Shorties
Bite-sized clips from the greatest show on earth, Yooo Sun!!! Shorties are posted to our YouTube. More about the Yooo Sun!!! podcast.
Batteries
Thinking of Tesla + Powerwall?
Summary
David recommends that when considering solar and Tesla Powerwall batteries, it’s important to understand what you want out of the system. Determine if you’re looking for cost savings or environmental benefits and assess how much energy you use. It’s crucial to choose an experienced installer who knows what they’re doing and ensure everything connects properly (Solar States…). David also emphasizes the importance of checking references and not relying solely on Google reviews. Finally, don’t overthink it, but understand what you want to achieve.
Powerwall is Seamless
Summary
The Powerwall battery system provides backup power during brief outages and also takes over when there is a power anomaly or an actual outage. Tesla monitors the weather and sends alerts to the system to charge the battery when necessary. Solar panels require grid power to work and shut down for safety reasons during an outage. The battery can potentially power the house for days without power from the grid.
My Tesla Powerwall Installation Experience
Summary
David had a positive experience with the installation of his solar panels and Tesla Powerwall, praising the Solar States installers for their teamwork and enthusiasm. There was only one issue with the corroded meter box, but it was quickly resolved with the help of Solar States’ efficient service. While there were delays in receiving the Powerwalls, the support received during the installation process was fantastic, with special recognition given to Skyler for his patience and attention to detail. David has been surprised by how often the Powerwall is used and how seamless the transition to backup power is, especially compared to the inconvenience of using a generator.
Utilizing Time-of-Use Rates
Summary
This clip is about Time of Use rates for PECO. David explains that Time of Use rates are cheaper during off-peak hours and expensive during peak hours. He has two electric vehicles and uses solar power along with a Tesla Powerwall to avoid paying for off-peak and on-peak rates, and only pays for super-off-peak rates to charge the EVs. During the day, excess power generated by the solar is sold back to the grid. David has paid a total of $13.13 for electricity in the past 18 months and is owed $555 by PECO for the current solar year.
Going Solar
The Importance of Accurate Assessments
Summary
This clip is about the importance of southern exposure for solar energy production. The sun is generally in the southern sky throughout the day, making southern exposure crucial for generating solar power, especially during winter. However, northern shading is not a significant factor in installing solar. It is crucial to be honest with customers about the reduced energy output in heavily shaded areas. Micah and Jared discuss how they provide an accurate assessment of energy production using 3D modeling and climate data, which distinguishes Solar States from other installers who may exaggerate energy output estimates.
The 3 Financial Incentives
Summary
Solar energy has three main value buckets that incentivize people to invest in it. Firstly, there are tax benefits, secondly, there are avoided costs, where people who have a solar system no longer need to purchase energy from the utility, and thirdly, renewable energy credits (RECs), which incentivize solar energy. People generally buy solar systems using cash or finance, and they compare the cost of the solar system to what they are currently paying to the utility. If they are financing, they also compare the cost of the debt to their utility bill to ascertain if it is a good value for them. Solar energy has a strong value proposition for most scenarios, but its attractiveness increases significantly for people who pay a lot to the utility.
Owning vs Renting
Summary
The clip discusses the analogy of owning a home to owning solar panels, where paying for electricity is like paying rent and owning solar panels is like having a mortgage. Financing solar panels is an investment in future savings and ownership of energy, and it is a practical investment that adds value to one’s property. The clips also highlights how solar energy has become more mainstream and accessible through low-interest loans and reamortization, and investing in solar energy benefits the local community, job growth, and the environment.
Matt's Experience with Solarize Philadelphia
Summary
Jared and Matt discuss the Solarize Philly program, which helps homeowners in Philadelphia convert to solar energy. Matt explains that he partnered with Solarize Philly to help homeowners convert to solar, and he eventually converted his own single-family home to solar through the program. He describes the process as easy and smooth, and recommends that others consider Solarize Philly to see if their home qualifies. Jared agrees, and notes that the program takes care of many of the barriers to going solar, including vetting contractors and ensuring pricing. Matt also discusses the financial and environmental benefits of going solar.
Liz's Experience with Solarize Philadelphia
Summary
Liz Robinson wanted solar for her home, but her large oak trees prevented installation. However, she purchased a rental property with no trees and participated in the Solarize Philly program. She was delighted to work with Solar States, a contractor she knew through solar training for underserved communities. The process was seamless with everyone showing up on time, including the inspector and PECO for meter installation. Liz signed up to sell her SREC and has already sold 12 of them. The 5.4 kW solar system installed provides enough energy for the rental property and is offsetting 70-75% of her and her husband’s annual consumption at their own house. Overall, she highly recommends the Solarize Philly program.
Questions?
About Solar States
Solar States is a solar installer and educator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We are a certified B-Corp and Best for the World Nominee in both 2018 and 2019. We can install solar on any roof – residential or commercial – in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Maryland. If you have any questions about a transition to a sustainable energy system for your property, we can answer them.
Founded with a dual mission to install solar and educate the next generation.
