As the need for serious progress towards meeting renewable energy goals and sustainability practices becomes more and more urgent, the solar industry is responding by making it easier than ever before for consumers to adopt technology that mitigates our impact on our environment. Solar technology companies continue to grow and innovate their product offerings in order to provide consumers with more efficient, less expensive, and more aesthetically-pleasing options. Over the past few years, there has been a push to make solar panels less intrusive, longer lasting, and more effective. As a result, integrated solar modules are arriving on the market and increasing the design and installation options for consumers seeking to achieve their energy goals. Integrated Solar TechnologyIntegrated solar modules, also known as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), are different from “traditional” solar installations (picture solar panels affixed to rooftops or to metal frames) in a number of ways. While different manufacturers and products mean that not every integrated solar module is the same, the primary difference is that these new solar panels can be directly integrated into building construction. So, rather than building a mount and frame for panels on top of a roof, for instance, an integrated panel serves as the roofing material itself. As the SEIA specifies, “Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are dual-purpose: they serve as both the outer layer of a structure and generate electricity for on-site use or export to the grid.” This means that, unlike traditional installations, there is often much less technology exposed to the elements, as connection points, microinverters, and power optimizers are housed inside the panel rather than being external components. Benefits of Integrated PhotovoltaicsThis new technology has been developed in response to consumer’s desires as well as the logistics of solar installation and maintenance. The resulting products are easier to install (especially when integrated into initial construction, but also when retrofitting existing structures) and maintain over the lifespan of the panel, which is similar to that of “traditional” external panels at approximately 25 years. Solar Power World notes that “Installers love that integrated panels just plug in to each other without any high voltage DC. This makes installation much safer and panels can be shut down individually if needed.” In addition, “because of their plug-and-play technology, integrated systems can be expanded without problems” which allows consumers to easily scale their installations up or down as their needs change. For consumers, integrated photovoltaics require less maintenance and may experience fewer complications as a result of housing more components internally. These panels are also less susceptible to environmental factors such as wind, rain, and hail because they are integrated into the building structure rather than separate from it. Perhaps the most exciting aspect for solar consumers, however, is that integrated panels can be seamlessly included in the design of their homes or buildings. As design elements, they can be almost invisible or create visual interest of their own if desired. Integrated panels are rated for roof construction and are just as watertight, insulating, and durable as the traditional roofing materials that they replace or interface with. Products to ConsiderAmong the innovative new products that are beginning to surface on the market are several different takes on integrated panels. Tesla, whose new technologies always generate plenty of press, has released a line of solar roof tiles with options that include textured, smooth, Tuscan, and slate. The “active” solar tiles look exactly like “inactive” tiles to create a truly seamless look. Sunflare’s flexible SUN2 cell modules are ultra-thin and can conform to irregular roof shapes because they do not require framing or glass coverings, while 3 IN 1 solar tiles offer a wide variety of colors and finishes, including completely concealed panels. Another product line (which we’ve discussed using to create aesthetically pleasing rooftop installations) is CertainTeed, a construction materials company that has recently expanded into solar tiles. Their Apollo II tiles match the profile of other concrete tiles to create a seamless, watertight roof with solar capabilities. MiaSolé offers flexible solar modules that can be fitted onto curved structures or incorporated into framing materials. Their product is so lightweight and low-profile it can even be used on the roofs of semi truck trailers. As more options continue to become available to consumers, they will have a wealth of options to consider when integrating solar panels into new construction or retrofitting existing structures to include seamless solar capabilities. It’s an exciting time to be a solar designer, and Solar Design Studio looks forward to sharing these new possibilities with our clients as we create PV systems that accomplish their unique goals. Would you like to learn more about cutting-edge solar technology and how it can save you money and reduce your impact on the environment? Contact us today. from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=734718&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fintegrated-solar-modules-the-next-step-in-solar-design-technology
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Most of us have already encountered the landmark report authored by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which revealed that global temperatures are continuing to rise towards unsustainable levels as a result of man-made emissions and deforestation. As The Guardian notes, “there is only a dozen years (remaining) for global warming to be kept to a maximum of 1.5C,” and “urgent and unprecedented changes are needed to reach the target.” This alarming call to action comes at a time when the United States is rolling back important environmental policies. Hot on the heels of the IPCC report comes upsetting news from Bain & Company in the form of a report that reveals “The Disappointing Reality of Sustainability Efforts.” While institutional change of any kind is hard to implement, Bain discovered that only 4% of companies self-report that they are meeting or exceeding their sustainability goals. A full 47% of companies say that their sustainability efforts have “failed.” Why is progress so slow at a time when it is more urgently needed than ever before? More importantly, what can companies do to put themselves on the path to success? The Difficulty of Creating ChangeBain’s report contrasts sustainability efforts with “all change efforts,” revealing that sustainability lags considerably behind other initiatives. While companies self-report only a 12% success rate in “all change efforts,” the drop to 4% reporting success in sustainability is significant. As Bain notes, “sustainability change is harder to achieve than other types of change,” and the higher failure rate of sustainability efforts “suggests challenges driving ambitions through to results.” In our tenure in the renewable energy space, we’ve seen this pattern play out too many times. Meetings are called to discuss sustainability, changes are suggested, research is begun, and then results never materialize. As Jive notes in “How to Overcome the Top 10 Challenges to Business Sustainability”, there are many obstacles that stand in the way, including financing, company culture, lack of information, and “where to start.” “Where to start” seems to be where ambitions to create change most often falter. However, the answer is simple: just start! Whether upgrading equipment or replacing outdated light bulbs to save energy or installing solar PV panels and battery storage to produce and store your own, there is no step in the wrong direction other than not taking action at all. Solar Sustainability Benefits EveryoneWe’ve written before about the many benefits of adopting solar technology in the business and industrial space. Both the IPCC report and Bain’s study of sustainability efforts add new urgency for companies that want to mitigate their negative impact on the environment, gain a foothold with environmentally-conscious consumers, and save money on electric bills. Implementing solar technology as part of your sustainability plan can significantly lower your energy expenditures, especially if you incorporate battery storage. For commercial offices and facilities that consume large amounts of power, the ability to lower demand charges through “peak shaving” results in significant savings that augment standard utility reductions. These savings often quickly pay for the cost of the initial solar installation and only grow in value as they add up over the long term, especially when continually rising utility rates are considered. Solar installations directly impact company sustainability efforts by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and our outdated power delivery infrastructure. They also help connect environmentally-minded companies with the growing base of consumers who make purchasing decisions based on sustainability and environmental impact. From your pocketbook to the planet as a whole, solar sustainability benefits everyone. If you’re ready to call your company’s sustainability efforts a success, consider starting with solar. Solar Design Studio’s longstanding experience and expertise ensure that your business can maximize the results of your solar design and installation. Contact us today!
from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=734499&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fmeeting-your-company-s-sustainability-goals-start-with-solar We’ve written a lot recently about the possibilities unleashed by interconnected technologies (broadly referred to as the Internet of Things or IoT). From smart homes that prioritize comfort and ease-of-use for homeowners to smart buildings (commercial, residential, or industrial) that integrate systems to achieve massive energy savings, the growing combination of IoT technology and solar energy is very promising. There’s an even greater application for this technology, however - one that could help our inefficient, unstable energy infrastructure enter the modern era. Grid modernization, the effort to update an electric grid that hasn’t changed much over the last century, can incorporate IoT technology to create a more resilient, accessible, and efficient power distribution system. Here’s how: Smart Meters are Just the BeginningThe initial application of interconnected technology to hit the grid has been the implementation of “smart meters” over the past decade or so. While not everyone is happy with the way utilities have used smart meters, they mark the beginning stages of a modern grid by making two-way communication between utilities and homes possible. This sharing of information benefits utilities, consumers, and the grid that connects them. As Capgemini notes, “Utilities want to profitably manage supply and demand, while customers want uninterrupted service, with lower carbon emissions and greater control over usage and costs. One way of providing that greater degree of control is through information.” Smart meters allow utilities to remotely monitor energy usage to better prepare for peaks and lows and regulate the demand being placed on the grid. For consumers, smart meters provide a more detailed understanding of energy usage, including time of use pricing. For those consumers who produce their own energy through distributed generation systems, smart meters also document the flow of power back onto the grid. But smart meters are just the first step towards building a smarter grid through innovative technology. IoT Technologies Make the Grid SmarterIn addition to more advanced metering, the interconnected web of devices we call the Internet of Things offers greater grid stability and accessibility for renewable energy generation systems. These technologies include smart inverters for solar panels, which automatically adjust the power supply to the correct voltage, and smart thermostats, which learn usage patterns to anticipate demand (or skirt high demand periods entirely). In terms of updating the energy transmission infrastructure to create greater stability and efficiency, many IoT technologies are being implemented. The U.S. Department of Energy writes that “Through the IoT, advanced sensors can gather new data from grid assets to give grid operators better insight into infrastructure performance; controls can work across the transmission and distribution systems that are responsive to changing grid conditions, based on shifting generation mixes, physical conditions, or security threats.” These include smart sensors that can detect areas where power is being lost, intelligent distribution transformers that can help prevent outages, and line fault indicators that can predict weaknesses and suggest areas that are in need of repair. These technologies also enhance distributed generation system’s relationship to the grid, giving consumers who generate some (or all) of their own power more seamlessly access, whether they are drawing power or adding it. Distributed generation is a vital component of any grid modernization effort, as incorporating renewable energy reduces demand from less sustainable sources while decreasing the burden on our vulnerable infrastructure. Growing the Smart GridLast year, the Department of Energy announced a $50 million award “to begin research and development of tools that can enable the next-generation of grid infrastructure,” as StateTech reports. This initiative is a response to the escalating challenges facing the grid, including increasingly unpredictable and damaging storms as well as cyber-threats that make our energy infrastructure vulnerable. As consumers, we can contribute to grid modernization efforts through implementing our own smart home or building systems to reduce power use and save money. Solar-connected IoT devices are making the generation and storage of solar power more efficient and cost-effective than ever. If you’re ready to learn more about the solar IoT solutions that can enhance your comfort and your bottom line, contact us today!
from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=734291&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fsmart-grids-energy-infrastructure-modernization-the-internet-of-things The consumer-led push to create “smart home” systems, which prioritize energy efficiency and savings alongside increased convenience for home or building owners, is opening up new possibilities in energy management. As technology developers build home and office solutions for energy-savvy consumers, they continue to create better models for reducing the energy that our buildings consume. Both consumers and the environment benefit. But how exactly do smart building systems enable better energy management? After all, dozens of interconnected devices (all requiring power) sound like they would need more energy, not less. Let’s take a look at how new technologies are working to make our homes and offices smarter, more efficient, and more convenient. It Starts with the GridWhile some solar consumers are able to completely remove themselves from the grid (and the utility companies) through solar-plus-storage solutions, most of us still rely on this outdated and inefficient infrastructure for at least some of our power. However, Internet of Things (IoT) technology is providing new ways to increase grid performance. On the blog at the SAS Institute, a leading analytics firm, Alyssa Farrell writes that “IoT is aligned with three key trends in energy: digitization, decentralization and disruption.” Through digitization, interconnected sensors placed at key points in the grid are able to detect areas of energy loss and even prevent problems (such as power surges) that lead to less efficient operation. IoT solutions also enable distributed generation through solar or wind-generated power systems paired with batteries, which lessen demand on the grid as a whole. The disruption of the utility monopoly system that IoT and solar providers have begun requires utilities to compete with independent power generators, and consumers are becoming smarter about how they source and consume power. Powering Green BuildingsThe Internet of Things has found a natural ally in the green building movement - a push towards creating structures that prioritize energy efficiency and a minimal impact on their environment. ProudGreenBuilding notes that “The most important impact that IoT has on buildings is energy efficiency. The use of networked sensors helps in providing information that would help managers to control their assets better and also reduce harmful waste in the environment.” These sensors serve a variety of functions, collecting data about temperature, light, appliance usage, weather forecasts, and more, alongside empowering building owners or managers to remotely adjust everything from lighting to HVAC settings or automate the building completely. A study from the Consumer Technology Association found that just implementing temperature and lighting controls (only the basic components of a full IoT system) can save consumers 10% on their monthly energy expenses. Fully interconnected, automated homes or offices offer the possibility of even greater savings. The Energy Management PuzzleFor decades, energy-conscious homeowners have tried their best to cut back on energy use by turning off lights in empty rooms or adjusting the thermostat before leaving the house. But no amount of human effort can match the ability of interconnected devices and sensors to collect data and manage themselves. And, as Solar Industry Magazine points out, “There’s the potential for home IoT devices to bridge the gap not just in areas where we’re forgetful about energy use, but where we can’t even see it.” Connected home systems that include our water heaters, HVAC systems, refrigerators, and more are able to communicate with each other about where power is needed at any given time and adjust to keep a building’s energy usage below certain levels. They can even interface with external temperature or light sensors to determine the best time to cycle appliances on and off. These capabilities have a major impact on a solar power system’s ability to provide all the energy that is needed. IoT has major implications for the solar industry, but the relationship between these technologies benefits them both. Solar installations, for example, enable IoT systems in remote locations and empower data collection in previously unreachable areas. Together, these technologies will continue to reshape how we generate and consume power. Are you ready to consider how a solar smart home system could reduce your energy use and impact your energy costs? Contact Solar Design Studio today to learn more about our comprehensive suite of solar consultation, engineering, and implementation. from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=732908&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fbuildings-going-green-how-iot-enables-better-energy-use-management As we discussed in a recent blog, when the Internet of Things (IoT) meets solar power it enables efficient, effective energy consumption in the buildings where we live and work. The interconnection of devices that we use to facilitate our daily lives provides the opportunity to better understand and control our power use. Through networked capabilities and shared data, IoT solutions show us the future of holistic energy generation and implementation. While integrated “smart” homes are becoming more accessible than ever before, many of us still don’t fully understand what they look like in practice. Let’s examine the possibilities that are created when solar power and IoT devices combine in our homes - making our lives easier, giving us greater control over our power consumption, and moderating energy use for greater efficiency and lower costs. Smart Homes Make it EasyHow is a smart home different than any other? By leveraging interconnected devices (the Internet of Things) to create a network that can communicate and gather data through a centralized controller. As a concept drawing produced by WISE Power shows, solar or other alternative energy sources can be connected to a battery storage system (which may also be grid-connected), which then powers an array of home appliances through a control unit. This means that everything from lighting and computers to thermostats and sprinkler systems and even home security systems can all be controlled through a central hub. The controller is the primary IoT component, gathering data about power use and communicating between devices to ensure that a home isn’t exceeding its capacity to provide the energy it needs. For homeowners, the controller makes it easy to direct various devices (including appliances) from their cell phone. Was the TV left on or the garage door left open? Just check your phone and make the fix from anywhere. Smart Homes Give Us PowerPutting greater control into the hands of homeowners is only one part of the smart home equation. Interconnected devices are able to share information about energy usage and provide accessible, actionable information that gives homeowners the ability to better moderate energy use. By automating parts of their smart home system, users can prioritize energy efficiency without walking through the house to check which appliances are running, or even being at home at all. This automation provides convenience and ease, but also greater control. As Energy Matters suggests, “Imagine having a garden irrigation system that responds to current weather conditions and a thermostat you can control while you’re away from home, so your house is at a comfortable temperature when you return.” And if homeowners would prefer to spend less time thinking about how things are going at home, “A modern system will also learn from your configurations and habits, operating silently and seamlessly in the background; making some dreary and repetitive tasks just things of the past.” Smart Homes Use Less EnergyThe most important achievement of a smart home system from an energy perspective is that these buildings are able to create energy efficiency at a level that was previously impossible. Because all or most major appliances can be networked and communicate their energy needs to a central hub, a smart home can prioritize vital systems and eliminate waste from devices that aren’t currently needed or in use. Energy Matters provides a great example - “you may want to run your washing machine during the day; but this is when electricity is most expensive. An automated home could “instruct” a washing machine to only turn on if the weather is favourable for solar electricity generation and/or your battery system has sufficient charge to support the cycle.” As a result... Smart Homes Save MoneyBy enabling greater efficiency and effectiveness, smart home systems reduce a home’s impact on the environment and also save homeowners money. While they are capable of creating savings in any region, they may be especially effective in areas where energy prices frequently fluctuate or consumers experience significant demand charges by enabling automated peak shaving protocols. The costs of smart home systems and connected devices continue to fall, as do the up-front costs of solar-plus-storage systems, making this a great time to implement both for homeowners who are eager to start seeing savings on their energy bill. Would you like to live in a smart home and experience the benefits they provide? To learn more about our solar-plus-storage solutions and smart home recommendations, contact us today! from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=731604&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fsolar-smart-homes-iot-enables-powerful-energy-integration Few trends in the solar energy space are as exciting as the possibilities offered by interconnected technologies. Whether it’s the coupling of solar PV arrays with battery storage for increased energy independence or the potential for blockchain to create a new market for clean energy, advances in technology keep taking solar power to the next level. As the efficiency, stability, and economic viability of solar installations continue to improve, new possibilities reveal themselves. One growing subset of clean energy technology uses interconnected devices to monitor and manage the energy production and usage of entire buildings, making them more efficient and saving money as a result. These “smart buildings” offer a glimpse into a future in which energy generation and management are more accessible and customizable - where the power to control a building’s worth of devices fits in the palm of your hand. The Internet of ThingsWhat’s enabling this type of progress? The Internet of Things (IoT), which WIRED notes “is increasingly being used to define (any) objects that ‘talk’ to each other.” Encompassing devices from smartphones and remote speakers to small wearable technology like fitness bands and large smart appliances, the IoT is already reshaping the way we manage communication, health, and our homes and offices. These devices can interface with each other and with cloud-based applications or storage systems to do everything from adjusting the thermostat when we leave the house to alerting emergency personnel in the event of a heart attack or stroke. Entrepreneur Ludovic Deblois writes in Medium that “in 2020, the Internet of Things should number 50 billion connected devices communicating with applications in the cloud, compared with ‘only’ 14 billion today. That will be an average of more than 7 objects per person on Earth…” In addition to communicating across interconnected devices to make our lives easier, these devices also collect and store massive amounts of data, which can help us eliminate waste and diagnose inefficiencies or potential dangers. Beyond Green BuildingsThe Internet of Things is also changing the way we think about the buildings in which we live and work. Nearly twenty-five years ago, the green building standard was developed to encourage sustainable, environmentally friendly, healthy building practices. The primary considerations set forward by the U.S. Green Building Council include “energy use, water use, indoor environmental quality, material selection and the building's effects on its site.” Now, IoT applications can help address many of the same issues, both when included in new construction and retrofitted to systems in older buildings. Internet of Things devices can be used to connect various building systems from HVAC and ventilation to computer servers, lights, and alarm systems. These “smart” buildings or homes are then able to integrate and process information from each system to increase efficiency and reduce operating costs. When paired with green building practices, IoT can create incredibly low-impact facilities that use less energy and produce less waste than ever before. When applied to older buildings, IoT devices can address and mitigate many issues such as water management, energy efficiency, and air quality. As GreenTechMedia recently explored, there are several converging trends that make IoT-connected smart buildings the smart choice for building managers and owners. These include the growing market for green buildings and the higher prices that they can demand from buyers or renters, the desire for high-tech spaces (in both residential and office buildings), and a “renewed focus on space utilization and space analytics.” Smart buildings satisfy all of these needs, and many facilities are recognizing that a “building retrofit can be funded by the future reductions in energy cost.” Solar Power Meets the Internet of ThingsWhat’s the next step for smart buildings and homes? Imagine a systems-integrated solar installation that can provide power to a building’s interconnected devices and store the excess for use when needed (or to be sold to a nearby facility or back to the utility company). These solutions are being actively developed by innovators such as those behind WISE Power technology, which “integrates smart devices through a vendor-neutral hub to facilitate home automation as well as building management through smart HVAC, electrical, and solar plus storage solutions.” At Solar Design Studio, we’re excited to embrace the possibilities revealed through the interconnection of solar and other technology systems. Our decades of expertise in the rapidly-changing solar market have prepared us to integrate new technologies as we design solutions that prioritize effectiveness and ROI for our clients. Are you interested in learning more about how solar energy can add to or kick-start your smart home or office? Contact us today!
from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=731398&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fsolar-power-meets-the-internet-of-things-the-smart-building-revolution A new white paper from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance reflects on how Solar Plus Storage technology is disrupting the traditional power balance of energy supply and demand. Titled “How Solar+Batteries Shift Electric Grid Decision Making from Utilities to Consumers,” it examines the fundamental shift that is occurring as more consumers elect to produce and use power locally. But are utility companies ready to acknowledge that the future of solar plus storage is here? Rapid Technology Adoption Spurs ChangeThe paper’s author, John Farrell, notes that “For 100 years, most decisions about the U.S. electric grid have been made at the top by electric utilities, public regulators, and grid operators. That era has ended.” Why? The rapid consumer adoption of solar plus storage systems has created new, localized models of power production and consumption. Farrell calls this “economic defection” - the ability for power customers to become independent power generators has changed their relationship to utility companies. Because grid-connected solar plus storage systems are still very common, the shared infrastructure still binds solar adopters to the traditional utility companies, but perhaps not for long. These localized power generation, storage, and distribution systems have already provided the impetus for reflection on the future of the electric grid and what must be done to prepare infrastructure for decentralized energy production. The fact is, distributed generation is a more reliable, more flexible, and cheaper alternative to paying continually rising utility rates to buy and transport energy from far off power plants. As prices for solar and battery technology continue to decline, more and more consumers are feeling empowered to make the switch. “Based on a proxy measure of electricity prices, the combination of on-site solar and energy storage can already compete with the price of serving nearly 26 million residential electricity customers in 19 states,” Farrell notes. How have utility companies responded? Utilities Do Too Little, Too LateThe first attempt by utilities to address the rising popularity of solar (and later, solar plus storage) technology was to block it by making it less economically beneficial to consumers. We saw this with attempts to end net metering (which allowed consumers to be reimbursed for extra power they produced and shared), the levying of special fees on the accounts of solar consumers, and raising fixed portions of bills. Luckily, the arrival of low-cost energy storage options has allowed many consumers to still experience the financial benefits of producing their own power. Another strategy has been adopting utility-scale solar efforts, which allows utilities to dodge environmental arguments and continue making money off of consumers by withholding their share of reduced costs. Additionally, “some utilities go beyond utility-owned large-scale clean energy facilities to embrace utility-owned distributed solar and storage.”This keeps as much as two-thirds of the profits from clean energy inside the company. Consumers know better, however. The democratization of power production enabled by solar plus storage technology has proven that consumers want to be able to choose how and where they get their power. As utility companies continue to drag their heels, solar plus storage adopters are outpacing them and making the case for a different kind of energy future. Cutting the CordWill utilities realize that major spending on outdated technologies is regressive and focus their grid modernization efforts on a more local, sustainable model? That remains to be seen. In the meantime, more and more consumers are choosing to cut the cord, embrace solar plus storage, and benefit from the financial savings that come from clean power investments. Are you ready to cut the cord? Solar plus storage technology is more efficient and more affordable than ever. If you’d like to be part of the movement towards sustainable, stable, and economically beneficial power production, contact us today!
from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=730924&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252futilities-vs-solar-consumers-who-s-got-the-power At Solar Design Studio, we embrace projects that others might balk at. The intersection of design, functionality, and energy production is an exciting one, so we leap at the opportunity to take on new challenges. Fortunately for us, we’ve built relationships with clients who bring their innovative, ambitious ideas to us. We recently completed a solar PV carport for one such client in Kansas City, MO. This couple, both of whom are architects, weren’t interested in an out-of-the-box, pre-configured solution. They wanted a custom solar carport that served a number of practical functions without compromising aesthetic interest. We were happy to take on the project! Something Out of the OrdinaryIn a testimonial the client shared with us, they wrote “I have researched adding PV to my home for several years and have met with several PV providers in the KC area… and it was challenging to find someone who was interested in doing something out of the ordinary.” As they searched for a partner for their custom solar installation, they noticed that solar providers tended to fall into two categories, “the new and low budget operators who got into this to ride the wave and are not that knowledgeable, and the commercial providers who have little interest in working with a homeowner.” We were excited to be able to differentiate ourselves from the pack through our commitment to working with clients to achieve their unique vision, solve complex solar problems, and manage costs to ensure the highest possible return on investment. Pre-configured solutions may at times be the right fit for some client’s needs, but our depth of experience in solar design and project management gives us the ability to take on interesting custom projects like this one. A Custom Solar CarportFor this project, the homeowners wanted to create a multi-functional outdoor space that would provide protection for their cars and also create shade for part of their patio. Ideally, it would also be an “outdoor pavilion” for entertaining when the cars were moved away. This necessitated a very clean look with an elegant support structure, combining form and function to create a structure that was beautiful and modern but also complemented the existing architecture of the home and the character of the neighborhood. We were pleased to be involved in the majority of the planning and building process. We identified a structural engineer who could design a streamlined support system for the Lumos solar panels chosen by the client and a fabricator who could build it both well and affordably. We recommended a contracting team who cleared the space and installed the pad, footings, and retaining walls necessary to create the carport foundation. The client notes that “ there were a lot of competing challenges that needed to be resolved” in order to complete the project successfully, but that “they were amazingly accommodating to every request.” The solar aspect of this custom carport comes from Lumos solar panels, which “have a very clean look and are partially transparent so some light filters through the panels creating a mottled light pattern on the ground, similar to the shading from a tree.” They are beautifully and simply designed, with the ability to hide connecting wires in the support beams, providing a very clean look and creating a distinctly modern outdoor space. The ResultThis exciting and challenging project has a very happy ending. “Not only do we have a new carport and entertainment patio that our neighbors have been stopping by and admiring,” the client writes, “we got the design we wanted and a well-constructed PV carport that will give us great delight for years to come.” And that’s not even the best part! This multi-functional design was a success on every front and also achieves major energy savings for the homeowners, who are now paying less than $10/month on their utility bill. At Solar Design Studio, we truly enjoy working with ambitious, creative clients who trust us with their custom solar projects. Through years of successful consulting, design, and engineering experience, we’ve learned how to tackle a variety of projects (both commercial and residential) with a commitment to maximizing our client’s investment without compromising on quality or appearance. Is there a custom solar project that you’ve been dreaming about? Contact us today to start making that dream a reality! from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=730678&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fcustom-solar-design-a-pv-carport-meets-multiple-goals The technological advances in solar PV systems over the last decade have been remarkable. Designers and manufacturers continue to create systems that are increasingly more efficient, less expensive, and easier to install. They’re also making them nicer to look at. There are a number of companies that now produce solar panels that prioritize not only efficiency and effectiveness, but aesthetic beauty as well. And while embracing sustainable energy production is always a good look, it doesn’t hurt to choose panels that enhance a home or other building’s appearance as well. How can solar designers satisfy a client’s aesthetic desires without compromising on the quality and function of the installation itself? Form and Function, CombinedSolar Design Studio recently embarked on an exciting project for a client in Mission Hills, KS. If you’re not familiar with the area, it’s a high-end neighborhood filled with large, stately homes - all of which tend to be built and outfitted with top of the line materials and finishes. This project was the first solar installation in the area, and as you may imagine, the neighborhood is quite particular about preserving its long-standing aesthetic quality. In consultation with our client, we chose to design and install a system comprised of CertainTeed’s Apollo® Tile II line. CertainTeed is no stranger to the roofing industry, with an over 100-year history of providing high-end roofing materials. Their venture into the solar space doesn’t compromise on their aesthetic standards. The Apollo® Tile II integrates top-tier solar function, durability, and water and wind resistance. “The Apollo® Tile II system is the pinnacle of roof-integrated energy production, using high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells to capture the most energy per square foot of any solar tile,” CertainTeed writes. “Apollo Tile II also functions as your roof, generating clean power while blending seamlessly into the surrounding tile and protecting your home from water intrusion.” The tile is designed specifically to provide visual continuity with existing concrete roof tiles, complete with custom-colored frames that can match any tile color. They are lightweight, durable, wind resistant, and watertight. And with a power rating of 60 watts per tile, they provide maximum power and aesthetics. Our residential installation in Mission Hills has a total system size of 11.09 kW and includes the Tesla Powerwall for battery storage. Residential Solar-Plus-StorageNo high-end solar system is truly complete without a battery storage component. As we’ve previously written in regard to Solar-Plus-Storage systems, for consumers “considering the return on their investment in solar technology, battery storage makes strong financial sense.” The ability to produce and store power liberates residential solar adopters from the increasing fees and rates implemented by utility companies. The Tesla Powerwall is a “rechargeable lithium-ion battery with liquid thermal control” that stores excess energy generated by solar panels for use when needed. It’s also a gorgeously designed solution for home battery storage. When connected to a solar array, it is able to provide 100 percent of its own power needs and store enough power to provide over 7 days of electricity in the event of a grid outage. Integrating a Powerwall into a residential building minimizes consumer’s reliance on their utility company to seamlessly meet home power needs. In their review of the product, EnergySage writes that the Powerwall “may represent the first time in history that everyday homeowners are truly excited about the potential of storing energy at their home.” They note that Tesla’s reputation for innovation and design excellence is a powerful draw for consumers looking for a high-end battery storage solution. Especially for homeowners who pay time-of-use utility rates, pairing solar panels with a battery like the Powerwall is a smart financial decision. Our Commitment to ExcellenceAt Solar Design Studio, our history of providing residential solar consumers with cost-effective solar solutions is paired with a commitment to satisfying each client’s unique aesthetic and technical needs. Partnering with our client in Mission Hills has created an exciting opportunity to develop and implement a high-end solar-plus-storage system that combines unobtrusive visual beauty and top-tier power production and storage. The pairing of CertainTeed’s Apollo® Tile II and Tesla’s Powerwall is a potent combination that honors both form and function, and both our team and our client are thrilled with the result. Are you looking for a residential solar solution that looks great and works beautifully? Contact us today to start a conversation about how our products and services can meet your power needs, save you money, and enhance the beauty of your new or existing home. from http://www.solardesignstudio.com/RSSRetrieve.aspx?ID=13199&A=Link&ObjectID=730312&ObjectType=56&O=http%253a%252f%252fwww.solardesignstudio.com%252flearn-from-the-solar-expert-blog%252fresidential-solar-pv-installations-have-never-looked-so-good Emerging technology always has a wide and somewhat unpredictable impact. Over the last decade, we’ve seen multiple industries reshaped by disruptive new technologies with major consumer support. Consider how the sharing economy has impacted the hospitality industry and the ways mobile apps have altered brick-and-mortar banking. Now, the power industry is facing an equally foundational sea change. The availability of distributed energy resources (DERs), which include power generation through renewable sources like solar and wind as well as battery storage, is changing the way we envision the future of our power infrastructure - and it’s about time! The current system, massively expanded but little changed since its inception in the late 1800’s, is due for a major overhaul. Enabled by new clean energy technology, distributed generation is the clear path to a modernized, stable, effective grid. What ripple effects might this change create? Let’s take a look at some of the opportunities and challenges offered by grid modernization: Challenges for Energy Sector InnovatorsIn a recent article released by the Forbes Technology Council, Joe Forbes examines “Three Consequences of the Transition Taking Place in the Electric Sector.” “What is taking place is much more fundamental than just technological substitution,” he writes. “The entire character of the electric grid is changing, from centralized, large-scale generation to a proliferation of smaller-scale, distributed energy resources that are cheaper, more efficient and much faster to deploy.” While this is encouraging (and long overdue) forward movement, it is also a monumental shift that will have far-reaching impacts. As innovators in the energy space, what challenges should we be preparing for? Forbes highlights the management of data as one of these issues. “This energy transition has created exponential growth in data and complexity, which, if left unresolved, will stymy the growth of renewables and distributed resources and keep the electric grid stuck in the 20th century.” Distributed energy technology (including energy collection and storage) has progressed at a rapid pace, but the data management platform needed to incorporate these resources into the grid is lagging. Big Data deployment and security has been a tripping point for banking and financial services companies; the energy sector needs to be prepared to do better. Another consequence of the shift to distributed energy resources is one that excites those of us in the alternative energy space: the opening of a massive new market. Forbes notes that “The demand for electricity is expected to double by 2060.” Since this new demand will increasingly be met by renewable, decentralized sources of power, we must be prepared to wrestle with regulators and encourage this shift from the utility monopoly to a fair distribution of resources, incentives, and benefits. This new market doesn’t guarantee success - it provides an opportunity to continue proving that distributed energy solutions are what the market needs. Finally, Forbes explores the increased complexity of financial transactions created by the distributed generation paradigm. Just as the explosion of data provides a challenge for record-keeping and security, grid-edge energy resources create a need for a faster, more comprehensive platform for financial transactions. Noting that “The energy solutions that we will take for granted in the future may remain as fairy tales in white papers and pilot projects if they cannot receive the proper compensation for the valuable grid services they provide,” Forbes suggests that a new platform for these transactions is vital to the successful implementation of grid modernization efforts. Enabling a Future of Distributed GenerationThese challenges aren’t a reason to back down from progress. After all, distributed generation by way of sustainable energy sources provides more efficient and effective power to our communities and mitigates our negative impact on the environment. Instead, they are a call to innovators in the energy and technology sectors to stay ahead of the curve and continue providing vital solutions to the energy problems that we are facing today and in the future. Grid Modernization has had a disappointingly slow start in the United States, but thanks to the efforts of states like California and New York, the foundation for a better energy future is being built today. If the renewable energy community continues to rise to the challenge, progress is inevitable. Consumers can play their part in encouraging the shift towards distributed generation by voting with their wallets and supporting renewable resources. And perhaps even utility companies will come to see that this progress provides opportunities for them as well, as Darrell Proctor writes for Power Magazine. Solar Design Studio is doing our part to enable a future in which renewable, distributed resources replace our outdated, inefficient energy infrastructure by educating consumers and working with them to deliver the greatest possible value for their solar projects. 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