Something new is giving solar a hand, and solar is returning the favor. Solar shepherds are leading in a useful flock.

But Why?

One of the solar industry’s biggest cost is landscaping around solar farms. Tall vegetation might impede energy production if it shades the panels, but the panels are placed to maximize energy production, not fit a lawnmower. One rock lobbed from a lawnmower blade, and a panel is ruined. Most of the work is done with weed eaters. All around, it is just a hassle.

The Smithsonian reported on a technique beyond your average weedeating. Sheep are creating innovation. Small enough to fit between the solar panels, gentle enough not to break anything, and hungry enough to eat the grass, they are the perfect lawn care service for solar farms. Rotating herds of grazing sheep from solar farm to solar farm allows the panels to produce energy unhindered and safe from debris slung by a mower. Solar shepherds own the sheep and rotate them around different solar farms. It is making a splash in the solar world. Several states already take advantage of sheep (and support local agricultural business).

Individuals lucky enough to own land and sheep can lease their land to a utility or large company looking to go green, like Apple or Ikea, and have their herd make sure the land stays ideal for solar. A savvy rancher in Hawaii was able to work that deal. Even if people do not want to lease land, there are ways to utilize their sheep.

Helping Local Business

North Carolina is home to Sun Raised Farms, a solar farms maintenance contractor. Sun Raised Farms uses the herds of local farmers. In a time of struggle for small farms, the opportunity to make income from more than one source is vital.

Solar growing in North Carolina helps other industries too. Hopefully, solar and agriculture have a long profitable symbiosis.

1) Solar Dancing Toys:

Need a pick me up? These solar powered dancing flowers are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Flowers aren’t your style? No worries! Click to see a complete selection of solar dancing toys including: The Pope, Bugs, Hawaiian Dancers, Animals, and more!

2) Solar Powered Window Socket:

Because when you are on the go and the outlet is too far away, stick your solar powered window socket anywhere you want! Airports, cars, bedrooms, or even your local supermarket- Charge your phone on the go.

Source: http://www.blueosa.com/the-window-socket-solar-powered-plug-sticks-to-window-powers-anything/

3) This Solar Powered Boat:

Follow this boat that’s on a mission to promote the preservation of the earth’s water! The most precious resource on earth has ben compromised by crude oil and plastics. With an array large enough to spin some cart-wheels, or jump some rope, the system is powerful enough to run for 3 days without any sunlight.

Source: http://www.raceforwater.com/r4w_odyssey_2017_2021/a_pioneering-100-energy-self-sufficient-vessel

4) Solar Powered Street Signs

What is Asheville to do when enough people ignore the stop signs? Stick a solar panel on top that power up some flashing lights around the sign. Maybe if the citizens wont stop for the sign, they will at least stop to see the pretty solar panel.

Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=solar+powered+stop+sign&tbm=isch&source=lnt&tbs=sur:fc&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjzz_yD0O7YAhXLJt8KHQQXDSIQpwUIHw&biw=1920&bih=925&dpr=1#imgrc=PLLWs2ScOaa2OM:

5) Solar Roadway®

While this unique invention is still in the works, designers have produced a few prototypes and have high hopes for the future of power generation.

Source: http://www.solarroadways.com/Home/Index

6) The Solar Lawn Mower

Search “Solar Powered Lawn Mower” on any search engine and you will be surprised. We are all trying to cut our carbon footprints and save some money any way we can but buying a solar powered lawn mower is taking it to the next level.

Source: http://www.lawnandlandscape.com/article/ll-050516-meangreen-mower-solar/

7) Wearable Solar Inventions: Dresses, bikinis, Eye Glasses, Hats, You name it, its out there.

Talk about pushing boundaries, we now have solar powered clothing that can charge our electronics on the go! Solar light-up dresses, cell phone charging eye glasses and backpacks, as well as solar powered fan-hats.

Source: https://www.amazon.com/Kool-Breeze-Solar-Hat-Cowboy/dp/B00PA0A23U

Can My Home Solar System Produce Enough Power To Charge My Car?

The simple answer is yes. Depending on the electric car you choose, your solar installation company can design a solar array to meet your lifestyle’s needs.

North Carolina local, Ezra Dryer, produced an article in a 2016 issue of Popular Mechanics after testing how his solar array would hold up in producing enough electricity to power 3 electric vehicles: Tesla X, Gem e4, and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

He concludes the article by posing the question, “Would you prepay for three years of gas if it meant that you would never pay for it again?” Turns out that the payback on his solar array went from 8 years to 3 after trading in his gas guzzling vehicle for an electric vehicle.

Imagine pulling up to your local service station and filling your tank for free. Dryer points out the inconsistencies between the free electric charging stations all over the country and how we are required to pay for every ounce of gasoline. Electricity isn’t free. So where does it come from? Who pays for it? You sure don’t.

Its time to sit down and do the math. The rebates are out, and they won’t be around forever. How much can you save by investing in solar?

What size PV system does my home need to power my vehicle?

Saving money and trying to achieve an emission free lifestyle are one in the same. Solar panels and electric cars are a match made in heaven! Solar prices are falling and with the new incentives and rebates, solar is more affordable then ever. Waiting to install solar could hinder your ability to take advantage of current solar incentives. Not to mention, the longer you wait, the more you are paying into your current electric providers pocket.

While electric cars cannot be measured by the standard MPG, the U.S. Department Of Energy uses a similar system- MPGe.  To find the right fit, you can compare electric cars at FuelEconomy.com.

Prepare yourself to speak with your local solar installers. Gather information on your current energy usage, and think about your future energy usage. Figure out the average miles you drive and determine how much MPGe you will need to meet that goal. With this information you can speak with a solar installation company to figure out what size system is right for your needs.

If this is all too much at once, there are other options. It is possible to install a solar array on your roof with the intention of expanding it in the future. Upgrades to your solar system are not complicated and would allow you time to adjust to life in the solar industry. Start by placing a call to your local solar installation company, SolFarm Solar, and researching which electric car is the best for you.

We’ll take it from there.

A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory explains that on average, large solar installation companies quote their projects $.37/W higher then smaller solar installers. According to the study, smaller solar installation companies are more likely to compete with each other’s quotes to remain relevant in the industry, thus keeping each other’s prices in check.

The Solar Energy Industries Association has North Carolina ranked at number 2 with 3,784.80 MW of installed solar. Already a leader on the utility scale, NC is projected to become a leader in residential solar due to a 2017 law that allows for residential solar leasing. With over 6,836 completed solar installations, projections for 2018 are high and local solar installers are gearing up (SEAI 2017).

The competition is fierce and January 2018 marks the beginning of a new era in solar financing. The state of North Carolina has enacted a new law (House Bill 589) that requires all public energy providers, including Duke Energy, to offer solar rebates starting January 1, 2018. While the rebate stipulations have not been released, NC solar customers will be able to apply for rebates from both the federal government as well as Duke Energy. Combined, these rebates are meant to save home and business owners thousands on their solar installations. North Carolina owned solar installers have responded and are gearing up for an influx of solar installations.

Asheville has various local solar installers and these companies, including SolFarm Solar are competing for the lead in the solar market. We are urging customers to do their research, shop around and talk with various local solar installers to find the right match. As previously stated, larger companies can get away with quoting higher prices because they are able to provide the illusion of stability or trust due to their size. It’s important for customers to be matched with a solar installer who can provide exactly what they need for their energy goals and budget.

Links:

National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2018, April). Using Residential Solar PV Quote Data to Analyze the Relationship between installer pricing and Firm Size. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy17osti/68010.pdf

 Solar Energy Industries Association. (2017). North Carolina Solar Retrieved from https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/north-carolina-solar

 Yes Solar Solutions. (2018) Federal Tax Credit and North Carolina Solar Rebate Retrieved from https://www.yessolarsolutions.com/solar-panels-for-your-home-nc-sc/solar-tax-credits-nc-sc/