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Forget solar panels, here come building-integrated photovoltaics

Forget solar panels, here come building-integrated photovoltaics

Ben West

This roof doesn’t have solar panels — it has solar shingles.

Solar panels are becoming passé. Why put solar panels on top of building construction materials when you could just tap the power of the sun directly through the construction materials themselves?

Bloomberg reports on the rapid growth in building-integrated photovoltaics, or BIPV. These are solar powerharvesting cells that are incorporated into the walls, roofs, and windows of buildings — integrated seamlessly instead of being bolted onto a finished building as an apparent afterthought:

From stadiums in Brazil to a bank headquarters in Britain, architects led by Norman Foster are integrating solar cells into the skin of buildings, helping the market for the technology triple within two years. …

The market for solar laid onto buildings and into building materials is expected to grow to $7.5 billion by 2015 from about $2.1 billion, according to Accenture Plc, citing research from NanoMarkets. Sales of solar glass are expected to reach as much as $4.2 billion by 2015, with walls integrating solar cells at $830 million. About $1.5 billion is expected to be generated from solar tiles and shingles.

The technology provides a respite for solar manufacturers, opening the way for them to charge a premium for products. Traditional solar panel prices have fallen 90 percent since 2008 due to oversupply, cutting margins and pushing more than 30 companies including Q-Cells SE and a unit of Suntech Power Holdings Co. into bankruptcy.

The industry is already well established in the U.S., where Dow Chemical Co. (DOW), the country’s largest chemical maker by sales, is selling in more than a dozen states solar shingles that look like regular roofing material.

Expect green buildings of the future to look a lot more blue.

John Upton is a science fan and green news boffin who tweets, posts articles to Facebook, and blogs about ecology. He welcomes reader questions, tips, and incoherent rants: johnupton@gmail.com.

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Forget solar panels, here come building-integrated photovoltaics

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Ability To Search For A Good Solar Panel Contractor Is Only A Few Steps Away

Even if you are patient, a good solar panel installation contractor wont just knock on your door and offer their professional services. You may dream about it, and hope it comes true in the morning. If you are crunched for time or don’t know where to look next you can follow these tips for a realistic way to find a good contractor.

Make sure all warranties as well as contact information for those covering the warranties are provided for any materials that fall into this category. This could include items such as refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, or other large appliances.

When reading online reviews on solar panel installation contractors makes sure you weed through the comments. The only reviews that should count are from people that have actually used the services of that specific contractor. There are some internet sites that allow anyone to post a review.

Depending on the size of your project, hiring each member of the work crew and solar panel experts can be an exhausting task. Usually the solar panel installation contractor will accomplish this on your behalf. They have a pool of workers they trust and have experience with the process of hiring, payroll and labor laws as well as other aspects of personnel management.

Material theft is quiet common, your solar panel installation contractor may be smart enough to simply leave the lights on past midnight so that the people assume that appropriate security is there. A good contractor makes sure that appropriate security is available at the site 24*7.

Confirm that your solar panel installation contractor has got an appropriate insurance cover for their crew against events of uncertainty lest you be held liable for their damages and injuries. The cover should be suitable and up to date plus it should able cover you in the occurrence of uncertain contingencies while at the job site.

Check to see if you live in a state that forces solar panel installation contractors to give you a three day trial period so that if you are uncomfortable in the first three days of the project you can fire your contractor without backing out of the contract. There may be addendums to this law in other states, check yours today.

A solar panel installation contractor is always responsible for hiring solar panel experts and supervising them. Therefore, they are important to have. They are also supposed to ensure that the project is completed by the deadline and within your budget. Many states require the contractor to have a license to do this type of business.

Keep your contract close at hand at all times. Whenever your solar panel installation contractor requests payment, check your paperwork. Your written estimate should include a cost breakdown that you can compare to the schedule. This way you know how much each phase should costs and can check payments accordingly.

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The Best Tips And Guidance To Finding A Good Solar Panel Contractor

Finding a solar panel installation contractor to assist in all your home improvement projects is critical to the success and outcome of these projects. Use these tips and suggestions to find the very best in contractors to help with your next home improvement project.

If a solar panel installation contractor demands you to pay in cash it is a faulty idea to use them. A contractor can save money by not reporting the cash you pay them as income and avoid paying taxes on the money. This is not legal and you should not participate in tax fraud.

Even if the solar panel installation contractor has an amazing advertisement, it is important to perform adequate research on all contractors that you are considering. Look through their references, work history, professionalism, certifications, and licenses before deciding who to hire for your project.

Depending on the size of your project, hiring each member of the work crew and solar panel experts can be an exhausting task. Usually the solar panel installation contractor will accomplish this on your behalf. They have a pool of workers they trust and have experience with the process of hiring, payroll and labor laws as well as other aspects of personnel management.

You’re going to be spending a lot of time with your solar panel installation contractor and your project outcome will depend entirely upon them. So, take your time when choosing one and don’t rush the process. You don’t want to get halfway through the project to realize that the contractor you picked is all wrong.

Taking the time to go through the references of a solar panel installation contractor will not only assist you in understanding more about them, it will also assist you in determining the right questions to ask during the interview. The more you know about the contractor, the more you can feel rest assured that you made the right hiring decision.

Some solar panel installation contractors, such as contractors, are required to provide a license number in all ads. Plumbers and electricians are not necessarily required to do this, but a homeowner should ask for this information. If this makes you uncomfortable, explain that your home owners insurance requires the number for a claim.

Ask around your area for recommendations on solar panel installation contractors. If you find a contractor with a good reputation in the area, they’ll want to keep up that reputation and provide professional business.

Be honest with your solar panel installation contractor and expect the same from him or her. If special accommodations need to be made for an older parent who is handicapped, a toddler in the home, or even an aggressive pet, then be clear. A contractor needs to know and understand any accommodations that need to be made or restrictions placed on the work area.

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How To Filter Through Choices To Find The Best Solar Panel Contractor

Do not make the cost the deciding factor when hiring or not hiring a solar panel installation contractor to perform an improvement project at your home. You need to know what others have said about them. Do people you know recommend them? How is the quality of their work? You want quality for the price that is quoted, not necessarily the lowest price. Keep reading to learn why.

Most projects require a solar panel installation contractor to have a license. This is because the contractor has the broad task of overseeing many aspects and people. He/she may not have time to talk with you long while on the work site.

Real estate brokers are often great sources of information on solar panel installation contractors. Brokers often use contractors to get a property ready for sale. Ask for a recommendation and then tell the contractor who offered the recommendation. This may rate special discounts or faster service. .

It should always be a priority to check with the Better Business Bureau to see if a solar panel installation contractor has the right credentials. A contractor may look like they’re genuine and licenses, but you should always do your research and be sure of who you’re trusting your project with.

If your solar panel installation contractor contacts you repeatedly, try answering them timely. You must build a respectful relation and understand each other’s concerns and entertain it for effective outcomes. However, if you face difficulty then you can politely ask them to call you in certain frame of the day.

Ask for a couple of days after the completion before payment is due. Under no circumstances should this be more than a week. However, you require time to properly inspect project after the solar panel installation contractor is gone.

It’s absolutely necessary you always get a contract that details everything about your project. It should explain clearly all of the scheduling and estimated expenses. You and your solar panel installation contractor will sign this and it will then be legally binding for you both to follow. To see if a contractor will stick to these, check with their references to get more an idea about them.

When you choose a solar panel installation contractor, you do not have to be involved in any solar panel expert contract negotiation. Your contractor will enter into agreements with all of the solar panel experts and negotiate the terms for the project themselves. The only thing you should be concerned about is confirming the contractor pays the subs what is owed on your job.

You need to go through lot of information when you’re hiring a solar panel installation contractor. All depends on your research on that particular contractor, how much information you have collected about him/her. The best policy is to ask the contractor to be specific and provide you the information you asked. Being specific would only let you take the decision right and on time.

Don’t go for the cheapest solar panel installation contractor. While it may seem like it is saving you money and sometimes a cheap contractor is qualified, a more expensive and more experienced contractor will make better work.

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Searching For Solar Panel Contractors: Where To Find Them And In What Method To Choose One

If your ideal solar panel installation contractor exists, distinguishing him or her from the pack can be quite the challenge. Some are eminently affordable but offer limited skills; while still others boast vast potential but for unreasonable rates. You will need to determine your priorities by figuring out the extent of your project. Draft an outline, and consider the tips below.

A contract is important no matter how big or small the project. Take the time to formulate a contract on your project to ensure that if any problems arise, they will be taken care of. This contract can also ensure that both parties understand their responsibilities within the project at all times.

Make sure they sign a written contract with details about what is to be done and how long it will take. Inspect the work site everyday so the solar panel installation contractor knows to maintain professionalism, a clean work area, and an upbeat attitude. Make sure to contact each reference and ask if they would hire the contractor again.

A great solar panel installation contractor can be recognized by their reputations, not by how much they harass you at your home and business. While others may offer steep discounts, they may not provide quality work that is not up to professional standards and it is best to hire a fantastic contractor first.

Make sure that you and your potential solar panel installation contractor have similar work priorities and values before making a final hiring decision. This will help you understand the type of person they are.

Consider visiting a potential solar panel installation contractor’s past work-sites. Ask the contractor to explain thoroughly about the work they’ve done and how they took care of any problems while working. This will help you get a sense of their work and their demeanor.

Solar Panel Contractors are often competitive by nature. Be sure to inform all candidates that you are planning on requesting more than one bid. Their competitiveness and need to win will drive them to submit a better bid. This will translate into a more cost effective project for you by tapping into the natural, human nature of the solar panel installation contractors you work with.

Make sure you confirm that you expect your solar panel installation contractor to make sure their continuously seeing over all work as well as the final inspection of your project.

A general state law entails including a warranty clause in a contract which is normally for a year. Beware of a solar panel installation contractor who charges additionally for a warranty provision. It is supposed to be a part of the contract and cannot be charged separately. You will need to do some checking on the laws prevalent in your area.

Find solar panel experts that you know have a great reputation and ask them who they would use as their solar panel installation contractor. People that are in the trade with contractors often know who the best ones are. They are a great source to narrow down your search quickly.

Visit any popular search engine and enter solar heating solutions into search field. You may find a few interesting ideas about solar energy installation you can use right away.

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Tips To Follow When Searching For The Perfect Solar Panel Contractor

When you hire a solar panel installation contractor, you want someone who’s personality will mesh with yours. After all, he will be in your home or business and you want to be comfortable with the person. The following suggestions will help you to know what to look for in a contractor so that you make the right choice for you and your family.

It is not possible to avoid all scams but the Better Business Bureau can certainly help you by directing you to a solar panel installation contractor that has no pending complaints against them.

When you interview a potential solar panel installation contractor for the first time, pay attention to their demeanor. Are they distracted, or do they ignore your questions? If so, they’re going to be the same way after you hire them, only worse. A good contractor will give you the respect you deserve before, during and after the project.

Decide on your goals for the project before you meet with a solar panel installation contractor. If you come to a consultation unprepared, the contractor may become frustrated and you could start out the process on a bad note.

An out of date insurance does nothing to protect you or your solar panel installation contractor in the case of an on-job accident. Ask the contractor if their insurance is up to date and if it covers you as well from any liability.

Never hire a solar panel installation contractor who doesn’t obtain the proper insurance coverage and bonding. The consequences could be very harmful to you if they don’t legally have these. Always verify they have proper licensing, insurance and bond information.

Most solar panel installation contractors are involved with suppliers, lenders and banks so, you should ask your potential contractor for financial references to clarify that their relationships are good. This lets you know that the contractor is professional when it comes to money management.

You need to know up front if you will be allowed to participate in negotiations with solar panel experts. If you think you can negotiate a better deal, seek permission to do so. You should also work to make sure that your solar panel installation contractor is not earning savings that they pocket for themselves. Take steps to know what your contractor will do, and make sure they know what you expect.

Pressure and strain are inherent when embarking on a big project which requires a solar panel installation contractor. You should expect to encounter unfamiliar circumstances but always consult your contractor for possible assistance. This will warranty you a smoother navigation through the process without worn out by the situations.

Ask for lien releases in advance, but particularly if you receive a “notice of intent” to file a lien on your property for materials for the project. If a solar panel company files a lien you could end up paying for the same thing twice because the solar panel expert or supplier has not been paid.

Visit any popular search engine and type in solar energy installation into search box. You could find a few cool ideas about solar energy you can use soon.

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Solar Energy Is A Popular Alternative. Realize How!

Solar energy has become increasingly popular recently. As the effects of pollution take their toll on the environment, people are beginning to search for ways they can help repair it by using renewable energy. Keep reading to learn more about solar power ideas you can use at home and maybe even work.

Your solar power system will function correctly if you maintain proper care of it. Don’t fear hiring a pro to clean and check the panels, however this can also be done on your own.

There are many different innovations being made with solar energy systems. Whether you want a large or small system, chances are there is an affordable option for you now.

If you would rather transition to solar power slowly, you can use small-scale versions. There are several ways you can go about it. The first is to find window-mounted panels that you can recharge small electronics like phones and tablets and remote controls. The other way is to buy camping tools like lanterns and cooking equipment when you camp. Every tiny thing you do will make your utility bill.

Photovoltaic panels work most efficiently in areas with at least 5 hours of uninterrupted each day. Solar water heating can lower the cost of keeping a pool heated.

If your panels are immobile, you will have to find the best angle for all seasons.

You should consider investing in solar panels if you don’t mind the investment. Solar panels require an initial investment and may tale a while before they pay off. You should invest in solar energy.

You should feel comfortable with the person you are considering buying the solar energy sales. You should have adequate time gathering information if you are to make the best decision for your needs. Buying on the spot from a high pressure is not good concerning the price and wasting your decision.

Get your solar system inspected twice yearly to make sure it’s working right. During this inspection, the technician can check connections, ensure that your solar panels are at the proper angle and ensure that your power inverter is on and working properly.

Have you considered how solar energy can help you? Solar power is by quite easily the best energy sources, both from an environmental standpoint and a power standpoint. Your energy needs can be met by solar. Solar energy is not only good for the environment, but for your wallet too.

If you want to know more about solar energy information, make sure you check www.HomeMade-SolarPanels.net excellent free post on solar panels for home use, and how to choose a qualified solar panel installers.

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Solar installations soar in California

Solar installations soar in California

The Golden State is going into overdrive on solar power.

California utility customers installed a record-breaking 391 megawatts of solar power systems last year. That was a banner year for the nation’s largest photovoltaic rebate scheme, with installations up 26 percent compared with 2011.

Those panels were installed with the assistance of the California Solar Initiative [PDF], a $2.2 billion program started in 2007 that aims to help residents meet the costs of installing 1,940 megawatts of solar capacity by the end of 2016. The program is on track to meet that target well ahead of schedule, meaning incentives will begin to dwindle.

From the L.A. Times:

The bulk of that money has been poured into incentives, per-watt rebates that have gradually declined as the solar industry grows. This is on top of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit — 30% of the cost of each residential or commercial system is paid back to the owner of the home or business — and the net metering that accounts for all but 92 megawatts of the state’s existing solar capacity. Net metering doles out energy credits to customers for the solar power they produce but don’t consume, easing the strain of monthly electric bills. …

“Customers are choosing solar at a time when there are all sorts of major challenges to traditional energy,” [the Sierra Club’s Evan] Gillespie said, citing the shutdown of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. California’s major utilities are scrambling to draft a long-term plan to make up for the lost power. As officials consider their alternative options, Gillespie said, “It’s amazing that rooftop is now ready to play an integral role in energy that San Onofre would have provided.”

“California’s groundbreaking efforts to encourage homeowners and businesses to install rooftop solar panels were so successful in 2012,” the San Jose Mercury News notes, “that the program is now effectively winding down.”

John Upton is a science fan and green news boffin who tweets, posts articles to Facebook, and blogs about ecology. He welcomes reader questions, tips, and incoherent rants: johnupton@gmail.com.

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Solar installations soar in California

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Get Cheap Solar Panels By Building Them Yourself

Is installing residential photovoltaic panels in your home a wise long-lasting financial investment, or a money pit? If it actually will pay for itself, how long will that take? Exactly what will be the return on your financial investment?

This question is hard to respond to because there are a lot of various elements to consider, and no two individuals’s circumstance are alike. The variety of domestic solar panels, the amount of power your home uses, the expense of electrical power, geographic place, as well as season can all influence your return on investment. You’ll need to do the estimations yourself for your specific circumstance, and this short article will explain how.

Step One: Cost of Residential Solar Panels

Get a quote on how much your panels will cost (including installation). This can be a bit more difficult to compute if you plan to construct your own panels. Nonetheless, it’s much safer to over quote the costs to develop the panels than to under estimate.

For instance, let’s say you pay $3000 for a solar energy system, nonetheless, with a total solar energy system blueprint, such as from Earth4Energy, they’ve shown it’s possible to construct your very own economical solar panels for less than $200. This is the amount of cash the panels will need to save you before you break even. Money you conserve after that point is pure profit, a return on your financial investment.

Step Two: Subtract Tax Credit

The federal government grants home owners a tax credit for setting up residential solar panels that is equal to 30 % of the expense of the solar power system. If you build your very own inexpensive photovoltaic panels, keep the receipts and keep mindful records, simply in case of an audit.

Subtract the tax credit from the expense of your panels. If your panels cost you $3000, then 30 % of that would be $900.

Step Three: Estimate Daily Solar Electricity Generated

Next, you should know just how much electrical power your residential photovoltaic panels can generate daily. This number can differ from day to day relying on cloud cover, daylight hours, and geographic place, so you’ll have to get an typical number from the maker or distributor. You’ll have to approximate it yourself if you build your own Cheap Solar Panels. For the sake of example, let’s just state your home-built photovoltaic panels generate an average of 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electrical power each day.

Step Four: Cost of Electricity

Check your power costs and see just how much you pay per kWh of electrical power. Let’s state its $0.15 per kWh.

Step Five: Do the Math

Discover out how much you are minimizing your power expense per day by increasing the quantity of solar electricity generated by the cost per kWh. If your affordable solar panels create 5 kWh per day, and one kWh expenses $0.15, then you conserve $0.75 on your power expense per day. This may not seem like much, but it builds up quickly to $23.25 per month and $273.75 per year.

To see how long it will take for your solar power home to pay for themselves, divide the expense of the low-cost solar panels (minus the tax credit), and divide it by the quantity of cash you save per month. Any money conserved after that is pure return on financial investment.

Setting up domestic solar energy by constructing your very own low-cost photovoltaic panels is absolutely a great monetary investment and an exceptional contribution to the environment for a greener world.

Start saving money and the environment today, what are you waiting for? cheapest photovoltaic panel

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Suffer No More! Find A Good Solar Panel Contractor Using These Steps!

Inspiration has struck, and your vision for your remodeled home or office could not seem any more inviting. Don’t let these good ideas evaporate; record them so that you can provide your hired solar panel installation contractor with a better picture of what you really want. In the mind of a skilled professional, even the most rudimentary and obscure ideas can turn into smart and complex designs. Innovation is the name of the game–keep reading to see how to spot a contractor who will best integrate your thoughts with his own expertise.

When you start searching a solar panel installation contractor for your project first it seems difficult. One of the best ways is to stay organized and write a list of requirements that you need in your contractor. Before interviewing the contractors, try to make list of questions that you will ask during interview and make sure you do not forget any question. Though it consumes time a lot but it’s safe and secure for long run.

Does the solar panel installation contractor require his workers to be drug tested? Hiring a contractor with untrustworthy workers can be devastating. These workers are going to be on your job on a daily basis so you need to know they are tested.

Let the solar panel installation contractors give you references who you will contact to confirm on their competency. Frequently visiting of the site will let the contractors realize that you need quality work done and done to perfection. It is wise to ensure that each contractor you employ signs a contract which will have what you expect of them. Signing the contract will help save your money in some way and you will realize a tremendous amount of profit.

Solar Panel Contractors are always competing for business so it is not uncommon for them to overstate their ability to complete a project with regard to timelines or budgets. Got the feeling a potential solar panel installation contractor is being dishonest about his ability? Move on to someone else, your gut knows,

Google is a great resource when it comes to searching for a good solar panel installation contractor. Start off by searching for what type of contractor you’ll need for your project. Later on, once you have a list of potential contractors, search each individual one and their reviews online before you make any final hiring decisions.

Listen to the questions the solar panel installation contractor asks you very carefully. Does he seem interested in your vision on the project? If he is too busy talking to listen to your wants and needs from the project, he is probably not a good fit for you.

In order to save your time, it is advised to conduct interviews on call with potential solar panel installation contractors. Ask them about their current schedule and if they are willing to do your work. You may get to know some inexperienced or unwilling contractors. Therefore, think twice before taking final decision.

Interested in finding more about the topic of solar options? Be sure to go to Yahoo and search for solar heating solutions. You’ll be able to find quite a bit of helpful tips.

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