Author: Savannah Eades

Net metering is a system that allows homeowners and businesses to earn credits for the excess solar energy they generate and send back to the grid. This system can be a significant financial benefit for those who choose to invest in solar energy, as it enables them to offset their energy costs and even earn money for the excess energy they produce.

In this article, we will explore what net metering is, how it works, and how Compass Solar can help you take advantage of this system to maximize your savings and reduce your environmental impact.

What is Net Metering?

Net metering is a system that allows homeowners and businesses to send excess solar energy back to the grid, earning credits for the energy they produce. These credits can then be used to offset energy costs during times when the solar panels are not producing enough energy, such as at night or on cloudy days.

The net metering system operates on a one-to-one basis, meaning that for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar energy sent back to the grid, the homeowner or business owner earns a credit of one kWh. This credit can then be used to offset the cost of energy purchased from the grid during times when the solar panels are not producing enough energy.

How Does Net Metering Work?

Net metering works by measuring the energy produced by the solar panels and the energy consumed by the home or business. A bi-directional meter is installed to measure the energy flowing in both directions – from the grid to the home and from the home to the grid.

When the solar panels are producing more energy than the home or business is consuming, the excess energy is sent back to the grid, and the meter spins backward, earning credits for the energy produced. When the solar panels are not producing enough energy, such as at night or on cloudy days, energy is drawn from the grid, and the meter spins forward, consuming the credits earned during times when excess energy was produced.

How Can Compass Solar Help?

Compass Solar is committed to helping homeowners and businesses take advantage of the benefits of solar energy, including the net metering system. Our team of experienced professionals can provide a free solar analysis to determine the solar potential of your property and help you design a custom solar panel installation that meets your specific needs and budget.

We offer a variety of financing options to make solar more accessible and affordable, including solar leases, solar loans, and power purchase agreements. Our team will work closely with you to determine the best financing option for your situation, ensuring that you can take advantage of the financial benefits of solar energy without breaking the bank.

Once your solar panel installation is complete, Compass Solar will continue to provide ongoing support and maintenance. We offer a variety of service plans to ensure that your system continues to perform at its best, including monitoring services and regular maintenance check-ups.

In addition to helping you take advantage of the net metering system, Compass Solar can also help you explore other ways to maximize your savings and reduce your environmental impact. This includes exploring energy efficiency measures, such as installing LED lighting, upgrading insulation, and replacing outdated appliances.

Conclusion

Net metering is a system that allows homeowners and businesses to earn credits for the excess solar energy they generate and send back to the grid. This system can be a significant financial benefit, enabling you to offset your energy costs and even earn money for the excess energy you produce.

Compass Solar is committed to helping you take advantage of the net metering system and other benefits of solar energy. Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to design a custom solar panel installation that meets your specific needs and budget, and we offer a variety of financing options to make solar more accessible and affordable.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you take advantage of the financial and environmental benefits of solar energy through net metering

As the world continues to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more industries have shifted to a virtual setting. The solar industry is no exception, with virtual site visits becoming increasingly common. But how can you best prepare for a virtual site visit, and how can Compass Solar help you through the process?

Virtual site visits have become an essential part of the solar installation process. They allow installers to remotely assess a property’s solar potential, identify any potential issues or obstacles, and create an accurate design proposal. While the concept of a virtual site visit may seem daunting, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that you are well-prepared and that the process runs smoothly.

Step 1: Gather information about your property

Before your virtual site visit, it’s important to gather as much information about your property as possible. This includes information about your energy usage, the age and condition of your roof, and any shading issues you may have. The more information you can provide to your installer, the more accurate their assessment will be. Compass Solar can help you gather this information by providing you with a free solar analysis. This analysis will give you an estimate of your potential solar savings, and provide you with information about the solar potential of your property.

Step 2: Prepare your property for the virtual site visit

During the virtual site visit, you will be asked to provide your installer with a virtual tour of your property. This means that you will need to have a reliable internet connection and a device with a camera. You will also need to have a measuring tape and a ladder on hand so that you can provide accurate measurements of your roof. Finally, you will need to have a clear understanding of your property’s layout so that you can guide your installer through the virtual tour. If you have any questions or concerns about preparing for the virtual site visit, Compass Solar can provide you with guidance and support.

Step 3: Be prepared to ask questions

The virtual site visit is your opportunity to ask your installer any questions you may have about the solar installation process. You should be prepared to ask questions about the design proposal, the installation timeline, and any potential issues or concerns. Your installer will be able to provide you with detailed answers to any questions you may have. If you are unsure about what questions to ask, Compass Solar can provide you with a list of common questions to ask your installer.

Step 4: Follow up with your installer

After the virtual site visit, your installer will provide you with a detailed design proposal. It’s important to review this proposal carefully and ask any questions you may have. If you decide to move forward with the solar installation, your installer will be able to provide you with a detailed timeline and any necessary permits or paperwork. Throughout the installation process, it’s important to stay in communication with your installer and ask any questions or concerns you may have. Compass Solar will provide you with ongoing support and guidance throughout the entire process.

While the concept of a virtual site visit may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that it’s a necessary part of the solar installation process. By following the steps outlined above and working with a reputable installer like Compass Solar, you can ensure that the virtual site visit process is smooth and stress-free.

Compass Solar is committed to providing its customers with the highest level of support and guidance throughout the entire solar installation process. In addition to providing free solar analyses and virtual site visits, Compass Solar also offers a variety of financing options to help make solar more affordable and accessible. Whether you are interested in solar for your home or business, Compass Solar can help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you make the switch to solar.

Tesla electric vehicles have been a game-changer in the automobile industry, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered cars. However, one of the biggest concerns among electric vehicle owners is how long it takes to charge their cars. Charging time is a crucial factor when it comes to driving electric vehicles, and it can be a significant hindrance for people considering making the switch. In this article, we will explore how long it takes to charge a Tesla and how Compass Solar can help in this regard.

Tesla charging basics

Before we delve into the charging time, it’s essential to understand the different types of Tesla chargers. There are three types of chargers, namely, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, with varying charging rates.

Level 1 Charger: This charger is the slowest, and it is the basic charger that comes with every Tesla. It uses a 120-volt household outlet and has a charging rate of around 4 miles of range per hour. This charger is suitable for people who drive short distances and can afford to wait for their car to charge overnight.

Level 2 Charger: This type of charger uses a 240-volt outlet, similar to what’s used for an electric stove or dryer. It has a charging rate of around 25 miles of range per hour, which is significantly faster than the Level 1 charger. Level 2 chargers are commonly used in homes, and they’re also available in public charging stations.

Level 3 Charger: This charger is the fastest, and it’s also known as the DC fast charger. It uses direct current (DC) instead of alternating current (AC) and has a charging rate of around 170 miles of range per hour. Level 3 chargers are typically found in public charging stations and are best for long-distance travel.

How long does it take to charge a Tesla?

The time it takes to charge a Tesla depends on the charging method and the battery capacity of the car. For instance, a Tesla Model S with a 100 kWh battery can take up to 12 hours to charge with a Level 1 charger, 4.5 hours with a Level 2 charger, and 1 hour with a Level 3 charger.

On the other hand, a Tesla Model 3 with a 60 kWh battery can take up to 4 days to charge with a Level 1 charger, 7.5 hours with a Level 2 charger, and 40 minutes with a Level 3 charger.

Therefore, the charging time varies widely depending on the car’s battery capacity, the charger’s power output, and the charging method used.

How Compass Solar can help

Compass Solar is a solar energy company that offers renewable energy solutions to residential and commercial clients. One of their key offerings is solar panel installation, which can significantly reduce your electric bill and carbon footprint.

In addition to solar panel installation, Compass Solar also offers Tesla Powerwall installation. The Tesla Powerwall is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery designed to store energy from solar panels or the grid. The stored energy can be used during peak hours or in case of a power outage.

The Tesla Powerwall can be charged using solar panels or the grid, and it can power your home or business for several hours, depending on the power consumption. With the Powerwall, you can reduce your reliance on the grid and enjoy uninterrupted power supply.

Compass Solar can also help you with Level 2 charger installation for your Tesla. They can install a Level 2 charger in your home or business, allowing you to charge your car faster and more efficiently. With a Level 2 charger, you can charge your Tesla in as little as 3 hours, depending on the battery capacity.

As the world grapples with climate change and the need to transition to cleaner energy sources, solar power has become an increasingly attractive option. One of the biggest barriers to the widespread adoption of solar power has been the cost, which can be prohibitive for many homeowners and businesses. To address this, governments around the world have implemented various incentives and subsidies to make solar power more accessible and affordable. In the United States, one of the most significant incentives is the solar tax credit, which has been a key driver of the growth of the solar industry in recent years.

What is the Solar Tax Credit?

The solar tax credit, also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), is a federal tax credit that provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction in income tax liability for individuals and businesses that invest in solar energy systems. The credit was first introduced in 2005 and has been extended and modified several times since then. The most recent extension was in December 2020, when the Consolidated Appropriations Act extended the credit for two additional years, through 2023.

Under the current rules, the solar tax credit provides a credit of 26% of the cost of a solar energy system for residential and commercial installations that begin construction in 2021 or 2022. For installations that begin construction in 2023, the credit will be reduced to 22%. After 2023, the residential credit will expire, while the commercial credit will be reduced to 10%.

Who is eligible for the Solar Tax Credit?

The solar tax credit is available to anyone who installs a solar energy system on a property that they own, including homeowners, businesses, and non-profit organizations. The system must be installed and operational before the end of the tax year in which the credit is claimed. There is no cap on the credit amount, so the credit can be used to offset the entire cost of a solar energy system, up to the taxpayer’s tax liability.

To claim the solar tax credit, taxpayers must file IRS Form 5695 along with their tax return. The form requires the taxpayer to provide information about the solar energy system, including the date it was placed in service, the cost of the system, and the amount of any other incentives or subsidies received for the system.

Benefits of the Solar Tax Credit

The solar tax credit has been a major driver of the growth of the solar industry in the United States. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the credit has helped to create over 200,000 jobs and spurred the installation of over 3.5 million solar energy systems across the country. The credit has also helped to reduce the cost of solar energy, making it more affordable for homeowners and businesses.

In addition to the financial benefits of the credit, solar energy systems offer a number of other benefits. Solar power is a clean, renewable source of energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions, making it an environmentally friendly option. Solar energy systems also help to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which are a finite resource and a major contributor to climate change.

Challenges and Limitations of the Solar Tax Credit

Despite the many benefits of the solar tax credit, there are also some challenges and limitations to its use. One of the biggest challenges is that the credit is set to expire in 2024 for residential installations. This means that homeowners who are considering installing a solar energy system may need to act quickly to take advantage of the credit before it expires. The expiration of the credit may also slow the growth of the solar industry, as homeowners and businesses may be less likely to invest in solar energy systems if the financial incentives are reduced or eliminated.

Another limitation of the solar tax credit is that it is only available to those who have a tax liability.

The term “solar power” and “solar energy” are bandied around in our increasingly environmentally-conscious world, but what do they mean from a scientific perspective?

Let’s get into the weeds on solar energy, what it is, how it works, and why you and Mother Earth might benefit from using it to power your home or business.

What is solar energy?

In a nutshell, “solar energy” refers to any type of energy emitted from the sun, the gigantic burning ball of gas that lights our solar system. Solar energy is generated through a process called nuclear fusion, as explained by the US Department of Energy:

“In a fusion reaction, two light nuclei merge to form a single heavier nucleus. The process releases energy because the total mass of the resulting single nucleus is less than the mass of the two original nuclei. The leftover mass becomes energy.”

Source: US Department of Energy

Basically, two light nuclei smash into each other, merge, and fuse, which releases energy as a result. Scientists have learned how to harness and transform that energy into other more usable forms of energy such as electricity to power, for instance, all sorts of home appliances from refrigerators to air conditioners to pool heaters.

How much solar energy does the sun produce?

It’s difficult to fathom how much energy is available from the sun. Every single second, through a PP (proton-proton) chain reaction, the sun’s core fuses approximately 620 million metric tons of hydrogen. The temperature at the center of the sun is about 7 million degrees Fahrenheit.

All that energy dissipates from the sun in the form of light particles and waves as electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Much of it reaches Earth, where it drives wind and weather events and, most importantly, provides crucial energy to plants, bacteria and algae which convert sunlight into sugar.

Organisms that produce food directly from the sun are called autotrophs. The process, which you might recall from biology class, is known as photosynthesis. Water, light, and carbon dioxide go in, and oxygen and sugar go out.

Plants and other producers rely on sunlight to thrive; the animals that eat either plants (herbivores) or other animals (carnivores) or both (omnivores) rely either directly or indirectly on plants to sustain themselves.

The sun, therefore, is quite literally the giver of life; without it, life on Earth would cease to exist. That’s why virtually all ancient cultures — from the Chinese to the Mayans to the early Christians – venerated the sun.

(The sun, ironically and interestingly, is responsible for the development of fossil fuels via photosynthesis. Ancient autotrophs, about 3 billion years ago, evolved in water. They died and, due to a combination of pressure and heat and time, eventually became oil, coal, and natural gas.)

What is the greenhouse effect?

About 30% of the sun’s energy that hits the Earth is reflected back into space. The remaining 70% is retained within the Earth’s atmosphere, creating the “greenhouse effect” in which greenhouse gases like water and carbon dioxide trap the heat radiating back to the atmosphere from the Earth’s surface, creating a warming effect.

(The greenhouse effect works in much the same way as a literal greenhouse does in terms of how it traps heat to create a more welcoming environment for vegetation and, by extension, animal life.)

The future of solar energy

Solar panels, which turn solar energy into electricity, are among the many new-age energy efficiency products like:

• LED lightbulbs
• smart appliances
•  power strips
• smart thermostats
• charging stations

All of these are powerful tools for streamlining energy consumption, using less and getting more out of every kilowatt hour.

However, solar energy stands alone among them as the undisputed king of energy efficiency and conservation because the sun is the world’s one true renewable resource.

Solar power’s future is bright. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory explains that the industry is expected to boom in the next 2-3 decades:

“The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) projects solar energy could provide 45% of the electricity in the United States by 2050 if the energy system is fully decarbonized—and technology costs are projected to continue to decline.”

Solar panels work by capturing sunlight (usually from their perch on top of the roof) via photovoltaic (PV) cells, and then converting it into electricity. Critically, high-quality solar panel systems, like the ones available through Compass Solar, generate electricity in this manner even on cloudy days – although the output will be slightly lower than it would be in full sunlight. Fortunately, in sunny Florida, we enjoy plenty of bright sunlight year-round.

Switch to solar energy to reduce your carbon footprint

Solar energy’s main benefit – aside from potentially saving home and business owners cash on their monthly power bills – is that it reduces the user’s carbon footprint, defined as “the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions.“

Among other reasons, reducing our collective carbon footprint matters because excess carbon dioxide drives climate change and contributes in large part to increasingly extreme weather events – for instance, Hurricane Ian that recently ravaged Southwest Florida:

“Storms like Ian are more likely because of human-caused climate change. Heat is the fuel that makes hurricanes big, powerful and rainy… The air gets hotter, and the ocean water gets hotter. When a baby hurricane forms in the Atlantic, all that heat is available to help the storm grow.”

https://youtu.be/dQFl2Np6UZQ

According to data from the climate change organization Cool Effect, “The solar panel’s carbon footprint is roughly 20 times less than the carbon output of coal-powered electricity sources.”

If you’re interested in figuring out how much carbon you typically use on any given day, use this handy tool to calculate your carbon footprint. You might be surprised by what it shows.

Contact Compass Solar to learn more about solar power

To learn more about the exciting and rapidly evolving world of solar power (and how you can use it to power your home or business), don’t hesitate to contact us.

To get a feel for how our work has benefited our many Florida and Alabama customers over the years, check out our testimonials page. 

If you own a pool, coming out of the summer season, reducing the cost of upkeep is likely to pique your interest. Anything you can do to alleviate that financial burden so you are free to enjoy it is probably welcome.

According to Forbes Magazine, “On average, pool maintenance costs $180 per month during the season when the pool is in use,” which translates to $1,450 annually.

Solar pool heaters are an economical and environmentally-friendly alternative to grid-powered heating systems – but do they actually work? Do they really reduce your pool upkeep costs? Let’s find out.

What are solar panels and how do they work?

The technology behind solar panels has developed rapidly in recent years, making them simultaneously more efficient and more affordable.

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, capture the vast (effectively limitless) energy emitted by the sun and convert it into usable electricity in a manner similar to the way plants convert sunlight into energy via photosynthesis.

“Solar cells” — most often comprised of silicon, phosphorous (providing the negative charge), and boron (providing the positive charge) — capture the photons from the sunlight. The electrical field generated by the solar cells liberates the electrons from the sunlight’s photons, which are then pulled into a directional current.

And, just like that, you have 100%-clean, renewable power all year round thanks to Florida’s plentiful sunlight.

Solar panel dimensions are generally 5.5 feet x 3.25 feet and they weigh between 2-4 pounds. The best place to place them is on a roof for maximum sunlight exposure.

How do solar-powered pool heaters work?

The four main components of solar pool heaters include:

• The “solar collector”: water transported from the pool to be heated circulates through the solar collector
• The filter: responsible for filtering water traveling to the collector
• The pump: responsible for circulating water through the filter and collector before it returns to the pool
• The flow control valve shunts water into the solar collector from the pool. It can be manual or automatic. 

Here’s how solar pool heaters work, in a nutshell:

• The pump sends water from the pool into the solar collector, passing first through the filter
• The solar collector heats the water
• The heated water is returned to the pool

Voila, you have a nicely heated pool to enjoy whenever the urge strikes, even in November.

Check out this quick tutorial on how solar pool heaters work:

https://youtu.be/Svio-_Bc1Gc

The best solar pool heaters, like the ones we offer at Compass Solar, feature automatic sensors that detect when the temperature in the collectors is significantly higher than the temperature in the pool, which indicates an ideal heating period. When the time is right, like during peak sunlight hours, the heating process sets in motion automatically, so you don’t need to worry about turning on and off your solar pool heaters.

In addition to heating your pool, the solar pool heating system’s function can be reversed during a heat wave to cool the water as need be when the collectors are cooler than the pool, like at night.

source: US Department of Energy

What are solar-powered pool heaters’ main benefits for homeowners?

Here’s what to consider in terms of the benefits you can expect to enjoy from owning a solar-powered pool heater:

•  Longer swimming season. North Florida stays warm a lot of the time, but there’s still a span of months in the late fall through the winter and early spring when the water is often uncomfortably cold for most people. Solar-powered pool heaters allow you to stay poolside at least for nine months, if not year-round.
•  Less maintenance. Solar heating panels are significantly more owner-friendly than electric or gas heaters because they require very little upkeep.
• Durability. Solar pool heating system panels are durable, potentially lasting years. Many panels, like Ultra Swim Panels, come with a two-year warranty.
•  Environmentally friendly. The carbon footprint that solar panel systems leave is approximately zero. In fact, they can contribute carbon-neutral energy back to the community (at a premium paid to the owner) via solar buyback programs. (Learn the truth about solar buyback programs.)
• Reduced cost. Last but certainly not least, there is the reduced cost – the massive relief on your energy bill that you’ll feel the very first month you use your new solar pool heating panels.

Plus, solar panels in general boost your home’s property value. According to a CNBC analysis, solar panel systems increase a Florida home’s value by “4% ($9,454) for the median-valued home.”

Cut your power bill down to size

Depending on the temperature you keep your pool, and how consistently you heat it, anywhere from $50-$250 of your monthly power bill is likely dedicated to pool heating alone.

If you’ve got a pool but it’s powered by the energy grid and not by a solar panel system, take control of your energy bills and save money. Don’t waste hundreds, or thousands, of dollars each month just to heat your pool.

The sun is the world’s one true renewable resource; why not contribute to energy conservation and save money on your utility bill each month while you do it (not to mention upping your home’s property value)?

Best of all, according to the US Department of Energy, solar pool heaters are cost-competitive with conventional pool heaters. Financially, they’re all upside when you’re considering how to most efficiently heat your pool.

Natural gas heaters vs solar pool heaters

Of course, many homeowners’ cost-benefits analysis boils down to the price tag – do solar pool heaters make good financial sense (or cents)? Let’s see.

Per the US Department of Energy, a 1,000-square-foot outdoor pool outfitted with a reliably efficient gas heater costs, on average, over $2,900 annually.

On the other hand, the average solar pool heater costs about $5,500.

With virtually no overhead costs, that means that within two years it’s entirely possibly for your solar pool heating system to have paid for itself, with further dividends accruing throughout the lifespan of your solar panel system.

Contact Compass Solar to learn more about solar pool heaters

Would you like to learn more about the myriad benefits that solar panels offer to homeowners? Contact us and we’ll be happy to chat with one of our neighbors.

We offer nearly interest-free (0-0.049% APR) installation with affordable monthly payments, generous tax incentives at the state and federal level, and even the ability to sell your excess power back to the grid at a premium – all while benefiting the environment by cutting your carbon footprint down to negligible levels, or possibly zero.

With solar power, everyone wins.