Purchasing your electric vehicle was one of the best investments you’ve ever made. It’s great for the environment and your wallet. However, keeping a charge on your car may be more of a struggle than you anticipated. Smart EV charging is coming to the rescue for many electric vehicle owners. People are wondering just how these smart chargers work and what the benefits are for their bottom lines. 

 

If you are considering smart EV charging for your car, here is everything you need to know about how the process works: 

What Is Smart EV Charging?

 

Smart EV charging is sometimes also referred to as intelligent charging. Smart EV charging occurs when an electric vehicle and a charging device have a data connection. In other words, the EV charger connects to the internet or the cloud. Meanwhile, the charging device has a data connection with the charging operator. This allows for different types of functions that aren’t available with a more traditional charging device. 

 

For example, a traditional charging device doesn’t connect to the cloud. As a result, you can’t monitor or manage the charge remotely. With smart EV charging, car owners have the luxury of being able to restrict the use of their devices in order to optimize their energy consumption. 

 

Other highlights of switching from traditional charging to smart EV charging include the ability to add and remove features. You can create a system that suits your needs with ease. This type of charger also allows you to minimize your dependence on the grid, as smart EV chargers can act in conjunction with renewable energy sources, including solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage. 

Connecting with the Power Grid

 

If you are interested in smart EV charging, it’s helpful to know how it can benefit the power grid as well. When you enable smart charging through these means, it creates a mutually-beneficial relationship with the power grid. The smart EV charger and the power grid will serve one another. 

 

This is great news for the power grid. Smart charging prevents electric vehicles from turning into a drain on the grid itself.

Future-Proofing with Smart EV Chargers

 

Technology is growing and expanding at incredible rates. Even just a couple of decades ago, electric vehicles seemed like a distant dream. As we learn more about how to manufacture electric vehicles, scientists and researchers have determined that there may still be a long way to go before the technology is perfected. 

 

One of the major benefits of smart EV chargers is that they’re mostly future-proof. Because you can add and subtract features at will to create a custom system, smart EV chargers will easily be able to adapt to changes in technology. 

 

Researchers and developers who come up with new solutions can turn their ideas into features that can be easily added to the smart system. As renewable energy sources continue to grow in popularity, these will also start to be more compatible with the system. Consider how rapidly science has already advanced in the past two decades, and you will likely find yourself amazed at how these smart EV chargers will continue to evolve in the years to come. 

How Smart EV Charging Works

 

Are you interested in how smart EV charging actually works? If you have never used an electric vehicle or smart charging before, the process may feel a bit foreign to you. Once you do it a few times, you’ll get the hang of it and start to appreciate the simplicity of the process. 

 

First, you’ll identify yourself and your car at the charging station. You may need to use the mobile application or scan your RFID tag at the charging point. 

 

This proof of identity serves to connect you, the charging point, and your charging event together in a meaningful way. This step is also designed to exact the appropriate price for your charging service. From here, the money will be sent to the charging station owner automatically. 

 

If you are an unregistered user, don’t worry. You can still use these smart EV charging stations, but you’ll have to pay with a debit or credit card for the services. 

 

Charging is based on the settings and prices selected by the station owner. You won’t have to adjust anything. All you need to do as the vehicle owner or operator is to identify yourself and plug into the charger. Utilizing smart EV charging is almost effortless, though a lot of things must occur on the back-end; what you’ll experience as the car driver will be relatively simple, though. 

Benefits of Smart EV Charging

 

If you’re wondering about the benefits of smart EV charging, there are quite a few things to consider. Electric vehicle owners will want to make the switch to this internet-based charging option in order to get a faster charge, a safer charge, and a less expensive charge. 

 

The first thing to note is that you can often charge faster using this method. Because it’s a smart system, you’ll gain access to the maximum amount of energy with many stations ranging from 22 kW to 150 kW. 

 

Not only is it faster to use smart EV charging, but it’s also safer than using a household socket. The technology is set up to test the connection between the car and the charging device at the very beginning. The charge is monitored throughout and can easily be controlled from a remote location. 

 

Last but not least, smart EV charging is also beneficial for the environment (and your wallet). You can use this type of charge to time your charge when electricity is the least expensive. You will save precious dollars and cents by using less expensive energy, but it will also help to balance the grid. 

 

As this type of charging grows in popularity, there’s the possibility that energy companies may offer an incentive for charging this way. You may have to use your car battery as a source of power at times, but it could save you financially in the long run if this were to become the case. 

Connecting to the Cloud 

 

Smart EV charging is the way of the future for all-electric vehicles. Connecting to the cloud packs a powerful punch when it comes to your home EV charging in Winnipeg. Let Powertec Solar help you coordinate your new system. Our experienced technicians can walk you through just why you need smart EV charging and get you set up in no time at all. Give us a call today to learn more about this service!

When you are looking for a great way to reduce your monthly expenses and reduce your carbon footprint, solar energy should be at the top of your list. They are a great way to implement reusable energy in your home or business. However, the initial investment into solar panels can be costly, especially if you are planning a large system. You want to make a wise investment, so how long can you expect your solar panels to truly last?

 

If you have been wondering about the longevity of your investment, you’re in the right spot. We’ll take a look at how long solar panels last and what you can do to extend their lifespan for your home or business. 

Degradation of Solar Panels 

 

Unfortunately, it’s not realistic to expect that your solar panels will last forever. Like any type of technology, it will slowly lose its power over time in a process known as degradation. It will happen relatively slowly, and you may not even notice this taking place for many years or even decades. 

 

Degradation refers to the way your solar panels will lose their ability to absorb the sun. This process can be affected by a number of factors, including changes in climate, heavy soiling of the panels, or improper installation. The quality of the technology you purchase also plays a role in this rate of degradation. 

 

Quality technology with a top-notch installation will have a lower degradation rate and will last longer.

How Long Do Solar Panels Last? 

 

Now that you know what impacts the lifespan of a solar panel, it’s important to examine just how long you can expect your system to last. This will help you figure out what the annual cost of maintaining your solar panels will be and will guide you through the decision-making process as you consider every aspect of solar systems. 

 

According to the research, the average solar panel will lose roughly 0.8 percent of its output annually. This means that your solar panels function at 100 percent capacity during the first year they are installed on your home and business. As the next year comes, the standard degradation rate means that each panel will only have 99.2 percent capacity. As you can see, this means that your panels will last a long time. 

 

When you purchase advanced technology, you might be able to reduce this rate to around 0.3 percent degradation annually. It might be worth a more expensive initial investment if you don’t want to have to worry about replacing your panels in the years to come. 

 

With degradation rates this low, you can rest assured that your solar panels will last for a long time. Most homeowners and business owners who utilize this renewable energy source report that they have seen their panels last for 30 years or more. Choosing quality solar panels from the very beginning is essential to seeing these types of favourable outcomes.

 

You also need to be mindful of how you’re caring for your solar panels to keep them in top shape. Protecting them from harsh weather conditions and making sure they are properly installed will all affect how long your system will last. 

Protecting Your Solar Panels

 

One of the best ways to ensure that your solar panels will last for decades is to make a wise investment initially. Beyond just choosing more advanced technology, you also need to consider the environmental factors that influence their power. A successful solar system relies on several different aspects of installation: 

 

First, weather can play a major role in the longevity of your system. Extreme changes in climate from season to season can make it more difficult for solar panels to do their job efficiently. Extreme weather can cause damage to your solar panels. 

 

Tree limbs may fall on your panels in a heavy storm, leading to damage to the glass. Hail can produce similar results if the stones are large enough. If you live in an area that is prone to heavy snowfall, it could spell disaster for your system. The weight of the snow on your panels can lead to a loss of structural integrity and more degradation. 

 

A quality installation is also essential if you want your solar panels to last for a long time. It takes the knowledge and care of an expert to wire and hook up your new solar system properly. They must understand just how the system functions to give your building the right amount of solar energy. 

 

A good install should also take into account the condition of the roof before starting work. If you have any spots that are worn, damaged, or leaking, you might experience major problems that affect your solar system in the months and years ahead. 

Do You Have To Replace Panels Every 30 Years? 

 

Even if you take every precaution necessary to protect your new solar system from the elements and ensure that you get a quality installation, you might be wondering what a 30-year lifespan will mean for your system. The truth is that you don’t necessarily have to replace your solar panels in 30 years, though you could if you wanted to. 

 

At this milestone, most homeowners simply find that their solar panels have decreased in the amount of electricity that they can produce. They will still deliver some power to your home, but they may not be as efficient as they were when you first installed them. 

 

Most of the time, your solar panels are constructed of extremely durable materials that make it unlikely that they will be damaged by normal weather conditions over the years. As long as your roof remains in excellent shape through the decades, you may not find the need to replace these panels every three decades. 

 

They simply may not produce as much energy as you are accustomed to as they age. Decide whether they are producing enough to power your home before you start to calculate the cost of replacing the panels. 

Look for the Warranty

 

If you want to put your mind at ease about how long your solar system will last, you can look at the warranty on the solar panels you are expecting to purchase. Based on a comprehensive look at the warranty, you might be able to ascertain how long the manufacturer projects that these panels will last. 

 

Make sure you are looking at every aspect of the warranty when it comes to determining the life of your panels. You want to have an equipment warranty as well as a performance warranty.  Be wary if your solar panels don’t offer both of these types of warranties.

 

A performance warranty guarantees that your panels will produce a set amount of electricity for a given period of time. On the other hand, your equipment warranty ensures that your panels will be free of manufacturing defects. Both are important components when considering which types of panels are the right fit for your home, but the performance warranty is a better indicator of lifespan. 

Installing a Great Solar System

 

Purchasing your solar panels so that you can run your home or business on renewable energy resources means making a hefty investment in your building. You want to make sure that you are getting panels that are going to last you for decades. If you want solar panels in Winnipeg, you should contact the experts at Powertec Solar. 

 

We can help you select the panels that will last you for decades to come, and our experienced technicians will ensure you get a quality install. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you power your home from the sun!

If you own an electric vehicle, you’ll want to maximize its power with vehicle to grid technology. This new technology allows your car to communicate with the power grid and supply your home with a secondary source of energy when your solar panels may not be enough. Homeowners may find themselves curious about what this advancement could mean for their homes and budgets. 

 

When you’re ready to make a difference in the environment and your monthly bills, here is what you need to know about V2G technology for your home: 

What Is Vehicle to Grid Technology? 

 

Vehicle to grid technology (V2G) allows you to use the charge from your car to power your home. The electricity from your car can be drawn into the smart grid, helping to supplement the energy grid during hours where prices are at their highest. It can also be helpful during a power outage as it can allow you to keep the lights on and the refrigerator running. 

 

Some homeowners use V2G technology as a backup for their solar systems. If they want to use more electricity at night than what their solar system stored during the day, their vehicle power can be used to bolster other renewable energy sources. Instead of relying on battery backup systems, you can use your vehicle as a backup source of power. 

 

The concept behind this technology is known as smart charging (V1G charging). It occurs when a homeowner or EV owner is completely in control of how their car is charged. Keep in mind that you’ll need to monitor the battery levels of your vehicle at all times; you don’t want to find yourself stranded because you didn’t plan ahead for your daily commute. 

 

During this type of charging, you can increase or decrease the charge as necessary. V2G technology takes this just a bit further and contributes some of its charged power back to the grid from the car battery. 

 

Chances are that V2G technology sounds like a great idea. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that it’s easy to implement, but it can actually be quite challenging. You will need to install a charging station in your home along with special software that can communicate with the power grid. This will allow it to examine the system’s demand at all times. 

 

Bidirectional technology is the cornerstone when it comes to allowing your vehicle to communicate back with the grid. Trust the installation of your new system to the experts so that you can successfully start saving more money. 

 

Benefits of V2G Technology

 

It might seem like the best choice to implement vehicle to grid technology in your home, but it helps to have a thorough understanding of what you can gain. First and foremost, V2G tech is great for the environment. It is a source of clean energy that promotes zero carbon emissions, making it a positive wave for the future. 

 

In addition to helping the environment, it also can offset the cost of owning an electric vehicle. By using it to sell back extra power from the car, you can use those savings to cover the payment on your new car or to pad your savings account. 

 

If you are more into the tech side of things, you might be pleased to learn that V2G technology also makes for more effective power distribution. Electric vehicles lead to an increased demand on the system, especially during peak hours when people are running their lights, HVAC systems, and more. 

 

Instead of paying for the power during peak usage hours, the power company often rewards its clients with lower rates for using power in the off-hours. With a little savvy planning, you can cash in on this trend and reduce the need for power during peak times using V2G technology. 

How Do You Get Vehicle to Grid Technology? 

 

Are you convinced that vehicle to grid technology is the right fit for your home? You might be wondering how you can implement this technology at your house. It sounds quite simple to do, but it can be a bit complicated. Most of the EV charging stations installed in homes are made to be unidirectional. This means that energy flows only one way: From your home to your electric vehicle. 

 

Instead, you’ll need your charging station to be bidirectional. This will allow your car to communicate effectively with the power grid to determine what is needed and when. 

 

While this might sound easy, the truth is that there are very few regulations when it comes to this new technology. Consult with your local regulations to learn more about how you can start to take advantage of this V2G technology to save more money and help the environment at the same time. 

Implementing V2G Technology

 

Those who plan to utilize V2G technology will want to pay careful attention to just how much of their car’s battery power they are using to power their home or office. You’ll need to maintain a certain amount of power in your car battery to get you around town or to commute back and forth to work. 

 

With V2G technology, it’s very possible that your car will continue to contribute to the power grid until you tell it otherwise. This can be problematic if you aren’t paying attention to just how much power your car has left. Consider investing in technology that helps you to keep the car battery higher, around 70 to 90 percent, so that you always have enough power to keep driving. 

Getting Vehicle to Grid Technology

 

Once you decide that your home could benefit from V2G technology, it’s time to contact the experts at Powertec Solar. We can help you install a home EV charging station in Winnipeg and teach you how to make the most of this power source. Your bottom line will thank you, and your carbon footprint will shrink. Take advantage of these benefits and contact us today to see how we can help you with your new technology!

Business owners are always looking for new and creative ways to improve their bottom line. Making the switch from traditional power and electricity to solar energy is one way that you could minimize the amount you spend on power bills while helping out the environment at the same time. There are plenty of benefits when it comes to switching to solar if you’re ready to take the leap.

 

Is your commercial building a great fit for new solar panels? Learn more about the requirements for solar energy in this detailed guide! 

When Do You Use Electricity? 

 

As you might have already gathered, solar power works best during the daylight hours when the sun is shining brightly. Evaluate when your business uses the most energy to determine if solar is the right fit for you. Solar may be the best option for your commercial building if you use most of your electricity during the day. 

 

This doesn’t mean that you can’t make good use of solar if the bulk of your electricity is used overnight. Electric power from during the daytime hours can be stored and used overnight as well. It’s just one consideration to think about when deciding if solar is the right fit for you. 

How Much Roof Space Do You Have? 

 

One of the factors that must be considered before determining if your commercial building is a good fit for solar is the amount of roof space you have. It likely comes as no surprise that you will need a great deal of open roof space if you want to install panels. Make sure that there are no obstructions on the roof that would interfere with the placement of your panels, such as chimneys or smokestacks. 

 

The number of solar panels that your business requires will be unique to your needs. However, you’ll see a bigger return on investment with a larger system. This is why you need to make sure that you have plenty of space available. 

Is Your Roof Sloped or Flat? 

 

Another factor pertaining to your roof is its pitch. Most experts agree that a sloped roof tends to be better for solar than a flat roof. This is because a sloped roof allows your panels to be exposed to more direct sunlight, improving the amount of energy you can generate. The panels will naturally face in one of the four directions. 

 

Because the roof is sloped, the panels will be perpendicular to the sun’s rays which makes it more likely that you will produce the energy you are hoping for. 

 

A flat roof can also be modified to hold solar panels, but it is more difficult. It may require some engineering work to get the roof in shape to hold solar panels. It can be done, but it may come at an additional cost. For example, it may require more hardware and racking to hold your solar panels in place on a flat roof. This same level of detail may not be required on a sloped roof.  

Is Your Roof in Good Shape? 

 

In addition to evaluating the roof space that you have, you should also consider the condition of your roof overall. Once solar panels are installed, they can last for decades to come – as long as your roof is in good condition. You want to ensure that your roof can outlast your solar panels so that you can minimize the amount of work necessary to access this clean source of energy. 

 

Be sure to consult a roofing expert to determine if your roof is in good enough shape prior to installing a new solar system. If you need shingles replaced or even a full roof replacement, it’s best to take care of this upgrade before you capitalize on the benefits of solar power. 

 

This may mean delaying your switch to renewable energy, but you will be grateful for the update to your roof later on. 

Do You Plan To Go Off-Grid? 

 

Consider what your long-term goals are when installing solar panels in your commercial business. Most business owners are solely interested in improving their bottom line and slashing the costs associated with traditional electricity. If they could, many people would make the switch to solar panels exclusively and take their business off-grid. 

 

If this describes you, then you may need to invest in other technology to assist you. It is relatively uncommon for a business to go entirely off-grid unless they have an extensive solar panel system with solar batteries to store power until it’s next required. Most business owners find that they may need to tap into local electricity during peak hours, but solar can substantially cut down your bill. 

Do You Plan To Sell Your Building? 

 

Business owners who are planning to make the switch to solar energy often want to ensure that they own their building before making such a large investment. As long as you own the building and meet the other criteria found here, then you might be a great candidate for solar in Manitoba. However, you will want to think about the long-term prospect of your building before making the investment. 

 

When you plan to sell the business in the years ahead or move to a new location, you need to consider how solar panels will affect that move. The good news is that solar panels can boost the resale value of the property because your commercial building will be greener and will have a lower operating cost when it comes to utility bills. 

Installing Solar Panels on Your Commercial Business

 

You have made it through this checklist and determined that solar energy could be a great fit for your commercial business. If you are ready to take the first steps toward solar in Manitoba, be sure to give Powertec Solar a call. Our experts can evaluate your building and your specific needs to determine if solar is the right choice for your commercial business!

If you’re going to install solar panels on your home, you’ll also need a solar inverter. This piece of equipment makes it possible to convert your direct current energy (DC) to alternating current energy (AC). In turn, this enables your home to utilize the energy produced by the panels that are mounted on the roof. There are two main types of solar inverters that you may encounter: String inverters and micro-inverters. 

 

What is the difference between these two types of systems? Learn more about how to choose the right solar inverter for your next major home project here! 

What Is a String Inverter? 

 

String inverters, also referred to as central inverters, are ideal for roofs that face the south and have little to no shade. They consist of a single box located near the main service panel or electric meter. On most systems, homeowners will have only one string inverter though larger systems may require two. 

 

This method works as part of a series circuit where up to 12 panels are a part of a series string. There are inputs for these strings of panels to be run specifically to your string inverter. This is where it gets its name. 

Benefits of string inverters

 

Why would a homeowner choose to go with a string inverter over a micro-inverter? Plenty of benefits abound for this type of solar inverter, from problem-solving to cost.  

 

The primary reason that homeowners choose this method is because they are relatively easy to troubleshoot if problems arise with your system. If you’re going to experience something going amiss with your system, the inverter is usually the culprit. Because you only have one or two string inverters, it is easier to narrow down where the problem actually lies. 

 

Many people are put off by the initial investment in solar panels and inverters. It is easier to install a string inverter and requires less time for the technician who is working on your home. Fewer labour hours result in a decreased cost. Not to mention, string inverters are generally less expensive than micro-inverters. 

Disadvantages of string inverters

 

While there are many benefits to choosing this type of system, there are some drawbacks as well. First and foremost, it may not be as effective if your home is in partial shade for part of the day. When one panel is affected by a lack of sun, the whole series of panels will be affected the same way. This is not the case with micro-inverters. 

 

String inverters also don’t last as long as micro-inverters. Most are only going to be covered by a warranty of between eight and twelve years. 

What Is a Micro-Inverter? 

 

Micro-inverters are also known for converting your DC energy to AC so that you can use solar energy to power your home. However, there is a big difference between string inverters and these micro-inverters. Instead of having just one unit for a series of panels, each individual panel will have its own micro-inverter installed beneath it. 

 

There is usually an equal number of solar panels and micro-inverters throughout a system. In some installations, you will find that micro-inverters can be paired with two to four panels, but this is less common than one micro-inverter per panel. 

Advantages of a micro-inverter

 

The advantages of a micro-inverter are many, but the main reason for choosing this type of solar inverter is that it can produce more electricity. 

 

Unlike string converters that are limited to the energy production of the lowest-producing panel, micro-inverters allow for the full potential of each panel to shine. This means that even if your home is in partial shade for a few hours a day, the panels that are still exposed to the sun can continue to produce the desired effects. 

 

Micro-inverters have a much longer lifespan than string inverters. While they may be expensive to install upfront, they usually come with a 25-year warranty. 

 

These types of solar inverters also make it extremely easy to expand your system in the future if you decide to pursue this route. Instead of having to connect a panel to the string series, you can simply install a new panel with its own micro-inverter. If you think that you may want to expand your system in the years to come, micro-inverters are the better option. 

Disadvantages of a micro-inverter

 

Of course, things aren’t all positive for micro-inverters. They are typically more expensive than a standard string inverter, so you’ll need to budget accordingly for your initial investment in solar power. 

 

Maintenance is another area where micro-inverters don’t win in this debate. It takes a bit of effort to determine which of your micro-inverters is causing the problem. Your technician will have to climb up on the roof, manage your racking system, and replace the micro-inverter that is problematic to restore your system to full capacity. This is much more challenging than putting in a new string inverter on the side of the house. 

 

Keep in mind that you’ll also have more equipment on your roof if you choose to go with a micro-inverter system. It will be more hardware mounted to your racking system, which can be an expensive fix if you live in an area prone to many storms. 

Should You Go with String Inverters or Micro-Inverters? 

 

The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to your solar system. Both string inverters and micro-inverters offer a wide array of benefits for homeowners, but they have their unique disadvantages as well. You will have to weigh which one will be better suited to your home. 

 

String inverters are more cost-effective and are easier to troubleshoot. Micro-inverters are more energy-efficient, make it easier to expand your system, and have a longer lifespan though they will have a higher upfront investment.

 

If you need help deciding which solar inverter is right for your home, trust the experts at Powertec Solar. We have the experience necessary to help you figure out which inverter is the best option for your Winnipeg solar panels. Contact us today to learn more about how we can guide you through the process of selecting the perfect system for your home!

You already know the benefits of switching to solar energy for the environment and your budget. Once you’ve made the decision that this investment is worth it to you, then you need to take time to consider how you will protect your new solar panels. Will they be covered by your home insurance, and will it affect your rates? 

 

Before you invest in solar panels, it’s best to explore this topic in greater detail with your policy so that you can anticipate any changes to your monthly expenses. Here is everything you need to know about solar panels and home insurance: 

Are Solar Panels Covered By Home Insurance? 

 

If you are worried about how you will protect your solar panels, there’s good news for you. Your new panels are likely covered by your homeowner’s insurance because they’re attached to your home. As long as they’re damaged by a covered peril, then you should receive the coverage that you have come to expect from your policy. 

 

Covered perils are a specific type of damage that’s covered by your home insurance. For example, fire is often considered a covered peril where your insurance policy would cover the cost of repairing or replacing your solar panels. 

 

There are limits to what covered perils will encompass, though. Many homeowners are dismayed to discover that their insurance policy doesn’t cover wear and tear from general use. They also don’t cover damage that results from an earthquake or a flood unless you have these specific types of insurance on your home. 

Do Solar Panels Increase Your Home Insurance Rates? 

 

Now that you know solar panels are covered by home insurance, you might be wondering what it will do to your rates. Well, solar panels are likely to cause your home insurance premium to jump up, at least by a little bit. You’ll be saving money on the cost of your electricity bill every month, but you may be paying more to insure your home. 

 

Why do insurance companies charge more for making this improvement to your home? 

 

In most cases, it relates to the value of your home. Your policy is designed to cover the repair or replacement of your home under certain conditions. When you add solar panels to the property, you’re increasing the value of your home. Because your home will now cost more to replace or repair, the cost of your monthly insurance premium is likely to rise. 

 

But this doesn’t have to be a bad thing. You may find that the rate increases are modest, depending on the overall value of your property. If you were to sell the house in the future, you’d earn more money because of the solar investment on your property. 

How Much Will Solar Panels Cost on My Insurance? 

 

Knowing that your solar panels are bound to add to the overall value of your home, how much can you reasonably expect your homeowner’s insurance rates to rise? You have to consider the overall cost of your new solar system before contacting your insurance company.

 

For the most part, solar panels will add around $10,000 to $15,000 to the value of your home. All you need to do is increase the coverage of your current home slightly to account for this increase in the value of the home. 

 

While $15,000 is certainly a lot of money, the amount your insurance will go up should be relatively minimal. 

 

Depending on your policy, you may even find that solar panels don’t raise the cost of insurance at all. It depends on how much your solar system would cost to repair or replace and whether it fits into the replacement cost of your home’s coverage at the moment. 

 

This applies to solar panels attached to the roof. You may be required to keep a separate policy if your solar panels are not directly attached to the house, such as ground-mounted systems. 

Do I Have To Tell My Insurance Company About Solar Panels? 

 

Knowing that your rates are likely to increase with the addition of solar panels, homeowners often wonder if they should simply refrain from telling their insurance company about this upgrade. We recommend that you let your insurance company know as soon as possible so that they can offer you the policy that provides the best level of protection for your home. 

 

They can help you figure out if you need to re-rate your policy for additional coverage if you want your solar panels to be covered in the event of peril like a fire. 

 

You may have the option to decline coverage on your solar panels in an attempt to keep your monthly costs as low as possible. If you are interested in this option, it’s best to explore coverage with your provider. By not insuring your solar panels, you run the risk of losing the money that you invested in them when fire, hail, or other covered perils arise. 

 

Before you make any major decisions about your solar panels, you should always consult with your insurance company to learn the finer points of your protection under your home insurance policy. 

 

Even if you believe that you would like to decline the additional coverage on the investment, you should know whether that is truly going to be an option for you, or you might want to shop around to find the best rates on a new policy. 

What If I Lease the Solar Panels?

 

Some homeowners can’t afford the initial outlay of cash associated with purchasing solar panels outright. If you decide to lease the solar panels, there is good news for your home insurance policy. Because you don’t technically own these panels, you may not see a rate increase after the installation. 

 

Of course, there are other risks that you might want to consider when leasing your solar panels. Check with your solar energy company to ensure that they offer protection for covered perils. If they don’t provide this type of coverage for your leased panels, then you might need to purchase a separate policy that will cover them. 

 

A separate policy that covers only the solar panels shouldn’t break the budget, especially considering the money you’ll save by not having an electricity bill every month. It offers you peace of mind and protects your investment in your home. This is often money well spent!

Add-on Insurance Policies

 

There are times when it might not be ideal for your solar panels to be mounted to the roof of your home. When this is the case, they may not be covered by your home insurance policy if they aren’t a permanent fixture on your home. Instead, the insurance company might provide you the option to purchase an add-on policy that will cover these types of ground-mounted solar panels. 

 

Even though they’re not attached to your home, these panels are still incredibly valuable. It’s in your best interest to make sure they’re covered by some type of insurance policy in case of extreme weather or other covered perils.  

Damage During Installation

 

If you are installing your solar panels on the roof of your home, then you should know that you could be taking a big risk when it comes to potential damage to the roof. Hiring an unqualified contractor who doesn’t understand the finer points of installing solar panels can cause serious damage to your home. That damage may not be covered by your insurance policy. 

 

Make sure that you check with the installer in advance to know whether any potential damages to the roof are going to be covered by insurance. 

 

An insurance policy that doesn’t cover this type of damage should prompt you to have an in-depth conversation with your contractor. Many times, they will provide a workmanship warranty in the event that something goes awry during the installation process. If they are experienced in this type of work, the risk of damage to your roof will be minimal. 

 

Always be sure to check with previous customers and to read reviews to determine whether you feel that this installer is going to be the right fit for you. 

Contacting the Experts

 

If you’re serious about Winnipeg solar, then you should contact the professionals. At Powertec Solar, we believe in producing quality work and protecting your home from damage. When you’re ready to start discussing what solar panels will look like for your home, give us a call for a consultation! We offer a free solar energy feasibility analysis for your property.

If you are investing in a solar system for your home or business, you want to make sure that every dollar you spend is put to good use. There would be nothing worse than shelling out thousands of dollars for a solar system only to find out that it isn’t sufficient enough to power your home or building. This is where solar panel efficiency comes into play. 

 

What is solar panel efficiency, and why does it matter? This guide will break down everything you need to know about this important metric. 

What Is Solar Panel Efficiency? 

 

Before taking a closer look at how to plan an efficient solar system, it’s important to know what is being measured with solar panel efficiency. Measuring efficiency might be complex, but understanding how it works doesn’t have to be. Solar panel efficiency is nothing more than a way to measure how much sunlight hits the panels compared to how much of that energy is usable.

 

When you’re shopping for panels for a new solar system, you are likely to see panels that are marketed as high-efficiency or with certain percentages. This simply means that the panel is able to convert more of your solar energy into tangible electricity that your home can actually use.  

 

Don’t be fooled by the advertising, though. Some panels will share that they are high-efficiency without sharing their efficiency rating. Always make sure to read the fine print so that you know exactly what you’ll be getting from a particular panel. This can help you determine if your system will be efficient enough to power your entire home or business. 

Efficiency of Your Solar Panels

 

Most homeowners and business owners who have invested in solar panels are surprised to learn that their panels may not be as efficient as they thought. While most systems can manufacture enough energy to power the home throughout the day and night, they don’t actually produce a 100 percent efficiency rating. Instead, most panels will have an average energy efficiency rating between 15 and 20 percent. 

 

Research is underway to make solar panels even more energy-efficient than they currently are. A lot of great strides have been made to meet the energy requirements of the standard home or business. In fact, some researchers have been able to produce panels that measure up to 40 percent efficiency. 

 

Solar panel efficiency is particularly important for those who have more limited space. If your home or business has a smaller roof, you need panels that are going to be as efficient as possible so that you can power your home with fewer panels. More efficient solar panels are often more expensive, but you will need fewer panels to have the same impact. 

 

On the other hand, homeowners and business owners with large roof spaces may be able to use less efficient panels that are less expensive. They will need to purchase more panels to yield the same results, but it could be more cost-effective to build their system this way. 

Factors That Impact Solar Panel Efficiency

 

The truth is that not all panels are created equally. Efficiency is often determined by a number of factors, so be sure to do your homework before you invest in a particular set of solar panels. For example, you need to keep in mind the type of solar panel, how it’s constructed, and the outdoor conditions of your home or business. All three of these factors combine to create the efficiency of your solar panels. 

 

For example, the type of solar cell plays a major role in determining how efficient a panel will be. If you want a high-efficiency panel, then you should consider looking for a monocrystalline panel. These come in several different types, but they all tend to be more efficient than other cells, such as polycrystalline or thin-film. 

 

Even the wiring of your solar panels will affect how efficiently your panels will be able to convert solar energy into electricity. It is responsible for moving the power from the cells to the solar inverter, and this is how your home ultimately gets powered. The solar inverter is designed to convert DC energy to AC energy that can be used by your home or business. 

Getting the Right Solar Panel Efficiency

 

Choosing the right solar panels for your home can be a bit tricky. There are a lot of factors that can affect how efficient your system is going to be. Before you make any decisions about what your home needs when it comes to solar in Manitoba, you really should contact the experts over at Powertec Solar. We can help you figure out which panels are the right fit for your energy needs. Give us a call today to learn more!