by Jeff Aliotta | Aug 14, 2017 | Renu Solar News
August 14, 2017- CHARLOTTE, NC- As August 21st draws near, the buzz surrounding the upcoming eclipse increases and the excitement is palpable. But while many are excited to see such a rare occurrence and plan on making a journey to see the fullest effect of the eclipse, how do area homeowners with solar power feel?
Renu Energy Solutions has been installing solar since 2010 and keeps in touch with our solar clients. Homeowners like Vivian Lord and David Kluttz are among the thousands of electric customers across the Carolinas with solar power installed at their homes.
We asked them whether they’re more skeptical of this event, since presumably their PV systems would produce much less energy than normal when the sky darkens for about 90 minutes during what’s normally the sunniest part of the afternoon. Here’s what they’re saying:
Vivian Lord, who lives in Charlotte and has solar, shared her perspective: “As Interim Chair of Kinesiology at UNC Charlotte, I will be on campus that day. It’s Student Convocation Day, so during the eclipse viewing I’ll be with a group of Pre-Kinesiology students.
She continues, “I understand my solar production will be about zero during the height of the eclipse, just briefly for about 15 minutes, and will be decreased for a while before and after – I guess I’ll use my monitoring app to look and see where it registers!
And she’s more enthusiastic than dismayed about the event on the whole: “Of course we haven’t had this clear of a sighting for decades and won’t again for decades. Normally my solar arrays perform efficiently, it provides on average 75% of our power needs, the rest of the power we use comes from the grid. So I don’t think anyone would be discouraged from going solar by an eclipse.”
David Kluttz of Indian Trail is also taking the eclipse in stride: “I haven’t made any real preparations, as far as using our solar energy production goes, not any more than preparing for a rainy day.
He’s hitting the road, but won’t miss out on tracking his solar energy: “We want a good view, so we’re planning to drive down to Sumter, SC, which isn’t too far. At home in Indian Trail, it will be a “partial eclipse,” so even at the peak sunlight reduction, it probably be about the same as early morning on a perfectly clear day. My SunPower Equinox monitoring tracks every bit of energy production every day, and I get a report from SunPower every month for the previous month. I can log in to my system from anywhere and check any day, month, year or lifetime production. It’s more data than you can imagine!
David doubts he’ll lose out on too much solar production: “When you look at weekly or monthly production you will not be able to see the impact, so events like this aren’t a reason not to go solar.”
Solar Panels During Eclipse: Are They Effected?
Overall, even a major eclipse doesn’t present much of an issue for solar customers, just a curious blip of nighttime during the day. According to the Energy Information Administration, despite a substantial amount of solar power installed near the path of the eclipse, the grid uses sources that are diverse enough that it should maintain total reliability during the event. 1
So, don’t feel too bad for your friend with solar, just grab your official eclipse glasses, beat the traffic and experience a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.
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No panic necessary: Eclipse won’t dramatically effect grid stability
by Jeff Aliotta | Jan 31, 2017 | Renu Solar News
January 31, 2017 – ROCK HILL, SC – This week in York County, South Carolina, the region’s first sonnenBatterie residential energy storage system became operational. While over 16,000 such systems have been installed worldwide, this is currently the only one in the Carolinas.
The installation of a sonnenBatterie Home Energy Storage System was completed by the Charlotte-based company Renu Energy Solutions, which since 2010 has provided installations of solar photovoltaic electric systems and other energy-efficient devices for home and business. The energy storage system is engineered in Germany and is made in the U.S.A., and uses lithium iron phosphate battery banks to hold power produced by the customer’s solar photovoltaic array. Consumer-owned solar continues to grow rapidly in the Carolinas, and battery storage for home and business is poised to be of great help to meet energy challenges in this market. Not all grid-connected solar customers choose to add energy storage, but for some, it is an important part of an energy system that will meet their specific needs.
Bobby Womack, the customer who purchased the sonnenBatterie system and received his installation this week, says: “I feel pretty excited to have the first sonnenBatterie in the area. Everyone can take steps to take care of our environment, and I believe energy storage is the next stage in taking advantage of renewable energy sources. I hope with the combination of solar panels and energy storage, the system will lower my demands from the electric grid which should lower my energy bill and also act as backup power in case of area power outages.”
Jay Radcliffe, President and CEO of Renu Energy Solutions, says, “I’m proud our company was able to help a customer achieve his goals for clean energy storage and the ability to have solar power 24 hours a day. For the Womack family, we were able to provide the benefit of a system that will keep their solar online and producing in the event of a power outage for complete peace of mind. It puts the customer in total control, and it’s readily available now.”
“sonnen’s proven and safe storage technology, which is developed and manufactured in the U.S., empowers homeowners to manage their self-produced energy and gain greater energy independence by taking control of their own energy. Our partnerships with solar and energy efficiency providers like Renu Energy Solutions are key to providing integrated solar and storage products to new markets like South Carolina,” said Blake Richetta, VP of North American Sales for sonnen.
The sonnenBatterie home energy storage system is under the manufacturer’s warranty for 10 years or 10,000 cycles. Renu Energy Solutions offers no-cost home visits by experienced energy professionals to address customers’ energy storage needs and answer questions. Consulting appointments are available now.
About sonnen, Inc.
At sonnen, we believe clean, affordable, and reliable energy for all is one of the greatest challenges of our time. With 16,000 sonnenBatterie systems installed worldwide, sonnen is a proven global leader in intelligent energy management solutions that provide greater energy control for residential customers through increased solar self-consumption, reduced peak energy usage, and reliable backup power during outages – contributing to a cleaner and more reliable energy future.
sonnen has won several awards for its energy innovations and sonnenBatterie products, including MIT’s Zayed Energy Innovation Award for 2017, Cleantech Global 100 for “Continuing Innovation” Award in 2017, Technology Review’s 50 Smartest Companies 2016, Greentech Media’s 2016 Grid Edge Award for innovation, and Cleantech’s 2015 Company of the Year Award in both Israel and Europe.
by Jeff Aliotta | Dec 20, 2016 | Renu Solar News
Fort Mill couple throws solar party: This article appeared in the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association’s Newsletter
Keegan and Ali Ford were excited to share their recently installed rooftop solar project with their friends and neighbors. So they did something unique and hosted a reception at their home. As guests mingled in the November sunshine, they enjoyed hot dogs, burgers, and hands-on education, about how their household investment has helped the Fords achieve their energy goals.
The Fords’ solar array was more affordable than the family expected because it nearly eliminated their monthly bills. It also opened guests’ eyes to how this clean resource can meet (or exceed) a homeowner’s energy needs. Partygoers got the chance to talk with the solar energy professionals at Renu Energy Solutions, a Charlotte-based company who completed the installation and permitting process, about how they too can take advantage of these benefits. In fact, some guests made arrangements with the solar installer to get their free energy consultation.
The Ford family made their solar party a lighthearted affair all their own. Host Keegan Ford summed up the occasion, “We wanted our closest friends and colleagues to have an opportunity to learn to get some information while sharing some food, fun, and sun!”
Renu Energy Solutions is also an NCSEA member who subscribed to industry best practices, as outlined in the Consumer Guide to Customer-Owned Solar Photovoltaic.
by Jeff Aliotta | Oct 11, 2016 | Renu Solar News
Residents Urge Neighbors to Go Solar and Save Big, While the Program Lasts
October 11, 2016 – SC solar customers including homeowners and small businesses have benefitted from big savings on solar energy this year, thanks to a hefty rebate from Duke Power that’s still available.
The rebate was introduced one year ago with the intent to spur solar growth in South Carolina. It was put in place in order to get more renewable energy onto the grid while driving economic activity and saving customers money on their bills in the long run.
The program has enjoyed steady participation over that time, and while the program is 60% used, there remain sufficient funds to support thousands of more kilowatts of solar installations, and some customers may still be able to save on solar systems put in this year.
One Duke customer is calling on homeowners who might be eligible for the program to act now.
Seth Williams, one of the SC solar customers with Duke, recently got solar installed at his home with help from Duke’s rebate. “I was very happy, and I was able to clearly see the financial sense of solar power because of this rebate. Duke’s incentive is one of the most competitive in the country, and saving money was my reason for going solar, bottom line.” He encourages people to look at how the rebate – which can potentially be combined with federal and state tax incentives – puts the purchase of a solar energy system within reach for many more SC customers than ever before.
Solar installers local to the area say the program has contributed to the health of the industry in the region over the past 12 months. Jay Radcliffe is President of Renu Energy Solutions, a local business that offers solar energy installation services in upstate South Carolina and the surrounding area. He says: “Duke’s rebate itself can cover 25-33% of the price of a solar installation, and so especially when taken along with the 30% federal tax credit state and 25% South Carolina tax credit, it is redefining solar power right now as a highly affordable option.”
Duke’s rebate of $1 per watt will be in effect under program funds run out. Speak with a representative of Renu Energy Solutions and arrange a no-cost solar energy consultation by calling 704-525-6767, or online at renuenergysolutions.com. Contact Duke Power or review its website for further program specifics. Individuals should see a tax professional about the active tax credits referenced here.
by Jeff Aliotta | Mar 20, 2016 | Renu Solar News
This article by Juanita Teschner appeared in the Catawba College Center for the Environment website
Solar panels in Salisbury and Rowan County are popping up everywhere, thanks to a community initiative that started in October.
Image credit Catawba College Center for the Environment
Solarize Salisbury-Rowan informs residents of the advantages of solar power and helps them reduce costs through competitive bids by installers who have already been professionally vetted. It is a cooperative venture of SmartPower, a national non-profit organization that focuses on clean energy, and the Center for the Environment at Catawba College.
Lane Wallace, Solarize Salisbury-Rowan coordinator, notes that 2015 is potentially the last year to take advantage of the North Carolina state tax credits, which are due to expire December 31, 2015. The Solarize project assistance, initially offered the last three months of 2014, will be extended until January 14.
“It has been heartening to see how many people are interested in solar energy,” Wallace says. “Solar is actually very competitive as an investment and as an energy source. Studies show that investing in solar right now can show returns 20 to 30 percent higher than investing in taxable mutual funds for homeowners. And it is a relatively risk-free investment.”
Wallace refers to a statement by Jim Warren, executive director of NC WARN: “Solar photovoltaic power is now cheaper than kilowatt-hours from newly constructed dirty power plants when all costs are considered.”
Paul Bardinas, CEO and president of Freirich Foods Inc. in Salisbury, had already installed solar panels on his business so he knew about the advantages of solar power. “It’s working as promised,” he says, “and on track to pay for itself within 10 years.”
Energy Solutions installed solar panels on his family’s home on December 19 through the Solarize program. The installation will provide 75 percent of their electricity, including providing power for his and his wife Carrie’s Nissan Leafs, which are all-electric vehicles.
Bardinas calculates that his home installation will be totally paid for in 8-9 years, assuming no rate increases from Duke Power. “Then it will produce power potentially for another 20 years after that,” he says. “That’s essentially free money.”
Bardinas notes that this installation has been easier than the one on his business because of Solarize Salisbury-Rowan. “It has brought regional installers that I didn’t know about to this market,” he says. “Bringing those two groups together – folks who are interested in solar and qualified technicians and installers that can do the work – has helped a lot. Beforehand, I had to go to South Carolina to find somebody to do our commercial project. It took a lot of time and effort to vet those people.”
John Wear, executive director of the Center for the Environment, is pleased with the interest Salisbury-Rowan residents and business owners have shown in solar power. “It’s not only cost-effective,” he says. “It’s also good for the environment. Solar energy users automatically lower their ecological footprint by using this renewable source.”
