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Jun 23

What does a grid-tie inverter do?

An inverter is the most critical component of a solar power system. A grid-tie inverter performs many functions than any other component in a solar power system. The functions an inverter need to perform continue to grow as the solar power systems get smarter and increase interaction with the utility grid.

Here the key functions a grid-tied inverter perform

Power conversion from AC – DC
The main function of an inverter is power conversion – convert the direct current (DC) power that solar panels generate to alternating current (AC) power that is normally used in homes and businesses or fed directly into the grid in case of a utility-scale solar power system.

Maximize power generation
Inverters continuously track the solar array’s voltage, current and identify an operation point to generate the maximum power from the solar array.

Interface with the grid
Grid-tied inverters have advanced from one-way communication to two-way communication with the grid and assist with grid-support functions. With advanced software, smart grid-tied inverters can perform grid-supportive functions related to voltage, frequency, communications, and controls.

Monitor the function of the solar power system
Inverters make it possible for solar owners to keep track of the power output of their solar systems. Most inverters have communications capabilities via hardwired ethernet, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Through this communication connectivity data stored in the inverter is uploaded to a monitoring portal which in turn enables solar power system owner, installers to monitor the performance of the solar power system and take appropriate actions proactively.

Ensure safe system operation
An electrical arc can cause fire hazard and material degradation. Grid-tie inverters are programmed to identify these arcs and shut down the inverter to enable safe operation.

Inverters are made up of many electronic components and perform numerous tasks, they are more likely to fail than other components of a PV system. Micro. string and central inverters come with different pros and cons, but string inverters are more easily serviceable when a failure happens.

If you are thinking of what kind of inverter to use with your solar power system and how much it would cost complete the Free solar Assessment request at our website or give us a call at 416-855-9377 we will guide you every step of the way.

We provide solar plus storage hybrid energy solutions across Ontario including 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).

May 25

ADDING ENERGY STORAGE TO YOUR EXISTING SOLAR POWER SYSTEM

By admin | Battery, blog, Renewable Energy, Solar, Storage, Uncategorized | No Comments

Adding a battery to your existing solar power system is not always an easy task. If your solar power system was installed storage-ready, adding the battery could be easy but with the rapid advancements of solar-plus-storage in the last few years, it is unlikely many old solar systems can easily accommodate battery connection. But that does not mean it is impossible; there are just a few important questions you must answer before starting a retrofit solar-plus-storage installation project.

What is your inverters make and model?

The inverter used on an existing solar panel system will dictate how a battery can be added to an existing solar power system. Solar-plus-storage systems are either AC-coupled or DC-coupled. AC-coupled systems require an additional, separate inverter to charge the batteries. DC-coupled systems use a charge controller to feed the power from the solar array to the batteries and then through an inverter for grid-tied use. For example, existing systems with microinverters which make the DC-AC conversion at the panel-level will need an AC-coupled system for storage, since the battery cannot be incorporated into the DC lines before AC-conversion.

To accommodate energy storage in an AC coupled system, existing grid-tie inverters must have frequency control capability. If the existing older inverters cannot frequency shift, they should be replaced to add batteries. Adding new inverter that can regulate charges is the only way to include storage on this type of existing solar PV system. Inverters are usually warrantied to 5 /10 years. If the inverter is approaching its warrantied lifespan, it’s a good idea to upgrade. It may be advantageous to replace the inverter with an inverter designed to accommodate storage to enable options to integrate storage immediately or in the future.

Why do you want to add storage?

Another question to answer – is your storage solution for emergency power? Or to store excess energy produced by solar during the day, so that it can be used in the evening when the sun goes down? Or in places with a TOU tariff, charge the batteries with solar or grid power when rates are cheap and discharge the batteries when power is most expensive. Depending on your objective, it is important to have an inverter that allows for your specific storage need and an appropriately sized battery bank to support your power needs.

Who owns the solar system?

Another question to answer – is your existing solar PV system owned by you or leased? If you have full ownership adding storage is easy. If your existing solar panel system leased it may have restrictions on adding certain equipment. Typically leased solar power systems have a wide range of restrictions as to what changes can be made to the home or business and its electrical loads. Adding energy storage may be prohibited by lease terms.

If you are thinking of adding energy storage to your existing solar PV system and much it would cost to have peace of mind with a solar plus battery power system complete the Free solar Assessment request at our website or give us a call at 416-855-9377.

We are one of the top solar energy companies providing solutions that are second to none. We provide solar plus storage hybrid energy solutions across Ontario including 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).

Apr 19

FROM A NOISY GENERATOR TO SOLAR BATTERY BACKUP POWER SYSTEM

By admin | Battery, blog, Renewable Energy, Solar, Storage | No Comments

As the power outages and utility rates increase, it becomes necessary for businesses and homeowners to have a backup system to meet these emergencies.

Currently, many who need backup opt for a generator to meet their needs created by the unexpected power outages. But a generator introduces many expenses and undesirable environment.

With generator backup, many suffer badly from the noise and smelly gases exhausted by the generators. Exhausted gases are not only smelly but also harmful to the environment and create health hazards. Generators also need to be operated monthly basis even when there is no power outage to ensure their proper operation and serviced by a generator company approved service person to maintain the generator warranty.

With the reduction in solar and storage prices solar battery storage energy systems are becoming popular as backup power systems for providing electricity for many applications.

Solar+Storage

With solar battery backup system, the excess energy generated by solar during daylight hours can either be stored in the batteries for later use or sold back to the grid. Both the grid and the solar array can charge the battery of a solar battery power system.

A generator backup is used only when there is a power outage, in contrast, a solar battery backup power system is used on a daily basis for smart energy management. Solar battery power system allows the user to choose how much solar generation goes into the battery and how much goes back to the grid as well as at what time it is sold back.

The utility rates are different depending on the time of day which means that energy can be bought from the grid during low-cost hours stored in the battery and used during high-cost hours. Unlike generators, solar battery power system does all these without making any noise or releasing any harmful gases. Many of our customers are thrilled with how well the system performs and how quite their house compare to running a generator.

If you are wondering how much a solar installation would cost to offset the electricity bill, and have peace of mind with a solar battery power system complete the Free solar Assessment request at our website e or give us a call at 416-855-9377. We are one of the top solar energy companies providing solutions that are second to none. We provide solar plus storage hybrid energy solutions across Ontario including 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).

Mar 21

HYBRID ENERGY SYSTEM

By admin | Battery, blog, Renewable Energy, Solar, Storage | No Comments

A hybrid energy system usually consists of two or more energy sources used together to provide increased system efficiency as well as greater availability of energy supply. The intensity of solar radiation and wind can change randomly, and electricity generated from these resources will also change randomly without any notice. With the increased amount of power generation from solar and wind, energy storage is becoming increasingly important for reasons including the availability of power, grid stability, energy management as well as demand reduction.

There are many different energy storage technologies – mechanical, pumped storage, thermal – molten salt, and chemical-batteries. Each type of storage has unique characteristics that differentiate them from others, as well as the types of power sources with which they can be integrated.

Chemical storage systems are generally battery-based systems that use chemical reactions to store and convert energy. Battery-based storage systems had been widely in use in many small to midsize day to day applications. Now Lithium ion batteries based storage systems have become the choice for large scale day to day applications.

With regularly rising and tiered utility rates more and more people are choosing to invest in hybrid solar energy systems which provide them with both stable power and energy savings. In areas where the utility grids are not stable, hybrid solar energy systems are the ideal solution currently on the market. Acting as a backup when the grid is down, and allowing owners to send excess power back to the grid when there is excess energy.

With a solar hybrid system with battery backup, the excess energy generated during daylight hours can either stored in the batteries for later use or send back to the grid. Hybrid inverters have smart electronics on board that allow the user to choose how much solar generation goes into the battery and how much goes back to the grid as well as at what times. Smart hybrid inverters also enable the customers to buy from the grid during low-cost hours and send back to the grid during high-cost hours. Solar alone cannot do this; the battery in the hybrid system is what makes this possible to do all these.

In the case of the hybrid solar PV system, both the grid and the solar array can charge the battery. The hybrid inverter allows the user to choose how much of either one will flow into the battery. Some hybrid inverter systems can connect to 3 different power sources, the grid, the solar array, and a generator. They are each controlled by the hybrid inverter and are utilized based on the user’s settings during commissioning.

Feb 24

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KWH AND KW

By admin | Battery, blog, Renewable Energy, Solar, Storage | No Comments

KWvsKWHR People looking for solar options often puzzled with terms kilowatt and kilowatt-hours. Electricity used is measured by kilowatt hour and the solar power systems are sized in kilowatts. This is where questions often come about kilowatts and kilowatt-hours.

So what exactly does a kWh mean and how does it differ from a kilowatt (kW)?

A kilowatt is a measure of how much power (capacity) a device can provide; kilowatt-hours define the amount of work performed in one hour of time or amount of energy used to do that work. A 1.5 kilowatt (1500 W capacity) kettle will boil the same amount of water faster than a 1 kilowatt (1000 watt capacity) kettle. Regardless of the power of the kettles, energy needed to boil the same amount of water is the same. In this case, energy is provided by electricity and the amount of electricity used by both kettles to boil the water is the same.

Energy use and kWh in context

Say 1.5 kilowatt (1.5KW) kettle took 0.5 hours (30 minutes) to boil the water, electricity used = 1.5 X 0.5 = 0.75 kwhr; unit of measure for electricity (energy) is kwhr. We know smaller kettle takes longer to boil the water; how long? We know electricity (energy) used by both kettles are the same; 1 X T = 0.75, T = 0.75 hours (45 minutes), 1-kilowatt kettle will take 45 minutes to boil the same amount of water.

Why kWh matter when you’re going solar

The Net Metering program allows offsetting the electricity purchased from the utility company with solar electricity during twelve consecutive months. To do this as solar energy solutions providers we need to size the solar power system that is able to produce the amount of electricity a customer use in twelve consecutive months. Electricity bill report usage in kwhr, and when evaluating solar installation to offset this electricity we talk about the size of the solar power system needed in kW.

In the earlier example, we talked about how a 1,000-watt kettle will use 1 kilowatt-hour in one hour of use. When talking about solar, the process of converting power capacity (watts) into expected energy output (kWh) is not as simple due to a number of factors. One thing is certain: a kettle will consume power at a constant rate regardless of whether or not you live in Toronto or California, if it’s raining or if it’s placed on a certain type of countertop. Whereas solar panels output is greatly affected by the environment and circumstances it is installed.

Factors such as the angle and orientation of the roof and the amount of sunlight hours in the town solar panels are located will significantly impact how much electricity it will produce. So, for example, a solar panel on the north side of a roof will produce than the same panel on the south side of the roof because south facing roofs typically receive higher sunlight exposure.

Those wondering how much a solar installation would cost to offset the electricity bill, complete the Free solar Assessment request at our website e or give us a call at 416-855-9377.

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).

Jan 15

Is Your Solar Panel Installation Battery Storage Ready?

By admin | Battery, blog, Renewable Energy, Solar, Storage | No Comments

Lithium-ion battery cost has fallen since 2010 and it highly benefits the electric vehicle and renewable energy storage markets. Although Lithium-ion battery costs have fallen considerably, they are still not affordable for many home and business owners. Even if lithium-ion solar battery cost doesn’t fit in your current budget, planning for a solar system with energy storage will be a good idea for the future and save your money in the long run.

Why Install Batteries?
Grid-tied systems are required to shut down during blackouts, even when the sun is shining. This is a regulated safety design feature of grid-tied solar energy systems intended to prevent workers from getting electrocuted while performing repair work on power lines. Unless solar PV system has battery storage, solar system owners cannot use the solar power from the grid-tied solar PV system during power outages.

Installing batteries also enables the use of solar energy when the sun isn’t shining-night and cloudy days. Some utilities also charge higher rates during peak hours and for peak power consumption. Installing batteries allow customers to use stored solar energy instead of more costly grid power during peak hours and reduce peak power consumption. This option is becoming very popular in Hawaii and California, where cost of electricity associated with peak hours is very high.

If you are in the process of installing a solar panel system and want the option of battery storage in the future, it will be helpful to plan accordingly. If the solar system is designed considering storage option in mind, it will be relatively easy to add the batteries to the system in the future.

It is more difficult and more costly to add battery storage in the future if the solar system is not battery ready. Choosing a solar system with an inverter that has battery storage capabilities is one way to prepare for adding batteries in the future. This would enable the solar system to operate only as a grid-tied solar panel system until batteries are added. Therefore, it will be beneficial to consult a reputable solar PV system designer to avoid unnecessary expenses in the future. New Dawn Energy Solutions will work with you to design your storage ready solar PV system.

Thinking to install solar now and add storage later? Contact us for a free consultation at info@newdawn-es.com or 416-855-9377.

Dec 17

Common Battery Types Used in Solar + Storage

By admin | blog, Solar | No Comments

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.

Nov 21

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.

Nov 12

Learn the Top Reasons Why You Should Install Solar Energy Panels

By admin | Uncategorized | No Comments

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).

Oct 22

HOW SOLAR PLUS STORAGE WORKS

By admin | Uncategorized | No Comments

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.

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