Common Battery Types Used in Solar + Storage

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Incorporating energy storage into a solar array is not as easy as just picking a battery off the shelf. Certain chemistries work better in certain environments and storage capabilities are influenced by the solar application.

Lead-acid batteries have been popular within off-grid solar installations for decades. However lithium-ion batteries are preferred choice for solar, EV and residential applications since they have a longer life cycle, lighter weight, and decreased maintenance. In addition, a recent study in the US found that lithium-ion batteries represented more than 80% of the installed power and energy capacity of large-scale energy storage applications.

Lithium-ion batteries are not the only choice for batteries used in solar+storage installations. Here’s a brief rundown of the common storage technologies used in the renewable industry.

Lithium-ion Batteries

Lithium-based energy storage systems are overwhelmingly the most common storage technology used within the solar market. These batteries are characterized by the transfer of lithium ions between electrodes during charge and discharge reactions. Additional materials, such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese, are inserted into the battery cells and can affect the battery’s performance, voltage, and safety. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than other chemistries, mostly because of their need for battery management systems to monitor voltage and temperature. The benefits of lithium-ion include long life cycle, high charge, and discharge efficiency, lighter weight, no maintenance, solid and they don’t require refills.

Types Lithium-ion Batteries

There are many different types of Lithium-ion batteries. To name a few: Lithium Cobalt Oxide, Lithium Manganese Oxide, Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide, Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide, and Lithium Iron Phosphate.

Lithium Cobalt Oxide batteries are very stable and small, making them a popular choice for cell phones and laptops. They have a higher risk of thermal runaway and fire danger, which is why often hear news of some cell phones catching fire.

Lithium Manganese Oxide batteries have fast-charging properties and increased thermal stability making them a popular choice for medical devices and power tools.

Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide batteries have high specific energy and stability. But their use of cobalt increases the risk of thermal runaway.

Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries have increased safety, thermal abilities, and a long lifecycle. Since they generate little heat, they can be installed in more unique, indoor applications.

Lead-acid Batteries

Lead-acid chemistry is one of the oldest forms of energy storage and is widely used. Lead-acid batteries are known for being dependable and inexpensive. Lead-acid batteries are heavy because of the materials involved. They have a limited cycle life and are inefficient when it comes to charge and discharge compared to Lithium chemistries. But they’re cheap to manufacture and reliable if it’s operated and maintained properly.

Types of Lead-acid Batteries

Flooded lead-acid batteries must be flooded with a liquid. They require significant care and maintenance. Flooded batteries need to be refilled regularly as the electrolytes evaporate during charging. These batteries must also be housed in an enclosure with enough ventilation to keep off-gassing levels from reaching a dangerous point.

Valve Regulated Lead-Acid batteries are “sealed” and use valves to regulate off-gassing. They require little to no maintenance when compared to flooded lead-acid batteries. There are two categories of Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid batteries – AGM and gel. AGM batteries perform better in colder temperatures, while gel batteries work better in warmer temperatures.

Flow Batteries

Flow batteries use two chemical components dissolved in liquids separated by a membrane to provide a charge. Flow batteries can be recharged instantly by replacing the electrolyte liquids and store additional electrolytes externally in tanks that are pumped into the system as required. Flow batteries excel in long-duration storage applications and require little maintenance.

Benefits of Solar Energy and Myths Limiting its Widespread Use

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With prices falling rapidly in recent years, installing residential solar panels system can dramatically trim energy bills. A decade ago, residential photovoltaic (PV) systems costed more than $50,000. However, mass production using new technology has sent prices plummeting more than 60% in the past several years. Today, the average upfront cost of a six-kilowatt solar panel system — one of the common sizes for residential homes — runs between $16,00 and $21,000.

Further research finds that homes with solar PV system have sold for a premium, expressed in dollars per watt of installed solar PV system. Homes equipped with solar power systems on average sell for 3.74% more compared to non-solar properties. Solar energy is a guaranteed investment that pays for itself. Any upfront costs are paid back from the energy cost reduction (or elimination), and appreciation of property value. Solar customers can expect to see at least 2-3 times return of their initial investment over the life of the solar system.

With all these known benefits, what is still preventing some of homeowners from choosing solar energy?

As with any new technologies, there are myths that create doubt in human mind and here are some of the common myth that’s preventing the widespread use of solar energy:

1. Solar Energy Systems are too expensive.
As mentioned above solar system Installations are more affordable than they have ever been in 40 years. Photovoltaic modules cost per watt, installed, started at $32 a watt, now at an all time low of under $3.

2. Typical homeowner will not live in their home long enough to get their solar investment returns.
As mentioned above a solar system actually increases the value of the home. For every $1,000 that has been saved in annual electric costs, your home’s value rises $15,000.00, in addition to the benefit of lower utility cost.

3. Solar panels require constant maintenance.
Typically, the solar panels rarely require any maintenance or cleaning. The rest of the system components, doesn’t require more than any other electrical equipment.

4. Solar panels do not work in cold, cloudy places/states.
Germany, who ranks low in sunny days, is the solar energy capital of the world. In fact, when the solar panels are cold, they perform better and produce more energy.

5. The solar panels cannot withstand harsh climates (snow, hail, winds, sleet, disasters).
Today’s solar panels are built to code and it can withstand most severe climatic changes in various applications. Also. the color of solar panels is dark which aides in melting snow.

6. Solar systems are unreliable and inconsistent.
On the contrary, solar electric systems can be more reliable than utility power companies. Typical solar modules warranty lasts 25 years or more. They have no moving parts and off-grid systems are not subject to power outages, as energy storage provides continuous operation. In fact, solar technologies are used to power many vital systems: aircraft warning lights, railroad crossing signals, navigational buoys, etc.

7. We cannot use solar energy because I don’t have enough sunlight and no southern roof exposure.
Cloudy areas could still generate energy, but may require more solar panels like BC. East/West roof exposure is also effective based on applications, as well as the use of ground mounted systems.

For many years, these myths have been preventing people from taking advantage of the solar energy. Now is the best time to benefit from affordable solar PV systems to reduce your electricity bill and increase your property values. Please contact us for a free proposal at info@newdawn-es.com or 416-855-9377.

Learn the Top Reasons Why You Should Install Solar Energy Panels

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Solar panels are a great source of energy and they help to reduce energy costs. Solar panels also reduce the environmental impact of your home and provide you with a host of benefits that include supporting local business, making a contribution to energy independence.

Do you want to install panels at your home? Here are the top benefits that you can enjoy:

Reduction in Energy Bills:

Purchasing a solar energy solution from one of the top solar energy companies will ensure you with the best solar panels system. During daytime, these solar panels will produce much more energy than you need for consumption. Rest of the energy can be stored and used at a later time and can become a good source of income.

Protect Yourself from Utility Prices:

The prices of electricity keep fluctuating. Often, it is on the raising end. However, if you choose to use solar panels, you can avoid these fluctuating prices. Thus, it is best to switch to the panels.

Usage of Underutilized Land:

The increasing use of solar power has made non-arable useful. As many non-arable lands around and far away from big cities have not been utilized for productive purposes, they can now be used for implementing solar power systems.

Improves Grid Security:

With more dependence on solar power, we become less likely to come across blackouts and brownouts. With better functioning power plants, there is greater security against human-caused disasters.

Solar energy is the source of clean and pure energy, which can bring a lot of benefits when used appropriately. There are a lot of good things to think about and implement when you bring a natural resource to use. Similar is the case with solar energy. If you want to experience the same benefits you can approach us for suitable solutions. We are one of the top solar energy companies providing solutions that are second to none. We provide energy solutions across Toronto, Markham, Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville, Brampton, Vaughan, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Caledon, Stouffville, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora, Milton, Georgetown, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

HOW SOLAR PLUS STORAGE WORKS

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Advancements in solar technology have made solar systems that are aesthetically pleasing, more affordable, and customers are given greater energy independence with advancements in battery technologies. With all these developments, there has never been a better time to go solar.

We’re happy to announce that, New Dawn solar energy systems can now be paired with industry leading solar battery storage providers. This allows our customers to choose their home battery products that will best meet their energy solution needs.

Our solar energy system generates electricity whenever the sun is shining, often producing more energy than your house needs during peak seasons. The excess energy is sent to the grid, and the homeowner usually receives a credit from their utility that can offset the electricity used at night and cloudy days. The grid still plays a supporting role. More homeowners are requesting solar-plus-storage option so they can have more control over their solar electricity usage by charging the battery first before sending excess energy to grid. The stored solar energy can be used to complement power from the grid at night or to power essential appliances during a power outage so you are never without power.

Unlike lead acid batteries, lithium ion batteries do not require additional ventilation and only require one third of the amount of space. So we have the flexibility to place them at any convenient location inside a property.

At this time most solar homeowners will only need a storage battery system when there is a power outage. A properly sized net metering home solar system is enough to meet a family’s electricity needs, credits earned during sunny days covering any electricity used from the grid in the evening and on winter cloudy days.

While power outages do not routinely impact many households here, a home battery system can provide you with greater peace of mind when it suddenly occurs. Our battery system is quiet and clean alternative to a noisy generator which many home owners think about. If the power does go out, a home battery is designed to keep only essential appliances up and running and will charge with solar power so there aren’t any gas bills associated with a generator. With these advantages, opting for a solar storage battery solution would be the smart decision.

To see if a home solar battery makes sense for you, visit our website and fill out the form, we will get in touch to guide you.

ADVANTAGES OF NET METERING PROGRAM

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We all know that the Ontario government’s Feed in Tariff programs had been phased out but many do not know that Ontarians can still install solar panels and connect them to the grid under Net Metering program.

The Net Metering program provides Ontarians with the opportunity to optimize their energy usage and generate the electricity needed with solar panels on their rooftops. From start to finish, a typical Net Metering installation takes two to three months and New Dawn Energy takes care of the entire process for you from initial assessment to commissioning with skills and professionalism.

New Dawn Energy designs and installs Net Metering systems that allow you to use the electricity from the solar panels to reduce or eliminate your dependence on the utility company. The amount of electricity you can generate depends on the number of panels your roof can accommodate.

You will receive credit for your excess solar electricity production and you can use the credit when there is not enough electricity production from your solar system to get the electricity from your utility company. This means you only pay when your solar electricity credit is less than the electricity power supplied by the utility. The credit your solar power system produce can be carried forward for up to a year. This means you can create credit during summer months when your solar power system produce more electricity and use during winter months when you solar power system produce less electricity.

Net Metering program allows to integrate energy storage with your solar power system. When energy storage is integrated into your solar power system you get to use most of the electricity your solar power system produce. Energy storage system can also help to reduce peak demand thereby reducing demand charges, provide backup power for you during blackouts and help to buy electricity at lower price time for using at high price time.

New Dawn Energy’s Net Metering system is constructed with high quality durable components from tier-one manufacturers. The components we choose to use are the best in their category hence give you the ability to produce maximum electricity from your roof area and without regular maintenance requirements.

The City of Toronto offers Torontonians Home Energy Loan Program (HELP), which is a low-interest loan program to cover the cost of new rooftop solar power systems and other energy efficient technologies. In addition to low-interest rates low as 2%, repayment terms can be up to 15 years and the loan can be paid off at any time without penalty. If you sell your home and don’t want to pay off the loan, the new homeowner can assume the payments and enjoy the savings from the solar power system.

If you would like to know more about New Dawn Energy’s Net Metering solutions or energy storage solutions, or would like a free quote, contact us by clicking here and submitting the form or give us a call at 416-855-9377.

New Dawn Energy’s Solar + Storage Offering

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New Dawn Energy sets a new standard in clean energy by offering the highest quality pairing of solar + energy storage equipment. This solution is now available to our residential grid-tied and off-grid customers in Ontario and around the world.

New Dawn Energy focuses on quality, performance and customer satisfaction as the keys to enhance the rapid adoption of clean energy technology. New Dawn Energy has identified the best-performing solar + storage equipment to provide the best performing solar + storage systems to our customers.

New Dawn Energy’s systems are smart, safe and the battery technology is warrantied to last longer than most other energy storage systems. By combining solar + storage energy systems homeowners are able to store energy, and manage electricity usage efficiently. Most importantly, they can gain peace of mind with the ability to power their homes and communities with clean energy, even during brownouts, blackouts and extended periods of power outages.

With our high quality intelligent residential storage solution, we are confident in our ability to meet growing consumer demand for solar + storage and further adoption of sustainable technologies by homeowners in GTA and around the world. New Dawn Energy’s all-in-one turnkey energy solutions not only seamlessly integrate into modern and tech-savvy homes, but also provide power to remote area homes and communities in Canada and elsewhere.

Is Solar Energy A Good Resource for Your Business?

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The utility prices have significantly increased over the years and on the contrary, the cost of purchasing
and installing solar systems has taken a downfall. This has resulted in an increased sale of solar systems.
Not only have the businesses, even the residents considered its use for enjoying long-term benefits. The
technology has become a cost-effective and sustainable source of energy, which is being widely
accepted by people all over. However, there are still many businesses that have not yet been able to
understand how solar energy makes sense to the business.

Given below are two major benefits you get by making a one-time investment and embracing solar
energy:
Cost Savings on Energy
The primary driver to run a business is to have maximum monetary resources available, and a significant
amount of funds are utilized in the utilities. However, if one decides to save on this, they can get huge
help by installing solar systems. In fact, there are systems that are exclusively meant for business
applications and installing these Commercial Solar Solutions in Ontario can turn into good savings.

A Long Term Free Source of Electricity
A lot of businesses do not get the solar panels installed thinking that it is a costly investment to make.
However, there have been various analyses on it and found that a business pays off for about 7-8
years to cover the expenses made for a complete solar systems in Vaughan.

Once this expense is covered, a company enjoys free electricity for about 25 to 35 years, which is a great
deal to make. Also, the systems come with long-term warranties, so the consumer doesn’t have to
worry about the performance. They can easily rely on the products as satisfaction is confirmed.

These are two major advantages of getting commercial solar systems installed. Apart from this, when a
company supports a green business approach, customers see it in a good light. By creating an
environmentally responsible image, they can inspire other companies for taking a similar responsible
step.

Convincing Reasons That Suggest You Should Go Solar

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Switching to solar energy usage isn’t an easy option to take. It will require investment and effort to make this big change. This one change will alter your lifestyle for the entire period that you are going to be alive. If you find it to be a regular change that is taking additional money out of your pocket, then you need to read the convincing reasons below to support the decision of inviting new changes:

Save Money on Energy Use

It might seem to contradict at first because getting a Solar Panel Installation in Ontario will demand a good money investment. However, once it is done, solar power will save you huge bucks. This is because it is unusually cheap to use. In fact, you do not even have to pay the electricity bills anymore. Additionally, there’s more value added to your property and it will serve you good if you plan to sell your home.

No More Dependence on Electricity

As mentioned already, once you switch to using solar panels, your dependency on electricity offered by the utility providers becomes zero. When rest of the society is facing a blackout, you can still light up your house using the energy from the solar panels. As long as the sun rises, you have your source of energy available. The stored amount of solar power keeps you good even on the cloudy days.

It is a Contribution to the Environment

Going solar is one of the steps that you can take to help Mother Nature preserve itself. When most of the advancements made are deteriorating the environment, switching to solar energy is one change made in environment-favor.

These compelling reasons support the decision of every resident who wants to switch to solar energy for homes in Ontario and around the world. We at New Dawn Energy Solutions can help you take the right foot in the proceeding.

Benefits of Solar + Storage

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solar+storageAs our electricity price is low, it is difficult to see the economic advantages of solar + storage. It is also difficult to place value on avoided power outages to make the economics work for solar + storage projects. But we all know that power outages can cause health hazard, economic loss and most importantly immeasurable inconvenience.

Even though power outages are very common in most parts of the world, we have been lucky enough to have minimal of these events here in North America. However power outages are becoming increasingly common in our neighbourhoods in GTA and throughout North America in recent years.

According to researchers recent Hurricane Maria’s impact on Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands set a record for the longest blackout in U.S. history. Puerto Rico’s Department of Economic Development and Commerce estimated economic losses at a minimum of $20 billion. Some economists say that when the drop in productivity is considered, the number could be twice as that.

These extreme weather events have highlighted the need for more resilient energy systems with backup power. While gas and diesel generators are often used, they are unreliable due to various equipment failures, fuel shortages and they are dirty, noisy, and dangerous.

Solar + storage solution is an alternative that can provide dependable, cost-efficient backup power. Due to high upfront cost, solar + storage had not been the obvious choice for backup power in the past. But solar + storage system costs have been steadily declining in recent years and it has become primary choice to reduce high utility demand charges. With new government incentives, use of solar + storage for emergency backup power in case of blackouts also will become the primary choice.

With electricity rates steadily increasing over the last 10 years, going solar makes financial sense. While providing you much needed backup power, Solar + Storage further helps you to take control of demand charges. Also depending on electricity rate structure solar+ storage can offset energy costs when electricity rates are at their peak.

Going solar with our solar+ storage solution is the best way to take control of your energy cost. Interested in solar or solar+ storage? Contact us.

IS SOLAR PV SYSTEM IN COLD AND SNOWY CLIMATES WORTH THE INVESTMENT?

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One question people often ask is whether purchasing a PV system in cold and snowy climates is worth the investment. With low temperatures and snow, how could a solar power system produce electricity? Though these are reasonable fears, experience has shown that winter solar is not as problematic as it first appears.

Many would be solar panel owners are switched off by the thought that snowfall and cold temperatures reduce the potential output of their solar arrays. While it is true that snow build-up can hamper a panel’s ability to produce, this dip in output is only significant in systems installed on low slope roofs and only during winter months. But the concern about efficiency of panels in the cold temperatures is unfounded. In fact cold temperature improves panel efficiency; PV temperature reduction of about 20°C leads to a 9 to 12% increase in electrical yield.

Even in the case of the low slope roofs snow build up could happen only during the winter months during which sun angle is also low. Due to this solar PV production is lower during winter months regardless of roof slopes. On the other hand sun hours during summer months are longer compared to tropical locations hence production during our summer months is high compared to other locations.

During winter months snow on the ground tends to reflect the sun’s light back upward. This reflected light, hits angled panels, adding to the direct light from the sun and help to increase energy yields. These two effects in combination can result in higher output from panels on a clear snowy day than the average summer day when one would expect output to be highest.

Even after factoring in the snowy cold winter months, a solar power installation will undoubtedly help curb a consumer’s annual energy bill. With net metering most of potential solar PV system owners can produce the entire amount of electricity they use in a 12 month period from solar regardless of the cold snowy climate in Canada. In fact many of our past customers’ solar PV systems are generating more electricity than they use.

As the storage prices are coming down we have even started working with people who want to opt for off-grid and be entirely free from the grid. As the electricity price increases and aging utility infrastructure become more problematic this number will increase substantially.

At New Dawn Energy Solutions we custom design the best possible solar power systems to suite your needs. We are looking forward to working with you to find the best possible solution for your needs; feel free to contact us at info@newdawn-es.com / 416-855-9377 to see how we can help you to take control of your energy cost.

Phone: 416-855-9377