Solar panels for your solar storage system

4 Benefits of Installing a Solar Storage System Today

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Solar storage systems such as the Tesla Powerwall cost a lot of money. This purchase may be hard to justify in the monthly budget for home, commercial, or industrial electrical customers. So let’s look at the benefits of installing a solar storage system.

1   Reduces Energy Costs

Storing excess solar energy allows you to use it at night or on days when your solar panels don’t produce much power. You can use this energy instead of that provided by the power company. How much you can save depends on many factors, such as location, hours of sun exposure, number of sunny days, power usage level, energy consumption rate, and much more. But generally speaking, an installed solar storage system pays for itself in energy savings over ten years.

Solar panels for your solar storage system

2   Improves Energy Independence

Our energy grid breaks down more often under the climate change brought on by global warming. Worsening storms, longer heat waves, and polar vortexes wreak havoc on the power grid. If your area is prone to frequent power outages, the power loss can be costly in production stoppages, spoiled food, lost wages, and much more. The energy independence from the power grid created by a solar storage system brings you peace of mind knowing that your energy source is secure even during difficult times.

3   Provides Backup Power During Outages

Record-breaking heat waves are straining the energy infrastructure more than ever. Because of this strain, electric companies occasionally implement rolling blackouts to help ease it. Excess heat isn’t the only cause of power outages. Nasty thunderstorms and winter storms can also bring down power lines and damage transformers, leading to unpredictable outages. With a solar storage solution, you can work around sudden outages and keep the lights on while the energy infrastructure is repaired.

4   Benefits the Environment

Using the sun’s power reduces the fossil fuels necessary to produce the energy you need to live. Solar storage solutions reduce your carbon footprint, improving your health and quality of life for you and those around you.

Let Tri-State Electrical Contractors Handle Your Commercial Electrical Services Needs

If you are considering installing a solar storage solution, contact us at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com. Our friendly and knowledgeable employees can answer your questions about solar power and help you determine if a solar storage system is right for you.

A solar storage system in Atlanta

5 Reasons Your Solar Storage Solution Isn’t Working as Expected

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Many variables impact the effectiveness of solar energy storage solutions. Unfortunately, this may result in your solar energy solution not working as expected. Here are a few factors that may impact your system’s efficiency.

1 – Variability of Sunlight

Since solar energy can only be produced efficiently with direct sunlight on solar panels, this often is impacted by changing weather and the current season. In addition, we know that solar energy is only produced when the sun is shining on the solar panels, which means that there are several hours each day when the panels produce no power.

A solar storage system in Atlanta

2 – The Type and Lifespan of Solar Storage Batteries

Most solar storage systems use high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries which are widely available, energy-efficient, have good performance, and can last between 15 and 30 years. As they age, their efficiency dwindles. But there are older solar storage batteries that are less expensive but less energy efficient.

3 – The Solar Storage System Was Installed Incorrectly

Most solar storage systems are complicated, and any mistakes during installation can make the system less efficient. This is why it is crucial to hire an experienced solar storage system electrician to install it for you. These electricians have the proper tools, knowledge, and experience to avoid making mistakes leading to sub-optimal performance, and can get the system installed quicker.

4 – Prohibitive Cost

Solar storage systems are expensive, especially if you need to replace any batteries for the system. Batteries for these systems can cost anywhere between $8500 and $20,000, depending on the type of battery you install. Of course, the price is higher if you use many batteries within your solar storage system.

5 – Solar Storage Systems Need Maintenance

Solar storage systems require more maintenance than a simple solar panel energy setup. The amount of maintenance and tasks involved depends on what type of batteries you are using in the solar storage system. If the system uses deep-cycle lead-acid batteries, the terminals must be kept clean, and the distilled water levels must be topped off periodically. You must be careful when maintaining the storage system because the battery chemicals are corrosive and toxic—some solar storage batteries, such as lithium-require a lot less maintenance.

Is a Solar Storage System Installation Right for You?

Give Tri-State Electrical Contractors a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com, and we can provide you with a comprehensive solar energy assessment to help determine what solar storage solution might work best for you.

A solar storage system in Knoxville, Tennessee

5 Things You Need to Know About Solar Storage

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Solar energy storage installations and deployments set a record in 2020, with each quarter breaking the record-breaking previous quarter. The use of solar energy and solar energy storage systems is becoming more accepted and prevalent. Here are a few things you should know about solar storage:

1 – The Decreasing Cost of Solar Storage

The cost of installing a solar storage system has decreased steadily over the last ten years. And future technology and efficiency improvements should continue to reduce the cost of installing and operating a solar storage system, getting you a faster ROI.

This cost depends on many factors such as the type of solar storage system you want to install, the area where you live, and the number and composition of the batteries used within the system. A complete solar storage system can cost between $14,000 and $25,000.

A solar storage system in Knoxville, Tennessee

2 – The Type and Lifespan of Solar Storage Batteries

Most solar storage systems use high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries which are widely available, energy-efficient, have good performance, and can last between 15 and 30 years.

3 – How Solar Energy Is Stored

Solar panels transfer energy to the batteries during daylight and sunny hours. These batteries can hold that energy and use it during the night or when the sun cannot provide enough power for your needs alone. Solar energy can be stored in these batteries for one to five days before the battery loses its charge.

4 – Excess Energy Equals Electric Company Credit

Some solar storage systems provide the option for transmitting excess energy back into the electrical grid for credit from the electric company. Imagine getting an electric bill where they pay you money!

5 – Solar Storage Systems Are a Green Alternative to Backup Generators

In recent years weather-related events have resulted in massive outages in North Carolina, Florida, and areas along the West Coast. Severe heat can cause the energy demand to exceed the supply causing a need for rolling blackouts during peak usage. In addition, snow and ice storms, severe thunderstorms, and weather-related events such as hurricanes can damage the electrical grid causing outages that can last days or weeks. With a solar storage system, you can maintain your power independently of the grid, allowing you to maintain power without using additional fuel. During a widespread natural disaster, generators and the diesel fuel needed to power them may be expensive and difficult (if not impossible) to find. A solar storage system allows you to maintain energy independence during these challenging events.

Is a Solar Storage System Installation Right for You?

Give Tri-State Electrical Contractors a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com, and we can provide you with a comprehensive solar energy assessment to help determine what solar storage solution might work best for you.

Solar storage installation by a commercial electrical contractor in Huntsville

Why is NABCEP Important for a Commercial Electrical Company?

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The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners® AKA -NABCEP®, is an organization dedicated to the certification of renewable energy professionals. It provides credentials and certifications for industrial and commercial electricians as well as other professionals, specialists, and novices working with photovoltaics (such as solar storage systems), solar heating, and small wind technologies.  

NABCEP was founded in 2002 as a non-profit 501 (c)(6) corporation. Its mission is “to support, and work with, the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, professionals, and stakeholders to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners.”

Solar storage installation by a commercial electrical contractor in Huntsville

Why NABCEP Is Important

NABCEP works with hundreds of renewable energy industry subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop NABCEP’s Board Certifications and Associate credentials. NABCEP heavily relies on these volunteer SMEs working in the industry to create Board Certifications that focus on practical, real-world experience. With their help, the NABCEP has developed and provided eight board certification programs and three associate credentials. 

NABCEP holds all NABCEP Board Certified Professionals and Associate credential holders to high standards of professional and ethical practice. NABCEP’s Code of Ethics & Standard of Conduct safeguards the integrity of the industry. NABCEP is also the only certification organization in the industry with an enforceable code of ethics, The organization gives renewable energy customers a way to hold unethical installers accountable for their actions. Renewable energy customers who hire a NABCEP Board Certified Professional ensure that any reported violation will be investigated and if wrongdoing occurred, take disciplinary action.

NABCEP Board Certification Credentials

The NABCEP board certification credentials are earned by demonstrating knowledge, experience, training, and passing a challenging exam. There are the certification programs NABCEP provides:

  • PV Installation Professional (PVIP) Certification
  • PV Design Specialist (PVDS) Certification
  • PV Installer Specialist (PVIS) Certification
  • PV Commissioning & Maintenance (PVCMS) Certification
  • PV Technical Sales (PVTS) Certification
  • PV System Inspector (PVSI)[6] Certification
  • Solar Heating Installer (SHI) Certification
  • Solar Heating System Inspector (SHSI) Certification, and
  • NABCEP Company Accreditation

NABCEP Associate Credentials

The NABCEP Associate Program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge of the fundamental principles of the application, design, installation, and operation of Photovoltaic, Solar Heating, or Small Wind energy systems.

An individual earns a NABCEP Associate Credential (NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate™, NABCEP Solar Heating Associate™, or NABCEP Small Wind Associate™ by passing an exam based on the NABCEP Associate Job Task Analysis (JTA) or Learning Objectives.

  • The benefits of earning these credentials beyond the proven professional competence in these areas include:
  • Qualifies that individual to design, sell, install, or maintain systems in a supervised capacity.
  • Lists them in the online Associate Directory so that potential customers can find qualified individuals working with that technology as well as their credential type, number, and expiration date.
  • Allows the company to use the applicable NABCEP Trademark on their website and promotional materials.
NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate

Tri-State Electrical Contractors Is a NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate

Tri-State Electrical has earned the NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate credentials in order to better serve our commercial and industrial solar storage solution customers. For more information, or to get a quote for a solar storage installation give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.

Solar storage installation for the Tesla Powerwall storage system in Knoxville

Why the Tesla Powerwall Is One of the Best Solar Storage Solutions on the Market Today

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With Elon Musk being very visible about the acquisition of Twitter over the last several weeks, it is easy to overlook one of his lesser-known innovations: the Tesla Powerwall.

The Emergence of Solar Storage Solutions

Solar panels have been an option for alternative energy for years to decrease electricity expenses and reduce carbon emissions. Still, it has always suffered from one major setback: when the sun goes down, so does your energy independence. The resolution to this issue is solar storage solutions. Channeling the solar energy into backup batteries during the day allows you to power your home or business during the night or unexpected outages.

Solar storage installation for the Tesla Powerwall storage system in Knoxville

Back in 2013, Tesla constructed Giga Nevada, a facility dedicated to producing lithium-ion batteries for their electric cars. In 2015, they began applying this technology to a home energy storage system, the Powerwall.

Factors That Make the Tesla Powerwall Stand Out

Tesla has been a leader in the production and improvement of solar storage solutions beginning with the battery storage solutions they innovated for the Tesla line of electric vehicles. Many of these innovations were also applicable to the home alternative energy markets. Here are a few of the factors that make the Tesla Powerwall stand out from other solar battery storage options for home energy storage:

  • Superior Battery Quality – Because of the reputation of the Tesla brand, a lot of research and development dollars have been invested in improving the efficiency, safety, and capacity of batteries developed for the Tesla line of electric vehicles. This investment carries over to the Powerwall line of home solar storage solutions.
  • One Price Fits All – Some solar storage solutions are sold and installed piece-meal. One price for the batteries, other fees for software and infrastructure to support the solution. The Tesla Powerwall includes the software, battery management cooling systems, and even a battery inverter at one price.
  • Self Sufficiency – The Tesla Powerwall allows the homeowner to power the home most, if not all, of the time enabling almost total energy independence.
  • Current Tax Credit Incentives for New Solar Installations – The Federal and many state governments are offering limited-time tax credits for homeowners who decide to install solar energy systems. This can result in hundreds to thousands of dollars in tax credits to offset your initial installation cost.
  • 10-Year Warranty – Very few energy-related household appliances offer a warranty of 10 years or more.

Allow Tri-State Electrical Contractors to Handle Your Solar Storage Installation

At Tri-State Electrical, we have the skill and experience to install Tesla Powerwall solar storage solutions for your home or business. For more information, get a quote for a solar storage installation by giving us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.