The Impact and Benefits of Solar Power
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In honor of the first day of summer, it’s a great opportunity to discuss the impact and benefits of solar power.
Benefits of Solar Energy
Financial Savings: Property owners can claim at least 30% of the cost of their solar system on their federal income taxes—including non-taxable entities. This benefit is thanks to the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and can make solar installations significantly more affordable. Pennsylvania utilities such as PECO offer additional rebates.
Environmental Benefits: Using more solar power is good for the planet! It reduces air pollution, reduces our carbon footprint, generates renewable energy and offers energy independence, thanks to the abundant free energy from the sun. As solar power replaces fossil fuels released from conventional grid electricity generation, our impact on climate change lessens.
Benefits Grid Capacities: Utility companies encourage home and business owners to take advantage of the sun’s power. Solar installations typically generate additional electricity into the grid during high demand periods. This allows utility companies to reduce reliance on gas and coal generation. In addition, home and business owners can sell their extra generated energy to utility companies in exchange for credits on utility bills.
Increases Property Value: Buildings with solar arrays have a higher market value than similar properties without. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a home’s value can increase by $20 for every $1 saved on annual utility bills.
Minimal Maintenance: Since solar installations typically don’t have complex electronics or moving parts, maintenance is extremely minimal. It’s recommended that solar installations receive a check up every three to five years to make sure everything is still working smoothly, but panels are cleaned from the rain in this region.
SSM’s Energy Services
SSM's Energy Services support clients through the entire process, from feasibility studies and financial assessments to full design, permitting and construction, ensuring a seamless transition to solar power.
Feasibility: SSM evaluates variables to ensure that solar energy is the right move: how clients use energy, the size of systems needed to match the amount of energy they use and the placement of a solar array suited to the site’s unique rooftop, parking lot or ground area.
Financial: SSM also assists with the financial affordability of solar installations including evaluating the projected return on investment including available financial incentives through federal, state or utility organizations in the form of grants, rebates and tax credits.
Design: SSM takes care of the full design process for solar installations. This process includes full electrical and structural design of the arrays and specifications as needed for contractor bidding.
Permitting: SSM prepares documentation for and submits local permits as well as utility interconnection, coordinating with the local utility’s protection requirements.
Construction: SSM can oversee the construction process and complete periodic inspections of construction to make sure it’s being installed to our specifications.
Things to Keep in Mind
There are many structural and safety variables that must be considered before installing a solar system on an existing or designed roof. By considering these perspectives before and during the design stages of solar installations, owners can ensure that integrating these systems is safe, reliable, and compatible with the existing building structure and infrastructure.
Conservation and Electrification: It’s important to reduce the energy consumption of the facility through conservation and efficient equipment to make sure you don’t install an array that’s bigger than you need. In addition, consider switching gas-using equipment to electric so solar power can positively impact all energy usage.
Roof Load Capacity: It’s essential to evaluate if the structure can support the solar energy system. The roof should be inspected for structural soundness before solar panels are installed. Factors to be considered include the roof’s age, condition, material and design. Reinforcements might be necessary to enhance the structural stability of the roof to support the system.
Roof Orientation and Tilt: The orientation and tilt of a roof impact the efficiency of solar panels. For peak performance, solar panels should be installed on a roof with clear sunlight exposure throughout the day and a primarily southern-facing or flat roof.
Roof Condition and Maintenance: A roof-mounted system should only be installed atop a new roof surface, as the life expectancy of the solar array is about that of a typical roof surface. Any damage should be repaired to prevent issues during or after installation the process.
Electrical and Fire Safety: Proper electrical and fire safety measures must be implemented to minimize the risk of electrical and fire hazards, and are standard in our design process. This includes ensuring electrical components are installed to code, implementing surge protection and providing access pathways for emergency responders.
Battery Energy Storage
Battery storage allows extra electricity generated by solar panels to be captured and stored for when there is high energy demand or sunlight is not present. Here’s how battery storage works:
Generation: Solar panels harness sunlight and convert it into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. When the sun is shining during daylight hours, solar panels generate power that can be used to operate electronic devices or stored for future usage.
Charge: Excess electricity produced by the solar panels is routed to a battery storage system for retention rather than being immediately used or sent back to the grid. The battery storage system preserves this electricity for times when demand surpasses solar production.
Discharge: When the demand for electricity exceeds solar generation, power is pulled from the battery storage system to operate the facility. Battery storage systems offer immediate electricity, which stabilizes the grid and fulfills demands without dependence on fossil fuel-powered facilities.
Energy Management: Battery storage systems often join forces with “smart” energy management setups to enhance energy utilization and increase financial benefits.
Backup Power: Battery storage systems act as backup sources during grid failures, ensuring continuous power supply to essential functions. By creating energy independence, they elevate the efficacy of solar electricity systems for households, businesses and communities.
Grid Interaction: In solar and battery systems linked to the grid, surplus electricity from solar panels or batteries can be sent back to the grid. This allows property owners to engage in net metering initiatives or sell extra electricity to utilities at times of high value.
Solar energy offers an array of benefits, including significant financial savings, environmental advantages and insulation from utility electric companies. As we celebrate the first days of summer, it's the perfect time to explore how solar power can benefit our world. With comprehensive support from SSM's Energy Services, transitioning to solar energy has never been easier, ensuring sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions for the future.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Energy and Sustainability Services
Marika Selzler-Williams, EIT, ENV SP, CEM | marika.selzler@ssmgroup.com
Electrical Engineering Services
Seth Nace, PE | emerick.martin@ssmgroup.com
Structural Engineering Services
Jeff Thoms, PE | jeff.thoms@ssmgroup.com