Benefits of Ground Mounted Solar Panels

Benefits of Ground Mounted Solar Panels

Why Ground-Mounted Solar Panels Are a Great Investment

If you’ve ever considered converting to solar energy but don’t have any viable roof space, ground-mounted solar panels are an excellent alternative! Ground-mounted solar panels are exactly what they sound like: mounted on the ground as opposed to on a roof. This is a great option for those whose roofs are obstructed from sunlight or aren’t equipped to hold panels. 

Making the change to renewable energy is a no-brainer — the reduction utility costs and carbon footprints alone is enough to make anyone see the sense in it. Unfortunately, not every roof is capable of housing solar panels, which is why ground-mounted solar is such a great innovation. It has been the alternative option that people have turned to when roof-mounted panels haven’t panned out for them, creating more opportunities for everyone to go solar! 

In this blog, we’ll cover all the benefits of ground-mounted solar panels and how they can help you. 

Benefits of Ground-Mounted Solar Panels

Before you install solar panels on your property, you should know about all of the benefits you’ll be reaping.

1. They offer the perfect alignment with the sun, giving you maximum exposure. 

This is arguably the most attractive feature of ground-mounted solar panels, and the entire reason they even exist. For many homeowners, their roofs are shaded or otherwise obstructed from the sun’s view, rendering roof-mounted panels pretty useless. Because of this, ground-mounted solar panels became a sensible alternative; they can be placed directly facing the sun, wherever they are on your property, so that you get maximum sun exposure and maximum energy production. 

2. They can be placed anywhere on your property. 

Due to their flexibility in comparison to roof-mounted solar, ground-mounted solar panels can be placed anywhere on your property, they’re not just limited to one space. If you happen to have a strict HOA that restricts certain home improvements, this is the answer to your problem. You may not be able to alter the appearance of the front of your home or the roof, but you can place ground-mounted solar panels in the backyard or the side yard to fit with your neighborhood’s regulations. 

3. You have the potential to produce more energy. 

Because ground-mounted solar panels are not limited to the size of a roof, you can install larger arrays. With more panels, you’ll be able to produce more and more energy, further reducing your electricity bills. This is especially useful for large homes or businesses looking to rely solely on solar energy but can’t devote the roof space; as long as you have the room on your property, you can install as many solar panels as you see fit. 

Additionally, you will be able to add more panels in the future, should you decide you need more energy to power your home or business. Limited roof space may stop you from adding more in the future, but ground-mounted solar arrays can always be added to if there’s still room on the property. 

4. You don’t need to make changes to your home’s infrastructure. 

In some cases, weak roofing needs reinforcement before solar panels can be installed. Because installing solar panels requires drilling holes in the roof, it needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the changes to the infrastructure and the added weight. For those who don’t wish to make structural repairs, ground-mounted solar panels allow you to opt out. 

5. They are easy to maintain. 

Solar panels in general are a very low-maintenance investment, but to get the most energy production possible, you should make sure your panels are kept clean. Dust, dirt, and other debris can obstruct the photovoltaic cells within the panels from absorbing the sun’s rays, so washing them is much easier when they’re on the ground than when on top of a roof. 

How to Know if it’s Right for You

You may be wondering, “How do I know if ground-mounted solar panels are right for me?” as opposed to going with the more traditional roof panels. Many home and business owners have been able to utilize solar energy by choosing what fits them best, and we understand that no two projects are the same. What works for some might not work for others, but if any of these apply to you, you should consider solar on the ground:

  • You have large open spaces on your property that would allow you to add more panels later on if necessary
  • Your neighborhood has strict HOA regulations that won’t allow you to install panels on the roof or alter the appearance of your home 
  • Your roof is shaded or not facing the sun
  • You want to be able to adjust the placement of your panels when necessary
  • Your roof is older or damaged and you don’t want to reinforce it before installing roof-mounted panels

Converting to Solar Energy with Renu

If you’re interested in solar energy for your home or business but your roof isn’t suitable for panels, consider utilizing ground-mounted solar panels instead. This innovation has allowed thousands of customers all across the country to meet their energy needs without being restricted by their inadequate roofing space, HOA regulations, or obstructed views of the sun. 

Going solar is easier than ever with Renu Energy Solutions. Since 2010, we have installed over 3,000 residential and commercial solar projects in the Carolinas, making us industry experts. For more information on installing ground-mounted solar panels, set up a free consultation with one of our energy consultants. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about converting to renewable energy and how we can help you achieve energy independence!

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Benefits of Solar

Benefits of Solar

Benefits of Solar Energy Systems

There are many benefits of solar that far outweigh those of traditional energy sources like coal, oil, or natural gas — all of which have become more costly than renewable energy and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The greatest issue with these sources of energy is that they are limited; the Earth will eventually run out of its supply and we will be left with lasting damage to the environment. Solar, however, is a renewable energy source that will always replenish (as long as the Sun doesn’t go anywhere!)

If you’ve been considering converting to renewable energy and want to learn more about the benefits of solar systems, you’ve come to the right place. 

6 Benefits of Solar for Your Home or Business

There are several great reasons why you should think about installing a solar system for your home or business, and here are just a few of the benefits you’ll reap:

1. You will save money by reducing your utility bill.

Arguably the most attractive reason to go solar is to save money, and both homeowners and business owners who install solar panels will see a return on investment right away. Studies have shown that homes with solar panels save thousands of dollars for decades to come, as solar systems are built to last around 25 years. When going solar in North and South Carolina, duke energy homeowners save around $68 monthly in their first year.

2. There are incentives to assist with payment options.

One major player in solar energy is the Federal Solar Tax Credit. As of 2020, the Solar Tax Credit is 26% — meaning you would be getting 26% of your total solar system cost back.

Combined with other state incentives, such as the South Carolina Solar Tax Incentives of 25%, homeowners in the Carolinas can save up to 51% in tax credits, making solar systems financially accessible for thousands of potential customers. 

3. You will make a positive impact on the environment.

We understand that the majority of homeowners choose to go solar because it makes sense from a financial standpoint, but there are many benefits of solar for the environment, too.

Traditional energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas are causing damage to our air, water, and ecosystems as the burning of fossil fuels pollutes our atmosphere. In addition to contributing to pollution when actually burned, these sources cause damage to the environment when they are harnessed; coal mining and oil drilling and fracking have had untold negative effects on the communities and ecosystems near their sites. To top it all off, all of these energy sources are nonrenewable, meaning that eventually we’ll run out anyway. 

With renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and water, there is little to no pollution, and the sources never deplete. You’ll be able to power your home or business knowing that you are making a commitment to protecting your local environment and becoming an example for others in your community looking to make the change as well. The office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy released a study explaining the benefits of Wind and Solar Power in regards to Climate and Air Quality. 

4. You can reduce your reliance on utility energy.

Another great benefit of solar is that you don’t have to rely on utility companies or the grid for your energy. By creating energy independence, you are breaking free from unpredictable utility bills and taking control of your energy. In addition to the personal benefits of reducing reliance on utility companies, becoming energy independent also helps reduce petroleum imports from foreign energy providers.

For more information on energy independence and not relying on the grid, check out our blog “Benefits of a Solar Battery Backup System.”

5. There are relatively low maintenance costs.

Besides keeping the panels clean, going solar requires very little maintenance for the homeowner, allowing you to enjoy the perks of their system without worrying about upkeep. 

6. Solar panels increase the value of your home. 

Not only will going solar save you money on utility costs, you will also see this investment pay for itself when you’re ready to sell your home. In fact, a recent study done by Berkeley Lab found that people were willing to pay an extra $15,000 for homes that include mid-sized solar arrays! Solar panels are an attractive feature that potential homebuyers will love to see, as they can look forward to their own monthly savings, too. 

Become Energy Independent with Renu Energy Solutions!

There are so many benefits of solar that make it a no-brainer to leave traditional energy sources in the past! At Renu, we understand that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to reducing your utility and electric bills, so we will work with each and every customer to find a solution that’s best for them. We are here today because of our commitment to our customers, communities, and our passion for bringing energy independence to the Carolinas.

If you’re ready to go solar, give us a call for a free consultation. We’re always happy to help answer any questions you may have and guide you through this process from start to finish!

This blog was originally published on June 23, 2015 and refreshed on October 14, 2020.

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How much energy do solar panels produce?

How much energy do solar panels produce?

 

How much energy do solar panels actually generate?

 

How do solar panels produce energy?

 

Before you can understand how much energy a solar panel can make, it helps to know how they make it. 

 

To make this as simple as possible: solar panels allow particles of light called photons to collide with electrons and knock them free of atoms. When this occurs, electricity is generated, harnessed, and stored as energy in photovoltaic cells. Many photovoltaic cells, or cells that are able to convert sunlight into electricity, make up one solar panel.  

 

 

How is that energy measured?

 

Solar panel potential energy outputs are measured in wattage, or the theoretical output one panel could produce under ideal weather, sunlight, and temperature conditions. You will probably hear solar installers referring to the wattage of certain panels when determining what’s best for your home or business’ solar needs. 

 

The energy production per panel type varies on their capacity. Energy Sage gives this example: a 250-watt panel that receives 4 hours of direct sunlight per day can produce around 1,000 watts (or 1 kilowatt) of electricity. You can reach this conclusion by the equation of Watts x Hours in the sun, so in this particular example, 250 x 4 gives you 1,000. If you’re producing 1 kW per day, that’s about enough to power small appliances, but won’t be able to power your entire home, so you’ll want to install more than one panel depending on the size and energy needs of your house.

 

 

Do certain solar panels produce more energy than others?

 

 

 

When looking to install solar panels on your home, you’ll obviously want a system that best fits your needs. Not all solar panels produce the same amount of energy, so assessing how much electricity you use and the cost it takes to power your home are important factors when weighing your options. 

 

 

 

Short answer: yes, some solar panels produce more energy than others. But that doesn’t mean the smaller systems aren’t effective enough to get the right job done!

 

 

 

For example, 250-watt panels don’t produce as many watts as 400-watt panels because they are physically smaller. However, you may have limited roof space that requires you to go for the more compact panel, or don’t use that much energy and don’t need your solar panels to produce as much. Larger commercial projects that have adequate roof space and significantly more energy needs would most likely opt for a 400-watt panel system. It all truly depends on what you’re looking to power — residential homes will require much less electricity than office buildings, warehouses, etc. 

 

 

 

Renu Energy Solutions specializes in many system types. We have experience installing 4 kW, 5 kW, 6 kW, 7 kW, 8 kW, 9 kW, 10 kW and 20 kW systems! 

 

 

 

If you’re considering converting to solar energy, one of the first questions you’ll have is “How much energy do solar panels produce?” Making the decision to go solar is a big step for most, so you should know exactly what you’re getting out of it. Energy production is an important factor when weighing which type of solar system will work best for your individual needs. 

 

Because renewable energy sources are growing increasingly popular and will soon be consistently cheaper than fossil fuels, many home and business owners are making the switch to solar-powered systems to both save on energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. 

 

 

How do solar panels produce energy?

 

Before you can understand how much energy a solar panel can make, it helps to know how they make it. 

 

To make this as simple as possible: solar panels allow particles of light called photons to collide with electrons and knock them free of atoms. When this occurs, electricity is generated, harnessed, and stored as energy in photovoltaic cells. Many photovoltaic cells, or cells that are able to convert sunlight into electricity, make up one solar panel.  

 

 

How is that energy measured?

 

Solar panel potential energy outputs are measured in wattage, or the theoretical output one panel could produce under ideal weather, sunlight, and temperature conditions. You will probably hear solar installers referring to the wattage of certain panels when determining what’s best for your home or business’ solar needs. 

 

The energy production per panel type varies on their capacity. Energy Sage gives this example: a 250-watt panel that receives 4 hours of direct sunlight per day can produce around 1,000 watts (or 1 kilowatt) of electricity. You can reach this conclusion by the equation of Watts x Hours in the sun, so in this particular example, 250 x 4 gives you 1,000. If you’re producing 1 kW per day, that’s about enough to power small appliances, but won’t be able to power your entire home, so you’ll want to install more than one panel depending on the size and energy needs of your house.

 

 

Do certain solar panels produce more energy than others?

 

 

 

When looking to install solar panels on your home, you’ll obviously want a system that best fits your needs. Not all solar panels produce the same amount of energy, so assessing how much electricity you use and the cost it takes to power your home are important factors when weighing your options. 

 

 

 

Short answer: yes, some solar panels produce more energy than others. But that doesn’t mean the smaller systems aren’t effective enough to get the right job done!

 

 

 

For example, 250-watt panels don’t produce as many watts as 400-watt panels because they are physically smaller. However, you may have limited roof space that requires you to go for the more compact panel, or don’t use that much energy and don’t need your solar panels to produce as much. Larger commercial projects that have adequate roof space and significantly more energy needs would most likely opt for a 400-watt panel system. It all truly depends on what you’re looking to power — residential homes will require much less electricity than office buildings, warehouses, etc. 

 

 

 

Renu Energy Solutions specializes in many system types. We have experience installing 4 kW, 5 kW, 6 kW, 7 kW, 8 kW, 9 kW, 10 kW and 20 kW systems! 

 

 

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If you’re considering converting to solar energy, one of the first questions you’ll have is “How much energy do solar panels produce?” Making the decision to go solar is a big step for most, so you should know exactly what you’re getting out of it. Energy production is an important factor when weighing which type of solar system will work best for your individual needs. 

 

Because renewable energy sources are growing increasingly popular and will soon be consistently cheaper than fossil fuels, many home and business owners are making the switch to solar-powered systems to both save on energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. 

 

 

How do solar panels produce energy?

 

Before you can understand how much energy a solar panel can make, it helps to know how they make it. 

 

To make this as simple as possible: solar panels allow particles of light called photons to collide with electrons and knock them free of atoms. When this occurs, electricity is generated, harnessed, and stored as energy in photovoltaic cells. Many photovoltaic cells, or cells that are able to convert sunlight into electricity, make up one solar panel.  

 

 

How is that energy measured?

 

Solar panel potential energy outputs are measured in wattage, or the theoretical output one panel could produce under ideal weather, sunlight, and temperature conditions. You will probably hear solar installers referring to the wattage of certain panels when determining what’s best for your home or business’ solar needs. 

 

The energy production per panel type varies on their capacity. Energy Sage gives this example: a 250-watt panel that receives 4 hours of direct sunlight per day can produce around 1,000 watts (or 1 kilowatt) of electricity. You can reach this conclusion by the equation of Watts x Hours in the sun, so in this particular example, 250 x 4 gives you 1,000. If you’re producing 1 kW per day, that’s about enough to power small appliances, but won’t be able to power your entire home, so you’ll want to install more than one panel depending on the size and energy needs of your house.

 

 

Do certain solar panels produce more energy than others?

 

 

 

When looking to install solar panels on your home, you’ll obviously want a system that best fits your needs. Not all solar panels produce the same amount of energy, so assessing how much electricity you use and the cost it takes to power your home are important factors when weighing your options. 

 

 

 

Short answer: yes, some solar panels produce more energy than others. But that doesn’t mean the smaller systems aren’t effective enough to get the right job done!

 

 

 

For example, 250-watt panels don’t produce as many watts as 400-watt panels because they are physically smaller. However, you may have limited roof space that requires you to go for the more compact panel, or don’t use that much energy and don’t need your solar panels to produce as much. Larger commercial projects that have adequate roof space and significantly more energy needs would most likely opt for a 400-watt panel system. It all truly depends on what you’re looking to power — residential homes will require much less electricity than office buildings, warehouses, etc. 

 

 

 

Renu Energy Solutions specializes in many system types. We have experience installing 4 kW, 5 kW, 6 kW, 7 kW, 8 kW, 9 kW, 10 kW and 20 kW systems! 

 

 

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How to Choose a Solar Company

How to Choose a Solar Company

Which Solar Provider is Right for You?

Due to the increasing demand for solar, the industry is booming, leaving a lot of customers wondering how to choose a solar company that fits their needs. With new solar providers popping up left and right, the field is now saturated with options for both residential and commercial projects.

Don’t get us wrong — options are a great thing! To have so many great providers in the area allows you to find a solar company that you feel really comfortable with instead of settling for what’s available. However, there are a few things to consider when choosing that you should look out for. Being aware of the horror stories ensures you won’t be the next one!

What to Avoid When You Choose a Solar Company

Before we tell you about the things you should want in a solar company, we want to share some things that you don’t want. These are some very real things happening in the solar industry right now, so we want you to be informed enough to save yourself the trouble.

  1. Misleading information about savings potential

We get it: being promised big savings is one of the most attractive things about going solar. However, it’s important to look out for providers that are potentially exaggerating your savings potential or low-balling the actual cost of a solar installation.

The wrong solar company will probably exaggerate your potential savings; they’ll throw out a big number in hopes of grabbing your attention. Everyone likes to save money, there’s no shame in that — but air on the side of caution and don’t expect an exact dollar amount straight away. It is extremely difficult to pinpoint an accurate rate of savings, as every house has different solar systems and different energy needs.

  1. Bundling to disguise extra costs

Some companies will bundle your solar panels with other features such as a smart thermostat, LED lighting, or air sealing and claim that they’re included with the price. In reality, they’re not including these as a bonus, they’re just charging you more and making you think you’re getting a deal! If you compare prices with a solar company who isn’t necessarily offering all the extra bells and whistles, they are more than likely going to be significantly cheaper because they’re not sneaking in those hidden costs. Many companies will also try to include those upgrades and fancy features into the 26% Federal Tax Cut, for which they are not eligible. It’s another shady tactic to make you think you’re saving more money than you are. If a deal feels entirely too good to be true, it probably is.

  1. Sketchy sales tactics that take advantage of customers

There are several common sales tactics to look out for when shopping for a solar provider, the first of which is to pressure you into purchasing within a specific timeframe. This could look something like signing a contract before the end of the week to get a discount on your panels and installation, which is a trick to prevent you from taking the time to research all of your options, or their competitors.

Another common trick is to purposefully mark up their panels and create a sort of sale, making the customer believe they’re getting a deal. In reality, they’re offering you the appropriate market price, the original price had just been extremely inflated to make you think you’ve stumbled across this great sale. If you aren’t pressured time-wise, you’ll be able to do your research and compare costs with other solar providers in the area, which is exactly what they don’t want you to do.

Now That I Know What I Don’t Want in a Solar Company, How Do I Know What I Do Want?

Now that we’ve alerted you about some of the red flags you should avoid, here are some things that you will want to look for before you choose a solar company:

  1. Expertise in the industry

With solar’s increased popularity, many solar providers have sprung up in the last few years in an attempt to get a piece of the pie. With so many options, make sure you’re choosing one that has proven experience and a level of expertise that some of their competitors might not possess. The solar industry gold standard is to be National American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certified, which indicates that they provide quality assurance for each and every installation. (Psst! Renu is NABCEP certified!)

  1. A positive reputation

If you don’t believe what the solar company is telling you, believe what their customers are saying! You’ll get some great insight from people that have worked with them before and learn more about their experiences going solar. If a certain provider has mostly negative reviews from their customers, it’s probably in your best interest to stay away. If you’d like to hear from some of Renu’s clients, check out our reviews.

  1. Proven track record

When choosing a solar company that’s right for you, you may want to compare some of their previous projects that are similar to yours so that you have an idea of what it’s going to be like. If they have a proven track record, you’ll have more peace of mind because you’ll know that they’ve done this kind of installation many times and know what to expect. For example, Renu has done over 3,500 installations on both residential and commercial projects, so we’ve seen it all!

  1. Service & support

You don’t want a company that ditches you as soon as the panels are installed — you want one that’s going to offer system support and troubleshooting if necessary. If a problem arises with your system, you want a solar provider that you can rely on to fix it instead of leaving you to fend for yourself.

Why Choose Renu Over the Competition?

Before you choose a solar company, keep in mind everything we discussed! We are happy to acknowledge the growth the solar industry has seen in the last few years and are proud to have been a part of it. While we realize there are many solar companies to work with, we believe we are the right choice for you.

Recently, Renu was honored by Inc. Media by being included on their Inc. 5000 List, a prestigious list of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. In our 10th year of operating, we’re already being recognized nationally for our hard work and dedication in the solar industry.

In addition to being esteemed by the Inc. 5000, we also just made Solar Power World’s Top 500 Solar Contractors List! We are so grateful to be recognized by fellow solar companies and hope to continue climbing our way up the list.
While awards and recognitions aren’t our reason for doing what we do, we are proud to be thought of as a reliable, growing business that is committed to providing the highest quality service to each and every customer. If you’d like to learn more about us before choosing a solar company for your home or business’ installation, book a free solar consultation with us today. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have and guide you through your solar journey from the beginning to the end.

Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor List

Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor List

Renu Energy Solutions made the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor List!

We are so proud to announce we have made the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor’s list! Although the COVID-19 pandemic is the immediate crisis unfolding at the moment, mitigating climate change is also an urgent issue. Solar PV installation is one way to help reduce greenhouse gases from fossil fuels. Solar Power World has recognized the efforts of solar contractors across the United States in its 2020 Top Solar Contractors list, where local solar installer Renu Energy Solutions achieved a rank of 180 out of 407 companies. The Top Solar Contractors list is developed each year by Solar Power World to honor the work of solar installers big and small. Solar firms in the utility, commercial, and residential markets are ranked by the number of kilowatts installed in the previous year. Companies are grouped and listed by specific service (developers, electrical subcontractors, EPCs, installation subcontractors, rooftop installers), markets, and states. “The Solar Power World team is so pleased to highlight more than 400 companies on the 2020 Top Solar Contractors list, especially during this unprecedented time,” said Kelsey Misbrener, senior editor of Solar Power World. “All contractors featured on the 2020 list reported strong 2019 installation numbers and are continuing to stand tall this year.”

The Solar Power World Top 500 and COVID-19

This year’s Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractors are facing obstacles that this industry has never seen before. The first quarter of 2020 was the country’s biggest ever, with 3.6 GW of new solar capacity added. But COVID-19 impacts showed their force in Q2, and Wood Mackenzie is forecasting residential and non-residential markets will see 25% and 38% decreases in year-over-year installation volumes this year. Renu Energy Solutions has been able to successfully continue operating by taking many steps to ensure the health and safety of staff and customers during this time. Through introducing virtual and over the phone consultations, encouraging sanitary precautions at install sites, and enforcing social distancing measures in office and warehouse environments, Renu has maintained complete efficiency during this time. In addition to persevering through this turbulent time in history, the 2020 class of Top Solar Contractors is continuing to innovate by adding energy storage to their offerings. Over one-third of this year’s contractors are also featured on the exclusive 2020 Top Solar + Storage Installers list. Renu Energy Solutions was included in this list as well, being ranked 40 out of 137 companies.    Renu Energy Solutions employs around 60 workers who installed 4491 Kilowatts of solar power in 2019. Since its founding in 2010, the company has installed 17,609 Kilowatts of solar. The company takes great pride in being able to offer effective energy solutions to homeowners, business owners, and nonprofits all across the country.

About Solar Power World 

Solar Power World is the leading online and print resource for news and information regarding solar installation, development, and technology. Since 2011, SPW has helped U.S. solar contractors — including installers, developers, and EPCs in all markets — grow their businesses and do their jobs better.

About Renu Energy Solutions

As our tagline states, we believe in Smart. Reliable. Solar.

Smart.

Customer education is a central pillar of Renu Energy’s approach. Homeowners and businesses are seeing the clear economic and environmental advantages of clean solar energy. Our experienced consultants are here to help guide you through renewable energy improvements that are both wise for the planet and prudent for your financial future.

Reliable.

Since 2010, Renu Energy Solutions has provided quality renewable energy system installations for commercial and residential systems. Solar technology works. The sun’s energy is plentiful. The Renu Energy team is ready to demonstrate to you that we can deliver a durable, powerful solar solution guaranteed to meet or exceed energy projections for five years.

Solar.

We envision a future where most buildings incorporate clean energy. Because solar panels have come down in price significantly over several years, it’s within reach of many customers and has become popular across the country. Whatever your reason for considering solar, let Renu Energy be your committed partner for devising and building your ideal solar solution. Contact us today for a free solar consultation!