clean energy – Momentum Solar

How Long Can Your Solar Battery Power Your Home During an Outage?

Posted on November 2, 2022November 18, 2024 by Admin

Having a battery storage system installed with your solar panels is a great way to achieve true energy independence for your home. Whether you are using stored energy to power your home on a cloudy day, during an outage or to offset peak usage times with your utility, a battery storage system from Enphase + Momentum has your back.

Knowing how long your battery storage system can power your home during an outage is an essential step for homeowners just like you in being prepared for a storm. In addition to a battery storage system, an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system can offer an extra layer of protection for your home, ensuring that critical devices stay powered even when the grid goes down. A UPS works by providing instant backup power to keep your essential appliances, like refrigerators, medical equipment, or home office devices, running seamlessly during an outage.

When paired with a solar system, a UPS can help you maintain power in the event of a storm or blackout, offering peace of mind when you need it most. Companies like jinnuoglobal specialize in UPS systems that can integrate with your solar panel setup, making it easier to ensure that your home is fully prepared for any unexpected interruptions in power. This combination of battery storage and a UPS can provide a reliable, sustainable solution to energy independence and security for your home.

In this blog, our team will give you some tips and tricks to help you calculate your energy needs and how to maximize your battery usage. For more information on battery storage and Momentum Solar’s offerings, please call 1-888-MOMENTUM to learn batmore.

Power What’s Important

During an outage, you should always be conservative with your electricity usage. Even with a fully charged battery powering your home, you should maximize its usage by only using essential appliances.

Below is a list of critical items and their electricity needs per day:[1]

Refrigerator = 1.5 kWh
Kitchen Appliances = 1 kWh (this includes an electric microwave, electric oven, coffee machine, dishwasher and a toaster).
Electric Water Heater = 2.5 kWh
Lights (LED) = 1 kWh
TV and Device Chargers = 2 kWh

Even though heating and air conditioning may not seem like an “extra”, it is one of the last items on the list due to the sheer amount of energy these systems require to stay powered. To be clear, the specific system you use to keep warm or cool will affect how many kilowatts it takes to keep its power on. Understanding the efficiency of your specific system is crucial, as it directly impacts energy costs and overall performance.

Regular maintenance, including timely furnace repair, is vital to ensure that heating systems operate at peak efficiency, minimizing energy waste. By investing in proper upkeep and addressing any issues promptly, homeowners can optimize their heating and cooling systems, leading to substantial savings on energy bills while ensuring a consistent and pleasant indoor climate throughout the year.

This proactive approach not only enhances comfort but also extends the lifespan of these critical systems, making them a worthwhile priority in any home management plan. That being said, here is a quick, rough guide to air conditioning and heating usage!

Heating

Electric Furnace = 10.5 kWh per hour
Portable Heater = 1.5 kWh per hour
Baseboard Heater = 1.5 kWh per hour

Cooling

Window / Wall AC (8k to 18k BTU) = 0.73 – 1.8 kWh per hour
Standing Fan = 3.0 kWh per hour
Ceiling Fan = 0.025 – 0.075 kWh per hour
Central AC (3 ton – 12 SEER) = 3.0 kWh per hour

Please keep in mind that knowing when and when not to use heat or cooling is essential to maximizing your battery life.

How Long Will Your Battery Last?

Without using AC or electric heat, homeowners can typically keep their essential systems powered with a 10-kWh battery for at roughly 24 hours. In a recent study done by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, “(A) small PVESS with just 10 kWh of storage (at the lower end of sizes currently observed in the market) can fully meet backup needs over a 3-day outage in virtually all U.S. counties and any month of the year.”[2]

This means you can run your refrigerator, lights, TV and device chargers for at least three days before experiencing a true power outage. The more conservative you are with your power usage, the longer your battery will last.

Solar Power and Battery Power at Momentum

The great thing about having solar power and battery storage at home is that you essentially are your own utility provider. You generate the power with your panels, store the excess in your battery and choose to use the extra energy when needed.

Whether you need solar, a battery storage system or both, our team has you covered. Our team offers flexible financing options to fit your needs, and we can provide two different battery modules from Enphase.

Both Enphase Encharge modules are interchangeable and scalable, allowing you to create the perfect battery storage system for your needs. To learn more about our battery storage options, check out our blog, Battery Storage and Your Home!

For more information, please call us at 1-888-MOMENTUM or visit our website at www.momentumsolar.com.

[1] https://www.solar.com/learn/how-long-can-a-battery-provide-power-during-an-outage/

[2] https://eta-publications.lbl.gov/sites/default/files/pvess_report_narrative_summary.pdf

Perfect closing

Big Win for the Solar Industry with Tax Credit Extension

Posted on October 10, 2022October 24, 2022 by Admin

This week, Senate voted to pass an important bill for Americans looking to switch to clean energy alternatives, The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This bill includes nearly “$400 billion over ten years in funding for climate and energy-related programs, and an extension and improvement of the U.S. electric car tax credit.”[1]

So, where do you begin with all of this tax credit mumbo-jumbo and how will it benefit you? Let’s get into it! Momentum is here to break it down for you.

If you are already an expert on tax credits and solar power and ready to start capitalizing on the benefits, speak with one of our specialists at 1-888-MOMENTUM or click on the “Free Quote” button above!

The Highlights of the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act is a “trimmed-down” version of the Build Back Better proposal that was stalled in the Senate several months ago. Once this new version was brought forward, it was passed swiftly, which was a great victory for climate champions. [2]

While this bill includes significant corporate tax and healthcare benefits that could help with inflation over the next decade, the climate portion of the IRA is most notable. This part of the bill represents $369 billion in spending – money to be used to further clean energy alternatives and climate change solutions. [3]

What Does this Mean for the U.S.?

Recent analyses show that the investments in this bill could put the United States on track to reduce our emissions by between 31-44% by 2030. This is a big deal, considering the last time American emissions were this low was 2005.[4]

What Does it Mean for Green Energy?

The IRA isn’t just for electric vehicles; it covers a wide range of green energy products like solar that can help reduce emissions on a global scale.

Below are some of the green energy products receiving funding:

$60 billion for solar panel and wind turbine manufacturing
$30 billion in credits for new projects
$27 billion for clean tech
$20 billion to reduce agricultural emissions
$5 billion for forest conservation
$4 billion for drought funding in Western states

In addition to this funding, there are several credits for home battery storage, an extension of the rooftop solar credit and, of course, the E.V. tax credit.

The ITC Tax Credit and E.V. Tax Credit: What is the Difference?

Each of these tax credits is different, one is for residential solar panel systems, and the other is for electric vehicles. Let’s take a look at the highlights of each, starting with the ITC Tax Credit (Investment Tax Credit).

The ITC Tax Credit

This tax credit has been extended by ten years at 30%[5]

Beginning at 30% and stepping down to 26% in 2033 and down to 22% in 2034
Since this tax credit decreases over the years, it is better to go solar sooner rather than later
This credit applies to residential and commercial solar systems
This tax credit applies to anyone who installed solar technology in 2022
The 30% also applies to energy storage, whether it is co-located or installed as a standalone system

The EV Tax Credit

Also known as the Electric Vehicle Tax Credit
This credit was recently renewed for another decade and will start January 2023 and will last until the end of 2032.
The tax credit itself is $7,500
The previous tax credit had a cap of 200,000 cars per manufacturer, and the new credit removes that cap at the start of 2023
The credit can be applied upfront at the point of sale if purchased from a dealer
All new vehicles, materials and critical materials will be made in the U.S.
Vehicles must have an MSRP of under $55K for cars and $80K for SUVs, trucks and vans, otherwise they don’t count, leaving out several Tesla configurations
Buyers can only take advantage of the credit if they make under $150K a year ($300k filing jointly)

How Can Momentum Solar Help You Go Green?

Now that green energy is back on the forefront for the U.S. government and consumers thanks to the IRA, it’s time to start capitalizing on its benefits.Our team can help you go solar with a click of a button. We proudly design solar panel systems that fits our customers needs perfectly and help put more money back in their pockets.

But wait, there’s more…literally.

Momentum Solar offers battery storage to create the perfect solar energy system. Whether you are looking to keep the lights on when the power is out or save money during peak electricity rates, we’ve got you covered. With the IRA now in place, you can trust Momentum to help transition your home to green energy.

For more information, please call us at 1-888-MOMENTUM or click on the “Free Quote” button at the top of the page!

[1] https://electrek.co/2022/08/07/senate-improves-ev-tax-credit-in-largest-climate-bill-ever/

[2] https://electrek.co/2022/08/07/senate-improves-ev-tax-credit-in-largest-climate-bill-ever/

[3] https://electrek.co/2022/08/07/senate-improves-ev-tax-credit-in-largest-climate-bill-ever/

[4] https://electrek.co/2022/08/07/senate-improves-ev-tax-credit-in-largest-climate-bill-ever/

[5] https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2022/07/28/solar-investment-tax-credit-to-be-extended-10-years-at-30/

The Investment Tax Credit – Start Saving With Solar

Posted on October 10, 2022November 17, 2022 by Admin

For many reasons, making the shift to solar energy may be beneficial. Homeowners not only get the advantages of lower utility bills, self-generated energy and environmental responsibility but they also have the opportunity to take advantage of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This useful tax incentive can save millions of homeowners throughout the country an enormous amount of money!*

Do you already know about the ITC? Click here to speak with one of our solar experts to see if you qualify for this awesome incentive!

Whether you already have solar, are considering installing it, or are just starting to consider leaving fossil fuels behind, this guide will tell you everything there is to know about the ITC and how it may benefit you.

What is the ITC?

The Investment Tax Credit, or also known as the federal solar tax credit, “allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes.” Another great feature of this tax credit, is that the ITC applies to residential and commercial systems and has no cap on its value.[1]

The History of the ITC

In 2005, the Energy Policy Act had established the ITC, and it was only supposed to last until the end of 2007. Since the ITC was so popular and supported the United States’ transition to renewable energy, it has been extended. In fact, since it was so successful, Congress had extended the deadline multiple times, most recently in 2020. However, the tax credit won’t the same, so now is the best time to act before it goes down in 2023![3]

How Does it Work?

First things first, you need to have solar panels! Next, you need to own your solar panel system. Even if you don’t have enough tax liability to claim the entire credit in one year, you can rollover the reaming credits into future years. Keep in mind that this is only valid if the tax credit is still in effect. However, keep if you lease or have a power purchase agreement (PPA) with your solar installer, you are not the owner of the system you cannot benefit from the tax credit.[1]

Quick Facts: The ITC

The residential and commercial solar ITC has helped the U.S. solar industry grow by more than 10,000% percent since it was implemented in 2006, with an average annual growth of 50% over the last decade alone.[2]
The 2020 extension of the ITC has provided market certainty for companies to develop long-term investments that drive competition and technological innovation, which in turn lowers energy costs for consumers.[2]
In December 2020, Congress passed an extension of the ITC, which provides a 26% tax credit for systems installed in 2020-2022, and 22% for systems installed in 2023. (Systems installed before December 31, 2019, were eligible for a 30% tax credit.) The tax credit expires starting in 2024 unless Congress renews it.[3]

How to Claim the ITC

Now that you’re an expert on the history of the ITC, how can you claim its benefits? When you file your taxes with the IRS, you will want to file a Form 5695.[2] You can fill out this form at the same time you would file your federal tax return. Be sure to mention to your accountant or tax professional that you’ve gone solar in the past year, or if you file your taxes yourself, you will just need to follow three steps.

Determine if you are eligible for the ITC
Complete IRS Form 5695
Add your renewable energy credit information to your typical Form 1040.[2]
For more detailed information on the process and how it applies to you, please consult with an accountant or tax professional.

Go Solar with Momentum!

There is no better moment to switch to cleaner, more affordable energy than right now! Even though the ITC is still in force, it may not be for long. Our team has over a decade of expertise in the solar sector and is eager to assist with your project, regardless of the size.

Call us today to learn more at 1-888-MOMENTUM!

*Momentum Solar do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

[1] https://www.energysage.com/solar/cost-benefit/solar-investment-tax-credit/

[2] https://news.energysage.com/how-do-i-claim-the-solar-tax-credit/

[3] https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics#:~:text=In%20December%202020%2C%20Congress%20passed,2024%20unless%20Congress%20renews%20it.

Coal vs. Clean Energy

Posted on October 10, 2022October 24, 2022 by Admin

The topic of the best way to produce energy to power our world has been debated for many decades upon decades. One of the many comparisons up for discussion is coal vs. clean energy. For a long time, we did not know the effects that coal would have on ourselves and, unfortunately, the rest of the environment.

Luckily, with advances in clean energy like solar power, we can work together to help heal our planet and guide future generations in making better choices.

What is Coal-Generated Energy?

Coal energy is made from combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rocks that contain a very high amount of carbon and hydrocarbons. Because of this, coal is classified as a nonrenewable energy source, as it takes millions of years to form. For example, coal contains the energy stored by plants that lived hundreds of millions of years ago.[1]

How Is it Produced?

It all starts with old plants, millions of years old plants. Once the sedimentary rock or coal is mined, it is sent off to a coal plant to be turned into usable energy. At the plant, the coal is placed into a boiler to produce steam. The steam that is produced flows into a turbine that spins a generator to create electricity. The steam is then cooled and condensed into water, then returned to the boiler to start the process all over again.[2]

What Does it Do?

Although energy is produced to help power our homes, there can be harmful side effects of mining and producing coal. For example, miners exposed directly to toxic fumes, coal dust and toxic metals while mining, increased their risk of fatal lung diseases. In fact, the mining process of coal alone “has been responsible for over 100,000 deaths.”[3] So not only does coal energy cause harm to the human race, it is equally, if not worse, for our environment.

Coal can contain toxic elements and metals such as sulfur, mercury, lead and arsenic. When coal is burned to produce energy, all of these toxins are released into the air we breathe. These particles can increase pollution and are an danger to our health. Another environmental impact of coal is the large amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere from its burning. These emissions are linked to an increase in greenhouse gasses that can contribute to global warming.[4]

Solar vs. Coal: Carbon Footprint

If all of the harmful effects of coal mining on humans and the environment weren’t scary enough, things really come into focus when you look at the carbon footprint it leaves behind.

Here’s what we mean, “coal with a carbon content of 78 percent and a heating value of 14,000 Btu per pound emits about 204.3 pounds of carbon dioxide per million Btu when completely burned. Complete combustion of 1 short ton (2,000 pounds) of this coal will generate about 2.86 short tons of carbon dioxide.”[5]

Now, to the average person who does not know much about carbon footprints, this may not seem like an alarming number. But, compared to the carbon footprint of solar panels, it is alarming. The carbon dioxide (CO2) produced during solar panel manufacturing is about 50g of CO2 per kilowatt hour during the first few years of operation. This is about 20 times LESS than the carbon footprint of coal. A bonus to solar panels is that after about three years of operation, they become carbon neutral.[6]

Why Go Solar?

While it may seem like a no-brainer to switch to clean energy, you may still have some questions about its benefits. Fortunately, we have the answers. Having a solar panel system helps reduce your carbon footprint and helps save money in the long run. With solar, you can drastically reduce your utility bills, avoid rising energy costs, receive tax benefits, and increase your property value.

Going Solar with Momentum

Transitioning to cleaner, price-protected energy with Momentum is easy. From drafting your design blueprint to filing government paperwork and securing permits, to flipping the final switch to power up your panels – our team of experts is with you every step of the way.

We are ready to take on your project, no matter the budget, size or aesthetic preference. Call us at 1-888-MOMENTUM to learn more about making the switch today!

[1]https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/coal/#:~:text=Coal%20is%20a%20combustible%20black,years%20ago%20in%20swampy%20forests.

[2] https://www.tva.com/energy/our-power-system/coal/how-a-coal-plant-works#:~:text=Coal%2Dfired%20plants%20produce%20electricity,to%20start%20the%20process%20over.

[3] https://arlweb.msha.gov/stats/centurystats/coalstats.asp

[4] https://www.dummies.com/education/science/environmental-science/what-is-the-environmental-impact-of-mining-and-burning-coal/#:~:text=Coal%20contains%20sulfur%20and%20other,carbon%20dioxide%20into%20the%20atmosphere.

[5]https://www.eia.gov/coal/production/quarterly/co2_article/co2.html#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20coal%20with%20a,million%20Btu%20when%20completely%20burned.&text=Complete%20combustion%20of%201%20short,short%20tons)%20of%20carbon%20dioxide.

[6] https://gvecsolarservice.com/how-clean-is-the-solar-panel-manufacturing-process-how-much-carbon-dioxide-is-produced/#:~:text=Accounting%20for%20the%20amount%20of,of%20coal%2Dpowered%20electricity%20sources.

Tag: clean energy