Passive Solar and PV

Passive Solar and PV

What is passive solar and PV? For decades, home architects have been applying the principles of passive solar design. This means that homes are built to be warmed and lit by the sun to the maximum degree in winter, while shading living spaces from hot, bright sun during the height of summer. There are energy-saving benefits for the occupants (using less grid electricity, gas, or solar or battery energy) to be comfortable in the home.

The concept of passive solar relies on the tenets of energy efficiency, robust insulation and thermal mass. It also goes further to take as much of the sun’s power as possible when it has a good impact inside, and to limit the effect of sun on the interior home temperature when it’s time to try to cool the home. Some passive solar homes go the route of solar hot water or radiant solar floor heating systems, a natural extension from collecting the sun’s energy through skylights, windows and direct warming of the roof and walls. Solar electric is another possibility.

Is Passive Solar and PV right for my home?

Any energy efficient home can be a great candidate for solar, and a passive solar home all the more so. The southern exposure may have large windows to let the sun shine through in winter, and available roof space on that side of the home should be ideal for locating solar pv modules. Check out the DOE’s passive solar resources for more information on how it works.

Because HVAC needs are light in such a home, a relatively small number of solar panels would likely be recommended to supply power for appliances and devices. In a sense, the proliferation of electronics and modern conveniences means that to truly realize a solar lifestyle, a passive solar home is a good start but adding a solar pv system truly makes a solar home.

Does your home use elements of passive solar and pv, and are you looking to incorporate solar panels in a way that gives you the most benefits consistent with how your home operates? Call us!

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Systems:

How exactly does going solar and a solar system itself work?
Solar energy begins with sunlight that hits the panels to produce energy that flows into your inverter, which converts the DC energy into Alternating Current (AC) electricity that can be used to power your home. This same energy is then consumed when powering your home’s light, appliances, gizmos, and gadgets. If you feel your home isn’t producing the energy that it needs, the utility will fill in the gaps. If you system produces more energy than needed, that energy will go to the grid and your utility will credit you for the unused power.
How many solar panels do I need for my home?
At Renu Energy Solutions we design our solar panel systems size based on three main factors.

Roof-size/available space: When we look at the size of your roof and the space available, we gather data that tell us the maximum number of solar panels your home or site can hold and we even consider shading. We use a software “Suneye” which takes a 360 picture of your roof and we use this photo to determine if your home is a good candidate for solar.

Energy Usage: When we determine energy usage we look at your past electrical bills from over the course of a year to make sure your system isn’t too big or too small.

Your Budget: We take your budget seriously and most importantly, we want you to be satisfied with our services. We take your feedback on how much you want to spend so that we can size your system appropriately.

What is solar net-metering?
Net-metering is a type of utility policy that controls how your system is connected to the grid and how you are credited for the solar energy you produce.
Does Duke Energy offer net-metering?
Yes! Both Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress territories in NC offer net-metering when your homes goes solar. If you are interested in net-metering, no worries. Our team will guide you through the process as certain utilities have a different application procedure.
Curious about the cost of a home solar system?
When our clients ask this question, we immediately tell Tham about the federal tax credit that comes with going solar. The Federal tax credit for going solar is 26% in 2020. For example, if the total cost of you system was $22,000, when you subtract 26% you are then left with a %16,280 solar system. There is not set price for a home going solar as there are many factors that contribute to the total cost. The price of a solar home can range from $10k to $100k based on the size of your roof, energy usage, aesthetic preferences, and of course, budget.

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Home Solar System

The amount of electricity that a solar energy system will produce will depend on a number of factors, including the location of the home, system design, and much more. Ideally, a home with an unobstructed south-facing view will produce more than enough energy.

 


 

Energy Storage

Installing battery backup along with your solar energy system for home or business is a smart move and can increase the value of your clean energy investment as well as peace of mind when a grid outage occur.

 


 

 

EV Chargers

Electric cars – with no gas engine at all – now work for most budgets and lifestyles. With more and more models to choose from, drivers are choosing electric vehicles (or EVs) than ever before!

 


 

 

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