The Reach of Solar Energy Could Be Limitless

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“Space, the final frontier…” are the words used in the famous TV show Star Trek. All you have to do is go outside and look up toward the stars and there it is: space.

Right now, we all tend to think of things on our planet. After all, space travel is not available to the majority of people on Earth. Only a select few have had the honor to venture “up there.”

However, what if space, the final frontier, became used for something more than just a research space station and some satellites? What if space could be utilized for, of all things, harnessing solar energy to supply electricity to people on Earth?

Think about it this way: here on the planet we’re living on, we deal with sunrises and sunsets daily. Solar panels exist in places where it gets dark, right? But, what if solar panels were placed in space where the sun never sets? Interesting idea, right?

This concept of putting solar panels in space to collect the sun’s energy to then send solar power to people on Earth could very well become “the next big thing.” As a concept, for a long time it was just too expensive to make it work. But over the years, teams of scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs have used their collective brainpower to come up with ways to make it economically viable.

How would the concept actually work? Modules would be launched into space where they’d end up in geosynchronous orbit. Mirrors, solar panels, and converters turning sunlight into electricity would work together to then beam microwaves to receivers on the ground (of our planet) where they’d be re-converted back into electricity and utilized by people on Earth.

How much would a solar power plant in space cost? All together, it would probably cost $5 billion dollars. Could this become a reality in the coming decades? Yes, it could. We shall see…

Things to Consider When Choosing a Solar Company

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Choosing a solar company can sometimes feel intimidating since it’s not something you do everyday. How are you supposed to know whether or not the company that might put solar panels on the roof of your house is a quality company worth paying to do the job?

First, consider if the solar company is willing to analyze your roof and energy needs in such a way that you feel like they care and can show you how solar energy will ultimately save you money in the long run. If they’re going to give you a quote for work to be done, does that quote provide adequate details? Does the company consider things like the pitch of a roof and building codes? Do they seem to be experts at this?

Next, the one question most people have in the back of their minds is this: what happens if the solar power system doesn’t produce the amount of electricity it was/is supposed to? What do I do then? It’s a good idea to ask a solar company about this and see what kind of guarantee they offer. For instance, are they willing and able to monitor the system to check to make sure it’s producing as it should? Exactly how much electricity will the solar panels produce? How does the company figure out their numbers?

Also, don’t be afraid to ask about who would be the people actually installing the solar panels on your roof. How will they know, for sure, that the roof can handle such panels? Do they have experience installing solar panels? Do they need to get any permits to do so? Does their work get inspected when it’s done by someone else who makes sure everything was done right?

There are many questions to ask a solar company before you decide to “go solar.” If you want to talk with GR Solar Solutions of Texas, call 915-581-0461 with any questions you might have.

How Can You Tell If Your Roof Can Hold Solar Panels?

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Solar PanelsOne of the more popular questions people ask before buying solar panels and having them installed on their home is this: will my roof be able to hold them?

Solar panels, including their mounting equipment, typically weigh between 2 to 4 pounds per square foot. This is a weight that most roofs can handle. As long as installers distribute the weight optimally, most roofs should have no problem with the addition of solar power systems.

Solar panel manufacturers have come up with solutions to work well for all sorts of roofs, whether they’re flat or sloped.

Some of the things to consider before adding solar panels to your particular roof, though, include its age, slope, and whether or not adding panels voids the roof warranty.

First, keep in mind the age of your roof. If it’s older (think 15 to 20 years old) and you plan to have a new roof replacement done soon, then it makes sense to wait to add solar panels at the same time the new roof is put on or right afterward.

Next, if you have a steep sloped roof special equipment may be needed to install panels; check with GR Solar Solutions beforehand to get an idea of what could be done to make it work out just fine. If your roof is made of specialized material such as slate tiles then installers may need to charge extra because they have to take special precautions not to damage the unique roofing material.

Sometimes people get nervous that solar panel installation will cause damage to their roof, leading to leaks. Generally, installers use sealants and metal flashing to make sure leaks do not occur.

What about the roof warranty? Adding solar panels may cause the roof warranty to be voided, but solar power system installers often add their own warranty into the mix so homeowners need not worry.

Finally, one other option is solar shingles. These integrate with conventional asphalt roof shingles.

If you have any questions about solar panel installation on your roof, please call GR Solar Solutions at 915-581-0461.

A Big Announcement From GR Solar Solutions!

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GR Solar Solutions is pleased to announce we’ve been chosen to be the service providers for Home Depot of El Paso regarding solar power systems. In working with Home Depot, GR Solar Solutions will be responsible for solar power system installation services and repairs, helping Home Depot customers convert to solar energy.

Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement retailer. Last year, the company released its Sustainability Report, which stated they’ve been able to reduce supply chain carbon emissions by 35% (over 2008 levels) and to reduce energy use in their stores by 30% (over 2004 levels). They have a continued commitment to becoming even more energy-efficient by the year 2020, with an emphasis on using onsite fuel cell and solar installs as well as offsite solar and wind developments.

As a company, Home Depot is serious about solar energy. It uses solar power systems for its own energy needs and provides solar energy solutions for its customers.

Home Depot generally gives potential solar energy customers a free quote to show them the advantages of solar power. They recommend homes with a mostly-sunny roof facing south, east or west as the best for utilizing solar power systems to save money on energy bills.

Since Home Depot is committed to using local, licensed and insured solar providers and panel installers, it makes sense they’ve aligned with GR Solar Solutions of Texas. With more than 30 years of experience in designing and installing solar power systems, GR Solar Solutions is the kind of company Home Depot’s customers will appreciate.

When working with Home Depot, customers will find that there are a wide range of flexible financing options including the company’s Consumer Credit Card and Project Loan. If you happen to live in the El Paso area, visit your local Home Depot to ask about solar power systems. If you choose to move forward with an install, know that GR Solar Solutions will be the ones doing the physical work to put solar panels on top of your roof.

Could Solar Power Replace All Other Forms of Power in the Future?

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For a long time, it seemed like coal-burning power plants kept Americans homes and businesses full of electricity. Indeed, much of the world used and still uses fossil fuels to make things work. However, other ways to get power came along, including nuclear and solar options.

A question recently appeared on the website Quora asking, “Could the world feasibly switch to all-nuclear power generation?” An expert on nuclear materials and the nuclear fuel cycle went into great detail to answer this question and basically said, “No.” Instead, he offered the assertion that solar energy could, stating that utilizing 1.2% of the Sahara desert is sufficient to cover all of the energy needs of the world in solar energy. How about that?

If the world needs 17.3 Terawatts of continuous power annually, an area of 335 kilometers by 335 kilometers covered in solar panels (such as 1.2% of the Sahara desert) could make that a reality. It would cost about five trillion dollars to make it so, but as you can imagine there are many entities, including governments and corporations, who don’t want to do this because it would mess with their profits.

That said, it is conceivable that solar power could replace all other forms of power in the coming years. We shall see.

For now, Solar Solutions is helping people save money on their electric and heating bills through solar panels and more. Solar Solutions installs solar electric systems for residential homes, as well as solar water heater systems and even solar pool heating systems. With locations in sunny El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, Solar Solutions covers a wide area with solar power solutions for people who want to save money while also utilizing a pollution-free resource.

Find out what solar solutions are available to you by calling 915-581-0461 in El Paso or 575-636-2333 in Las Cruces. You should also check out the FAQ online here: https://www.solarsolutions-texas.com/faqs/

How do Solar Systems Produce Energy?

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If you take some time to watch YouTube videos, do a search for living in a van and see what appears. There are quite a few videos that show van dwellers who are able to call a van or RV their permanent home thanks to solar panels on their roofs. It’s a pretty amazing thing to think they can be in a van reading articles on their computer screen while running a blender to make a smoothie.

Take a look around the neighborhood where you live. Be on the lookout for solar panels. You’ll see more and more of them as time goes by.

Solar power from the sun can be converted into energy to power things, and that’s a modern day marvel, isn’t it?

Solar panels receive light from the sun. Not to get too technical, but the sun’s rays are converted into electricity by exciting electrons in specially-designed silicon cells that utilize the photons of light coming from the sun.

Did you know solar panels contain “photovoltaic” cells? This is a big, fancy word that means electricity from light. Underneath glass, these cells have a positive and negative film of silicon. When light hits them, electrons get knocked off the silicon. Negatively-charged free electrons end up on one side of the cell creating electric voltage. Thus, electricity is collected and channeled to run people’s appliances, computers, and more in their vehicles, homes or wherever else they need it. When more and more solar panels are linked together, even more electricity can be generated.

The electricity ends up at an electrical box which contains fuses as well as connections delivering power to an item called the inverter. DC (direct current) gets converted into AC (alternating current) thanks to the inverter. The AC gets connected to a circuit breaker in the electrical panel. Power goes to any electrical loads currently in operation.

GR Solar Solutions can install solar panels on or near your home. Please call 915-581-0461 to discuss your needs.

Source Used:  http://www.nwwindandsolar.com/solar-power-in-seattle-and-the-northwest/how-do-solar-systems-produce-energy/

Myths Surrounding Solar Energy

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MythsThe sun is nature’s way of giving life to the planet. And, in recent years, the sun’s light has been harnessed to provide power for many people the world over. Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular, yet there are plenty of myths associated with it.

For instance, some people think that solar panels require a tracking system to follow the angle of the sun. For residential purposes, moving parts aren’t needed. They’ll work just fine staying stationary. Interestingly, since solar panels have no moving parts, they don’t require maintenance. As for cleaning, the rain will clean them off so you don’t have to!

Then there’s the myth that solar panels are ugly. It turns out that they’re quite sleek and are seen as a way to enhance the look of a place these days.

Is it just “too expensive” to have solar panels? Actually, most customers notice they save money using solar energy compared to the traditional way of powering their home. Thanks to modern financing options, solar panels are being installed on homes with little-to-no money down.

What about foggy or cloudy days? People often wonder if their solar panels still work when it’s cool, cloudy and/or foggy outside. The good news is this: they work fine in ambient light. They’re nearly as efficient on cooler days.

Finally, people often think, “Well, solar power will get more efficient so I should wait before I buy.” This might surprise you– the same solar technology from the 1960s is being used today! Unlike cell phones and computers, solar power doesn’t experience dramatic improvements in short periods of time. As solar panels become more efficient, it’ll just mean you won’t need as many as before.

GR Solar Solutions of Texas provides solar pool heating systems, solar domestic hot water heaters, and photovoltaic solar systems, with locations in El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Please call 915-581-0461 (Texas) with any questions you have about solar energy.

The World Is Becoming Increasingly Solar, Which is Good News for All

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Solar PowerFor several years now, there’s been a concerted push by individuals, corporations and nations around the world to increase the use of renewable power sources. Wind and geothermal have been popular, but nothing like the adoption rates of solar power. Solar is simple to install and can work in nearly any location that receives sunlight, making it versatile and adaptable in situations at nearly every parallel north and south of the equator.

China has emerged in recent months as a powerhouse in solar energy generation. According to Computer World, in the first half of 2016, the nation has added new solar power generation sources that are capable of creating 20 billion watts, significantly beating industry analysts’ estimates and further securing it’s position as the top solar power generating nation, a title it took from Germany just last year. China’s National Energy Agency is also forecasting growth to continue at record levels, and aims for 150 billion watts of generation capacity by the end of the decade.

This is just one of the latest signs that the solar industry as a whole is moving us into a solar-driven era of renewable power. Domestically, great strides are being made as well. In Nevada, Scientific American reports that the Crescent Dunes concentrated solar facility now uses a new method of melting salt using the sun’s energy during the day to keep electricity-generating turbines running throughout the night, creating the world’s first solar generation plant that can make power 24 hours a day.

Further to the west, California – long known for its green energy efforts – has made new advancements as well. Just last month, California Independent System Operator – a utility in the state – announced that it had broken its single-day generation record. According to Inhabitat, CISO generated a whopping 8,030 megawatts on July 12, besting the previous record by roughly 2,000 megawatts. Most notably, however, are two facts about this high level of generation. First, the power generated is capable of serving 2 million average households – an impressive number. Second, all power generated came from utility-grade sources, and did not include any of the residential or commercial solar panels that dot roofs across the state.

With so much to gain from solar power, it’s easy to see why companies and residences across the nation are continuing to invest in solar panels and other generation options. At Solar Solutions, we’ve helped countless clients with planning, purchasing and installing new solar panels are their homes and businesses. We even offer financing options, and offer free estimates to help you better understand the prospective costs and benefits of adding solar power to your property. To learn more or to get started, call us today at 915-581-0461 or request your quote online now.

Reasons to Switch to Solar Energy

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In recent years, the use of solar energy has skyrocketed as numerous homes bad business across the country have adopted the new technology for a variety of reasons. Despite this spike in usage, many still haven’t jumped in and started using solar energy. So, if you’re on the fence about whether to go solar or not, here are a few good reasons you should make the switch.

Good for Environment

Solar energy doesn’t contain nearly as many harmful emissions as other energy sources as all of its power comes from the sun. By converting over to it, you will be reducing your home or business carbon footprint on the environment and not emanate such harmful things such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide.

Great Home Investment

Installing a solar energy system might seem like a tall investment but once it is installed, you will make your money back in more ways than one. For starters, you won’t have to succumb to rising energy rates as you will be in control of your home’s electricity, so you will ultimately save yourself money in the present and future. Also, the systems are very durable and low maintenance whereas other energy systems are more apt to breaking and needing repairs which can be expensive.

Set a Good Example

By getting a solar system installed, you set a good example that hopefully your neighbors and other businesses will follow. Once you see the benefits of the system, you can spread them through word of mouth to others and encourage them to transfer over to solar energy. This will keep the conversion into solar energy going so that we can protect the environment for future members of our family tree.

So if you’re looking to convert your home over to solar energy, GR Solar Solutions has got you covered. We’ve been designing and installing solar electric systems in Texas and New Mexico for over 30 years and will create the system your home and business needs. For more information, call us today at 915-581-0461!

A Brief Look At the Future of Energy

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With two-thirds of this planet’s human population living in cities by the year 2050, how can we sustain our environment rather than wrecking it? Obviously, the way we get and use energy will matter more than ever, simply because billions of people’s daily lives will depend on it.

Cities have no choice but to integrate renewable energy into their landscapes in order to both survive and thrive in the coming years.

Solar power is going to take the lead– even in places that don’t seem so sunny. The solar industry is currently being built up to handle an increasing demand, and technology is making it possible to deploy solar power in many ways.

Today, we’re used to thinking of big solar panels on rooftops, but the solar panels of the future will be transparent and mounted on the windows of buildings, thus capturing more sunlight than before. Furthermore, solar cells are being optimized to take advantage of the light that’s available to them.
For instance, in cloudy climates, solar cells can be made to utilize longer wavelengths, in order to effectively harness enough light to be productive.

Remember when people first had giant satellite dishes to receive TV signals? Over time, they became a lot smaller and more compact. That’s happening with things like wind turbines, too. Smaller, lighter, more efficient wind turbines of the future will be built into and onto buildings to capture the wind and turn it into energy. Even right now, this sort of thing is happening: The Eiffel Tower in Paris has recently been fitted with two wind turbines.

Whether it’s wind or solar power, one thing’s for sure: we’re moving away from polluting energy sources, and moving toward a planet where clean energy rules. That’s a great thing.

Solar Solutions Inc. is one of the most experienced solar power companies in Texas and New Mexico. When you’re ready to “go solar,” call 915-581-0461 or email solarsolutions.texas@gmail.com.