What Are Inverters?

Investing in a solar system is a big decision that requires a consultation, system design phase, and installation. Most solar energy systems have a warranted lifespan of 25 years, so it’s imperative that customers choose the right components that match with what they want to get out of their system. Most customers focus on components like panels and energy storage units, but inverters play a big role in how a customer keeps track of their system’s production.

Inverters convert the direct current (DC) of energy that solar panels produce from sunlight into alternating current (AC) of energy that can be used in the home for appliances and electronics. While this function may seem pretty basic, there are two main types of inverters that customers can choose from.

Optimizers vs Microinverters

The two main types of inverters that residential customers tend to go with are optimizers and microinverters. Optimizers have a central inverter that is located on the side of the house while microinverters have smaller inverters located underneath each panel.

One of the main benefits of choosing an optimizer for your solar energy system is the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). MPPT ensures that customers get the most out of each panel, even if some panels are shaded at any point during the day. A SolarEdge Single-Phase Inverter allows for panel level monitoring and home energy consumption monitoring so customers can see how their produced energy is being used. The SolarEdge Single-Phase Inverter also uses one main inverter on the side of the house that is easy to install, easy to troubleshoot, lightweight, smaller in size, and high in efficiency. As DC energy gets converted to AC energy on the side of the home that work is done usually in a cooler temperature which makes the inverter work more efficient and increases the product life. SolarEdge uses string inverters + power optimizers that help maximize production from panels. On top of production, SolarEdge inverters utilize a feature called SafeDC which shuts down DC voltage in the event of an emergency.

A primary benefit of choosing microinverters for your solar energy system is that microinverters convert DC energy to AC energy directly underneath each individual panel. Having inverters located underneath the panels allows for monitoring of each individual panel. If one microinverter failed, other microinverters in the system would stay active, allowing customers to easily identify which panel is having issues. Enphase Microinverters have a feature called Sunlight Backup which stores energy in each microinverter in case there is a power outage. With Sunlight Backup, customers keep their low power loads on during an outage without the need of an energy storage unit. During the case of a system expansion, additional microinverters attach underneath new panels without the need to make adjustments to other microinverters in the system.

Photo courtesy of Ornate Solar

Which Inverter Option Is Best For My System?

Choosing between different system components can be a challenge as each solar system is unique depending on what the customers needs are. One system may benefit from a SolarEdge Single-Phase Inverter while the other may benefit from utilizing Enphase Microinverters. 

Customers installing a larger solar system would benefit from using a SolarEdge Single-Phase Inverter as the system requires fewer units than microinverters. Having a centralized inverter vs individual inverters makes for a cost effective solution. Along with cost, SolarEdge Single-Phase Inverters utilize power optimization that has a track record of being reliable since they’ve been on the market for a long time. Besides historic success, SolarEdge Single-Phase Inverters are warranted out-of-the-box for up to 12 years with the option to upgrade to 25 years. 

For smaller systems with more complex designs and intermittent shade, customers would benefit from using Enphase Microinverters. Since microinverters don’t use string inverters during the installation process, systems have more room for different array layouts and expansions down the road. 

Interested In Going Solar?

Investing in a solar energy system means you’re investing in energy independence that brings savings and clean energy down the road. Would you like to find out if solar is right for you? Click our link here to get in touch with a solar energy consultant who can help get you the right system with the right components for a smart, reliable, solar investment.

Save This Summer

Summer is here and so is the sun! Summertime means warmer weather, longer days, and time spent outside with family and friends. While this season brings fun in the sun, it also brings bigger air conditioning (A/C) costs making your energy bill more expensive than any other time of the year. With a solar energy system, homeowners can save money on their A/C costs by producing their own power. However, there are other ways to cut down A/C costs without the production of energy that a solar energy system provides. Whether you’ve had solar for years or are interested in getting a quote for your home, these energy saving habits will help reduce the impact cooling has on your energy bill.

Adjust Your Thermostat For Outings

We all have that temperature that we are comfortable with during the Summer. Some like keeping their temperature as cold as they can compared to outdoor temperatures, but that temperature doesn’t need to be set at all times. Christina Kielich, spokesperson for the U.S Department of Energy, recommends programming your thermostat to match the outdoor temperature when residents aren’t home. Keeping your thermostat set to the outdoor temperature could cut your A/C costs down anywhere from 10%-18% for the entire Summer. Energy customers can save even more by matching the outside temperature at night when members in the home aren’t active. The closer you get to matching the temperature outside with the thermostat, the more you can maximize your savings!

Check Air Filters

While optimizing your thermostat and A/C system is a great way to save, there is more to maintaining low A/C costs than keeping track of temperatures. Air conditioning systems need to be checked on and maintained. One of the most proactive steps you can take to maintain your A/C is checking and changing the air filters. Clogged air filters make cooling your home difficult, and the air coming through the vents are filled with dust and debris that can contribute to health issues like allergies and asthma. Central cooling systems outside of homes should be checked on as well, and the floor vents should be free of any dust or furniture blocking the airflow. Regardless of what kind of system exists in the home, residents should check their filters monthly, and even get a professional to inspect cooling systems annually.

Bring Out The Fans!

Fans do not necessarily turn down the temperature in a room, but they do make a room feel seven degrees colder. Both ceiling fans and plug-in fans assist with blowing cool air from the A/C. Residents can even turn their thermostat four degrees warmer with fans turned on and likely not notice a difference in air temperature. Changing the thermostat four degrees while having fans on can help cut 17 cents per hour off your A/C bill. Ceiling fans cost only one penny an hour, so get those fans running and start saving! Additionally, fans are easier to keep powered for a longer time period with energy storage in the event of a grid outage than A/C units.

Take Breaks From Certain Appliances

Using certain appliances in the home can contribute to higher A/C costs by raising the temperature inside. Appliances like stovetops, dryers, and dishwashers increase internal temperatures and use more electricity! Next time you are cooking on the stove or using your washer and dryer, take a look at your thermostat. I’ve found that my apartment’s temperature will spike three to four degrees while cooking on the stovetop. Some ways to work around this include washing dishes by hand, hanging clothes out to dry, cooking on the grill, or even using the microwave. On top of these appliances, large electronics like plasma TV’s produce excess heat. If you can help it, cutting back on using these appliances during the day will help make your home more comfortable and lower A/C costs.

Start Your Summer Savings

Incorporating the practices above will help keep you cool and lower your A/C costs. Summer in the Carolinas can experience extremely hot temperatures, as certain areas stay over 90 degrees consistently throughout the season. Even with a solar energy system, customers in the Carolinas experience a spike in their energy bills. Practice these tips this Summer and notice the difference in your energy bill from previous years! 

If you are interested in lowering your energy costs entirely, investing in solar energy system for your home can bring you energy savings and independence. To get in touch with a solar consultant for a free quote, click the link here!

Net Metering Currently

On March 23, 2023, Duke Energy North Carolina approved some changes to their solar net metering policy. As of now, net metering is the energy credit policy Duke Energy North Carolina has in place for solar customers who produce excess energy. Excess energy is measured in credits, and the rate for these credits are 1:1. Each credit sent to the utility grid from the solar system can be used for later when the solar system isn’t producing as much during inclement weather. 

Net Metering allows solar customers to get the most out of their system. Some customers choose to go solar for sustainable purposes while others focus on lowering their energy costs as much as possible. Having the net metering policy ensures that a customer’s produced energy will be used at some point whether that be when it’s needed or stored for later.

Changes To Net Metering

Part of Duke Energy North Carolina’s net metering policy change will begin October 1, 2023 by adding a variety of fees for customers who buy solar after this date. Along with fees, the net metering system will be modified to include a time-of-use rate plan with a new billing system. We don’t have all the details of these modifications and additions yet, but what we do know is how these net metering changes will affect existing and future solar energy customers.

Existing Customers

Customers who have already made the switch to solar energy won’t see any of the net metering changes until January 2027. Once 2027 comes around, a modified net metering rate called a bridge rate will be implemented for existing customers. The duration of a customer’s time with the bridge rate is calculated by subtracting the year 2027 by the year their system’s interconnection was submitted. After that step, subtract 15 minus the number of years between the interconnection date and 2027. That difference will be the duration a customer is on the bridge rate. For example, a customer with an interconnection date of 2015 will be on the bridge rate for three years. 

15 Years – (2027-2015) = Years of Bridge Rate

15 Years – 12 Years = Years of Bridge Rate

3 = Years of Bridge Rate

Customers who are investing in solar energy before October 1, 2023 need to apply for an interconnection with Duke Energy North Carolina to be included in the legacy net metering program that is currently in place. After January 1, 2027, these customers will be on a modified rate for 12 years prior to switching to time of use. Customers should note that credits that are currently rolling over into the existing net metering policy will not roll over to the bridge rider or time of use rider. The credits will be used at the avoided cost rate and applied to the bill, which is no less than the minimum bill for the bridge rider or time of use rider.

Future Customers

Customers who invest in solar after October 1, 2023 will be faced with a new set of fees and the choice between a modified net metering rate or the time of use rate. Choosing between net metering and time of use rate will depend on the customer’s appliance usage and the kind of system the customer has.

Last Chance

Now is the best time to go solar to take full advantage of the 1:1 net metering policy. Not only do the 1:1 credits let customers use their energy to the fullest, but they will have more options down the road once modified net metering policies and time of use are put into place. Interested in solar or know anyone who is? Learn more about solar for your home by clicking the link here to get a pressure-free consultation.

To read more about net metering changes coming to North Carolina, visit the North Carolina Utilities Commission Page by clicking here.

Everyone has the ability to make a difference in creating a sustainable future, whether that be done by recycling plastics or driving an electric vehicle. The next step for making a bigger impact involves joining local sustainable initiatives. Sustainable initiatives allow for like minded people to come together and work towards a common goal. An example would be a scheduled beach cleanup. One person picking up trash on the beach is not nearly as impactful as getting a crowd to come help, and having others around fighting for the same goal builds camaraderie and hope for a cleaner earth. Beach cleanups are one example of local initiatives, but there are so much more. Here we can take a closer look at sustainability initiatives to get involved in.

Public Cleanups

While a beach cleanup is a great way to get involved, most people don’t live near a beach! However, the official Earth Day website makes finding local cleanups easy. Website visitors can find a cleanup near them by visiting earthday.org and clicking ‘The Great Global Cleanup’ under the ‘Our Work’ menu. Once a user is on this page, they can find a cleanup by typing in their state, city, or zipcode. Cleanups can be found all over the world, and cleanups will require you to register online before the event. For users wanting to schedule a cleanup, they can register on the same page where volunteers find a cleanup. Happy cleaning!

Community Gardens

Picking up trash is a great way to fight plastic pollution, but those with a green thumb may prefer to get involved through their community gardens. Community gardens are micro farms that tend to populate in urban environments where people don’t have access to farmable land. Urban areas without access to fresh produce are also known as ‘food deserts’, which lead to low-income communities being unable to buy healthy foods. Besides improving fresh food availability, community gardens have environmental benefits as well. Growing food in a community garden helps create biodiversity of plants and animals in urban settings, improve soil and air quality, cut back on fossil fuels used to transport groceries, and allow for composting opportunities in the area. To find a community garden near you, visit communitygarden.org and click on the menu option ‘Find a garden’. Here you will find a map of gardens in the area.

Community Composting

One way to help contribute towards strengthening community gardens is by participating in local community composting. Composting involves tossing organic foods and other natural resources like leaves into a bin to decompose into fertilizer. On a community level, neighborhoods, restaurants, and apartment communities provide composting bins for collection to be settled and mixed later. In the city of Charlotte, composters have access to Crown Town Compost. Crown Town Compost provides composting services for homes, apartments, and businesses. Those interested in getting involved with composting can visit goodstartpackaging.com to find out more about services near them.

Closing Thoughts

Public cleanups, community gardens, and community composting are great ways to get involved with local sustainability initiatives. While these are great options, there are other ways to get involved in the community. For the initiatives listed above, click on the links below! 

Public Cleanups – https://www.earthday.org/campaign/cleanup/#map

Community Garden – https://www.communitygarden.org/garden

Community Composting – https://www.goodstartpackaging.com/find-a-composting-service/

Recycling is one of the most accessible ways people can practice sustainability on a daily basis. Everyone uses plastic materials and products at some point whether they are eating out or cleaning out old files in the office. Many assume that anything made out of paper and plastic can is recyclable, but there’s more to recycling than just tossing paper and plastic into a blue bin. In fact, there are rules to recycling that many may be unaware of. The list below contains recyclable materials and non-recyclable materials.

Recyclable Materials

• Plastic Containers and Bottles

Plastic containers & bottles that are dried and cleaned may be tossed in recycling bins. These containers include bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars. Checking the bottom of a container can help one determine the recycling capabilities of the container. A logo from how2recycle.info might be found here that gives instructions and describes the kind of material that is being recycled. However, the circle of arrows doesn’t necessarily mean the item can be recycled. Polychem USA provides seven categories of containers that either may or may not be accepted at recycling facilities in your area.

Image Credit: polystarusa.com

• Cans

Cans containing food, refreshments, and aerosol cans made of tin, aluminum, and steel may be recycled. Any plastic tops for cans must be removed before recycling. Similarly to plastics, make sure the cans are empty and clean before tossing them. 

• Paper

Being able to be reused five-seven times, paper is the most common material that is recycled. Paper products like newspapers, copy paper, and magazines are all able to be recycled, however, any wet paper must be put in a composting bin.

• Paperboard and Cardboard

Any cardboard or paperboard used for shipping, food packaging, and storing can be recycled. Cardboard structures must be flattened before being deposited for recycling due to how much space boxes take up. Like plastic containers and canned foods, cardboard boxes delivering food must be cleaned out of any leftover crumbs or liners.

• Cartons

Cartons containing food and drinks can be recycled depending on what local recycling programs permit. Regulations for recycling cartons vary depending on which county, city, and state one resides. Be sure to check local guidelines before recycling any cartons. 

• Glass

Like cartons, recycling glass depends on local recycling regulations. Communities that permit recycling glass provide pick up services and drop off locations for glass containers and bottles.

Unacceptable Materials

Here is where many will be surprised with what isn’t allowed in regards to recycling. Most things that are made out of plastic, paper, cardboard, or glass, are capable of being recycled. While those materials may be recycled, there are certain exceptions that must be noted.

• Recyclable Materials In Plastic Bags

Even though plastic bags are made out of plastic, plastic bags are encouraged to be reused by whoever possesses them. Plastic bags aren’t like plastic containers in the sense that they are made up of plastic film. Grocery stores like Food Lion and Publix provide containers specifically for plastic bags to be recycled.

Image Courtesy: City of Sonoma

• Plastic Film and Wraps

Plastic film and wraps fall into the same category as plastic bags. Examples of everyday plastic film and wraps include bubble wrap, saran wrap, freezer bags, and sandwich bags.

• Flexible Packaging

Packages made out of a mix of cardboard and plastic cannot be recycled due to the variety of materials making up the package. Some of these packages include cardboard packages with plastic or any juice packages.

• Disposable Cups

Disposable cups appear to be recyclable since they have paper or cardboard, but the wax that these cups contain to regulate heat make the cup unable to be recycled properly. Instead, those using these kinds of cups should be encouraged to invest in a reusable bottle or thermos.

• Polystyrene Foam and Plastic

Foam and plastic containers made out of polystyrene are not able to be recycled because of the nonrenewable materials used to create these containers. Packing peanuts are made out of the same materials, however, some shipping companies will reuse them or create packing peanuts that dissolve when wet.

Other Unacceptable Materials

Besides the different kinds of plastics and foams that aren’t able to be recycled, noting other kinds of materials like medical waste and dirty diapers is important for the safety of material recovery facility (MRF) workers. Any tangled materials, random household items, and garage scrap could damage equipment used at MRF facilities creating an unsafe work environment. 

Where To Learn More

After reading this article, one should realize there is more to recycling than just putting paper products in a blue container. Different containers and materials have their own set of rules and regulations for recycling. Disregarding these rules would not only be a waste of time, but the recycling process for accepted materials would be hindered. To learn more about recycling properly, check out how2recycle.info today!

Tornado Surge

Last week, the Midwest received a surge of tornadoes ravaging towns in Arkansas, Tennessee, Iowa, and northern Illinois leaving 32 people dead. Towns like Wynne, Arkansas and Covington, Tennessee are left in shambles needing immense amounts of reconstruction. Residents of these towns lost their homes, loved ones, and described their surroundings as a warzone. These communities encountered EF-3 rated tornadoes which have wind speeds ranging from 136 mph to 165 mph.

Storms To Come

Unfortunately, last weeks’ storms are expected to be followed by another severe weather outbreak arriving in the midwest Tuesday afternoon. Affected areas include the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee Valleys. This additional storm surge could result in thunderstorms across the southeast. Those living in the midwest should be prepared to find shelter from potential tornadoes. Homeowners that are not at risk of tornadoes should expect thunderstorms, which means power outages may arise from strong winds, rain, and lightning.

Energy Storage Backup 

While the only viable way to prepare for tornadoes is to find safety, homeowners can prepare for thunderstorms by protecting themselves from power outages. With energy storage, homeowners can use their stored energy in the emergence of a power outage. Energy storage units like the Tesla Powerwall and LG ESS Home 8 act as the main grid once the utility grid goes down. Lights will stay on without the homeowner realizing there was a power outage. The Tesla Powerwall even comes with a Storm Mode that activates Backup Reserve. Backup Reserve uses a percentage of the available power to keep home essentials up and running.

Invest In Energy Storage Today

Investing in an energy storage unit for the home is one of the most proactive steps a homeowner can take when preparing for severe weather. Thunderstorms aren’t as devastating as the effects of an EF-3 tornado, but the consequences of losing power for extended periods of time can be dangerous for families who rely on appliances for day to day functions. To learn more about protecting your home and family with energy storage, click here!