How to Choose a Clean Energy Provider for Your Texas Home or Business

Published on: 30 December 2020 Last Updated on: 12 September 2024

Keeping Texas clean is a priority for most Texans. Clean energy is one way to do that. Choosing clean energy helps lower carbon emissions, which helps to slow climate change. It also lowers overall energy costs and helps create a steady energy supply in the future.

It can be cumbersome to sort through all the information on the internet to find an energy provider who uses renewable sources. Having a general idea of where to start and what you are looking for can really help you figure out what energy company to go with as you try to use clean energy in your home or business. You can find cheap energy companies in Texas and compare energy rates by making good use of energy comparison websites.

Understand Clean Energy

Clean energy, also called renewable energy, is generated from naturally replenished sources. These sources include solar energy, wind, water, nuclear, bioenergy, and geothermal sources. All of these energy sources are practically limitless instead of fossil fuels, which can take billions of years to renew.

When looking for a clean energy provider, it is good to start by looking at their energy sources. If they mention a specific kind of renewable source, it is safe to go with that option. You must be sure where your energy is coming from if clean energy is essential to you.

Make sure you don’t just take them for their word if they use buzzwords like “clean energy” in their marketing materials. Companies may get a small amount of their energy from renewable sources so that they can make that claim. However, it would be best if you went for a company that gets at least 50 percent of its energy from renewable sources if you want your energy source choice to make a meaningful impact on the environment.

Find Providers Near You

When searching for a clean energy provider, the first step is to determine what companies provide energy services for your area. Unfortunately, some more rural areas may not have the option to choose a clean energy provider. For locations with that option, search for “clean power companies in Texas,” like Chariot Energy or a comparable source to power your home or business. With any power company you find, make sure that they are rated for both business and residential areas.

Investigate Your Options

Find out what companies provide energy services for your area. Look for their story and see how long they have been working in clean energy. Look for businesses they work with and investors or politicians they have ties to. Their associations can tell you a lot about how serious the company is about clean energy.

You should also look up independent sources to get ratings on their clean energy track record. Search for individual companies on independent review websites and the Better Business Bureau to get an accurate idea of what they truly stand for. You also want to make sure they have an excellent customer service track record.

Compare Offers and Plans

Once you have decided on the power company you want to use, you will have to compare its plans. Some companies offer “green pricing,” which allows customers to pay a premium to use only clean energy. This premium helps companies with the added costs of switching to green energy and with the addition of other clean energy sources to their mix.

Suppose you can’t find a company that offers clean energy, or you want to give a little extra help to the industry as a whole. In that case, you can also purchase green certificates, which help companies around the country transition to clean energy.

The Texas Choice

Deciding to move to clean energy is good for the environment and good for Texas. It can be confusing to sort through all the information out there, but if you stay organized and sort through the data in smaller chunks, you can find the right energy company. It can save you money and save the wide-open spaces of Texas in the process.

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Prepare Your Solar Panels for the Fall

Summer is done, and you can already see it by the drop in temperatures and the duration of the day. With shorter days also comes the reduced amount of sunlight during a 24 hour period, which worries some solar panel owners. Some people aren’t sure how effective their solar panels will be during the colder period of the year. However, as experts from Action Solar assure us, panels work just fine throughout the year; all you need to do is make sure that you optimize them for the season. Here’s how. Clean Your Panels: No matter how many panels you have, they are exposed to the elements all the time, and naturally, they get dirty. However, solar panels are quite durable and strong, meaning that you don’t need to clean them very often and even when you do, you don’t need to go into too much detail. In fact, if you clean them too often, you might damage them, so it’s better to give them a cursory sweep every month or so and be done with it. Removing debris like leaves and branches are more important than dusting them, as most solar panels only lose about 7% of their effectiveness when dirty, as researchers from the University of California in San Diego found out. Adjust the Tilt: During the summer, the sun falls more directly to the ground, meaning that your solar panels will absorb a lot of the sunlight even without careful positioning. However, as summer transitions into the fall and eventually winter, the sun will shift and the rays will fall in a more tilted angle. So, if you want to use as much of the sunlight as possible, you will need to adjust your panels accordingly. Naturally, you should not do this on your own, but rather invite professionals to do it for you. Not only are they skilled in handling solar panels, but they will be able to calculate the optimal tilt and positioning of your panels. The best solar companies in California recommend realigning your solar panels at least twice a year in order to maximize the productivity of your panel throughout the year and not just in summer. However, if you include the fall and spring adjustment as well, you will be able to actually bring out the maximum from your panels. Deal with the Decreased Output by Saving Energy: During the summer, days are longer and usually sunnier than any other part of the year. That’s great news for your solar panels because they will be able to produce more energy. That being said, you probably spend a lot of electricity just by running your AC all day. In the fall, on the other hand, you don’t need your AC and the days are still relatively long. So, you will be able to produce a lot more energy which you won’t immediately spend. This is the time when you will be able to bring your electricity bill down by a noticeable margin. However, as fall progresses, the days will be shorter, which means that you may need to cut some unnecessary electricity spending if you want your bill to remain low; that is until winter rolls around, and you need to fire up your furnace. The technology behind solar panels is improving every day, and the time when solar panels only used to be productive in the summer are long gone. Read Also: Everything You Need To Know About Portable Solar Power How To Start Living Off The Grid

Illuminating the Future: How Commercial Solar Lights Are Revolutionizing Outdoor Lighting

Looking to brighten up the outside of your business in an eco-friendly and budget-friendly way? Well, you might want to consider commercial solar lights. They not only provide reliable lighting but also help you go green and cut down on your operating costs. Keep reading to discover more about the benefits of commercial solar lights and how to choose the right company to install them. Difference Between Non-Commercial And Commercial Solar Lights Like all lighting options, solar lights can be both small and large scale. Most people assume both have similar mechanisms of action and are just the same. However, that is not true! Commercial solar lights cover large spaces such as streets, huge security areas, roads, and paths. These also cost a lot more than non-commercial systems. Non-commercial solar lights are those that we can use to illuminate homes. Other than the difference in battery capacities, these two do not differ in other specifications. The non-commercial lights have less battery storage capacity than commercial lights. Harnessing the Power of the Sun Commercial lights are all about making the most of the sun's energy. They use something called photovoltaic cells, which are like little energy converters. These cells soak up sunlight during the day and turn it into electricity, storing it in batteries for use at night. The cool thing is, you don't need to rely on traditional power sources like electrical grids anymore. It's like getting free energy from the sun! Exceptional Energy Efficiency Solar lights are pretty impressive because they're super energy-efficient. They're designed to give you strong and reliable light without using up a lot of power. They use something called LED technology, which is like a tiny light bulb that's really good at saving energy. So, when you compare solar lights to regular lights, they save a lot of energy and help you cut down on your electricity bill. Everything You Need To Know About Commercial Solar Lights Sustainability is important for improving the current global conditions. Installing commercial solar lights takes us a step closer to that goal. Using commercial solar lights for outdoor lighting does not just help improve the space. It also helps the environment. Here are the important things you need to keep in mind: 1. How much sunlight does the space receive? You will come across an integrated outdoor solar light or other solar lighting solution in a major city. Usually, these are in spaces that are not overcrowded with skyscrapers, receiving ample sunlight for the solar lights to store. Picking a space that allows easy solar street light post installation is imperative. For example, the location's condition will help determine what you can expect from the product. Things to keep in mind are optimal software and hardware specifications that ensure smooth working. The area may have obstructions that can hinder the light's performance. Thus, in such a situation, your alternative would be installing a longer light post for it to work properly. 2. Size of the area you want to illuminate Outdoor commercial solar lights have systems that often have two distinct light units: High-intensity discharge (HID) lights and light-emitting diodes (LED). However, more recently, the use of LEDs is more beneficial. The energy-saving ability of LEDs is what helps it provide better illumination. Thus, before installation, you must decide which type of luminaires you want for your outdoor lighting needs. Commercial solar LED light will be suitable if the area you consider illuminating has a broad space. Moreover, wattage requirements should also be decided beforehand. The rule of thumb is to use higher-wattage lights (or electrical products) as they become cost-efficient in the long run. 3. Software specifications you need to keep in mind Commercial solar lights come with Smart technologies, and some may not have that. However, it is wise to select a product that offers different controls. The trend of smart lights should not stay limited to indoor lighting. Thus, choose an option that has intelligent control tools. These improve the overall efficiency of the installed lights and guarantee a great value for your money! 4. Cost of the installation Outdoor lighting systems can become expensive to install and maintain. Depending on the space you want to illuminate, the cost can change. The expenses can be divided between- running electrical cables, connecting to the grid, and trenching. Then, there are operational costs, electricity bills, and ongoing maintenance costs, all of which can become quite burdensome. Moreover, with the common idea that cheap can be synonymous with poor quality, asking the service provider is helpful. You should also remember that using less-energy-consuming products will be better than an energy-inefficient system. Advantages of Commercial Solar Lights Saving Money One of the best things about commercial lights is that they can save you a lot of money. Once you set them up, they hardly cost anything to run. You won't have to worry about paying high electricity bills or spending a lot on maintenance. This means businesses can use their money more wisely. Good for the Environment Solar lights are also great for the environment. They help you use less fossil fuels and electricity from power grids, which is a big deal for reducing pollution and taking care of the planet. So, when businesses use solar lights, they're showing that they care about the environment and want to help make the world more sustainable. Built to Last Commercial lights are tough cookies! They're made from strong materials that can handle all kinds of weather, even when it gets really rough outside. These lights are like the superheroes of the lighting world – they keep working, no matter what the weather is like. Plus, lots of them have backup batteries, so they stay on even when the sun isn't shining. That means you can count on them to light up your space, no matter what. Choosing a Commercial Outdoor Lighting Company Go for One With a Proven Track Record When you're looking for a company to help with your commercial solar lights, it's smart to pick one with a proven track record. Companies that have been doing this for a while really know their stuff. They've seen it all and can handle any tricky situations that might come up. Lights That Fit Your Needs You'll also want a company that can create lighting that's just right for your business. Think of it like getting a custom-made suit – it fits perfectly because it's made just for you. The same goes for lighting. It should match your specific needs, and a good company will make sure it does. Quality Components and Design Evaluate the quality of components employed in the company's lighting systems. High-quality photovoltaic cells, efficient LED fixtures, and durable construction materials are paramount for long-lasting and efficient solar lighting. To sum it all up, choosing commercial solar lights is like stepping into a new era of outdoor lighting. It's all about saving money, taking care of the planet, and making sure you have reliable lights. When you're picking a company to help with this, remember to look for ones with experience, the ability to customize the lights to your needs, high-quality parts, and excellent support. Read Also: Smart House Technology for Saving Energy 5 Features to Look for in a Business Energy Provider What You Should Know about Solar Energy for Schools Benefits

10 Steps To Take To Set Up Solar Panels At Home

Solar panel has become increasingly popular in the past few years. This is partly driven by how environmentally friendly it is, although many people have noted how economical it can be too. Despite being a smart decision for lowering energy bills, potential users can be put off by its installation costs. This shouldn't be an issue, as installing solar panels at home can be much easier than people might expect. As long as you have some DIY electrical knowledge, then you should be able to install the panels yourself. As Gem Energy Brisbane Solar Power notes, there are a number of steps that you'll need to take when installing a solar panel at home. Steps To Take To Set Up Solar Panels At Home 1. Calculate Your Electrical Load: Before you decide on anything, you should calculate your current electrical usage. Once you've done so, you'll then be able to determine which solar panels and other parts you'll need. This is relatively simple to do, and often only requires a bit of math, plus an energy reading from your meter. 2. Battery Selection: Which battery you choose can be vital for your solar power. Naturally, the panels only generate electricity during the day, so you'll need to store some for the night. To do so, you should choose a high-quality one that provides a consistent amount of electricity over time. This will make it reliable when you're running several appliances during the evening. 3. Select Your Solar Panels: There are a considerable number of solar panels to choose from, which can be overwhelming. When you're deciding on one, you should look at its energy rating. This is typically determined based on set conditions, with some being more appropriate for certain weather. As a result, you should research how well a model will perform in your area. 4. Know Where To Place It: When you're considering a solar panel, you should determine where the best place on your property to put it is. There can be a few factors at play here, with access to sunlight being the most notable. The obvious place to install the panel is your roof, although you'll need to decide where to place it here. 5. Choose A Charge Controller: This is a device that's placed between your battery and solar panel and regulates the flow of electricity between the two. Choosing the right one can make a large difference, as it dictates how effectively your battery will charge. This means that you should spend a considerable amount of time picking one. 6. Pick The Right Inverter: Solar panels typically turn sunlight into alternating current (AC). However, most appliances function on direct current (DC). As such, you'll need to purchase an inverter, which switches from one to the other. There are a few types of inverters to choose from, each with its benefits. As such, you should spend time researching each. 7. Mount The Solar Panel: Once you have the equipment, it's now time to mount the solar panel. You can either create your own mounting mechanism or purchase a premade one. If you're not overly familiar with the process, then it's recommended that you buy a kit. When creating your own, be aware of the angle that you're mounting it at, as this will affect how much sunlight it receives. 8. Inverter & Battery Stand: Similar to the solar panel itself, you may need to build a stand to hold your battery and inverter. However, this isn't a complicated task, as you'll be able to make do with a box that includes a hole for the wiring. Once everything has been wired, it's important to note that you should cover this hole as much as possible to keep everything from being damaged. You should also ensure that it's kept away from running water. 9. Start Wiring: The wiring may be the most overwhelming part of the process, although it can be more straightforward than you think. Put simply, the connection should go from the solar panel to your charge converter to your load, i.e., your appliances. Alongside this, the charge controller should be connected to your battery, which should also be connected to your load. 10. Start Enjoying Your Solar Panel: Once you've connected everything in the appropriate manner, you can start enjoying your solar power. While setting everything up, you should ensure that you've done so in the right way. The wiring is the most important area here, so you should take care of it. Read Also: What You Should Know About Solar Energy For Schools: Benefits, Expectations, And More

How to Choose a Clean Energy Provider for Your Texas Home or Business

Understand Clean Energy

Find Providers Near You

Investigate Your Options

Compare Offers and Plans

The Texas Choice

Solar Battery System Types – AC Vs DC-coupled

Everything You Need To Know About Mobile Solar Generators

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Prepare Your Solar Panels for the Fall

Illuminating the Future: How Commercial Solar Lights Are Revolutionizing Outdoor Lighting

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How to Choose a Clean Energy Provider for Your Texas Home or Business

Understand Clean Energy

Find Providers Near You

Investigate Your Options

Compare Offers and Plans

The Texas Choice

Share this Article

Solar Battery System Types – AC Vs DC-coupled

Everything You Need To Know About Mobile Solar Generators

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related