Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Lower Energy Costs for Families

Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Lower Energy Costs for Families

by | Dec 8, 2022 | Uncategorized

The Biden-Harris administration is committed to reducing energy costs for families across the United States. On November 2, 2022, the White House announced a series of new actions aimed at lowering the cost of energy for families and small businesses. These actions include investments in clean energy technologies, increased access to energy-efficient appliances, and support for low-income families.

Investing in Clean Energy Technologies The Biden-Harris administration is making a significant investment in clean energy technologies. This investment will help to reduce the cost of energy for families by making clean energy sources more widely available. The government will support the development of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, which can provide reliable and affordable energy to families. Additionally, the government will support research and development into new clean energy technologies that can reduce the cost of energy even further.

Increased Access to Energy-Efficient Appliances Another way the Biden-Harris administration is reducing energy costs for families is by increasing access to energy-efficient appliances. Energy-efficient appliances use less energy and are less expensive to operate than traditional appliances. By providing families with access to these appliances, the government hopes to reduce the cost of energy for families and help families save money on their energy bills.

Support for Low-Income Families The Biden-Harris administration is also providing support for low-income families who are struggling to pay their energy bills. The government will work with utilities and other organizations to provide low-income families with access to affordable energy. This support will help low-income families stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, without breaking the bank.

Conclusion The Biden-Harris administration is committed to reducing the cost of energy for families and small businesses. By investing in clean energy technologies, increasing access to energy-efficient appliances, and providing support for low-income families, the government is taking concrete steps to help families save money on their energy bills. These actions will help families across the country access affordable, reliable energy and ensure that energy costs do not become a burden for families.

Net Metering Vs Time Of Use

Net Metering Vs Time Of Use

by | May 19, 2022 | Uncategorized

Net metering and Time of Use (TOU) are two different billing mechanisms used by utilities to compensate homeowners who generate their own electricity using solar panels.

Net metering allows homeowners to send excess electricity generated by their solar panels back to the grid, and receive credits on their utility bill for the electricity they’ve contributed. Essentially, the homeowner is only paying for net electricity used (i.e., the difference between the electricity generated and consumed).

Time of Use billing, on the other hand, is based on the time of day and the season when electricity is used. Electricity rates are higher during peak hours when demand is high and lower during off-peak hours when demand is low. With TOU billing, homeowners who generate their own electricity can choose to use it during peak hours when electricity rates are high, and sell excess electricity back to the grid during off-peak hours.

In summary, net metering is a simple way to compensate homeowners for the excess electricity they generate, while Time of Use billing allows homeowners to potentially save money by consuming or selling electricity during times when rates are favorable.In North Carolina and South Carolina, both net metering and Time of Use (TOU) billing are available options for homeowners who generate their own electricity using solar panels.

North Carolina has implemented net metering policies that allow homeowners to receive credits on their utility bill for the excess electricity generated by their solar panels and sent back to the grid. The credits are based on the retail rate for electricity and are applied to the homeowner’s next bill.

South Carolina also has net metering policies in place, with some utilities offering TOU billing as an alternative option. With TOU billing in South Carolina, homeowners can potentially save money by consuming or selling electricity during times when rates are lower.

It’s important to note that the specific policies and regulations regarding net metering and TOU billing in North Carolina and South Carolina can vary by utility, so it’s recommended to check with your local utility for more information

Which Solar Battery is Best for Your Home?

Which Solar Battery is Best for Your Home?

by | May 25, 2021 | Uncategorized

Choosing a Solar Battery for Your Home

Many solar owners have opted to install a solar battery with their system to provide their home with a source of energy storage and backup power for when you need it most. With so many great options available, you may be asking yourself, “What solar battery is best for my home?” Before making a choice, you should know a little bit about each type of solar battery and how it would benefit your home and meet your individual energy needs. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common types of solar batteries and how they work, giving you some insight as to which one would be best for your home!

What is a Solar Battery?

A solar battery is a device that stores excess energy produced by solar panels, allowing you to use it after sundown, during power outages and rolling blackouts, and other scenarios in which you need energy to power your home. For those whose homes are tied to the grid, a solar battery’s stored energy is the difference between losing power altogether or being able to keep the lights on, even when the rest of your neighborhood is in the dark. If your home isn’t tied to the grid at all, you need a solar battery to store energy because you won’t be able to pull from the grid when you need it. There are several types and sizes of solar batteries, and the larger capacity your battery has, the more energy it is capable of storing. 

What are the Types of Solar Batteries?

Most of the options on the market today fall under four main types: lithium ion batteries, flow batteries, lead acid batteries, and nickel cadmium batteries.  

  • Lithium Ion Batteries

    These solar batteries have become increasingly popular in the last few years because of their long lifespans and the fact that they require little to no maintenance. They’re capable of storing more energy in smaller spaces than lead acid batteries can. A famous example of a lithium ion battery is the Tesla Powerwall, of which Renu is a proud installer!

  • Flow Batteries

    Flow batteries contain a liquid within that powers them and tend to be rather large, so they’re not ideal for residential installations. For commercial solar projects that have more space and require more energy, these are a great option. 

  • Lead Acid Batteries

    Lead acid batteries were invented in 1860, making them easy to dispose of if needed. They’re also probably the cheapest option when it comes to energy storage, but require regular maintenance and have a relatively short lifespan (between 5 and 10 years, depending on how well they’re cared for).

  • Nickel Cadmium Batteries

    These types of batteries are very durable and capable of operating at extreme temperatures, but cadmium is a very toxic chemical and they’re hard to dispose of properly. These are not used for residential purposes. 

The Best Solar Battery for Your Home

With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which solar battery best fits your home and its energy needs. We’ll walk you through some of the most popular batteries on the market:

  • Tesla Powerwall

    The Tesla Powerwall, sized for day-to-day use, can store up to 13.5 kWh of solar energy produced by your solar panels. The Powerwall is capable of detecting outages before they affect your home, disconnecting from the grid and restoring power to your home before you even know it! With two Tesla Powerwalls, you’re able to power your home with your own stored energy for 7+ days. Renu Energy Solutions has been a certified Tesla installer since 2016, so if you’re interested in this solar battery, contact us today!

  • Generac PWRcell

    The Generac PWRcell is another excellent option for residential energy storage. It’s capable of storing up to 10 kWh of power making it a great alternative for those whose homes don’t require as much energy as the Tesla Powerwall would provide. This solar battery is covered by a warranty of 10 years and will continue to power your home in the event of a grid outage! For more information on the Generac PWRcell, contact Renu today for an energy storage consultation. 

  • Enphase Encharge

    The Enphase Encharge line has several solar batteries to choose from, with the Encharge 3 providing 3.36 kWh of stored energy and the Enphase 10 providing 10.08 kWh. This battery is great for powering your home day-to-day and storing excess energy in the event of a blackout or grid outage. Plus, it comes with a 10 year or 4,000 cycles warranty!

Energy Storage with Renu Energy Solutions

Because of the convenience, peace of mind, and reliability that a solar battery provides, many solar customers choose one to accompany their solar panel system. With the ability to continue to power your home even when the grid is down, solar batteries offer energy independence to homeowners across the county. If you’re interested in installing a solar battery backup system to pair with your solar system, contact us today for a free consultation! We’d be happy to help you on your journey to energy independence. 

Is Solar Right for My Home?

by | Apr 14, 2021 | Uncategorized

How to Answer the Question “Is Solar Right for My Home?”  

If you’re considering converting to clean, renewable energy, you may be asking yourself “Is solar right for my home?” Before investing in a solar panel system, it’s important to consider a few things that could affect your home’s eligibility; understanding these characteristics can help you make a decision about going solar and whether it makes sense for you!

To get an idea of what makes a home a good candidate for solar panels, we’ve compiled a list of things to think about. 

1. The kind of roof your home has

Asphalt shingles, which are the most common roof tile in the Carolinas, are made from a durable fiberglass material that is perfect when paired with solar panels. However, with the help of seasoned professionals like the solar technicians at Renu Energy Solutions, panels can be installed on just about any type of roof, including wood shake, slate tiles, concrete tiles, or clay and mortar. Finding a reliable solar installer is the first step in checking for the compatibility of your roof and the panels!

2. If your roof needs to be replaced

Once installed, solar panels can be uninstalled and reinstalled at your convenience, but if your roof is in need of repairs, it might be easier to complete those before investing in a solar system. This way, you don’t have to worry about taking the panels off of your roof and putting them on again when you need repairs made!

3. The direction your roof faces or if your roof is obstructed

For homes in North America, the best direction for solar panels to face is south, as this will give  maximum sun exposure during the peak hours of midday to mid-afternoon. However, while facing southward is the best option, it doesn’t mean solar panels won’t work if they have to face another direction. At Renu Energy Solutions, our certified solar installers are skilled at placing panels on roofs of all shapes and sizes to ensure that no potential solar customer is left behind!

If your roof is obstructed from the view of the sun by tall trees, other buildings, etc., you may want to consider ground-mounted solar panels that can be placed in a more optimal position. While solar panels do still work in the shade, they will not be operating as efficiently as they would be in direct sunlight. 

4. If your HOA allows you to install solar panels

One question that’s sure to come up after “is solar right for my home?” is “am I even allowed to install solar panels?” Some homeowners associations prevent you from altering too much of the appearance of the outside of your home, which can include panels on the roof. This is especially common in more historic neighborhoods that are protected by the city to maintain the original look of the houses.

The good news is that HOA’s can only legally prevent you from installing solar if your state requires you to get permission and then that plea is denied. If you’re granted permission by the state to install solar panels, the HOA can’t interfere. It’s best to check with your HOA anyway before converting to solar energy and know your options. 

5. If ground-mounted solar panels are an option

For those who don’t have adequate roof space or a homeowner’s association that won’t allow you to install solar panels on your roof, ground-mounted solar is a great alternative. These panels are mounted on the ground instead of on your roof, giving you the option to go solar even if your roof is not a viable option. These are also great for homeowners whose roofs are shaded or otherwise obstructed from view of the sun because they can be placed in an optimal space to absorb sunlight. 

6. The climate in which you live

Any area that has low cloud coverage is great for going solar. There’s a common misconception that only warmer climates are ideal for solar panels, but as long as the sun is shining, panels can produce energy! Solar panels are also capable of converting sunlight into electricity on cloudy days, but they won’t be operating at peak efficiency; if you live in a climate that is terminally cloudy, solar might not be a worthwhile investment.

7. How much you spend on utility bills 

Perhaps the main reason that people ask “is solar right for my home?” is because they’re interested in saving money on their utility bills. While solar has many benefits, one of the most attractive is that the investment on a solar energy system can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. For example, residents in both Charlotte, NC and Raleigh, NC can save approximately $32,000 on their utility bills over the course of their solar system’s lifetime. If your utility bill is continuing to skyrocket, going solar may be the best option for your home!

Is Solar Right for You?

Now that you’re able to answer the questions “is solar right for my home?”, give Renu Energy Solutions a call! With over 4,100 solar installations since 2010, our dedicated team of professionals is more than capable of helping you achieve solar success. 

For more information about converting to clean, renewable energy, contact us today for a free consultation. We’d be happy to answer any questions you still have about your home’s ability to go solar and how you can benefit from a solar system. 

 

Earth Day 2021 is Here!

Earth Day 2021 is Here!

by | Apr 14, 2021 | Uncategorized

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day is a celebration that was created in 1970 to honor and emphasize the protection of the planet. In the years leading up to this holiday, the world was going through a new period of unprecedented industrialization and automation. Visible byproducts of these advancements, like air and water pollution, began to get the attention of people who were concerned about what this meant for human and environmental health. One of those concerned individuals was Wisconsin Senator, Gaylord Nelson who gathered support originally on college campuses through teach-ins on environmental hazards. Senator Nelson and his team’s idea gained traction across the nation and reached around 20 million Americans through demonstrations and events, just in the first year. 20 years later, in 1970 the celebration went global to include 141 countries and more than 200 million people. Since then the movement has only grown with each year and soon we get to honor it on the 51st anniversary.

Making Earth Day 2021 Special

Sadly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day was not at the forefront of everyone’s minds last year. But that means, with all of the progress that has been made in the past year, we will be able to celebrate it almost-normally again on April 22nd. The theme for Earth Day this year is “Restore our Earth”. Considering the times and all that we have learned throughout the extent of the pandemic, this theme is very fitting.

During the pauses in activity and periods of quarantine we made a lot of discoveries regarding human involvement’s role in climate change. There was a visible reduction in air and water pollution, restoration of several ecosystems, rebounding of species, and more. With this information we can see the clear effect that our activity has on the planet and how important our participation is in events like Earth Day. This year still may look a little different but there are still countless ways to get out there and make a difference!  

How Does Solar Energy Contribute?

Solar energy is a fantastic alternative to fossil fuels, which have a great impact on climate change. Renewable energy sources, like solar, are carbon-free and do not produce any other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. This helps to prevent things like air and water pollution that have negative effects on the environment as well as human health. It has also reduced carbon emissions by 110 million metric tons. Solar and other renewable energy sources are growing rapidly in terms of advancements and popularity, as people are recognizing their benefits more and more. 

Solar can have the greatest impact when it is widely used by as many people as possible. Despite the common misconception that it is too expensive, systems actually pay for themselves within a number of years. Whether it be for  home owners or business owners, you can start saving money on your energy bills the second that the panels are turned on. Solar is the most affordable right now than ever before, and this trend will only grow. Renewable energy has already made an incredible impact on the environment but with even more interest from people, it could be a huge key to “Restoring Our Earth”. 

How Has Renu Helped “Restore Our Earth”?

Renu is dedicated to supporting efforts to protect the Earth all year round! In our last 10 years of operating we have completed over 3,500 solar installations and off-set more than 2,500 tons of carbon. We believe in providing efficient fossil fuel alternatives like solar energy options because of the variety of environmental benefits that they offer. 

  • Solar panels do not produce any air pollution or carbon dioxide
  • Are a renewable energy source so they don’t deplete the planet’s resources
  • And do not require any water to generate electricity like coal and natural gas

We are passionate about bringing solar to homes, businesses, and non-profit organizations because we believe in the importance of sustainable and affordable energy solutions. 

How Can You Celebrate This Year?

After everything that was happening last year on Earth Day we know how eagre people are to get out and participate in the festivities now. Even though the world is not quite back to normal yet, there are still several ways to participate in the celebration safely!

Here are some ideas on what you can do:

1. Spend time outside! You could go for a walk, run, hike, and so much more!

2. Start a garden where you can grow a wide variety of different plants and foods

3. Plant a tree

4. Organize a trash pick up, weather it just be you or a small group there are many places that need help getting cleaned up

5. Visit a local nature center, plant nursery, community garden, etc.

6. Participate in virtual Earth Day events 


There are so many things that you can do that are not limited to this list. No matter how you choose to spend the day, be sure that you are having a positive impact! If you are interested in doing your part for the planet by going solar, contact us today for your free consultation.

Charlotte Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Initiative

Charlotte Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Initiative

by | Apr 8, 2021 | Uncategorized

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, March 25th, 2021 – Last month, the City of Charlotte began soliciting bids from qualified local solar installers to design and build solar PV systems at ten sites across the city, including Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, and North Carolina Department of Transportation facilities. Collectively, these projects would provide approximately 874 kW of solar energy to Charlotte, contributing greatly to their efforts to convert the city to clean, renewable energy. 

On Monday, March 22nd City Council unanimously voted to award Renu Energy Solutions the Charlotte Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Initiative. 

This $1.6 million contract will include the design, engineering, and installation of solar panels, including both roof-mounted and ground-mounted arrays. Once constructed by Renu Energy Solutions, these solar systems will annually produce approximately one million kilowatt hours of zero-carbon electricity – the equivalent to powering 114 homes with solar energy!

The Charlotte Solar Photovoltaic Initiative is part of the city’s efforts to reach a goal of sourcing 100 percent of its energy use from renewable sources by 2030, with these solar projects expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2022. These ambitious goals set by the Charlotte City Council were put forth into motion in December of 2018 when the council adopted the Strategic Energy Action Plan (SEAP), a resolution to aggressively combat the emissions and effects of greenhouse gasses. The SEAP addresses many actions to move toward a cleaner, healthier city, including efforts to improve Charlotte’s transportation system, water system, the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the construction of new buildings, and energy generation, to name a few.

“Renu is proud to play a key role in the City of Charlotte solar initiative. We are honored to do our part to fulfill the City’s Sustainable Energy Action Plan and build the Charlotte of the future” says Andrew O’Donnell, the Director of Construction at Renu Energy Solutions. 

Founded in 2010, Renu Energy Solutions has completed over 3,300 solar installations in both the residential and commercial fields throughout the Carolinas. For more information on going solar, please visit us at renuenergysolutions.com.