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Tag: Solar panels

Powering Agriculture: How Microgrids Are Revolutionizing Farm Energy

Posted on by Bill Anderson

Agricultural businesses today are facing increasing challenges with rising energy costs and climate-related concerns.

Traditional energy sources have become less reliable due to extreme weather events, leading to unexpected outages that can significantly impact farm operations. Electricity prices are also increasing, causing farmers to look for cheaper, more reliable energy sources.

Microgrids are a versatile solution for the agricultural industry. Here’s how these innovative electrical networks are supporting farms and revolutionizing energy.

What Are Microgrids?

Microgrids are localized energy systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main power grid.

They offer a flexible and resilient approach to power generation and distribution, allowing farms to integrate multiple energy sources such as solar panels, battery storage, and traditional grid power.

So, while farmers can connect to the grid and sell excess power back to the utility with microgrids, they can also disconnect and operate off-grid, giving them multiple sources of energy.

Benefits of Microgrids for Farms

  • Lower energy costs. By harnessing renewable energy sources like solar, microgrids can significantly lower a farm’s energy expenses.
  • Increased sustainability. Microgrids help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and the grid, contributing to a greener agricultural sector.
  • Energy security. With the ability to operate independently from the grid, microgrids ensure farms can maintain critical operations even during widespread power outages.
  • Energy independence. Microgrids give farmers more control over their energy production and consumption, reducing dependence on external power sources.

Save Big When You Install a Microgrid

While the cost of installing a microgrid can be a deterrent for farmers, the government offers significant savings through energy programs and tax credits that can dramatically offset the installation costs.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which can offset up to 50% of the costs for eligible microgrid projects. When combined with federal tax credits, farmers can secure substantial savings on their microgrid systems.

In addition, microgrids will continue to offer energy savings long after installation through independent power generation and the potential to sell power back to the grid, allowing agricultural businesses to enjoy greater cost savings.

Take the Next Step Toward Energy Independence

At Milestone Solar, we understand the unique energy needs of the commercial agricultural sector. Our team of solar experts can help you design and implement a microgrid solution tailored to your farm’s specific requirements.

Don’t let rising energy costs and unreliable power sources hold your business back. Embrace the future of agricultural energy with microgrids. Contact Milestone Solar today for a free consultation and estimate!

How Do High Temperatures Impact My Solar Power System?

Posted on by Bill Anderson

As the summer continues to bring us high temperatures, you might wonder how these extreme conditions can potentially impact residential or commercial solar power systems.

Solar energy is an excellent renewable energy source due to its environmental benefits and the cost savings it offers. However, it’s important to understand the effects that high temperatures can have on the performance and functionality of solar systems. 

How do high temperatures impact solar panels, and what are some essential considerations when using solar in extreme heat?

Impact #1: Heat Can Impact the Performance of Solar Panels

Solar panels typically experience decreased efficiency in higher temperatures. This is due to a phenomenon known as the temperature coefficient.

Temperature coefficient refers to the percentage decrease in panel efficiency for every degree increase in temperature above a specific threshold. While higher temperatures can lower the efficiency of solar systems, every panel is different.

For example, Milestone Solar installs REC panels, which have one of the best temperature coefficient ratings of any panel on the market. This means they are designed to maintain better performance even in hot weather conditions.

Impact #2: High Temperatures Can Cause Grid Outages

In addition to its impact on panel efficiency, high temperatures can lead to grid outages. During periods of extreme heat, the strain on the electrical grid can cause blackouts, leaving people without air conditioning in stifling temperatures.

This is where solar battery backup systems can prove invaluable, especially for individuals who rely on medical devices or are susceptible to health complications from the heat.

These battery storage systems allow homeowners and business owners to store excess solar energy their system generates. They can then use this power as needed, so their solar systems provide a reliable and continuous energy supply even during grid outages.

Impact #3: Ensuring Proper Ventilation for Battery Backup Systems

When installing battery backup systems or inverters, it’s crucial to ensure proper ventilation. 

Heat can negatively affect the performance and lifespan of solar batteries. Ensuring adequate ventilation in the area where the inverter and batteries are installed helps dissipate heat and maintain optimal functionality, even in higher temperatures.

Proper airflow and cooling mechanisms, such as fans or vents, can prevent overheating and extend the lifespan of these critical components for reliable power storage and use.

Impact #4: Solar Helps Offset the Cost of High Utility Bills in the Summer Heat

Extreme heat can result in significantly higher utility bills. As temperatures rise, air conditioning usage increases, leading to greater energy consumption and increased demand on the electrical grid.

By using solar power, property owners can offset some or potentially all of these costs by generating their own electricity. Solar systems not only reduce reliance on traditional power sources but also help lower utility bills.

With proper planning, solar power can be an effective and sustainable solution to mitigate the financial impact of rising temperatures during the warmer months.

Get an Estimate for Your Residential or Commercial Solar Power System With Milestone Solar

Are you ready to beat the summer heat, reduce reliance on the grid, and save money on your energy bills with the right solar system? Contact Milestone Solar today to schedule a free consultation and estimate for your solar and battery backup system!

Why are some solar systems all black, while others show silver and white lines in the panels ?

Posted on by developer

All-black solar modules and racking are definitely an option we encourage customers to consider. In fact, at least one HOA in our area requires all-black for a solar system to be approved by the reviewing committee.

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On some houses or roofs, an all-black system looks very subtle and elegant, in my opinion. You may not agree.

But appearance aside, there are two disadvantages: First all- black modules usually cost a little more. Second, they’re slightly less efficient than the clear (silver-framed) modules. That’s because all-black modules tend to get hotter in direct sun, and more heat means lower voltages and slightly less production.

For example, take a look at the PTC ratings for two popular solar module manufacturers – one with clear (silver) frames and white backsheet, the other with black anodized frame and black backsheet. By the way, PTC stands for PVUSA Test Conditions. This is a California lab that most in the industry consider to be the absolute gold standard for verifying the actual (real-world) performance that can be expected from solar components.

Solarworld

Solarworld 285 watt , mono, clear frame, white backsheet – 259.1 PTC.

Solarworld 285 watt, mono, black frame and backsheet – 255.6 PTC

Suniva

Suniva 285 watt, mono, clear frame, white backsheet – 258.2 PTC

Suniva 285 watt, mono, black frame, black backsheet – 255.0 PTC

The difference in output? Not very much, actually, but there is some. But if you like the looks of the black modules better, I wouldn’t let this small difference keep you from choosing an all-black system.

It’s also interesting to me that both companies’ 285-watt modules are so close in PTC rating. Next time some solar sales person (who probably never heard of PTC) makes inflated claims about the superiority of their product, you might want to keep this in mind. Or check out the PTC rating at http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/equipment/pv_modules.php