal roof since there are a variety of installation options for solar panels. But there are also two different types of metal roofs, so let’s take a look at your mounting options, and how solar panels can affect different metal roofs.

Standing Seam Metal Roofs

As we pointed out above, there are two different types of metal roofs: standing seam metal roofs and corrugated metal roofs. The former are generally very popular because they’re long-lasting and can handle most weather conditions. This type of roof is also great for installing solar panels because there are clamps that are attached to the roof seams, which means that the racking system for your solar panels can be securely attached to the clamps. Because of this, for the most part, there is no need to drill any holes into or through this type of metal roof when installing solar panels.

Corrugated Metal Roofs

The other type of metal roof, corrugated or ribbed roofs, require that solar panels be installed a little differently. Mounting solar panels on this kind of roof will require some penetrations (or holes) in the roof itself. With these roofs, a small foot, or piece of hardware, is mounted over or between the ribs of the roof, with a piece of rubber (called a bushing) underneath that seals the holes to keep water out. Finally, the solar panel racking system will be attached to brackets over the foot.

Can Solar Panels Be Too Heavy for Metal Roofs?

Generally, metal roofs can handle the weight of solar panels, but each roof is different and will need to be evaluated before you have your panels installed. If additional support is needed to safely install the panels, installers will make recommendations for reinforcing the roof and the structure before moving forward with the project.

Can They Damage Metal Roofs?

Metal roofs are a good investment since they last so long, but they are expensive, so you don’t want to damage them! But don’t worry, installing solar panels on your metal roof will not cause any short- or long-term damage to your roof, even with corrugated metal roofs that require drilling, since the bolting system will prevent any leaks or other damage. In fact, solar panels can actually protect your roof from damaging weather conditions.

Advantages of Installing Solar Panels on a Metal Roof

Putting solar panels on a metal roof is a great way to not only help protect your roof from any damage, but also a great way to save money on your electricity costs and reduce your carbon footprint. And, as we pointed out, if it is possible to use a metal roof clamp, you can install solar panels without putting holes in your roof during the installation process. But even if you do need to penetrate the roof, the brackets are specifically designed to prevent leaks.

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How to Increase the Efficiency of Your Solar Panels

July 11, 2022 By Cassandra Love Leave a Comment

Are you looking for a solar panel system, so you can make the switch to cleaner, more efficient solar power? Great! There’s no better way to save money on your electric bills, or protect our environment. But if you’re thinking of making the switch, you’re probably wondering just how efficient solar panels are, and if there is anything you can do to keep them working as efficiently as possible. The efficiency of solar panels depends on several things, such as weather conditions, how they are installed, and how well they are taken care of, meaning there are things that you can do to increase your solar panel efficiency.

What Is Solar Efficiency?

When we talk about solar efficiency, we mean how much power a solar panel can produce, or how well a solar panel can convert energy from the sun into energy for your home or business. Solar panels are pretty efficient, but they will lose efficiency over time (around 18- 20%). But, as we pointed out above, their efficiency can also be affected by how the panels are constructed, how they are installed, and what type of weather conditions they are exposed to.

For example, snow can affect a solar panel’s performance, and the amount of shade where they are installed can have a big effect on how much energy your solar panels can produce. If a solar panel is not installed correctly and does not get enough sunlight, its efficiency will take a hit.

Increasing Solar Panel Efficiency

Luckily, there are things you can do to make sure that your solar panels are as efficient as possible, and are producing more than enough power for your home or business. The best way to keep your solar panels working to their full potential is to:

Clean your solar panels– If your panels are dirty, the sun won’t be able to effectively get through to the solar cells.
Schedule regular maintenance– You should have a trained professional check your panels at least once a year.
Heat/cool your home carefully– The best way to keep your solar panels working efficiently is not to overuse them. Make sure that you’re using your thermostat to your advantage: for example, you can turn the temperature down at night during the winter and use a warmer blanket, or turn off the AC while you’re not home in the summer.

Use LED lights– LED lights consume less electricity, so they use less energy from your solar panels.
Trust a great company to install your solar panel system– The best way to get the most efficient solar panels is to buy them from a trusted company. Go Solar Energy can compare all of the different types of solar panels for sale, and we’ll set you up with a local agent who will go over all available plans to help you find the solar energy system that best suits your needs and finances.

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Net Billing vs. Net Metering: Which Will Save You the Most Money?

July 3, 2022 By Cassandra Love Leave a Comment

There are many ways you can save money when you have a solar energy system. Two of these ways are billing processes known as net metering and net billing. These are two different concepts that people often confuse, and it is essential to understand them so that you can get the most savings.

Net Metering Explained

Net metering is a billing process that is available in almost every state. It allows you to sell any extra solar electricity that your system produces back to your local utility company. You might not use all of the energy that your solar panels produce on very sunny days, so if you have a surplus, your utility company will either give you money back, or a kWh credit, which you can use on cloudy days or at night.

Depending on your state, some utility companies offer different net metering options that will allow you to earn varying amounts of money each month when you sell your unused electricity back to the grid.

Net Billing Explained

Net billing is a different billing process that allows you to buy back the excess energy that is generated by your solar energy system from your utility company for less than it would cost for you to buy it as a non-solar customer. In other words, in this case, when your solar energy system produces more energy than you use, you will be treated like any large-scale energy producer or power plant selling energy to the grid. Instead of a credit on your utility bill, you will get a dollar value based on the supply rate of electricity.

For example, if your retail rate is $0.15, your supply rate could be around $0.05, meaning you will have to pay $0.05 per kWh to buy back your solar-generated electricity from the grid.

Should You Go Solar with Net Billing or Net Metering?

You might be unsure which type of billing process is right for you, so the first thing you should do is check if your electricity usage matches your system’s production. If you get a lot of sunlight and are producing enough, or more than enough, energy to power your home, you might want to stick with net metering, since net billing makes your excess electricity less valuable, which could cost you money in the long run. In addition, if you’re using most of your electricity during the day when your system is producing the most energy, you’ll want to go with net metering, so you can use all of that power being produced and not have to worry about it being devalued later on.

On the other hand, if you use most of your electricity at night (which is typical for people when they come home from work and kids are home from school), you will be pushing most of your solar energy to the grid during the daytime. This means less of a financial return from your solar energy system, so you might want to try net billing, which would allow you to purchase any necessary excess energy at a cheaper rate.

Which Is Better?

In our eyes, net metering is hands down the better option for households that produce enough solar energy, because your extra solar-generated electricity will be worth more. With net billing, your solar-generated electricity is sold to the utility company at a lower rate, meaning you’ll have to pay a little extra to pull energy from the grid.