The signing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has brought terms like “heat pumps” and “photovoltaics” into the national spotlight and homeowners’ vocabularies. One thing that’s flying under-the-radar: how both clean energy generation and efficient energy usage can come together for homeowners, landlords, and renters to save money and energy.

Benefits For Homeowners: Closing The Gap

The initial upfront costs of energy-efficient appliances and retrofits has long been one of the largest barriers for homeowners and property managers. The spread of rebates and tax breaks offered by the IRA will go a long way toward removing and reducing this barrier. Homeowners and property managers can now save money upfront as they add rooftop solar, install heat pumps, and switch out natural gas-powered dryers for electric, energy-efficient upgrades.

The diversity of incentives is one of the most intriguing parts of the IRA – there’s something in there for everyone.

Homeowners who have previously been on the fence about adding rooftop PV and home battery systems can make the transition with the tailwinds of a sizable tax break: a 30% tax credit that will be extended at a flat rate for 10 years is included in the IRA. This will revolutionize the demographics of Americans who can install solar and storage.

Landlords and real estate portfolio managers will be guided consistently towards smart-money investments in clean energy generation and efficiency. The diversity of incentives offered and the ability to package them together to achieve maximum savings will bring energy savings to Americans who previously have been left out, including renters, marginalized communities, and first-time homeowners.

As companies in the clean technology industry seek to help homeowners make the most of the tax credits and rebates, real-time data and energy usage monitoring tools will be key in identifying areas for immediate energy savings. Home energy audits will allow homeowners and energy services companies to seamlessly work together to create customized plans. As consumers save money from their solar, storage, and efficiency upgrades, they’ll be able to reinvest the savings into future improvements and installations.

Homeowners, real estate investors, and property managers can choose from a menu of rebates and tax credits that come with installing new, energy-efficient appliances, including heat pumps, water heaters, and stoves – with insulation ventilation, and wiring improvements included as well. Consumers can take as many of these rebates as they would like, up to a total of $14,000.

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Benefits For Real Estate Operators: Faster Scalability

Every step taken toward clean energy generation (i.e., solar panel installation) and managing energy usage within a home (i.e., insulation improvements) can be compounded. Generating energy through solar panels, storing energy in residential battery systems, and using this energy to run electric-powered appliances all work together towards increased sustainability for homeowners – financially and environmentally.

The installation of rooftop solar and/or the upgrades included in the Home Rebate program are all only the starting point for a chain reaction. Take, for example, a landlord who owns a set of four Single Family Rental (SFR) homes in a neighborhood. This landlord, as he installs rooftop solar at a discount and switches the appliances within his rentals for energy-efficient options, does so knowing that he has a return-on-investment waiting. Homes that are cheaper to heat, cool, and power and have reduced carbon footprints are extremely attractive for renters. Institutional landlords have the potential to scale these technologies and reach  millions of renters who have not had access. Simply put, there is a great opportunity to make energy use a more interactive and mindful experience for renters.

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Benefits For Clean Energy Providers: Increased Demand

As consumers rush to take advantage of these savings, energy-efficiency and solar companies will be forced to compete and innovate to find ways to meet demand. This same way of innovation and competition took place over a decade ago following the Obama Administration’s Recovery Act of 2009, which brought an estimated 900,000 jobs in the six years that followed. This corporate growth and innovation helped spur some of the companies leading the charge in decarbonizing the energy sector today.

Innovation driven by competition will not be the only industry result of the increased demand. As individual homeowners and real estate portfolio managers seek to install rooftop solar, batteries, upgraded appliances and other energy-efficient improvements, they’ll be stimulating the domestic construction and contracting industries. Electricians, plumbers, and solar installation technicians will be busier than ever. The $70B+ in clean domestic manufacturing investments provided by the IRA will drive the creation of new jobs – an estimated 912,000 new jobs per year for the next 10 years.

Holistic, whole home carbon reduction is the intended goal of the bill’s residential incentives and earmarked funding. There’s no question that homes that generate, store, and use renewable electricity will be a key part of achieving the emissions reduction goals outlined by the federal government. It will be rewarding to watch homeowners, landlords, and renters all share the benefits of this journey.

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Can I use solar to charge my EV?

Yes. Not only can solar energy charge your entire home, it can also power the battery of your electric vehicle.

What solar equipment do I need to charge my EV?

Most whole-home energy solutions companies set you up with everything you need, but here’s a quick checklist:

• Solar panels
• String inverter or micro inverters; both convert the direct current (DC) output of solar to alternating current (AC), but a string inverter is a standalone box installed by the main service panel while micro inverters are installed under each solar panel
• Level 2 EV charger or EV-charging solar inverter

How many solar panels do I need for my EV?

A standard number is about 10 solar panels. Most residences get 20-30 panels installed, so you should have more than enough power to charge your electric vehicle. Keep in mind that the number of panels varies on the size of your car’s battery, its mileage rating, and the distance you’re driving each day.

Do I need solar batteries to charge my EV?

No. It’s likely you won’t have to charge the EV’s full battery all at one time. It’s also likely you’ll be charging the vehicle at night during which you can earn net metering benefits — credit for solar energy that you contribute to the grid during the day. With those benefits, the grid can act as your additional energy storage, or battery.

That being said, it’s never a bad idea to consider solar batteries as part of your whole-home energy solution. Not only can solar batteries store the energy you generate but don’t use, they can also act as back-up energy sources during a power outage.

What is the green benefit of pairing solar with my EV?

You probably already know the environmental perks that come with making the switch from a gas-powered vehicle to an electric one. But did you know that when you charge your EV using grid power, you’re using an energy source of which nearly 60% is supplied by power plants fueled by non-renewable energy? So even though your vehicle doesn’t run on coal, you’re still powering it that way. Charging your electric vehicle with solar allows for a completely carbon-neutral footprint.

Is it cheaper to charge my electric vehicle with solar?

Yes. For one, producing your own energy at home with solar cuts your electric costs in half when compared to sourcing energy from the grid. That’s savings you’ll enjoy regardless of if you drive an electric vehicle or not. But additionally, if you use solar to charge your EV you’re looking at even greater savings — especially when calculated over time. Consider these numbers:

• Cost of charging your EV using grid power: $.10 to $.40 per kWh. The price of fuel from the grid is what you pay for a kilowatt-hour (kWh). For every kWh in the EV’s battery, it gets about 4 miles; so 12 kWh gives you a 40-mile daily round trip at an average of $1.56. But remember that electricity prices rise over time, so when averaged over 25 years, the cost of powering your EV from the grid can get expensive.
• Cost of charging your EV at a public charging station: $.28 to $.69 per kWh. Tesla charging stations can cost about $.28/kWh, while Blink can run about $.39/kWh (and even up to $.69/kWh for fast charging).
• Cost of charging your EV with at-home solar: less than $.11 per kWh. If you take the cost of solar installation and look at the amount of energy that solar generates over 25 years, you’ll see savings of thousands of dollars for charging your EV with solar.

We Make Energy Easy

Elevation offers fully integrated home energy solutions, and we’re here — by your side and ready to answer questions — from start to finish. Get an instant solar quote today!

Swapping out light bulbs for LEDs, purchasing new appliances, or installing dual-pane windows are all important steps toward reducing your home’s energy consumption. However, if you’re making those changes blindly, without data indicating where energy inefficiencies exist, you’re likely not making as big of an impact as you think. An energy audit can pinpoint exactly where to improve your home’s efficiency, and how. Here, we break down why a home energy audit is key to optimum energy efficiency.

How a home energy audit works.

An energy audit is an assessment that examines a house’s energy consumption and identifies measures to improve efficiency. An auditor will inspect your home’s exterior and interior, utilizing advanced technology to establish problem areas. The process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours, depending on your home’s size. Typically, an audit aims to:

• Measure air leakage. An auditor will assess windows, walls, eaves, even holes where electrical lines run, to see if they are causing leaks in or out of the home.
• Check insulation levels. An auditor will inspect insulation to ensure it was correctly installed and applied evenly between walls.
• Identify areas that need to be sealed. An auditor will conduct a blower door test, during which all windows and doors are closed and a blower door machine depressurizes the house. Then an infrared camera is used to see where cold air is leaking into the home.

The audit sources additional information from:

• Thermographic scans
• Review of your past utility bills
• Analysis of building energy consumption data

What a home energy audit can reveal.

Home energy audits are powerful tools for boosting energy efficiency because they prevent you from wasting precious time — and money — addressing the wrong problems. You might think that incandescent bulbs drain the most electricity in the home, but the worst energy hog could actually be the pool pump cycling too frequently. A home energy audit can discover this. It can also offer insight into smaller, lesser common issues that you may have never noticed. The fridge in your garage, for example, uses electricity even when it’s empty and many home appliances continue to consume energy even when not in use. An audit will report this. In short, the data gleaned from an audit is invaluable for strategizing whole-home energy solutions.

Why a home energy audit saves money.

An audit offers a complete and accurate look at how every aspect of how your home uses energy, arming you with essential information to make the right efficiency tweaks. Doing so can ultimately save you up to 30% on your energy bills — this adds up to hundreds of dollars a year. Additionally, if you plan to sell your home, an energy audit can be an asset to increasing your home value. Energy-efficient houses are some of the most sought-after living spaces on the market. Why? A home’s new owners will want to save just as much on energy bills as you do.

When to do a home energy audit.

If you think you may be paying too much on your energy bills, then the best time to schedule an audit is now. However, it’s wise to also consider the seasonality of the region where you live. Electricity bills for homeowners in the Southwest skyrocket during the hot summer months, while those in colder climates see higher costs during the winter. Schedule an audit before extreme temperatures — cold or hot — to give you time to make energy efficiency improvements ahead of the season.

Where to get a home energy audit.

Some local utility companies and government agencies may offer home energy audits. There’s also Curb Energy Monitoring. Curb provides a simple and convenient way to monitor and manage all of your home’s energy consumption. The system gives you real-time data on your home’s energy production and consumption down to each major appliance and zone (or room) in the house. With Curb, you can:

• Track your home’s energy usage in real time
• See real-time energy use for major appliances, rooms, and areas
• Find out which appliances or areas of the home are costing you money
• Identify and eliminate wasted energy
• Have solar? Curb optimizes your investment with real-time dollar amounts based on your utility plan.

Schedule Your Home Energy Audit Today

Call Elevation to schedule your home energy audit and see how Elevation can help you.

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We store energy.

Solar energy relies on the sun, a renewable energy source if ever there was one. While this is certainly a benefit of solar, it can also be a drawback. Why? Because electricity cannot be generated at night. Or during cloudy days. Or when storms bring heavy rains that block the sun. In order to generate power when the sun isn’t shining, it becomes necessary to connect to another power source like the local utility grid. And as weather gets more extreme due to climate change, adding strain to the grid isn’t always the most viable — or sustainable — option.

When utilizing a weather-dependent source of energy such as the sun, how do we tap into power without increasing the pressure on the grid? The answer: Solar batteries. These help extend the energy produced when the sun is out long into the night, or in inclement or cloudy weather. They reduce the need to source energy from a local utility. Solar batteries can also serve as a source of energy during an outage. And while a typical single battery will not power an entire home, it will send energy to the house’s critical loads (lights, certain appliances) so you’ll be able to get energy from them as needed.

We look at the big picture.

The more that solar expands onto the societal grid, the daytime energy generation from the sun displaces human-made generation from nonrenewable resources. So theoretically, solar displaces the generation from natural resources — a good thing — but energy consumption increases as we continue to use more electricity as a society.

Enter “beneficial electrification.” This refers to replacing the use of fossil fuels with that of electricity in a way that reduces emissions and energy costs even if consumption is increasing. It’s a new approach in the energy sector that looks at energy consumption from an economy-wide perspective; for example, analyzing an electric vehicle by its lifecycle of energy savings compared to that of a gas-powered car, and not by how much electricity it consumes. Think of beneficial electrification as a climate-friendly way to electrify everything on a societal scale; a win-win-win for solar users, utility companies, and the environment.

We contribute to a resilient electrical grid.

A peaking power plant, or peaker, is known as the last power plant to be turned on and the last one to be dispatched. Basically, a peaker is switched on only when energy demand is high or peaking — hence, the name. These plants supply energy only occasionally, and when they do, they rely on fossil fuels to operate. This makes a peaker both less efficient and more harmful to the environment. Peaker plants are also expensive to build. But thanks to advances in the solar energy sector — such as affordable energy storage for residential and commercial spaces, innovative demand-response techniques, and emerging grid technologies — peaker plants are becoming less needed as a reliable form of energy production during peak times.

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Get an instant custom solar quote today to get started.

Over the past two years, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has been working on streamlining the solar permitting process to help municipalities and solar customers alike. The impacts of COVID-19 have made it clear that there is no better time for this new solution. The Rocky Mountain Institute (RIM), a globally recognized clean energy nonprofit organization, is promoting the use of an online platform called SolarAPP. According to RIM, “SolarAPP aims to standardize the instant permitting process across the United States.” The use of SolarAPP will automate the permit approval process and accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar nationwide.

But until SolarAPP is adopted everywhere, the industry will continue to navigate through inconsistent permitting and engineering requirements with the help of knowledgeable energy partners like Elevation. We thought it’d be helpful to breakdown the final steps toward “flipping the switch” on your new solar system today.

Install Timeframes

For Elevation, most systems only take one day to install. However, it is important to understand that the timeframe between your initial proposal, the date of installation, and ultimately your system’s activation depends on specific city and utility approval processes. For instance, some cities provide instant / over-the-counter approvals, while others require a lengthy manual review of your design that could take weeks to complete. With many building departments overburdened, you’ll want to have a knowledgeable installer who will stay on top of the project. Make sure to find one ready to navigate this process for you and keep you informed along the way.

Permits and Inspections

Permitting and inspection standards vary according to your location and utility company. Because rooftop solar includes in-depth construction and electrical work, these inspections help confirm that the project is done correctly to keep you and your family safe. Local building codes can change from year to year, so it is essential to choose an installer familiar with the requirements for your specific area. Here are some things you can expect as part of your solar installation approval process:

General permits to begin a residential solar project:

• Permit from local government to install
• Electrical permit
• Structural or building permits
• HOA approval, if applicable
• Utility interconnection application

General inspections before you can activate your system:

• Pre-solar inspection for electrical
• Roof structure inspection to confirm structural support
• City building and electrical inspection post-installation
• Utility approval after passing city inspection ‍
• Solar interconnection (connecting to the grid) and permission to operate (PTO)

Failure to meet all conditions or skipping mandatory inspections can result in costly repairs or penalties. Your installer will manage your system’s unique design and approval process to ensure compliance with all building and electrical requirements. With so many steps that vary according to your local jurisdiction and utility company, choose an installer you can trust.

Costs and Fees

Unsurprisingly, since permit and inspection standards vary greatly, so do the costs. Each can range from a minimal fee to several hundred dollars. Depending on your installer, you may never see these fees as they are usually included in your overall system price. Elevation’s solutions are turnkey and include anything you would need to get the job done. Our experts can guide you through your plan to help you be confident that there will be no additional hidden fees.

All Systems Go!

Solar installations can be a complicated, multi-step endeavor. But it’s worth it, especially when partnered with a company that can simplify the process and keep things organized while doing the heavy lifting for you. Elevation maintains a streamlined permitting process to minimize typical delays in getting a system installed and activated. Let one of our Elevation Energy Consultants help you achieve an Elevated Home.

With so many benefits, installing solar seems like a no-brainer. However, like any important decision in life, it’s wise to consider all the factors in order to make sure that solar power is the right option for you.

1. Necessary energy to power your home.

The amount of energy your house requires depends on its size, how many people live in the home, the number of appliances and how efficient they are, and more. You don’t want to install too few solar panels, and therefore not have enough power to run your home; likewise, you don’t want to install more than you need — although any unused energy can usually be sold back to your utility company.

Your electricity bill gives some insight into how much energy a home requires, but an energy audit offers a far more detailed look at your family’s energy consumption and usage patterns.

2. Selling your house with solar.

It’ll take a few years for an initial solar investment to fully pay off. If you’re on the fence about installing solar because you plan to sell your home in five years or so, know that solar is still a wise choice. Not only will you reap the benefits of monthly energy savings while you’re living in the house, but solar actually increases your home’s value and overall sale price.

3. Sun exposure at your house.

Solar panels harness energy from sunlight. There’s a direct correlation to how much sun your property gets and how much power the panels can generate. Take time to follow the position of the sun in the sky as it moves over your home during the day. Note any obstacles to the light, such as trees, other rooflines, nearby buildings, or hills. Note, too, seasonal changes to where the sunlight hits; it will be different in winter than it is in summer. Once armed with this information, you’ll be able to determine the best place to install solar panels.

4. Placement of solar on your property.

Typically, solar panels are mounted on the roof since this is usually the most out-of-the-way location on a residential property and the part of the home that receives the most direct sunlight. Examine your roof. Is it in solid condition or does it need repairs? How old is it? If it’s 15-20 years old, you might want to get it replaced before solar installation. What type of shingles do you have? What is the size of the roof and in what direction does the slope face?

The good news is that companies can install panels on most roofs — small or big, angled or flat, with composite or Spanish tiles — but it’s helpful to know these details ahead of time so you can discuss them with a solar company.

5. Cost of solar.

Because of the growing popularity of solar, affordable options abound. Throw in federal tax credits, plus the tax incentives often offered by local utility companies, and the installation cost can be surprisingly reasonable. You can also choose between buying solar panels or leasing them. If you opt for the latter, you won’t enjoy the bigger dividends that come with buying, but your up-front costs will be less — and you’ll still see lower monthly energy bills.

6. Connecting to the grid (or not).

There are two solar system options: one that connects to the grid or one that stores the energy in batteries.

In the on-grid system, homeowners receive net metering, an incentive from the utility company that gives a credit on your electricity bill from any excess power generated by your solar panels. There may be fees involved with an on-grid system, so consult with a solar company for the most up-to-date information.

The off-grid system does not connect to a local utility company, and instead relies on self-contained storage to save any extra power.

7. Signing a contract.

As you shop around for the solar company that best suits your needs, ask the following questions about what goes into the contract:

• Is financing available?
• How long will installation take?
• What are the ownership expectations?
• Are there other entities that will have access to my usage data?
• What types of warranties are offered, and for how long?
• Is maintenance included?

Solar Made Easy

At Elevation, we’re committed to making the switch to solar as smooth as possible. From your first discussion with an Energy Consultant to the day we power up your new system, we’re by your side every step of the process. Start by getting a free online estimate today.

SOLAR MYTH 1: Solar Panels Are Too Expensive

Solar is not a one size fits all appliance. Each home and solar system is different. Solar systems are built based on either your previous year’s consumption (best case scenario) or the square footage of the home (only used if we don’t have one year of usage). Projected savings are calculated by comparing your historical energy costs (price per kWh and total consumption) to your projected energy costs with solar.

When we build our proposals, the goal is to make your solar payment less than, or equal to, what you are currently paying. By switching to solar, you will be locking in your rate. On average, residential electricity prices are increasing about 3% each year. This means that even if you are keeping your usage consistent, your bill will continue to rise. The International Energy Agency (IEA) conducts a yearly study that uses data points which allows them to map energy prices into the future. This year’s study conducted that solar is currently the cheapest form of energy. The price of solar is now 20-50% cheaper than it was in 2018.

SOLAR MYTH 2: Solar Will Lower the Value of Your Home

A study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory indicates that a medium-sized residential solar system can add more than $15,000 to the value of a home. The study engaged a team of seven appraisers across multiple states to determine how much a solar PV system would add to a single-family home.

A separate study from Zillow also concluded that homes with solar sell for more. They tracked sales over the course of a year and found that homes with solar sold for 4% more on average than those without. According to their Consumer Housing Trends Report, more than 80% of home buyers said that energy.

SOLAR MYTH 3: Installing Solar Panels Will Take You Off the Utility Grid

While it is possible to go off-grid with solar, we do not offer those solutions. We do offer solar batteries that can help offset grid power when the solar system is not producing. Batteries work by storing extra energy produced from solar panels to be used later so that you don’t have to purchase energy from the grid. When the sun isn’t shining or during high peak times when you need more energy than your panels can produce, a battery can offset expensive grid power.

SOLAR MYTH 4: Solar Won’t Produce in Cold Weather

Many believe that to reach optimal solar energy, they must live in a hot climate. Surprisingly, this is not true! Solar power comes from the sun’s light, not its heat. PV panels reach maximum energy efficiency at 77 degrees Fahrenheit and slow down as the temperature rises. That means that although winter days are shorter in comparison, it makes up in productivity with the cooler weather.

Does this mean that you shouldn’t go solar if you live in a hot climate? No. The length of sunlight in a day makes up for the extreme heat. Choosing a premium panel brand also helps. Our premium panel, Panasonic, has achieved the world’s highest output temperature coefficient available. When most solar panels are struggling with the increased temperatures during the summer months, Panasonic HIT® modules reliably generate power and limit efficiency losses in the heat. This means that you can stop worrying about this myth and feel confident that solar panels produce productive, sun-powered energy all year round.

SOLAR MYTH 5: The Government Will Give You Free Panels

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The government will not give you a free solar system but they do offer a tax credit that makes going solar extremely affordable.

Right now, the solar investment tax credit (ITC) is worth 26% of your total system cost. This includes the value of parts and contractor fees for the installation. For example, if it costs $10,000 to buy and install your system, you would be owed a $2,600 credit.

The (ITC) was scheduled to drop to 22% in 2021 and disappear for residential installations in 2022. This means that the extension will be saving eligible homeowners thousands of dollars on their system. The tax credit is again scheduled to drop to 22% in 2023 and expire in 2024. There may be another extension but we recommend not waiting to find out.

With these misconceptions dispelled, you can feel confident in finding out how else clean energy from the sun can improve your energy efficiency and savings.

Find out how you can improve your home’s energy efficiency and see your savings by getting your Home Energy Score today.

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Recently, EnergySage produced a special report focused on how interest in residential solar has increased during the current global pandemic. They found that, due to the impact of COVID-19, people are looking to become more self-sufficient and resilient during uncertain times. To that aim, many homeowners are turning towards solar and energy storage solutions. Elevation can help you learn how these solutions provide energy independence and why acting now will help you benefit from local solar incentives, rebates, and significant tax credit (currently 26%) that is scheduled to disappear soon.

How does a Solar Battery work?

Residential solar panels collect energy from the sun and convert it into electricity for use in the home. Most homes still connect to their local electricity grid. When the sun sets, and solar energy is not producing, your home is forced to pull electricity directly from the grid. This is where solar batteries shine. They store extra energy produced from solar panels to be used later so that you don’t have to purchase energy from the grid. The higher your battery capacity is, the more power you will be able to store. When the sun isn’t shining or during high peak times when you need more energy than your panels can produce, a battery can offset expensive grid power. Concerned about power outages? Batteries will keep the lights on and provide short-term clean energy compared to noisy generators when the power goes out.

Can I go “off-grid” if I install a battery?

For most homes, disconnecting from your utility energy grid would require an extremely costly and unique setup. The high cost would outweigh most of the benefits and may not make economic sense. With the right design for your specific energy needs, however, your solar system and the battery can work together with the grid to create more savings and independence. In some areas where net metering is allowed, you’ll receive energy credits when extra energy is sent back to the grid once your battery is fully charged. As your energy production and consumption needs vary throughout the year based on climate and daylight hours, you’ll reap savings from the flexibility that battery storage and grid credits provide. Be sure to check to see if net metering is available for your area. But don’t worry if you don’t have that option. Some states with a higher percentage of solar homes are seeing their net metering credits decrease each year, making battery storage a safe investment that will save more money and put the power back in your hands.

Can a battery help me decrease my energy usage?

Solar batteries won’t decrease the overall amount of energy you need or choose to use at any given time, but they will help to offset any upcharges should you need to use more than your solar system is producing. Depending on the slope and location of solar panels on your roof, energy production will fluctuate. When the system is at optimal production, extra energy will be stored in your battery for use when the sun goes down. Additionally, if you live in an area that utilizes time-of-use rate plans, you can use energy from your battery before pulling from the grid when energy costs are higher. A solar battery is a smart and safe investment with rate plans on the rise and continually changing. When you create and store your own power, you can use it when you need it.

What solar battery should I buy?

There are three main things to consider when comparing batteries: energy capacity, roundtrip efficiency, and warranties.

Energy capacity (depth of discharge) relates to the percentage of energy that is available for use. Batteries with a high-power rating can power several appliances while batteries with lower scores are only capable of powering a few devices at one time. Understand that the more power a battery puts out at one time will also deplete the battery’s storage faster. Finding a battery with a capacity that meets your specific needs is essential.

Roundtrip efficiency is the amount of stored energy that can be pulled from your battery over its lifetime. Like any battery, the life cycle decreases each time it drains and recharges. A battery with a higher roundtrip efficiency will provide the best return on investment as it relates to the overall amount of energy you can use from the system.

Battery warranties guarantee the percent of energy capacity a battery gives for a certain amount of time. Higher quality batteries generally offer a better warranty from their manufacturer. The Tesla Powerwall, for example, produces a discharge of 90 percent and guarantees to maintain at least 70% capacity with Tesla’s 10-year warranty.

Create and store your own energy today

Create clean energy and feel the security and financial freedom that comes from being self-reliant. LG, Tesla Powerwall, and Generac are among the most reputable brands offered by Elevation Home Energy Solutions. The Tesla Powerwall is especially popular due to the amount of energy it can store in relation to the size of the battery itself and its increased safety specifications.

Our Elevation team is prepared to help you. We take pride in providing the best solar education and transparency through our consultative process. We’ll create a plan unique to your lifestyle and home so you can power your life today!

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• Manufacturer warranties (includes both performance and product)
• Labor and shipping warranties
• Workmanship warranties
• Roof penetration warranties
• Inverter warranties

What is the manufacturer’s warranty?

A manufacturer’s warranty is provided to the customer directly from the company that manufactured the solar panels. Depending on the type of solar PV purchased (low to high end), and the manufacturer, these warranties range from 10-25 years. Manufacturer warranties cover both performance (production guarantee) and product.

What is a performance warranty (production guarantee)?

The manufacturer’s production guarantee is designed to protect customers from solar panels that fail or degrade too quickly. Performance warranty ensures customers get a minimum of 25 years of solar production. Equipment is lab tested and given a degradation value; this rating shows how quickly a panel should decrease in production each year. The best solar PV on the market will maintain about 90% of their original output in year 25, while lower-end PV will be closer to 80%. Many other factors will contribute to your overall production, such as the orientation of your roof, shade exposure, and weather. Speak with a provider that can build a custom system that will take all these factors into account. Maximum production over your panel’s lifetime will provide you with the best return on your solar investment.

What is the product warranty?

A manufacturer’s product warranty covers the aesthetics of the panels themselves. This warranty protects the customer from issues relating to manufacturing defects or malfunction caused by environmental problems. Before leaving the manufacturer, equipment goes through extensive testing to ensure it lasts longer than your warranties. However, a product warranty gives reassurance should you need to replace materials and components in the future. Standard panels typically come with a 10 to 12-year warranty, whereas premium panels come with a 25-year warranty.

What is a labor and shipping warranty?

Labor and shipping warranties from reputable panel manufacturers are some of the best coverage you can get in the industry. This warranty covers labor and shipping if a panel needs replacement. While the manufacturer’s performance and product warranties cover material and parts, they do not include the labor fees for the technician to come out. A good labor warranty will save you in the long run, but not every contractor or installer offers one. If an installer states they have a labor warranty, you will want to make sure that they will be in business over the life span of your solar panels to service them or that warranty will be null and void. Premium installers of Panasonic and LG, like Elevation, will automatically provide this labor and shipping warranty for their customers since it is offered directly from the manufacturer. There are typically only a few installers with this status in each state.

What is a workmanship warranty?

This warranty comes from your installer and is sometimes called an “installation or service” warranty. Many customers will interpret this to include all labor, although this is typically not the case. A workmanship warranty covers any defects caused by installation issues. These warranties can range in length, the most common is 10 years, and some may offer up to 25 years. In rare cases, contractors like Elevation offer a lifetime workmanship warranty. But be aware that not all installation companies provide this warranty.

What is a roof penetration warranty?

The roof penetration warranty, provided by your installer, is put in place to protect a customer from leaks in their roof. Roof penetrations are necessary to secure the mounts and racking to the truss of your roof. A qualified installer will seal these penetrations and use equipment designed to keep your home free from leaks. Most solar companies offer a 10-year roof penetration warranty so you can have peace of mind that your panels are secure, and your roof is perfectly functional.

What is an inverter warranty?

A warranty from the inverter manufacturer covers the inverter’s capacitors and other computer components should they fail. There are two common types of inverters, string, and micro. String inverters (inverters that link all the panels together to convert the DC energy from the sun to AC energy to be used by the house) are usually less expensive and typically have up to a 10-year warranty. Microinverters (a mini inverter attached to each panel) are more costly, but because they are smaller and built to stand the test of time, they usually boast closer to a 25-year warranty. Ensure your solar design investigates which type of inverter is best for your home based on your roof design and geographical location.

What does this all mean for you?

Make sure you know and understand what warranties your solar provider offers before you commit to going solar. At Elevation, we think this education is vital to each buyer. That is why we are passionate about the type of panels and warranties we offer. Elevation provides the best equipment with the most reliable warranty coverage available to protect your investment. In addition to partnering with the best manufacturers, we offer a LIFETIME workmanship warranty. With a little bit of knowledge, you can feel confident navigating solar and achieving the best investment return for decades to come.

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Around-the-Clock Energy Access

The first benefit of solar energy storage is the simplest and easiest to understand. A solar energy storage system provides a way to access energy around-the-clock. Obviously, this energy was generated by photovoltaic cells or a CSP system, and that is what sets it apart from other energy storage systems. Furthermore, other energy storage means, such as using flywheels, are not necessarily designed or readily available for use in common commercial or residential applications, reserved most often for large-scale energy production facilities. This benefit further plays into the balancing of energy loads, expanding power generation when necessary, to reduce strain on existing grids. In a sense, a solar energy storage system can even become its own microgrid, disconnecting when power is available and reconnecting to supply other energy users when necessary. And by the same token, they connect into larger virtual power plants too.

Provides Energy Grid Resilience

The scalability and value of a decentralized energy storage system further promote the ideal of energy grid resilience. During times of extreme demand, such as major peaks during the hottest and coldest times of the year, outages may occur. But when the power returns, it creates a vacuum that dramatically increases strain and can cause energy grids to fail. Instead, a solar energy storage system alleviates the burden and provides a degree of resilience. As a result, energy and utility service providers can allocate resources more effectively and prevent further outages.

Zero-Carbon Energy Storage and Distribution

The lack of a carbon footprint is yet another opportunity to leverage solar energy storage systems to keep costs under control and to lessen the environmental impact. Since the energy stored is generated without causing pollution, it is a more economic and long-term strategy for energy production, and dissemination. However, it is important to realize that even storing energy within a battery will have an environmental cost in the form of using raw materials to create that battery. It is in that space where organizations must find a happy medium and be able to ensure that their batteries and equipment will live up to long-term expectations.

Solar Energy Storage Options Provide Peace of Mind for Sensitive Equipment

While the list of solar energy storage system options is extensive, there’s another major benefit. Using automated sensors that detect when the power goes out, solar energy storage systems serve as a backup power supply. That’s a vital advantage for all companies with high-priority energy needs. For instance, health facilities could rely on such systems to power critical equipment, including ventilators, medication pumps, and more. In other settings, such systems provide an uninterrupted power supply to process payments and help to minimize the damage or disruption caused by an outage.

Lower Your Carbon Footprint With a Solar Energy Storage System From Elevation

All entities, including both commercial and residential installations, can benefit from the use of a combined solar panel array and solar energy storage system. And by putting these two technologies together, it’s easier and faster to tap the limitless power of the sun day or night. Contact Elevation to get started.

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