Page 143 | Solar.com

Please enter a valid zip code.

(888)-438-6910

Please enter a valid zip code.

Please enter a valid zip code.

Jun 19 2018
Love0

How Net Metering Policies Work in Florida

By Solar Incentives by State No Comments

Net energy metering (NEM) is a system that has been in place for over a decade across multiple states in the US and has provided tremendous value for solar panel owners. NEM allows solar owners to connect with the existing electrical grid so that they can earn money or credits for any excess solar energy that their system produces.

This leads to significant savings for the homeowner and when coupled with time-of-use rates and other utility payment structures, solar panel owners can now save more than ever with their residential solar system.

Net metering policies may be different from state to state, so it is important to research what your state has enacted and what your local utility companies can provide for you.

Net Metering in Florida

The first net metering legislation for the state of Florida was enacted in June 2008 and focused only on interconnection and net metering for investor-owned utilities. It wasn’t until July 1, 2009, when a standardized net metering program for customer-owned renewable energy systems was put into place.

Since then, thousands of homeowners have been able to benefit from NEM and save hundreds of dollars or more each year on their electric bill.

Florida Policies

Florida net metering policies are pretty standard when compared to other states around the United States. Florida allows for renewable energy systems of up to 2 megawatts (MW) of capacity to be connected with their state’s NEM infrastructure. This includes solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, biomass energy, ocean energy, waste heat or hydroelectric power systems, and more. It is most common with solar energy systems due to the popularity of solar over other forms of renewable energy.

Local utility companies have an application process where residential and commercial properties can apply to have their energy system adapted to support NEM. If their system is approved, their energy meter will be replaced with a new meter that can also measure the additional energy being produced and send it back into the grid.

These utility companies must also keep close track of all of the systems that are linked with their NEM infrastructure and file reports with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) indicating information about the types of energy systems that they are connected with, where they are located, the quantity of energy being generated with these systems, etc. There is no aggregate capacity limit in Florida for energy that is generated with net-metered renewable energy systems.

How Florida NEM Works

Utility customers in Florida that have net-metered renewable energy systems can earn a credit for each kilowatt (kW) of energy that their system produces. Each month their electric bill will account for the total amount of electricity consumed minus the amount that was generated. If you produced more energy than you consumed throughout the month, the credit will be saved to be used in your next month’s bill, or any other bill in the future where you did not generate more energy than you consumed.

Every 12 months, the solar customer is compensated for any additional credits that were not redeemed during the year. The utility company pays the customer a fee based on a set rate per kWh of excess energy. This rate is lower than what the customer would be spending for the same amount of electricity, so it makes sense for them to use the credits instead of cash them in at the end of the year.

Making Solar More Convenient and Affordable

Net metering has proven to be an excellent way to make going solar more accessible to any homeowner through its ease of use and convenience. Net metering programs all across the country allow solar panel owners, and owners of other renewable energy systems, to save thousands of dollars on their electric bills and easily manage their energy consumption.

For residents of Florida, you can get in touch with your local utility company to see exactly what net metering solutions they can offer. Florida is one of the best states in the country to adopt solar, so if you are ready to make the switch, you can get started by finding local solar providers near you!

Jun 18 2018
Love0

Solar Panel Cleaning: Best Practices and Simple Guide

By Solar Panel Maintenance : Everything You Need to Know No Comments

Dirty panels? There are some instances where solar panels might need cleaning, but most of the evidence says solar panels are self-sufficient and low-maintenance. We’ll get to the best way to clean your solar panels in a minute. But first, let’s look at when and why you might need to invest in solar panel cleaning equipment or hire a professional cleaning service.

Google did a study on the need to clean solar panels. They found that tilted panels don’t require cleaning as much as flat panels. This was confirmed by another study by engineers at the University of California, San Diego, which found that a minimum five-degree angle helped debris to slide off the panels.

The UCSD study also found that normal debris such as dust, dirt, and pollen have a minimal effect on efficiency. Less than 0.05 percent efficiency is lost on average. For a homeowner, that adds up to saving about $20 a year by cleaning their solar panels halfway through the summer.

Essentially, under normal circumstances, you’ll likely pay more to have your panels cleaned than you’ll earn back in solar efficiency.

Related reading: Why Is My Electric Bill So High With Solar Panels?

When you might need to clean solar panels

Some exceptions might be if you notice excessive bird droppings, after heavy dust storms in places like Arizona or when you live directly next to or downwind from major highways, factories or agricultural fields. In these instances, it’s possible to generate enough grime to call for cleaning.

Leaves in the fall and heavy snow in the winter can also require action, but you can easily remove these with a long roof rake like this.

Most snow will melt fairly quickly as the dark solar panels attract heat and sunlight. And snow actually cleans your panels as it melts, taking any dust and dirt with it as it slides off the slick module surface. Read more about solar and snow here.

Some of the sunniest places also don’t get much rain, which does a good job cleaning panels. If you can see a thick film accumulated on your panels or notice significant a dip in efficiency, it might be time for a wash.

How to clean those dusty, dirty solar panels

1. Be sure to check your panel manufacturer instructions for shutting down the system before cleaning, if necessary. Try not to go on the roof to clean your system. It’s risky both for you and your panels.

2. Brushing any loose dirt off before spraying them with water will make the squeegeeing process quicker and easier.

3. A good nozzle attachment on your garden hose might work just fine. If a lot of dust and dirt has accumulated, you might need to clean more thoroughly. Try to clean with squeegee extension like this one. If you’re interested in the whole kit and kaboodle for home solar cleaning equipment, Mr. LongArm is one of the most popular.

4. Don’t use metal objects, abrasive products or detergents. Scratches on a solar panel can create shadows and affect efficiency. Simply use clean water and a cloth-covered sponge or soft plastic brush.

5. Rainwater is low in mineral content, but some people have “hard water” or mineral-rich water from the tap. If this is the case for you, just be sure to squeegee the panels dry to avoid mineral deposits and streaking.

When and How Often to Clean Your Solar Panels

Early morning or in the evening (ideally on an overcast day) is best. Too much sun on wet panels can cause them to dry too quickly and smudge.

Note: If you can’t clean your panels from the ground, hire a company. They have the appropriate safety equipment for navigating the roof.

But remember…

Generally, cleaning your solar panels isn’t something you need to bother with. The best way to figure out if your panels need cleaning is to assess the above conditions. For the most part, solar panels are self-cleaning.