Waiting on CPUC’s NEM 3.0 Solar Proposal: What Now?
Recently, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced that a decision on NEM 3.0 (the policy which determines utilities’ payments for customer-produced solar) is delayed “until further notice.” Hopefully this marks a turning point on the road to preserving and growing democratized solar. While the CPUC deliberates, we will continue to support solar in California. Here are three ways Sunworks is …
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4 Reasons to Stay Hopeful in the Face of NEM 3.0
If you’ve been keeping up with California’s energy scene, you may have heard that the proposed NEM 3.0 policy is looking less favorable for private solar system owners. In short, the NEM 3.0 policy would impose new fees and reduce how much customers are credited for excess solar energy production. While this proposal is disappointing, there are several reasons to …
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What Does the CPUC’s NEM 3.0 Proposal Mean for the Solar Industry; and What Can We Do to Stop It?
On December 13, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced its proposed NEM 3.0 policy proposal, which would impose the highest state solar tax in the U.S. and create a major setback to California’s clean energy efforts. If NEM 3.0 passes, it will reduce bill credits for California solar adopters, add monthly fees for residential grid access, and take away …
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The Smart Way to Implement Commercial Solar
Energy rates are changing soon under NEM 3.0, but there are smart ways businesses can save on solar before 2022. As with any project, thoughtful execution is vital when going solar. With the planned net metering changes set for early next year, many businesses are wondering how to lock in existing rates without rushing implementation. Here are a few tips …
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What Is the Best Direction for Solar Panels?
The sun’s rays should hit a solar panel perpendicularly to achieve the greatest efficiency. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, the best direction for solar panels is generally south, based on lines of longitude. But there can be differences depending on where your home is located, how your roof is oriented, and other factors. For homes in the same …
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How Is Solar Converted into Electricity?
Sunlight contains a lot of energy; and a great deal of it hits the Earth’s surface. In fact, according to Energy.gov, enough reaches us in an hour and a half to account for a year’s worth of energy consumption worldwide. The sun is the ultimate renewable source of energy. Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into electricity and are found on rooftops, …
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How Businesses Can Make the Most of the NEM 3.0 Transition
A policy called NEM 3.0 is bringing changes to solar energy rates and businesses have the opportunity to save now. This policy is expected to reduce how much solar system owners are credited for electricity production. So, how can your business make the most of this situation? The short answer is to apply for a new or expanded solar energy …
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Renewable Energy Industry Now Employs 12 Million Worldwide
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has been reporting on renewable energy jobs since 2013. One of the main considerations in creating a low-carbon economy is creating job opportunities, in addition to reducing emissions and increasing energy efficiency. The agency’s report – Renewable Energy and Jobs Annual Review 2021, was created in collaboration with the International Labour Organization. IRENA’s first …
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Changes to Net Metering Will Negatively Affect the Solar Industry
Net Metering – What is it? NEM stands for Net Energy Metering. To put it simply, when your commercial solar system generates more electricity than you need at that time, NEM gives you a credit for the electricity you did not use. Your credits go towards your electricity usage when the solar panels are not generating free electricity. It is …
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How Does Solar Heat Make Electricity?
- COMMERCIAL, solar
- October 7, 2021
Solar radiation has a great deal of heat content. There are many ways to use solar heat to produce electricity. Achieved via thermal energy storage (TES) systems, these units deliver heating using renewable energy, rather than burning fossil fuels. TES works by using high-pressure liquid storage tanks connected to the photovoltaic system. Instead of using electricity or a battery, the …
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