Some people think that swimming pool electric heat pumps use the same amount of power any time they are running. In fact, some people think that heat pumps use less energy as the pool water temperature approaches the desired setpoint, thinking that it’s getting easier to heat the water. Nothing could be further from the truth. We have explained “Delta …
Analyzing Performance of Solar Hybrid Electric Pool Heating
We have been tracking the performance of our Solar Hybrid Electric Pool Heating, and have been able to analyze several sites in detail. The great thing about these systems is we can gather tremendous data, quantifying actual solar production and pool heating electrical consumption. We use this to validate system designs. Consumers can track their energy use and make informed …
Solar Panel Warranties: Why They Might Not Be as Useful as You Think
In the world of solar energy, warranties are often touted as a mark of quality and reliability. After all, who wouldn’t want the assurance that their investment in solar panels is protected against defects and performance issues? Manufacturers put out fancy marketing brochures and nebulous certification programs to demonstrate confidence in their products. However, as a seasoned solar veteran, I’ve …
Granting Installer Access To The Enphase Enlighten Monitoring App
If you already have an Enphase system and you need service from us, this video will show you how to grant Florida Solar Design Group access to the Enphase Enlighten monitoring app. This will allow us to see everything that you see and also dig into system errors and diagnostic tools. In addition to granting us access, it is important …
Insurance Requirements for Tier 2 Solar Panel Utility Interconnections (FPL and LCEC)
If you are installing a Tier 2 solar photovoltaic system, you will need to provide evidence that you have $1 million of personal liability insurance. This is usually done through a homeowner’s insurance policy, or more often through an umbrella insurance policy. In this video, we explain the who, what, where, why, and how insurance works when you are planning …
Solar Panel Failures – Bypass Diodes
If you are experiencing reduced solar panel output, buy a lottery ticket. Solar panel failures are exceedingly rare. Most people worry about their solar panel putting out less power over time, which is called degradation. That’s a relatively difficult thing to diagnose and hard to prove. However, bypass diode failures in solar panels are relatively easy to spot and diagnose …
Solar Panel Output Variation (Monthly and Annually)
Solar panels are a weather-dependent technology. Although solar electric panels will generate electricity in all weather, the amount is highly dependent on the irradiance, temperature, visibility, and other factors. It should be no surprise that solar panels work better when it is sunny and not so great in cloudy weather. The good news is we have tons of historical data …
Does Solar Panel Degradation Matter?
If you are selecting a solar panel based on the degradation rate, I’m here to tell you something. It’s not a degradation rate at all. What you are reading is a promise. It’s a warranty figure used to determine the maximum rate a solar panel can degrade before you have a claim against the manufacturer. Don’t get me started about …
The Importance of Wire Management for Solar Panels
You might think you have asked a solar salesperson all of the essential questions. But did you ever consider asking how they do wire management? It’s the small things that matter. People get hung up on warranties, temperature coefficients, and panel brands, but they fail to ask the most important questions when hiring a solar contractor. And I get it …
How Important Is Solar Panel Temperature Coefficient?
It gets hot here in Southwest Florida. And if you didn’t already know, solar photovoltaic panels lose performance as the temperature increases. You heard that right. Solar panels want cool and clear days to perform the best. All solar panels have a rate at which the solar panels lose performance called the temperature coefficient. It is expressed in percent loss …
2024 Will Be The Year Of The Battery
Modern lithium ion batteries for solar with battery backup have been around for years now. The early adopter stage is ending, and 2024 is shaping up to be the year for battery backup in Southwest Florida. There are major developments in the industry, and now may be the time to buy solar with batteries or add batteries to your existing solar …
How To Attach Solar Panels To A Flat Roof
You might be wondering how to best attach solar panels to a flat roof. There are many ways to do it, but in Southwest Florida we recommend using a Quick Mount PV QBase with Chemlink e-Curbs for waterproofing. This attachment method provides a rock solid attachment against wind uplift and an absolutely watertight flashing. In this video, Florida Solar Design …
Solar Generators | Portable Power Stations
They are called all kinds of things. Solar Generators. Portable Power Stations. Portable Battery Backup. Portable Power Stations. Solar Battery Banks. Whatever. These are just words without context, and these products’ manufacturers make sensational claims that have to be true – after all, they’re on the Internet! If It’s Too Good to be True, It Probably Is Have you read …
Should I Buy A Solar Pool Heater Or Electric Pool Heat Pump
The choice between a solar pool heater and a pool heat pump depends on various factors, including your specific needs, budget, and your specific pool and home. Here are some considerations for each: Solar Pool Heater: Energy Source: Solar pool heaters utilize energy from the sun to heat the pool water. They typically consist of solar collectors (panels) installed on …
Pool Heat Pump Ideal Flow Rate Explained
The ideal flow rate for a pool heat pump depends on the specific model and specifications of the heat pump, as well as the size of your pool. Generally, heat pump manufacturers provide guidelines regarding the recommended flow rates for their units. The flow rate is typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM). It’s essential to match the flow rate …
Should I Mount My Solar Panels Landscape or Portrait Orientation
You might notice that some solar panels are mounted in landscape (horizontal) and some are mounted in portrait (vertical). Why is that, and how should you mount yours? The answer might surprise you, and it’s actually quite important. We see a lot of contractors mounting solar panels in landscape orientation because rectangular panels just fit better on a triangular or …
Solar Pool Heating Alternative
Solar pool heating can be a great way to heat your pool, but there is an alternative. I once heard the phrase that pool heating is one letter away from pool hating. Heating a pool can be expensive, so deciding the best way to do it is an important decision you need to make to ensure that you enjoy using …
Photorealistic Solar Panel Layouts | Solar Panels Superimposed on Imagery
For mission-critical solar energy projects, when visualizing the outcome is critical, we have you covered. We have the in-house capability to take aerial imagery with drones and superimpose photorealistic solar panels on the imagery. We can even do this with motion video. What can’t we do?! For those of you that don’t know, our solar contractor is an avid commercial …
Enphase IQ7 Versus IQ8 Microinverters
UPDATE 2/16/24: Enphase is discontinuing the IQ7 series of microinverters, so much of this article is a moot point, but there is still a ton of valuable information here. We are keeping it here for you for historical reference. The IQ8 series of microinverter has been out for a while now, and it has proven to be another great …
Enphase Bi-Directional Vehicle Charging (V2H) and Air Conditioning
This is going to be a pretty short article. Unfortunately, it might burst your bubble. The promise of bi-directional Electric Vehicle use for homes, also known as Vehicle to Home or V2H, is great. The idea is that you can plug your vehicle into the house and power everything you need. And you can charge your vehicle battery with solar …