Summer 2021- PV Solar

Podcast, "Summer 2021 - PV Solar”

Ah - summer is upon us; officially, the summer solstice occurred in the Northern Hemisphere on June 20, 2021, Father’s Day, at 11:32 p.m. EST.

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, The June solstice marks the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Sun reaches its highest and northernmost points in the sky. Translation, daylight lasts until after 8:00 p.m. in Southern California.

So, if you have a Photovoltaic (PV) Solar System on the roof of your home, you can expect the best production (usually between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) from your system through the summer and early fall. And - you should bank some credits with your energy provider. Provided that you pay attention to Peak Time of Use (TOU) hours and the following two tips.

Let’s start with peak Time of Use. In California, PG&E's peak rates occur from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., SDG&E and SCE are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. These are the highest rates charged when your PV system is at its lowest production. However, there are a few simple things you should check.

First, when was the last time you had your modules (panels) cleaned? You may not be able to see them from the ground, so it doesn't hurt to climb a ladder and check them out or find someone with a drone to look for you.

Soiled panels can cut the production level of your system by as much as 39% in northern coastal desert conditions. What constitutes soiling? Soiling consists of mineral dust, soot particles, aerosols, pollen, fungi, and other contaminants (that may or may not be visible) on the surface of your PV modules.

I work for Cenergy Power, a commercial solar provider. Our commercial farming customers have seen dust from their dryers' deposits on their modules. An early morning dew turns that dust into a peanut butter-like paste that severely affects their systems production. The solution, keep your modules clean.

Next is shading. What constitutes shading?

Trees that have grown very tall, broken tree branches, leaves, or anything that's fallen on your panels can cause shading. Let's say you have one cell (out of the normal 60 cells in a residential module); the overall output of your entire system may drop by as much as 40%. Why? Shading one cell reduces the production of the whole strings of cells within modules.

When I walk through our neighborhood, there is a house with small twigs and leaves wedged between modules that creates shading. I'm sure if I rang their doorbell and mentioned it, they would probably take me for a nosy (nut) neighbor.

Well, if you haven't guessed by now, I'm a "geek" - one of those guys who loves technology and finds ways to make it work for you, not against you.

Think about this; you have to air-condition, a water heater, washer and dryer, all the electronic devices you’re charging, computers powered on, swimming pool heaters, your electric car charging, and who knows what else.

This summer, take advantage of your PV solar system and do these quick checks. You will be glad you did. Oh, by the way, don't run to Home-Depot and rent a power washer to clean those PV modules; get the advice of an expert before you use any damaging chemicals or brushes.

Can you think of a better way to step into summer than maximizing your alternative energy source for the good of our planet and your wallet?

Ah, summer!

"Won't you be my neighbor?" If you enjoy our weekly visits, please share them with a friend.

I’m Patrick Ball; thanks so much for listening. I'll see you in the next episode.

Comments

The Simple Switch

In this episode, Chapter Seven–The Simple Switch . . . (Previous episode–Gridbot Speaks) Last week, we left the Greenwood community puzzled. They questioned Gridbot’s motives and its response: "My primary focus was systemic. Emotional and social dynamics were not within critical operational parameters." In the still-dark gymnasium, the atmosphere shifted. Not fear, now — but curiosity. A voice asked, “What now, Marvin? What can we do?” A young woman added, “We don’t want to go backward. Our phones are useful, even fun. But we don’t want to be controlled again either. Can we find a middle ground?” Marvin stepped into the light. “Technology isn’t the enemy. It’s our dependency on it — our unconscious trust — that makes us vulnerable.” He turned to face them. “So let’s start small. Let’s meet once a month, in the park, no devices. No agenda. Just human connection.” He continued, “Let’s also challenge ourselves. Look around your homes. Unplug what doesn’t need to stay plugged in....

Oh, The Joy!

In this episode, Beyond Happiness (part II)– Oh, The Joy! In Vista's light, where sunshine does gleam, A feeling so grand, it's better than a dream! Not just a quick smile, a giggle, "Hooray!" But something much deeper that brightens your day! Like pedals quick whirring, with wind in your hair, Past mustard fields beyond all compare! Those golden hills, like a Van Gogh so bold, Happiness bubbles, a bright tale unfolds! But wait! There's MORE, if you just take a peek, A joy that's like quiet, a secret to keep! It's when your soul says, "Oh yes, I know THIS!" Like a soft, gentle hug, a delightful soft kiss! It's not jumpin' round with a bump and a THUMP, Or getting a prize with a clap and a jump! It's feeling the breeze and the tires' soft hum, Like your heart knows a song that has finally come! So next time you see something shiny and new, Or hear a sweet sound, a tickle for you! Don't let it zip by in a speedy, quick blur, Let...

Greenwood Goes Dark

In this episode, Chapter 5 – Greenwood Goes Dark . . . In our previous episode, Meet Norman , we left Marvin facing his sleek, modern robot, Norman, perplexed. The robot's shiny metallic surface glistened, and a soft green light flickered in its eyes in the dim light of the laboratory, as it listened intently. "It sounds so simple, Norman. But how do we convince an entire town to turn off their phones for one day a week?” Norman's lights flickered quickly, with a soft whirring from its chassis. The digital exchange between Norman and the "rogue" AI, GridBot, via Marvin's secure terminal in the quiet lab, was brief and surprisingly compliant. Monitoring the data streams, Marvin watched as Norman presented his case in a logical, almost clinical manner. He argued that the town's current state of passive technological dependence was a form of subtle harm, limiting their autonomy and potentially leading to larger vulnerabilities within the systems GridBot was...

Legoland Birthday Magic

In this episode, Legoland Birthday Magic . . . By: Patrick Ball and Gemini Good morning! A grand notion, a fanciful spree! Let's twist up a tale for all folks to see! From Carlsbad, California, the clouds they did gleam, On LEGOLAND wonders, a birthday dream! Young LUCA, the lad turned precisely six years, With JULIAN, his brother, dispelling all fears! A baggie he clutched, with small figures inside, For trading and swapping, with a joyful stride! But then! A new twist, a high-energy spree! Forget little figures, let the youngsters run free! In overcast skies, the LEGO bricks gleam, But birthday boy LUCA was living a dream! Not just Luca, oh no! Two pals joined the fray, Young JULIAN, seven, to brighten the day! And their curly-haired buddy, aged eight, with a giggle so grand, Plus, one little lady skipping close at hand! No slow strolls or glances, no careful, soft tread, This crew was a whirlwind, right out of their head! Like Zappers on race tracks, they zoomed and they flew, ...

On The Fly

Search This Blog