solar Archives - New Dawn Energy Solution

Nov 23

Building a Better World with Solar+ Battery Storage

To stop global warming and dangerous CO2 emissions we need to put coordinated and concentrated efforts in every part of the society- government, business, and the community. This includes all of us as homeowners. As homeowners, we can play a major part in keeping our planet green by getting smart, going solar and reducing our collective carbon footprint.

Today’s smart homes have energy-efficient appliances connected through the internet and you can turn on your light and heat before you reach your driveway and check on your kids from work. You can water your yard from another country. But to do all these your home needs energy and a solar system plus battery storage can provide you with that energy.

Air conditioning our homes takes an enormous amount of energy and dollars – not to mention keeping other appliances running when we need them the most. Our grid structures are failing,6 and many grids can’t handle increased power demands on a hot day.

New Dawn Energy can help to boost energy efficiency in your home and businesses. Our solar+battery system is optimized to give you control over your power usage. This means you get to see how much energy you use real-time and decide when and where the lights stay on.

And our solar+storage system allows you to use solar power stored in the battery when energy rates are at the highest. This helps to maximize the production of your solar panel, and your savings. Also, your neighborhood power outage or blackout, does not affect you and you determine what is powered in your home.

Solar+storage can be cheaper than diesel-powered generators. Between the low price of the unit itself, the higher capacity compared to other portable generators, more infrequent maintenance requirements, and zero fuel costs, this just makes financial sense.

Going solar can help lower your utility bills and be prepared for the inevitable power outage. Everyone struggles with rising energy prices, and to help combat these costs, more homeowners are choosing to become less reliant on the grid.

Embracing new technologies such as solar+battery storage can increase efficiencies in your home and help you with real long term savings. But shifting to solar plus battery storage can be overwhelming. So, start with New Dawn solar and begin saving on your monthly utility bill immediately.

Get a complimentary solar quote that is specific to your family’s energy needs and start building your smart home today. Our planet… will thank you.

Oct 27

Lead-acid vs lithium-ion battery Comparison

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The lead-acid battery has been around for over 100 years that costs less, requires regular maintenance to keep them working properly and doesn’t last as long.

Lithium-ion battery relatively newer technology with a longer lifespan, high power density, higher efficiency, does not require regular maintenance but costs more.

Both technologies are affected by discharge cycles, Lithium-ion has a significantly higher cycle life than lead-acid in deep discharge applications such as in solar. This disparity is further increased as ambient temperatures increase.

The cycle life of both chemistries can be increased by limiting the depth of discharge (DoD), discharge rate, and temperature, but lead-acid is generally much more sensitive to each of these factors.

In hot climates where the average temperature is 33°C, the disparity between lithium-ion and lead-acid is further increased. The cycle life for lead-acid (flooded and VRLA) drops to 50% of its moderate climate rating while lithium-ion will remain stable until temperatures routinely exceed 49°C.

Another critical consideration for lead-acid is how long the system will take to discharge. The shorter the discharge period, the less capacity is available from the lead-acid battery. A 200Ah lead-acid battery will only deliver 120Ah if discharged over a one hour period. In contrast, a 200Ah lithium-ion battery system will achieve over 184Ah. This condition makes lithium-ion very well suited for applications where full discharge occurs in less than eight hours.

	Flooded lead-acid	VRLA lead-acid	Lithium-ion (LiNCM)
Energy Density (Wh/L)	80	100	250
Specific Energy (Wh/kg)	30	40	150
Regular Maintenance	Yes	No	No
Initial Cost ($/kWh) – prices are only a market average and estimate	65	120	600
Cycle Life	1,200 @ 50%	1,000 @ 50% DoD	1,900 @ 80% DoD
Typical state of charge window	50%	50%	80%
Temperature sensitivity	Degrades significantly above 25°C	Degrades significantly above 25°C	Degrades significantly above 45°C
Efficiency	100% @20-hr rate 80% @4-hr rate 60% @1-hr rate	100% @20-hr rate 80% @4-hr rate 60% @1-hr rate	100% @20-hr rate 99% @4-hr rate 92% @1-hr rate

Sep 29

ENERGY STORAGE PROVIDES RESILIENCY AND SECURITY

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With extreme weather events and other threats to energy security increasing homeowners and businesses are contending with the danger of losing access to reliable power supplies. Beyond emergency scenarios, unexpected blackouts during day and nights also increasing in numbers and durations.

It is estimated an hour of energy downtime costs companies from thousands of dollars for small companies to millions for large companies. Homeowners are also exposed to economic losses, which can be further worsened by dangers to family health and safety. Energy can storage plays a central role in the design of reliable backup and emergency power systems that protect homes and business operations when power is intermittent or completely unavailable.

According to the needs and affordability, homeowners can choose a backup system to back up critical loads like the refrigerator, a home medical device, a computer, cell phone charging, lights and the HVAC system using a subpanel, or entire home load using large battery bank. Many businesses also require back up of mission-critical systems such as servers, payment systems, refrigeration, and communications. Depending on their operations some businesses may need power for critical power for multiple days.

For customers who already have a diesel generator for backup power, integrating storage with generators reduce the number of hours generator need to run and the gallons of fuel they need to burn. In this scenario, the generator becomes a battery charging supply rather than a primary power source. Optimizing generator operation this way delivers a 50-80% savings in fuel and dramatically reduces noise, toxic pollution and increase energy security.

Among the battery technologies, Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) have high efficiency, safety rating and low levels of self-discharge over time. This can play a key role in cutting diesel consumption by storing energy for a longer duration without degrading or losing power until that time that an end-user needs it.

Solar customers also benefit from storage during the plan and unplanned grid outages. Rather than shutting down the inverter when the grid goes down, batteries and the inverter charger enable homes and businesses with PV systems to ‘island’ from the grid and retain access to their own generation by creating a mini-microgrid for as long as the grid is unavailable. Depending on the requirements, battery banks can be sized to keep homes and businesses up and running safely and securely over the course of multiple days.

If you are thinking how much it would cost to have peace of mind with a storage system for your needs 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).

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

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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

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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.

Sep 24

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.