Lately…we have been asked this question
Posted on August 30th, 2010 by Nick
Question: What can you do when snow or ice is on your solar panels? Folks have asked us a lot of questions around this topic especially with this year’s snow storm that broke records along the east coast.
Several recommendations we have heard and also things to consider have been listed below. They are just opinions thrown together and have no bearing by us in rank. We encourage anyone with this type of issue to first contact their installer or licensed solar contractor and/or professional.
1. Make sure that the panels on your roof are tilted. We’ve heard anything from 15 to 40 degrees. If your solar roof is adjustable, you are in much better shape. You can slowly hope for the ice to slide right off as the outdoor temperature increases during the day.
2. You can hit the ice off with a soft football-like object. One blogger came up with this idea. Make sure it’s soft and that you avoid hitting your neighbor.
Please avoid rocks or anything heavy as to not damage the panels.
3. Use a garden hose or roof rake to clean off any debris. This is the commonly used method until technology improves. If you are using either one, please make sure that the panels are cleaned throughly without smear as best as you can. Avoid damaging the panels if you are doing it yourself. Please contact a professional solar contractor.
4. If you live in a snowy area and are considering installing solar panels, you might want to consider installing a ground mount system. That way you can easily wipe anything off by avoiding far to reach places.
5. Snow may not be a bad thing during the winter. Several sources are saying that snow can actually make the panels more effective. Snow from the surrounding ground can reflect light back to the panels. The cold weather also makes the panels efficient from a molecular prospective.
6. Any guess on technology? There are smart technologies already out there. One company in Germany has created solar panels with self cleaning instruments similar to a wind shield wiper. The language of the article was in German so it was hard for us to translate. We will see if they can translate it for us. If you find any technology out there please feel free to share with us.
7. Wait for the snow to melt. If you are in the part of the world where one day it snows and the next day it’s 80 degrees Fahrenheit, then you are in luck.
8. Find out if your contractor has a maintenance package and/or program. They may be able to provide you with an expert who can assist you with the up keeping of your panels.
More green info? Also enjoy some very cool videos at sobukaTV for more emerging green news. Sobuka can also help you find a green contractor in your area. Search with your zip code and also find out which rebates you may qualify for in your area.
Related posts:
Tags: solar panels, winter
This entry was posted on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 10:11 pm and is filed under Do it Yourself, Featured Content, Solar Energy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Lately…we have been asked this question | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing
Lately…we have been asked this question | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing
Lately…we have been asked this question
Posted on August 30th, 2010 by Nick
Question: What can you do when snow or ice is on your solar panels? Folks have asked us a lot of questions around this topic especially with this year’s snow storm that broke records along the east coast.
Several recommendations we have heard and also things to consider have been listed below. They are just opinions thrown together and have no bearing by us in rank. We encourage anyone with this type of issue to first contact their installer or licensed solar contractor and/or professional.
1. Make sure that the panels on your roof are tilted. We’ve heard anything from 15 to 40 degrees. If your solar roof is adjustable, you are in much better shape. You can slowly hope for the ice to slide right off as the outdoor temperature increases during the day.
2. You can hit the ice off with a soft football-like object. One blogger came up with this idea. Make sure it’s soft and that you avoid hitting your neighbor.
3. Use a garden hose or roof rake to clean off any debris. This is the commonly used method until technology improves. If you are using either one, please make sure that the panels are cleaned throughly without smear as best as you can. Avoid damaging the panels if you are doing it yourself. Please contact a professional solar contractor.
4. If you live in a snowy area and are considering installing solar panels, you might want to consider installing a ground mount system. That way you can easily wipe anything off by avoiding far to reach places.
5. Snow may not be a bad thing during the winter. Several sources are saying that snow can actually make the panels more effective. Snow from the surrounding ground can reflect light back to the panels. The cold weather also makes the panels efficient from a molecular prospective.
6. Any guess on technology? There are smart technologies already out there. One company in Germany has created solar panels with self cleaning instruments similar to a wind shield wiper. The language of the article was in German so it was hard for us to translate. We will see if they can translate it for us. If you find any technology out there please feel free to share with us.
7. Wait for the snow to melt. If you are in the part of the world where one day it snows and the next day it’s 80 degrees Fahrenheit, then you are in luck.
8. Find out if your contractor has a maintenance package and/or program. They may be able to provide you with an expert who can assist you with the up keeping of your panels.
More green info? Also enjoy some very cool videos at sobukaTV for more emerging green news. Sobuka can also help you find a green contractor in your area. Search with your zip code and also find out which rebates you may qualify for in your area.
Related posts:
Tags: solar panels, winter
This entry was posted on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 10:11 pm and is filed under Do it Yourself, Featured Content, Solar Energy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
What do you know about switching? | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing
What do you know about switching?
Posted on August 28th, 2010 by alex
Could it be the fear of hassle or unknown complications that make most DMV residents “stagnant” about choices of alternative renewable energy? Besides mere contentment on current situations, everyone should become more educated about the renewable energy options available to them – especially with the likelihood of them benefiting by saving money on their current energy expenses. As we all continue to be more conscious about wasting energy in our homes we should consider and make inquiries about alternative renewable energy resources. Switching to alternative renewable energy resources such as Solar or Wind are available options to the majority of homeowners.
There are affordable solar installers, wind RECs service providers or energy audit technicians that would love to help anyone to streamline their energy accounts and conserve energy in their households. A few minutes of your time to consult reliable providers such as Clean Currents or Kenergy solar on considerations about electricity supply options will help and educate you on making the right choice.
A D.C resident recently made a complete switch to 100% wind RECs as his energy supplier instead of using PEPCO. The following process lead to him switching to a renewable energy provider:
- Examined current billing charges of cents per KWH (pepco, BGE, etc.)
- Inquired and compared rates from renewable energy provider ( Clean Currents)
- Considered the options available within budget from the renewable energy provider (most likely will have lower rates for residents when compared to local utility company)
- Proceeded with switching process ( simple sign up with energy billing documents)
- Confirmation from parties involved about successful transition and other important information
The transition the resident described was simpler than expected – and I believe others would say the same. As we gradually roll into colder season, so does most budgets adjust and you may see an increase in your utility bills due to heating your home. However, on the other hand if you switch to an alternative renewable energy supplier you can have a lower fixed rate no matter the season. It is alarming to know how far-back we are when it comes to this aspect of technology growth – east coast in general. But the numbers are changing; and it should when there are no significant reasons for staying in an “old system”.
Nothing is perfect nor would anything improve without series of hurdles. Solar energy and wind RECs are reliable energy with good causes and incentives – not to mention a good investment. One important notion about going green is living smart. There is no sense in making these changes in your homes when there isn’t any discipline on daily activities concerning energy usage.
An affordable energy audit will do more than tell you what you might already know but it will also give you specific individual assessments for necessary changes while educating you in the process. Making these choices or having inquired about different alternative energy considerations is one step towards smart green living for all DMV residents.
Sobuka would be glad to assist anyone within the area that considers making the switch. Contact us at info@sobuka.com for assistance.
Related posts:
- MoM’s doing it, So can you.
- Going Green & Clean Can Prevent Dirty Mishaps
- China charges on, topping U.S. in Clean energy investments
Tags: Energy Savings, Renewable energy, Residential energy supply switch, Solar Resource, Utility bill audit, Wind RECs providers
This entry was posted on Saturday, August 28th, 2010 at 1:49 am and is filed under Featured Content, Solar Energy, Uncategorized, Wind Energy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
What do you know about switching? | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing
What do you know about switching?
Posted on August 28th, 2010 by alex
Could it be the fear of hassle or unknown complications that make most DMV residents “stagnant” about choices of alternative renewable energy? Besides mere contentment on current situations, everyone should become more educated about the renewable energy options available to them – especially with the likelihood of them benefiting by saving money on their current energy expenses. As we all continue to be more conscious about wasting energy in our homes we should consider and make inquiries about alternative renewable energy resources. Switching to alternative renewable energy resources such as Solar or Wind are available options to the majority of homeowners.
There are affordable solar installers, wind RECs service providers or energy audit technicians that would love to help anyone to streamline their energy accounts and conserve energy in their households. A few minutes of your time to consult reliable providers such as Clean Currents or Kenergy solar on considerations about electricity supply options will help and educate you on making the right choice.
A D.C resident recently made a complete switch to 100% wind RECs as his energy supplier instead of using PEPCO. The following process lead to him switching to a renewable energy provider:
- Examined current billing charges of cents per KWH (pepco, BGE, etc.)
- Inquired and compared rates from renewable energy provider ( Clean Currents)
- Considered the options available within budget from the renewable energy provider (most likely will have lower rates for residents when compared to local utility company)
- Proceeded with switching process ( simple sign up with energy billing documents)
- Confirmation from parties involved about successful transition and other important information
The transition the resident described was simpler than expected – and I believe others would say the same. As we gradually roll into colder season, so does most budgets adjust and you may see an increase in your utility bills due to heating your home. However, on the other hand if you switch to an alternative renewable energy supplier you can have a lower fixed rate no matter the season. It is alarming to know how far-back we are when it comes to this aspect of technology growth – east coast in general. But the numbers are changing; and it should when there are no significant reasons for staying in an “old system”.
Nothing is perfect nor would anything improve without series of hurdles. Solar energy and wind RECs are reliable energy with good causes and incentives – not to mention a good investment. One important notion about going green is living smart. There is no sense in making these changes in your homes when there isn’t any discipline on daily activities concerning energy usage.
An affordable energy audit will do more than tell you what you might already know but it will also give you specific individual assessments for necessary changes while educating you in the process. Making these choices or having inquired about different alternative energy considerations is one step towards smart green living for all DMV residents.
Sobuka would be glad to assist anyone within the area that considers making the switch. Contact us at info@sobuka.com for assistance.
Related posts:
- MoM’s doing it, So can you.
- Going Green & Clean Can Prevent Dirty Mishaps
- China charges on, topping U.S. in Clean energy investments
Tags: Energy Savings, Renewable energy, Residential energy supply switch, Solar Resource, Utility bill audit, Wind RECs providers
This entry was posted on Saturday, August 28th, 2010 at 1:49 am and is filed under Featured Content, Solar Energy, Uncategorized, Wind Energy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Free Home Energy Audits for DC Residents | Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing
The program promotes energy efficiency assessments for single family homes in the District. Based on a home energy rating system, auditors will suggest specific cost-effective, energy efficient improvements that should be done to reduce the home’s operational costs and improve comfort.
Such improvements and ratings may help you qualify for lower rate mortgages or energy efficiency home mortgages. Your energy rating should also help sellers be more attractive to home buyers.
What is a home energy rating?
The Home Energy Rating is a standard measurement of a home’s energy efficiency. An energy rating allows a homebuyer to easily compare the energy costs for the homes being considered. A homeowner who wants to upgrade the home’s energy efficiency can use the energy rating to evaluate and pinpoint specific cost-effective improvement needs.
Home energy ratings involve an on-site inspection of a home by a residential energy efficiency professional, a home energy rater. DDOE has selected Elysian Energy, LLC to conduct the Home Energy Ratings. As a rule, home energy raters come from either the housing or energy fields. Their backgrounds include experience as home inspectors, appraisers, energy auditors, low-income Weatherization contractors, and energy efficient homebuilders and designers.
The home energy rater inspects the home and measures energy characteristics such as: insulation levels, window efficiency, wall-to-wall ratios, the heating and cooling system efficiency, the solar orientation of the home, and the water heating system. Diagnostic testing, which may include a blower door for air leakage and duct leakage testing, is often part of the rating.
The data gathered by the home energy rater is entered into a computer program and translated into points. The home receives a point score between 1 and 100, depending on its relative efficiency. An estimate of the home’s energy costs is also provided. The home’s energy efficiency is then equated to a STAR rating ranging from 1 STAR for a very inefficient home to a 5 STAR for a highly efficient home. Along with the rating sheet, homeowners receive a report listing cost-effective options for improving the home’s energy rating.
FIVE STAR + (PLUS) = EXTREMELY EFFICIENT
FIVE STAR = VERY EFFICENT
FOUR STAR + + = EFFICIENT
FOUR STAR = GOOD
THREE STAR + + = ABOVE AVERAGE
THREE STAR = AVERAGE
TWO STAR + + = BELOW AVERAGE
TWO STAR = FAIR
ONE STAR + + = POOR
ONE STAR = EXTREMLY POOROne of the major differences between a home energy rating and an energy audit or Weatherization assessment is that the rating is a recognized tool in the mortgage process. Home energy ratings are valuable to the housing industry and can be utilized in a variety of ways. The information derived from the home energy rating provides important information about a home’s performance and the economic analysis necessary to support lending decisions.
Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing » Blog Archive » Ecobuild America 2010-Washington, DC
Ecobuild is the only industry event bringing the entire construction team together. So many specialized areas of knowledge are needed to create a better built world – one that is safe, healthy, and environmentally responsive. Come discover integrated, proven solutions encompassing:
- Building Information Modeling (BIM)
- green technology
- high performance building
- sustainable design
- energy-efficiency
- smart buildings
- security and more.
Learn how to reduce environmental and energy impacts throughout every phase of the facility lifecycle. At this one unique event, you can also catch up with ever-evolving tech tools to improve workflow and communication.
No matter what your discipline—from architecture, engineering, construction, facility management, to development and more – go beyond events where attendees talk in silos. Come to Ecobuild where real collaboration is advancing our industry’s performance today.
Ecobuild America and its co-located events give you the education and resources you need to build smarter and improve our built environment.
Member meetings: Dec. 6-10
Conference: Dec. 7-9
Exhibits: Dec. 8-9Related posts:
Sobuka Blog | Clean Energy and Green Tech News & Events | Solar Installations | Wind Energy RECs | Energy Audits | Green Remodeling | Green Financing » Blog Archive » Green Festival – Washington, DC 2010
Think of Green Festival® as a walk through a sustainable community. It begins with finding solutions to help make our lives healthier—socially, economically and environmentally. Individuals along with business and community leaders come together to discuss critical issues that impact us at home and abroad. Organizations and businesses showcase programs and products that restore the planet and all that inhabit it. Neighbor-to-neighbor connections are formed, and skills are shared to empower people to create positive change in the world.
This will be a two-day event in Washington DC from 10/23/10 – 10/24/2010
Washington DC Convention Center
October 23-24, 2010
Saturday 10AM – 7PM
Sunday 11AM – 6PMRelated posts:
