Solar Blog
Find out about all the latest in solar news and technology
The Captivating Journey Of How Solar Panels Are Made
The creation of a solar panel is truly captivating; it melds scientific precision with sustainable ingenuity. Witnessing the transformation of humble silicon ingots into powerful energy-generating units is like observing a symphony of technology and nature.
As each layer is meticulously crafted, a sense of wonder arises as these panels will soon capture and convert sunlight into electricity for Sacramento homeowners and businesses. This process, a harmonious blend of innovation and environmental mindfulness, stands as a testament to human innovation’s capability to harness the boundless energy of the sun and illuminate a path toward a more sustainable future with renewable energy.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of what solar panel manufacturing entails.
Silicon Ingot Production
The main material used in solar panels is pure silicon. The manufacturing process starts with the creation of silicon ingots. High-purity silicon crystals are melted and then solidified into large cylindrical ingots.
Wafer Slicing
The silicon ingots are sliced into wafers. A wafer is a thin layer that’s typically around 150-200 micrometers thick.
Wafer Surface Treatment
The wafers undergo surface treatment processes to remove any impurities or saw damage. This might involve etching, texturing, or cleaning to improve light absorption.
Doping
Doping involves introducing specific impurities into the silicon wafers to create a positive and a negative layer, forming a P-N junction. Phosphorus is often used for the N-type layer, and boron for the P-type layer.
Anti-Reflective Coating
A thin anti-reflective coating is administered to the front surface of the solar cell, aiming to reduce sunlight reflection and amplify light absorption.
Metalization (Front and Back Contacts)
Metal contacts are affixed to the front and back of the solar cell. Silver or another conductive material is screen-printed onto the front and back surfaces to allow for the collection and flow of electricity.
Firing
The photovoltaic cell goes through a high-temperature firing process. This fuses the metal contacts with the silicon surface, ensuring good electrical conductivity.
Testing and Sorting
Each individual cell is tested for efficiency and quality. They are sorted by their performance results.
Cell Interconnection
Photovoltaic cells are interconnected to form a larger unit called a solar module or panel. Conductive wires or ribbons are soldered or laminated to connect the cells in series or parallel configurations.
Encapsulation
The interconnected solar cells are encased within a shielding material, frequently EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), between a front glass cover and a back sheet. This encapsulation protects the cells from environmental factors and provides electrical insulation.
Frame Installation
The encapsulated solar cells are placed within a frame made of aluminum or another durable material. This frame provides structural support and protection for the module.
Testing and Quality Assurance
The fully assembled solar panel undergoes a series of tests to ensure it meets performance and safety standards. These tests include electrical performance, insulation and durability tests.
Packaging and Shipping
Once the solar panel passes all tests, the solar panel manufacturing process is finished. The solar panels made are packaged and prepared for shipping to distributors, installers, or customers.
Installation and Connection
Solar panels are installed on rooftops, ground mounts, or other suitable locations. They are wired together to form solar arrays. The solar power generated can be used directly or supplied to the grid.
It’s worth noting that different manufacturers in the solar industry might have variations in their processes, solar cell technology and solar panel materials, but these are the fundamental steps involved in solar panel production.
Go solar with your trusted Sacramento solar company
Sacramento homeowners seeking to harness the transformative power of solar energy can confidently turn to Aztec Solar as their premier choice.
With over four decades of experience in the solar industry, we stand as a beacon of excellence in solar solutions. From meticulous design to flawless installation, we’re dedicated to helping you maximize energy savings and minimize environmental impact. Contact us today for more information.
How Sacramento Solar Battery Storage Enhances Energy Independence
In Sacramento, where sunlight is abundant, solar power has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners seeking to reduce their environmental footprint and utility costs.
However, to truly maximize the benefits of this renewable energy source, many are turning to solar battery storage. This technology allows homeowners to store excess solar energy produced during peak daylight hours for use during the night or on cloudy days, ensuring a constant supply of renewable energy.
Additionally, with increasing electricity rates from SMUD and PG&E, and power outages due to wildfires, investing in solar battery storage offers Sacramento homeowners a reliable, cost-effective and sustainable solution to meet their energy needs while reducing their dependence on the electricity grid and enhancing energy independence.
The Concept of Sacramento Solar Battery Storage
Solar battery storage works in a relatively simple, yet effective manner. Solar energy begins its journey when sunlight hits the photovoltaic (PV) cells on a solar panel, causing them to produce electricity. The electricity produced is direct current (DC) power, which then is changed into alternating current (AC) power through an inverter. The type of electricity used in homes for powering appliances and other electrical devices is AC.
Solar battery storage serves as a crucial element in this procedure. When integrated with a solar energy system, the electricity generated by a grid tied to a solar system can be directed to power the house, channeled out to the grid, or stored in the battery storage device. When solar panels generate surplus energy beyond the household’s requirements, this excess can be stored in batteries rather than being returned to the grid. This stored energy can then be used when your solar panels aren’t producing enough electricity, such as at night, during periods of low sunlight or during a power outage.
Why Adding Batteries To A Solar System Is A Good Idea
With a battery energy storage system, homeowners can rely less on the utility grid to deliver electricity most days of the year. Solar batteries play a crucial role in harnessing surplus solar energy, enabling homeowners to utilize this power during optimal times such as periods of power outages or when utility rates are at their peak. This means they are not as affected by the fluctuations in energy prices, power outages or restrictions on energy use imposed by utility companies.
Moreover, homeowners with a solar panel system can keep their lights on, even during power outages, as they have a reliable source of stored energy. The backup power from the battery should be capable of supporting essential loads like your refrigerator, freezer, heating system, water pressure, lighting, security system and air conditioning, particularly when your utility company cannot meet your energy demands.
Additionally, solar energy storage enables homeowners to optimize the utilization of their solar power systems. Since the energy produced by solar systems varies depending on factors like weather conditions and the time of day, having solar batteries ensures that no energy is wasted. Surplus power produced during sunny days can be saved and utilized on less sunny, rainy days or during the night when there is no solar electricity generation. This not only will likely result in cost savings, but also reduces the strain on the power grid during peak times.
Environmental Impact
In addition to promoting energy independence, solar battery storage also plays a significant role in to a cleaner environment. Conventional energy sources like coal and natural gas play a substantial role in the production of greenhouse gas emissions. Alternatively, solar energy acts as a clean, renewable energy supply that does not generate harmful emissions. Homeowners can diminish their carbon emissions and promote a greener future by conserving and utilizing this energy.
Can You Add Battery Backup Storage To An Existing Solar System?
Yes, if you don’t have a storage ready solar system, you can add battery capacity to existing solar panel systems.
To add a battery to your existing grid tied solar system, you’ll need to have a compatible inverter that can manage the flow of energy to and from the battery. An older solar array may require an upgrade or replacement of the existing inverter to be compatible with a battery storage system.
Additionally, the process involves installing the battery itself, which must be done by a certified professional to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations. The battery can usually be installed near your existing solar system equipment.
Solar battery storage enhances energy independence. This offers a dependable and steady power source, empowers homeowners to manage their energy usage, and aids in creating a cleaner environment.
Choose Aztec Solar, Your Premier Northern California Solar Battery Storage Provider
With over four decades of experience in the energy industry, Aztec Solar stands out as a premier provider of solar battery storage solutions.
We’re proud of our commitment to quality and reliability.
We are experts and are adept to answering any questions you may have about solar energy and battery storage and ensure personalized service tailored meet your specific needs. Contact us today to get started.
How to Choose a Reliable Solar Panel Installer in Sacramento
Solar energy is favored by many Sacramento homeowners aiming to diminish their environmental impact and achieve savings on their energy costs. However, the installation of solar panels is not a DIY project; it requires the expertise of a professional solar panel installer.
Here are some key factors to consider.
Experience and Expertise
The significance of expertise in solar panel installation is absolutely paramount. Professionals with experience possess the necessary skill set and understanding to accurately and safely set up your solar energy system. They have expertise in managing various installation situations, resolving potential problems, and enhancing system performance.
As a general guideline, it’s advisable to work with installers who have several years of experience, like Aztec Solar, which has been doing solar and only solar in Northern California for more than four decades. A longer time frame of experience provides ample opportunity for the installer to deal with different types of buildings, roof materials, local codes and climate conditions.
A solar company with experience saves your house from potential damages on your roof. They’ll likely deliver a more efficient and reliable service than one that is just starting out. Inquire with potential installers on their level of experience and the number of installations they have successfully executed. Furthermore, check if they have experience with the type of solar system you want to install, whether it’s solar electric or solar thermal.
Warranties and Guarantees
The best solar panel companies in Sacramento typically offer warranties that would protect customers from any manufacturing defects and guarantee a certain level of power output for an extended period.
However, the length of workmanship warranties offered by solar installers can vary, typically ranging from 1 to 10 years. These warranties cover any defects in the installation process, ensuring that the system is installed correctly and functions as expected.
The best company for solar installation won’t shy away from providing warranties and guarantees on labor. This shows that they stand behind the quality of their work and are ready to correct any issues that may arise, like we do at Aztec Solar.
Comprehensive Service
Reliable solar installation companies should provide a comprehensive service, including initial consultation, design, installation, maintenance and after-sales service.
Initial Consultation
During the first meeting, the firm should assess your property and engage in a discussion about your energy needs and goals. They may use tools like satellite imagery to assess your roof’s suitability for solar panels and estimate the potential energy production. The company should also provide information about the costs, savings and return on investment of the solar system.
Design
After the initial consultation, the solar energy company should design a solar system tailored to your property and energy needs. This involves the selection of solar equipment like how many solar panels, the optimal placement of the solar array, the designing the wiring and mounting systems and the decision on installing any other supplemental solar equipment like solar batteries. The design phase should also include obtaining the necessary permits and approvals and applications for any government incentives.
Installation
Once the design is finalized, the installation process entails mounting the solar panels on your rooftop or a ground stand, connecting them to an inverter, and integrating this setup with your household’s electrical grid. The solar company should ensure that the installation complies with local codes and industry standards.
Maintenance
Post-installation, it is crucial that solar providers extend maintenance services to ensure your solar system continues to function at its peak efficiency. This may include regular inspections, cleaning of the traditional solar panels, and repair or replacement of any damaged components. Some companies offer maintenance packages or service contracts for ongoing care of your solar system.
After-Sales Service
Lastly, the best solar companies should provide excellent after-sales service. This includes addressing any questions or concerns you may have after the installation, assisting with any issues related to system performance, and providing guidance on how to monitor and maximize your energy production and savings.
Cost and Financing Options
Although cost shouldn’t be the only determinant, it remains a significant factor to consider. Obtain estimates from several installers, but bear in mind that the most affordable choice isn’t necessarily the finest. A higher upfront cost might pay off in the long run in terms of quality and durability. Also, check if the solar energy companies offer financing options, such as a power purchase agreement or solar leases, which can make this renewable energy investment more manageable.
Choosing a reliable solar panel installer is key to fully reap the rewards of solar energy. By considering factors like certifications, experience, warranties, comprehensive service, and cost, you can ensure that your solar panels are installed correctly and efficiently. Ultimately, the right installer will not only help you reduce your energy bills, but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Aztec Solar is the best Sacramento solar company
Aztec Solar stands out as the best solar installer in Northern California due to our commitment to providing high-quality, energy-efficient solutions tailored to meet each customer’s unique needs. We hold a solid reputation for delivering dependable and high-efficiency solar installations. Each project is handled by a team of skilled professionals who are dedicated to achieving customer satisfaction.
Moreover, we offer an impressive range of services, including residential and commercial solar, solar pool heating and solar water heating systems. We provide comprehensive warranties and post-installation support, ensuring peace of mind for our customers.
Choosing Aztec Solar means you’re partnering with a trusted leader in the solar industry. Contact us today to get started.
Triple digit heat is here: How solar panels save you money
Solar electric systems are a popular solution for those seeking to reduce their energy expenses during the scorching months in the greater Sacramento area. Solar panels have become very cost effective over time and can be financially beneficial for homeowners and businesses looking for relief on their electric bills especially in the summer.
Use the sun, a free energy source
Unlike some energy sources used during peak hours such as fossil fuels or natural gas, a solar system harnesses the sun’s energy, which is a free and abundant resource especially in Sacramento.
Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source, meaning it doesn’t produce harmful emissions or deplete finite resources like fossil fuels. Not only do solar panels generate energy, they can also help homeowners and businesses minimize their carbon footprint and participate in the creation of a more sustainable future.
Reduce your need to pay peak hour rates
During the hottest times of the day, when relief from high temperatures is most needed, solar energy systems are typically at their peak performance, generating substantial amounts of electricity. This has several benefits for both the users and the environment, as it reduces reliance on utility companies and non-renewable energy sources.
- Optimal energy production: Solar panels are most efficient when the sun is shining brightly, which often coincides with hot temperatures. This means that during the times when air conditioning and other cooling systems are in high demand, solar energy systems can provide a significant portion of the power needed to keep homes and businesses comfortable.
- Lower energy costs: By generating electricity during peak hours, solar power users can offset the higher utility rates typically charged during these periods. This can lead to substantial reductions on electricity bills, particularly for those who live in areas with high electricity rates.
- Reduced carbon emissions: By installing solar panels instead of using non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels, users can help to reduce the amount of harmful greenhouse gas emissions produced by traditional power plants and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
- Increased grid stability: When a large number of homes and businesses install solar panels and generate their own solar power, the overall demand on the grid is reduced. This can help to prevent blackouts and brownouts during peak hours, ensuring a more reliable electricity supply for all consumers.
Performs optimally for 25 years
While energy prices have a tendency to increase over time, solar panels typically have a performance warranty for up to 25 years, providing significant long-term savings on electric bills and reliable energy production for the duration of the system’s lifespan.
Upfront costs have steadily declined
Over the past decade, the upfront costs of solar power systems have steadily declined, making solar energy more accessible and affordable for homeowners and businesses.
Technological advancements
Advancements in solar panel technology have resulted in higher energy output per square foot, reducing the overall cost per watt of solar-generated electricity.
Manufacturing efficiencies
As the demand for solar power has grown, economies of scale have been achieved in the manufacturing process. This increased production volume has led to lower costs for materials, labor and other manufacturing-related expenses. Consequently, the cost of producing solar panels has decreased, ultimately lowering the upfront cost for consumers.
Government policies and incentives
The federal solar tax credit, also known as the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), has been providing tax incentives for homeowners opting to install solar systems since 2006.
The ITC continues to have a major impact on the adoption of solar energy today. Homeowners and business owners who purchase and install solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation systems between 2022 and 2033 can claim a federal tax credit in the thousands of dollars.
Choose Aztec Solar as your Sacramento solar company
Aztec Solar has been a reputable solar energy solutions provider in the greater Sacramento area for more than four decades. We understand that each customer’s energy needs and preferences are unique and take the time to assess your property, energy consumption and goals to design a solar power system that is customized to your specific requirements.
We use high-quality solar panels, inverters and other components to ensure the durability and longevity of your solar power system and prioritize excellent workmanship in our installations so you are set up for optimal performance.
Find out how much you can save with solar or contact us directly for more information.
And to see our solar options under NEM 3.0, click here.
Benefits of solar energy to the environment
Solar energy has emerged as a powerful solution to the world’s growing energy needs while offering numerous environmental benefits. By harnessing the abundant renewable energy source that is the sun, solar energy systems provide a clean, sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based electricity generation. This shift toward solar power not only reduces carbon emissions and air pollution, but also minimizes the impact on land and water resources. As a result, the adoption of solar energy contributes significantly to the fight against climate change, the preservation of ecosystems and the overall health of our planet.
Solar energy is a clean energy source
Solar energy is a clean form of energy because it generates electricity without emitting harmful pollutants or depleting finite resources. Burning fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and oil releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide that warm the atmosphere, particulate matter and other toxic substances. To create solar energy, no air or water pollution is emitted. This positions it as an eco-friendly substitute for traditional energy sources.
Solar energy can improve local air quality
Solar energy is not only a clean power solution to our growing energy needs, it also provides significant local air quality benefits.
Power plants utilizing fossil fuels release numerous air contaminants, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. These pollutants can cause respiratory problems, heart disease and other health issues. By generating electricity through solar energy, we can significantly decrease the levels of these harmful pollutants in our local environment.
Improved air quality positively affects public health. As solar power reduces the amount of air pollution produced by fossil fuel combustion, it helps lower the risk of asthma, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. As a result, communities will likely become healthier.
Solar energy is a sustainable form of energy
Solar power is a sustainable resource as it depends on the sun, anticipated to persist in emitting light for billions of years to come while fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas are limited resources that will ultimately be depleted.
Moreover, to produce electricity from solar panels requires no water, making it a valuable energy source in drought-prone states like California. Many traditional power plants require vast amounts of water for cooling purposes, putting strain on already limited water resources.
Solar energy protects finite natural resources
Research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and technological advancement give us the opportunity to use other cost-effective, clean and sustainable forms of energy and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas. These non-renewable resources are finite, and their extraction and combustion contribute significantly to environmental degradation and climate change. By utilizing solar energy, we can decrease our reliance on these depleting resources and transition toward a more sustainable energy future.
Solar energy has low impact on land use
Solar energy offers a clean, renewable source of power with minimal environmental impact.
A solar energy system can be installed on various surfaces, such as rooftops, parking lots and even floating solar farms on water bodies. This efficient use of space reduces the need for large-scale land clearing and allows solar technology to coexist with other land uses. For instance, rooftop solar installations do not require any additional land, as they utilize existing structures to generate electricity.
Solar panels can be integrated with other land applications, such as agriculture or conservation efforts. This concept, known as agrivoltaics or agro-photovoltaics, allows for the simultaneous cultivation of crops and generation of electricity from solar panels. Employing this dual-use strategy can enhance land efficiency and promote sustainable land management methods.
Solar energy installations are typically designed to be modular and easily dismantled. This means that when a solar farm reaches the end of its operational life (usually around 25-30 years), the land can be restored to its original state or repurposed for other uses. This reversibility is an advantage over other energy production methods that may leave long-lasting negative effects on the land.
Choose a champion of Sacramento solar energy to reap the benefits of solar power
Aztec Solar has been a strong advocate and provider of solar energy solutions for over four decades. We place a strong emphasis on educating our customers about the benefits of solar energy and how it works and offer ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure that our clients’ solar systems continue to operate optimally over time.
We actively advocate for solar energy adoption and are proud to play a crucial role in driving the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
Contact us today to get started with your solar power project. And see how much you can save with solar in just 9 second here.