Where Can I Buy Solar

What Size Solar Panels Do I Need For My Home And How Many

The number of solar panels you will need depends primarily upon the amount of electricity you are trying to produce and the insolation in your area. Solar insolation can be thought of as the number of hours in the day that the solar panel will produce its rated output. This is not equivalent to the number of daylight hours. Check out our Solar Insolation Map for the USA.

Youll find solar panels in a variety of wattages. Watts are the main measure of a solar panel, along with nominal voltage. For a rough idea of how many watts of solar panels you will need for your home, start by dividing your electrical usage by the solar insolation in your area . Bump that number up by 30-50% and youll have an idea of the number of Watts of solar panels total you will need. If that number is more than 1000 Watts, you are talking about $4K to $8K or more for the solar electric system. If you could still use a little help with the math, please give us a call at 877-878-4060 and tell us how much electricity you are trying to produce and your location, and well help get you started.

Lithium128v 100ah Lifepo4 Battery

Why buy Victron from Canadian Solar Wholesale?

With the IPS company group, we buy directly from Victron Energy. Our warehouse is the only authorized Victron warranty and repair center in Western Canada.

Multi-functionalThe Victron Energy MultiPlus Compact 24/2000/50-50 120V VE.Bus is a powerful true sine wave inverter, a sophisticated battery charger that features adaptive charge technology and a high-speed AC transfer switch in a single compact enclosure. Models range from 800VA to 5000VA per module.

Unique PowerAssist featureThe MultiPlus will prevent overload of a limited AC source. First, battery charging will automatically be reduced when otherwise an overload would occur. The second level will boost the output of a generator or shore side supply with power taken from the battery.

Uninterrupted AC power In the event of a grid failure or shore or generator power being disconnected, the inverter within the Multi is automatically activated and takes over the supply to the connected loads. This happens so fast that computers and other electronic equipment will continue to operate without disruption.

Virtually unlimited power thanks to parallel operationUp to 6 Multis can operate in parallel to achieve higher power output. Three phase or split phase operation is also possible. Please check our datasheets to see which models have paralleling, three phase and split phase capabilities.

What Solar Incentives Are Available To Me

There are many local state and utility solar incentives that you can research while planning your solar installation.

One of the best incentives is the federal solar tax credit, which is 26% until 2023. This incentive works by reducing your federal income taxes by 26% of your systems value – which works out to essentially be a 26% discount!

Some utility companies also offer rebates on the purchase of a solar system, to view your local solar incentives enter your zip code below for a free estimate.

How much could you save on solar with local incentives?

Solar energy also saves you money by offsetting the cost of energy that you would otherwise have to purchase from your utility. In most states, this is done through a program called net metering. Incentives vary state by state so be sure to research the options that are available to you.

Also Check: Are Solar Panels A Good Investment

Is Solar Right For Me

The Solar System Estimator is an online tool that you can use to help determine the benefits of installing a rooftop solar system on your home.

Use the tool to find your solar savings potential based on your rooftop characteristics, your electricity use, SMUD electricity rates and available tax credits and rebates.

Get an estimate

+ Solar Covers In Stock

We carry 3 unique solar cover styles that can help to maintain the temperature in your pool. Whether your pool is too cold to enjoy consistently throughout the Summer or you’re currently spending a fortune heating it, you’ll be able to extend your swimming season and save money with a new solar blanket. We are Canada’s source for swimming pool solar covers, with over 10,000+ cover shapes and sizes in stock and ready to ship!

Recommended Reading: How Much Solar Energy Do I Need For My Home

What If I Sell My Home

If youre thinking about selling your home after going solar and arent sure of whether you will see the benefits of ownership, think again!

When your home has solar panels it truly adds value to your home. Berkeleys Lawrence Lab conducted a study in which they found homes with solar sell faster, and at a higher value. The added value of a solar system comes out to about $4/watt! For an average 5kW system, that comes out to $20,000!

Even if you are in the process of paying off a solar loan most homeowners will use some of the earnings generated from their home sale to pay off their solar loan. The added value can be fixed into the sale price, since the system is a part of your home and will produce free electricity for decades.

With a lease or PPA, the new owner buying the home must agree to take over the agreement when they move into the home until the duration is complete. This can often complicate the sale.

Solar Energy For Home Heating & Cooling

Please keep in mind that solar panels produce electricity, and should not be used to produce electricity for heating or cooling sources. If heating is your main issue, explore the resources on this website for Solar Air Heaters and Solar Water Heaters in the Other Renewables section. Solar air heating and solar water heating are examples of solar thermal technologies which produce heat, but not electricity . While solar electric panels are not an economically feasible choice to power your air conditioning, a solar panel can power an attic fan that can help reduce the amount of time you use your AC.

Recommended Reading: How To Connect Two Solar Panels To One Battery

Buying Solar Panels From Energysage

Last but not least, EnergySage: we dont actually sell solar panel systems directly. Our online Solar Marketplace allows you to receive and compare up to seven custom solar quotes from installers near you. All of our installer partners go through a stringent screening and vetting process prior to quoting on the Marketplace we ensure theyre an experienced, reputable company with proper insurance and licensing

The installers that provide you quotes through the Marketplace are likely smaller in size than the SunRuns and Vivints of the world. However, there are benefits to choosing a local installer on EnergySage over larger national companies. For one, theyre more likely to offer better pricing and higher quality equipment from a top manufacturer. Smaller installation companies often have lower overhead costs, therefore can charge less for similarly-sized installations.

Additionally, by shopping on the EnergySage Marketplace, you can ensure youre getting the right system for the right price. Installation companies large and small charge different amounts based on the quality of the equipment, the manufacturer, the size of the system, their own installation services, and more. Your solar panel system is an investment, and by looking at multiple offers, you can better understand average market prices for the level of service and equipment youre looking for.

Victron Energy Lifepo4 Battery 128v/200ah Smart

The Victron Energy LiFePO4 Battery 12,8V/200Ah Smart is extraordinarily high-performance batteries. It needs to be used in conjunction with the Victron BMS control system. Lithium-iron-phosphate is the safest of the mainstream li-ion battery types. Check the full specifications of Victron Energy LiFePO4 Battery 12,8V/200Ah Smart below

VOLTAGE AND CAPACITY

CYCLE LIFE

• 80% DoD 2500 cycles

• BMS connection Male + female cable with M8 circular connector, length 50cm
• Power connection M10
• Dimensions mm 297 x 425 x 274
• Weight 42kg

Why lithium-iron-phosphate?

Lithium-iron-phosphate is the safest of the mainstream li-ion battery types. The nominal voltage of an LFP cell is 3,2V . A 12,8V LFP battery, therefore, consists of 4 cells connected in series and a 25,6V battery consists of 8 cells connected in series.

Rugged

Lead-acid batteries will fail prematurely due to sulfation:

If it operates in deficit mode during long periods of time .

If it is left partially charged or worse, fully discharged .

LFP batteries do not need to be fully charged. Service life even slightly improves in case of partial charge instead of a full charge. This is a major advantage of LFP compared to lead-acid. Other advantages are the wide operating temperature range, excellent cycling performance, low internal resistance and high efficiency . LFP is therefore the chemistry of choice for very demanding applications.

Efficient

Size and weight

Saves up to 70% in space Saves up to 70% in weight

Expensive?

You May Like: What Materials Are Needed To Make Solar Panels

Types Of Solar Panels For Your Home

Monocrystalline Panels

They are created from monocrystalline silicon. These panels are very efficient but have higher price per Watt.

Due to their source material properties:

• Energy conversion efficiency is 16-18%
• High efficiency under low light conditions, which is important for power production during fall and winter

Monocrystalline silicon is created in specialized growth vacuum furnaces. Due to its purity of 99.99%, energy efficiency is much higher than of polycrystalline panels. This type of solar panels is most appropriate for marine vessels, RVs or any places with limited installation space. Homeowners also buy solar panel of this type for their home installations.

How Solar Panel Cars Work

If solar panel cars could become effective and efficient, the technology would work in a similar way to a home solar panel installation. Just like home solar panels are usually rooftop-mounted, a solar panel car has solar cells installed on the exterior of the car where the suns rays hit. These solar cells convert sunlight to electricity that can then be used to recharge an electric vehicle battery, similar to how home solar panels provide electricity for home appliances like televisions and refrigerators.

Also Check: How Tall Are Solar Panels

Victron Energy System Monitoring

The Victron Energy Venus GX is the communication-center of your installation. Venus allows you to talk to all components in your system and ensure they are working in harmony. Monitoring of live data, and changing settings is performed by using your smartphone via their free-to-use Victron Remote Management Portal .

This device provides intuitive control and monitoring. It has the same functionality as the Color Control GX, with a few extras:

lower cost, mainly because it has no display or buttons 3 tank sender inputs

• BMS connection Male + female cable with M8 circular connector, length 50cm
• Power connection M8
• Dimensions mm 237 x 321 x 152
• Weight 20kg

Why lithium-iron-phosphate?

Lithium-iron-phosphate is the safest of the mainstream li-ion battery types. The nominal voltage of an LFP cell is 3,2V . A 12,8V LFP battery, therefore, consists of 4 cells connected in series and a 25,6V battery consists of 8 cells connected in series.

Rugged

Lead-acid batteries will fail prematurely due to sulfation:

If it operates in deficit mode during long periods of time .

If it is left partially charged or worse, fully discharged .

Efficient

Size and weight

Saves up to 70% in space Saves up to 70% in weight

Expensive?

LFP batteries are expensive when compared to lead-acid. But in demanding applications, the high initial cost will be more than compensated by longer service life, superior reliability and excellent efficiency.

Bluetooth

Why buy Victron from Canadian Solar Wholesale?

How Much Does A Solar Panel Cost

Prices have been coming down steadily over the years. The total cost will depend on how many kilowatts of power your array will generate. According to consumer reports, after solar tax credits are accounted for, the cost for a solar panel system on an average-sized house in the U.S. in 2021 ranges from $11,000 to $15,000.

Don’t Miss: How Much Commission Does A Solar Salesman Make

Giving You The Power To Go Solar

The future of solar is bright in Georgia, and Georgia Power is leading the way in making our state a national leader in solar energy. To help meet our customers’ growing electricity needs, Georgia Power is committed to using reliable, cost-effective, renewable energy sources that work best in our state.

Factors Affecting Solar Affordability

The cost of solar panels is set by the manufacturer based on many points such as the efficiency and expected longevity of the panels. As you might imagine, the higher the efficiency over a long period of time, the more expensive the panels will likely be.

How the panel is made matters. There are various types of units, including monocrystalline , polycrystalline , gallium arsenide, cadmium telluride, and amorphous silicon and thats just what is available at the moment. With the ever-changing technology of solar, it is entirely possible that more varieties of solar panels units will hit the market soon.

Typically, monocrystalline panels generate the most watts per area, which means fewer panels can be used to produce the needed amount of electricity, and that takes up less space. This higher efficiency usually means that monocrystalline panels are more expensive however, other factors come into play as well, such as warranties, durability and more.

Finally, remember that solar panels are only one part of the total cost of the system. Though this page will teach homeowners how to calculate panel value and showcase a few points that are necessary to make the right choices concerning their solar panels, there are other parts of a system a homeowner needs to consider.

You May Like: How To Make A Solar Powered House

Victron Energy 50a Mppt Solar Charge Controller

A solar charger gathers energy from your solar panels, and stores it in your batteries. Using the latest, fastest technology, SmartSolar maximizes this energy-harvest, driving it intelligently to achieve full charge in the shortest possible time. SmartSolar maintains battery health, extending its life.

Remotely control and monitor the extensive features of your SmartSolar MPPT charger with built-in bluetooth by pairing it with your smartphone or other device via VictronConnect. If your installation is connected to the internet Victron Remote Management Portal provides access to the full power of your MPPT, anytime, anywhere both services are free to use. For remote installations even when there is no internet connection or phone signal nearby you may be able to monitor your MPPT by bluetooth-pairing with a LoRaWAN device, available optionally.

Features and Specifications:

• Common Characteristics operating temp.: -40 to +65C, Humidity : max. 95%

ENCLOSURE

• Common Characteristics: Material & Colour aluminium Protection category: IP 21
• Battery-connection four M8 bolts
• 230 V AC-connection Screw terminals 13 mm2
• Weight : 42 lb, 19 kg
• Dimensions : 14.3 x 10.2 x 8.6 inch, 362 x 258 x 218 mm

STANDARDS

• Safety EN-IEC 60335-1, EN-IEC 60335-2-29, EN-IEC 62109-1
• Emission, Immunity EN 55014-1, EN 55014-2, EN-IEC 61000-3-2, EN-IEC 61000-3-3, IEC 61000-6-1, IEC 61000-6-2, IEC 61000-6-3
• Road vehicles 12V and 24V models: ECE R10-5

System configuring

STANDARDS

System configuring

What Type Of Solar Panel Should You Buy

Before you buy solar panels, it’s crucial to know the three basic types of photovoltaic panels that are available to you: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. The major differentiators of these options have to do with the efficiency and cost of the solar panels:

Also Check: Are Sole Proprietors Required To Have Workers Comp

Buying Your Own Solar System

One way to go is to research, design your own home solar system and purchase the parts you’ll need.

Part of this is determining how many solar panels will be necessary, which hinges on an array of factors: The amount of electricity your household consumes, the surface area available on your roof, the amount of sun exposure your roof receives and more. Note that, if you have limited roof space and cannot place as many solar panels as you might like, you’ll need to ensure that the solar panels you do get are extra-efficient.

Also, remember that designing a solar system requires more than just panels. You’ll also need to think about other solar equipment, including inverters, chargers, wiring and possibly a battery .

Can I Finance Solar Panels If I Dont Have Upfront Cash

Dont have the upfront cash to purchase a system outright? No problem, there are many zero down financing options with low interest rates that make going with a solar loan an affordable option. If you suffer from high electric bills, your solar loan payment may even be lower than your electric bill! Once the loan is paid off, youll be producing free clean energy and saving thousands of dollars.

Most leases and PPAs are zero down as well. If you go with a prepaid PPA, youll be paying an upfront price for the next 20-25 years of electricity. Since you will not get the tax credit back, the savings youll see will be quite less than those of a cash purchase.

If youre able to take advantage of current solar incentives such as the Solar Tax Credit, we definitely recommend purchasing your solar system. Ownership is more beneficial to your savings and adds the most value to your home. Regardless of if you buy your system or go with a lease/PPA, youll still save money with solar and help reduce reliance on fossil fuel energy generation.

Read Also: How Many Kwh Can A Solar Panel Produce Per Day