Apex Energy Tek

What the 2026 Utility Rate Changes Mean for Homeowners

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:19:04 GMT

What the 2026 Utility Rate Changes Mean for Homeowners

As we move into 2026, homeowners are facing a major shift in how much it costs to power their homes. Utilities across the country are preparing for another round of significant rate increases — driven by aging infrastructure, higher demand, and rising energy costs. At the same time, the federal solar tax credit is set to step down, reducing the incentive homeowners have relied on for years. While this combination may sound discouraging at first, it actually underscores a larger truth: with utility rates climbing faster than ever, going solar still makes long-term financial sense.

Rising Utility Rates in 2026

Many utility providers have already announced increases for 2026, and the trend is consistent nationwide. In fact, the New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC) has approved an increase of 30% increase for New York utilities to occur over the next 3 years. Electricity costs are going up, fixed monthly charges are increasing, and more utilities are shifting to time-of-use pricing models that penalize homeowners during late-afternoon and evening peaks. In some regions, residential demand charges — once reserved for commercial customers — are becoming more common. For the average homeowner, this translates to noticeably higher bills even if their usage stays the same. Some areas could see annual increases of 10–25% as these new structures take hold.

The Solar Tax Credit Is Decreasing — But the Savings Aren’t

2026 is also the year the federal solar Investment Tax Credit steps down from the full 30% for many homeowners. This means installing solar will carry a slightly higher upfront out-of-pocket cost than in recent years. However, the long-term economics still strongly favor solar. While the tax credit reduces, electricity prices continue to rise every year — and those increases compound over time. The value of producing your own electricity becomes greater with each rate hike, often offsetting the reduced tax incentive within just a few years. In other words, the short-term increase in system cost is still outweighed by decades of escalating utility prices.

Why Solar Still Makes Financial Sense

Solar’s value has always come from its ability to provide clean, predictable, stable energy for decades — and that hasn’t changed. What has changed is how quickly grid-supplied electricity is becoming more expensive. By installing solar, homeowners reduce or eliminate their reliance on a system where prices are uncontrollable and consistently rising. Pairing solar with battery storage makes the financial case even stronger, allowing homeowners to bypass expensive peak rates and keep their homes powered when the grid is stressed or offline. Even with the incentive stepping down, the lifetime savings from solar in 2026 remain extremely strong.

What Homeowners Should Take Away

The combination of rising utility rates and a reduced tax credit might seem like a reason to wait, but it’s actually the opposite. The longer homeowners remain 100% dependent on the grid, the more expensive their energy costs become. Solar continues to offer protection from rate volatility, greater control over monthly expenses, and long-term savings that significantly outweigh the loss of part of the tax credit.

2026 is a reminder that the cost of utility power is only moving in one direction — and investing in your own energy system is one of the smartest ways to stay ahead. If you’d like a personalized look at what these changes mean for your home, our team can walk you through the numbers and build a plan tailored to your energy needs.

EV Battery Longevity Drives Commercial Charging Demand

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:58:10 GMT

Why EV Battery Longevity Makes a Strong Case for Commercial Charging Stations in NY and VT

A new analysis from Recurrent Auto, as reported by InsideEVs, delivers some compelling news for current and prospective electric vehicle (EV) drivers: EV battery replacements are far less common than many believe. In fact, only 2.5% of over 15,000 EVs studied had received a battery replacement due to degradation. This emerging data significantly strengthens the case for expanding commercial EV charging infrastructure—especially in regions like New York and Vermont, where EV adoption is rising and businesses are seeking sustainable, future-proof investments.

Battery Longevity Eases Range Anxiety

For years, one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption has been range anxiety—the fear that the battery won’t hold up or that replacement costs will outweigh long-term savings. But the Recurrent study paints a different picture. Most modern EV batteries are lasting well beyond 100,000 miles, with many showing minimal degradation. This kind of durability supports a stronger business case for EV ownership and, by extension, the infrastructure that supports it.

For business owners in the Northeast, this insight translates to opportunity. Longer-lasting EVs mean more people are likely to commit to electric vehicles, increasing the demand for reliable, accessible charging options at workplaces, retail centers, municipal buildings, and entertainment venues.

Why This Matters for New York and Vermont

Both New York and Vermont have been leading the charge on climate-forward policies. With state-level incentives, aggressive clean energy goals, and growing consumer interest in EVs, the need for robust charging infrastructure is immediate. However, EV adoption will only continue at pace if charging is as seamless as filling up at a gas station—and that means investing in commercial charging stations now, before demand outpaces supply.

Companies like Apex Energy Tek , based in Queensbury, NY, are already positioned to meet this need. With a history rooted in solar photovoltaic installations and over 5,000 clean energy projects completed, Apex has evolved into a leading provider of commercial EV charging station installations across the Northeast. Their turn-key, no-subcontractor approach means projects are completed quickly—often within 30 days—and meet the high standards required by utility providers and state energy programs .

A Smart Investment for Businesses

Installing EV charging stations isn’t just good environmental policy—it’s good business. They attract and retain employees who drive EVs, signal sustainability leadership to customers, and may qualify for local and federal incentives. With battery longevity becoming less of a concern, EV ownership is poised to go mainstream, and businesses that offer charging will be ahead of the curve.

For example, Apex Energy Tek has completed installations for a range of clients including Six Flags Great Escape, the New York Power Authority, and the State of Vermont. Their regional experience, combined with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to site safety and environmental standards, makes them a trusted partner for businesses seeking to transition into the EV future.

The Bottom Line

As the latest data confirms, EV batteries are built to last—disproving one of the most persistent myths about EV ownership. For businesses in New York and Vermont, this means it’s time to invest in the infrastructure that will serve a growing fleet of long-lasting electric vehicles. With partners like Apex Energy Tek ready to deliver fast, efficient, and future-proof EV charging solutions, the road ahead is clear—and it’s electric.

Why Now Is the Time for Commercial Solar

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:46:51 GMT

Energy Costs Keep Rising, and Predictability Matters

Electricity rates have been going up for years, and that trend isn’t slowing down as infrastructure gets older and demand increases. Solar lets companies regain control with stable, lower energy bills and less stress about unpredictable rate jumps.

Proven & Reliable Technology

Solar panels, inverters, and monitoring systems used in commercial projects today have decades of data behind them. Many warranties run 25 years or more, and the technology has consistently held up.

Maintenance is minimal, and today’s systems tie in easily with building management tools or backup power equipment. For most commercial properties, solar is now a simple addition to day-to-day operations.

MACRS Depreciation:

With MACRS, businesses can depreciate their solar installation over five years, which reduces taxable income and speeds up cost recovery. When you pair that with the federal solar tax credit, the combined incentives typically cover around 70% of the system’s total cost, making the payback even stronger and helping companies see a return much sooner.

So Why Now?

Energy costs are high and rising.
Incentives are generous but time-limited.
Technology is mature and reliable.
Sustainability expectations are real and growing .

Why 2025 is the Year to go Solar

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 17:24:16 GMT

The 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit Ends in 2025 ��

If you’ve been thinking about installing solar panels, now is the time to take action. The 30% federal solar tax credit will officially expire on December 31, 2025. This change comes as part of newly passed legislation that cuts the credit several years earlier than originally planned.

What Is the Federal Solar Tax Credit?

The federal solar tax credit allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the total cost of a solar installation from their federal income taxes. This includes equipment, labor, permitting, and even battery storage. This incentive has helped millions of Americans go solar, reduce their electric bills, and move toward energy independence.

What is Changing?

When the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022, it extended the solar tax credit at 30% through 2032. However, that policy has been reversed. As of new legislation passed in 2025, the credit will officially end on December 31, 2025.

Why Acting Now Matters

Secure Your Savings
The federal tax credit covers 30% of your total solar installation costs, including panels, labor, permitting, and even batteries.
Avoid Scheduling Delays
With the end of the credit approaching, demand for solar installations is increasing. Avoid the worry of getting your installation in one time.
Start Saving on Energy Sooner
The sooner your system is up and running, the sooner you begin reducing your electricity bills.

Is Your Home Suitable for Solar?

Mon, 19 May 2025 18:09:51 GMT

Solar panels are a smart, eco-friendly investment that can lower your energy bills and increase your home’s value. Before jumping in, it’s important to ask: Is your home a good candidate for solar? We've put together a list of some of the key factors to consider

SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE:

Solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity, so the more sun your roof gets, the better.

It is important to take note of:

Roof Orientation: South-facing roofs typically receive the most consistent sunlight throughout the day
Trees or buildings that may cast shade on your roof.
Available roof or ground space

INTERESTED IN A FREE CONSULTATION?

If you’re still unsure whether your home is suitable for solar, we offer free consultations to help you evaluate your options. Even if your roof is a bit older or shaded, you may still be a great candidate. G round mounted solar systems are a popular alternative for many homeowners and can offer the same energy-saving benefits.

ROOF CONDITION AND TYPE:

Rooftop solar systems can be installed on most asphalt shingle, metal, or rubber roofs. Your roof doesn’t need to be brand new, but it should be in good condition. Ask yourself:

Does your roof need repairs or replacement soon?
What material is it made of?

Local Regulations and HOA Rules:

Some neighborhoods have homeowners’ associations (HOAs) or local ordinances that may restrict the placement of solar panels. Make sure to:

Review HOA guidelines before making any commitments.
Review with your consultant: We can help you navigate local rules and permitting requirements.

Do you have more questions about solar for your home? Reach out to us today and we will be happy to answer your questions and further discuss your options!

Power Up Your Business: The Benefits of EV Chargers

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 19:30:24 GMT

As electric vehicles become more popular, the demand for EV chargers is growing fast. Every day, more EVs hit the road, and businesses are starting to take notice. Installing EV chargers at your location is a smart move—not just to keep up with the rise of electric cars, but also to show that you’re forward thinking and environmentally friendly. We've put together a list of the many benefits to installing EV chargers!

INCREASE PUBLICITY AND EXPOSURE:

By adding EV charg ing stations, businesses instantly appear on maps that electric vehicle drivers use to find charg ing spots. This can open up the business to a whole new customer base, one that may not have been aware of the location before. Electric vehicle owners are always on the lookout for convenient places to charge, and having a charging station can make a business the go-to destination for them. As EV adoption continues to grow, this simple addition could help businesses stand out in a competitive market.

ATTRACT MORE CUSTOMERS

Not only will businesses attract electric vehicle drivers, but they may attract environmentally conscious customers who prioritize sustainability as well. People who are passionate about reducing their carbon footprint are more likely to support businesses that align with their values.

GENERATE ADDITIONAL REVENUE:

Businesses can also generate extra income through charging fees. Depending on how you set up your pricing, this can create an additional revenue stream that covers the cost of installation, maintenance, and electricity. Charging fees can be structured in a variety of ways and can provide businesses with a steady flow of income while offering a valuable service to EV drivers.

Do you have more questions about EV Charging benefits? Reach out to us today and we will be happy to answer your questions and further discuss your options!

Fighting Utility Bill Uncertainty

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:44:41 GMT

Utility costs are on the rise and there’s no sign of them slowing down. Consumers are feeling the pressure of constantly climbing electricity rates. As inflation continues to affect nearly every industry and energy demand increases, utility companies are charging more, which means your bills are getting higher. In fact, many experts agree that utility prices will only continue to increase, making it harder for households and businesses to keep their budgets under control. NYSERDA provides detailed information on historical energy rates throughout New York State for example. These patterns follow the same trends nationwide.

NYSERDA's Historical Electricity Data used to make this chart can be found here.

So, how can you protect yourself from these unpredictable cost hikes?

Solar energy.

Solar provides a sustainable alternative to traditional electricity. By installing solar panels, you start generating your own power from the sun, dramatically reducing your reliance on grid energy. Solar works, because in the summer you will make more electricity than you use, and "bank" these extra kWh credits to use in the winter. This means at the end of a 12 months cycle- you can potentially offset 100% of the electricity you use, with the electricity your solar system is generating.

Lock In Lower Costs:

One of the most significant benefits of solar is that it offers price stability. Price hikes, regulatory changes, and fluctuating demand all directly affect your energy bill. When you go solar, you minimize these uncertainties. Even if utility prices keep rising, your solar energy system will continue to operate with little ongoing cost. It gives you more control over your energy future and your finances.

Don’t Wait for Utility Prices to Keep Climbing:

The best time to go solar was yesterday. The next best time is Today. With the world increasingly moving toward renewable energy, the sooner you make the switch, the sooner you can start saving. Every day you wait means more money spent on rising utility bills and missed opportunities to lock in stable, lower energy costs for the long term.

Do you have more questions about going solar? Are you interested in seeing how much solar could save you? Reach out to us today and we will be happy to answer your questions and further discuss your options!

Why Batteries?

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 20:40:50 GMT

Backup Power During Outages

In the event of a grid failure, a solar-powered battery system can provide backup power to keep essential appliances running. This is particularly valuable for people in areas with unreliable power grids or during extreme weather conditions that lead to outages.

Environmental Impact:

By relying more on your solar battery system and less on grid power, you reduce your carbon footprint. You’re using more renewable energy from your solar panels rather than potentially drawing power from fossil-fuel-based electricity sources.

Energy Independence:

With a battery backup, you can reduce reliance on the grid. This is particularly beneficial in areas with frequent power outages or where electricity prices can fluctuate. You can ensure you have access to energy even during a power cut.

Future Proofing:

As more homes and businesses adopt solar and the grid becomes more reliant on renewable energy, the possibility of grid instability increases. Having battery backup can help future-proof your energy needs, ensuring a stable power supply regardless of grid fluctuations.

Batteries vs. Generators

Batteries offer a backup solution that are cleaner and quieter. Most generators run on fossil fuels which means they omit harmful gases. They can also be a louder solution, whereas batteries operate silently. Generators also require maintenance such as oil changes and engine servicing, whereas batteries don't.

Do you have more questions about battery backup? Are you interested in seeing what a battery can do for you? Reach out to us today and we will be happy to answer your questions and further discuss your options!

Why Solar?

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:54:09 GMT

In recent years, solar energy has become a more accessible, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to power your home or business. The push toward sustainability and energy independence has never been stronger, and installing solar panels can bring numerous benefits to homeowners. We have created a guide answering frequently asked questions, and and to inform you on the key reasons solar may be your next best investment.

$ Savings $

One of the most immediate and attractive benefits of going solar is the potential to dramatically reduce your energy bills. Solar panels harness the power of the sun, which means you’ll be relying less on your local utility company. Depending on the size of your system and your location, you may even be able to eliminate your electricity bill entirely or generate extra energy that can be sold back to the grid. Once your investment is paid off, you'll enjoy free electricity!

Help The Environment:

Solar power is clean, renewable, and eco-friendly. Unlike fossil fuels, which release harmful pollutants into the air, solar energy doesn’t produce greenhouse gases or contribute to climate change. By switching to solar, you’re doing your part and reducing your carbon footprint. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical residential solar system can offset over 100 tons of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.

Increase Your Homes Value:

Homes with solar installations typically sell for more than those without. Buyers are becoming more aware of the long-term savings associated with solar energy. A home with solar panels offers the potential for lower electricity bills, and this is something homebuyers find highly attractive. In addition to the financial benefits, having solar panels installed can make your home stand out in a competitive real estate market.

Why Are We in This Industry?

We’re all in on renewable energy because we believe it’s the key to a more sustainable and responsible future. By embracing renewable energy sources, we’re not only doing our part to reduce carbon emissions, but also helping create a greener world. The move to renewables also brings long-term benefits, such as job creation and energy independence, which support both the environment and the economy. We’re excited to be playing a role in shaping a more sustainable future for everyone.

Power Your Electric Car With Solar

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 19:40:53 GMT

If you own an electric vehicle (EV), you’re already making a big step toward a greener, more sustainable lifestyle. But did you know that pairing a residential EV charger with solar panels can take this choice to the next level while saving you money in the process? We have created a guide to explore why this pair can offer you an even more exciting future to look forward to.

Drive Cleaner

While electric cars are much cleaner than gas-powered vehicles, the source of the electricity used to charge them still matters. Solar panels will make your transportation even greener. By installing solar panels you can:

Charge your car with solar electricity - use less from your utility
Use solar electricity or your home when your car is not charging
Reduce your carbon footprint

Energy Independence:

By pairing solar panels with your home EV charger, you can generate your own clean, renewable energy from the sun. This means you are less affected by rising electricity prices or power outages caused by grid failures. Over time, as your solar system continues to generate energy, you reduce your reliance on external energy sources and gain more control over how much energy you consume.

You will:

Be your own fuel source
Rely less on the grid
Protect yourself from rising energy costs

Savings:

One of the biggest reasons to install solar panels to charge your EV is the potential for significant savings. Right now, when you charge your electric car, you're paying for electricity from the grid, and utility rates are constantly changing and often increasing over time. By installing solar panels, you can essentially “fuel” your car with free, clean energy from the sun. Your savings from solar production will pay for the cost of your installation.

Do you have more questions about pairing a solar system and EV charger at your home? Are you interested in seeing how much this pair could save you? Reach out to us today and we will be happy to answer your questions and further discuss your options!

How to Invest in Solar

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 19:39:49 GMT

Different Paths, Same Benefits

When it comes to paying for a solar system, there are several options to suit different budgets and financial goals. Understanding your payment options and the incentives available to you can make a huge difference in your financial outcome. With the right approach, a solar system will be a smart and affordable long-term energy solution for you. We have put together a guide with answers to our most frequently asked questions as well as everything you need to know about investing in solar.

Financing:

Depending on your state, there are various financing options available, including many low-interest choices. Solar loans, offered by banks or lenders, allow homeowners to borrow the funds for the system and pay it back over time. You can start saving on energy bills immediately, while spreading out the cost of the system. Our team will review these options with you once your system’s details are finalized.

Cash:

Paying for solar in cash is a straightforward option that allows homeowners to avoid any interest, fees, or monthly payments. This option allows homeowners to fully own the solar panels from day one, which can result in a greater return on investment.

Incentives:

Federal Tax Credits: This is a tax credit offered by the U.S. government to encourage the adoption of solar energy, which allows homeowners and businesses who install solar systems to deduct 30% of the total cost of their solar system from their federal taxes. This includes the cost of the solar panels, inverter, installation, and other associated expenses. These are dollar for dollar rebates that reduce the amount of federal taxes that you owe at the end of the year.

State Tax Credits: Many states offer their own solar tax credits to further reduce the cost of installing a solar system. These state-level credits vary widely in terms of eligibility, amount, and availability, although by combining state and federal incentives, homeowners can maximize their savings and make solar energy more affordable. These are dollar-for-dollar rebates against state income taxes that are paid throughout the year or owed at the end of the year.

State Incentives: Some states offer incentives to customers installing solar systems. For example, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers rebates for systems installed by authorized solar companies such as Apex. In this case, the amount of the rebate is determined by the size of the system. As with most state incentives, it's important to stay informed about deadlines and eligibility requirements to maximize these financial benefits.

How Does Net Metering Work?

Net metering is a billing mechanism that is offered by some states which allows solar energy system owners to send the excess electricity they produce back to the grid and receive credits on their utility bills.

Solar Production : During the day, your solar panels generate electricity. On sunny days, they might produce more energy than your household or business uses at that moment.

Sending Excess Energy to the Grid : Any surplus electricity that your system generates is sent back to the utility grid. The utility tracks how much excess energy your system delivers.

Earning Credits : For the electricity you send to the grid, you earn credits on your account. These credits can offset the electricity you consume from the grid when your solar panels aren't generating enough power, such as at night or cloudy days

Reconciliation : Depending on your utility provider, at the end of the billing cycle (monthly or annually), any remaining credits might be rolled over, paid out, or forfeited, based on the policy of your state or utility company.

Solar as an Investment:

Once installed, your solar system can provide substantial savings on energy bills for 30-40 years or more. Solar energy allows homeowners and businesses to lock in lower, predictable energy costs. While traditional energy sources are subject to changing utility rates, your system will allow you to avoid these fluctuations. Over time, the savings generated from reduced electricity bills can far outweigh the initial cost of installation.

Your System Will Eventually:

Produce free electricity
Increase property value

We like to compare your solar system to an apple tree. Once the apple tree is planted, very little to no maintenance is required to upkeep it, yet it continues to produce apples year after year. Similarly, once your solar system is installed, there’s minimal maintenance needed, and it will continue to generate energy and savings for decades. Just like you enjoy the benefits of the apples without needing to buy them, you’ll enjoy the ongoing reduction in your energy bills without worrying about rising utility rates.

While this may be a cheesy sales pitch, it’s the truth. The only way a solar system could be a poor investment is if energy costs were going down, which they’re not. Just like you wouldn’t hesitate to plant a tree that keeps giving you fruit year after year, a solar system is a smart, sustainable investment for the long haul.

Do you have more questions about paying for your solar project? Are you interested in seeing how much you could save by going solar? Reach out to us today and we will be happy to answer your questions and further discuss your options!

Eco-Friendly & Beneficial House Plants

Tue, 18 May 2021 14:13:30 GMT

House plants are a great way to bring some greenery and life into your home. Not only do they look great but they can also improve your health by reducing indoor air pollutants. NASA did a study that showed that many house plants are excellent at removing air pollutants and gases in your home. House plants have also been proven to help you sleep, fight colds, improve focus, and improve your wellbeing. Other recent studies have shown that spending 120 minutes in nature daily can promote good health and well-being. However, due to work and a busy lifestyle, it is difficult for the average person to do this. Therefore, bringing the outside inside is a great way to substitute for this. These wonderful green plants provided a myriad of benefits in the home and to our health.

Top House Plants

Pothos Ivy: Requires minimal care and can survive in many different lighting conditions. It does best with some light and acts as an air purifier by removing toxins from household materials.

Areca Palm (Butterfly Palm): Filters out harsh chemicals including acetone, xylene, and toluene. These chemicals are commonly found in nail polish, detergents, wood cleaners, gasoline, and cosmetics.

Philodendron: Removes formaldehyde from the air which can be found in building materials and is threatening when inhaled for a long period of time.

Rubber Plant: They use their large leaves to absorb harsh chemicals like a sponge and break them down. They also purify the air and can even convert carbon monoxide into breathable oxygen.

Peace Lily: Absorbs mold spores and can improve air quality by 60%. They are great in areas with high humidity.

Dracaena: Removes formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and carbon dioxide from the air and is one of the most effective plants at acting as an air filter. They also increase the humidity of a room which is great for dry climates.

Snake Plant: Absorbs carbon monoxide, benzene, formaldehyde, and other harsh chemicals. It also produces oxygen, removes CO2 at night, and can improve the air quality caused by airborne allergens.

Boston Fern: A natural air purifier and restores moisture in the air. This plant is great for those with dry skin and who live in dry and harsh climates.

Aloe Vera: Acts as a natural air purifier and removes formaldehyde and benzene from the air. The gel inside the plant is a natural healer and soother for sunburns and skin conditions.

English Ivy: Can help people with breathing difficulties by stimulating the mucus glands and it contains expectorant properties. The plant has been used medicinally to reduce airway swelling, improve lung health, liver disorders, and spleen disorders.

Spider Plant: Acts as an air purifier and removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene from the air. It has also been found to improve air quality in a room by 90% in just two days.

Bamboo Plant: Bamboo can effectively remove formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. All these toxins can be detrimental to our health and can be found in many materials around the home.

Dwarf Date Palm: Known for its ability to remove airborne chemicals. It is very effective at removing xylene from the air which is a common ingredient in solvents and cleaners.

Ficus Alii: This plant removes chemical vapors from the air and can grow easily indoors. For best growth, the Ficus Alii needs a humid environment with full or partial sunlight.

*Content originally found in articles published on Citrus Sleep, Eco-Age, and Eartheasy.

Eco Buying

Going to a local shop is the best option when looking to buy house plants. It supports your local economy and reduces the carbon footprint of the trip of the plant to your home. However, sometimes the plant you are looking for isn’t available at your local shops or you don’t have a local nursery to purchase it at. Never fear! There are eco-friendly online businesses that you can purchase plants from. These businesses follow eco friendly shipping practices and growing practices for the plants. Check out this website to find an eco-friendly house plant business that is a great match for you.

Did we miss any house plants that you have found to be beneficial in your home? We would love to hear what they are. If you are looking for more ways to improve the air quality in your community, consider going solar. Reach out to us today to see if solar is a fit for your lifestyle!

Quick Solar Guide

Wed, 05 May 2021 14:02:24 GMT

Going solar is a great, but big, decision. We want you to be confident in your decision to go solar. We have put together a guide to help answer the most frequent questions that we get asked. Going solar is an exciting decision and an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and your energy bills.

How Solar Works

How does a solar system power your home? The way it works is fairly simple. The solar panels absorb the power from the sun and it is then converted into energy that you can use to power your home. The components needed to complete this process are solar panels, an inverter, a safety disconnect, a main service panel, an electric meter, and a battery (optional).

Solar Panels: Capture the sun’s rays throughout the day and convert sunlight into Direct Current (DC) electricity.

Inverter: Receives the DC electricity and converts it into AC (alternating current) electricity suitable for household use.

Safety Disconnect: The electricity passes through a safety disconnect.

Main Service Panel: Distributes the electricity to the individual circuits in your home.

Electric Meter (Utility Gird-Tied/Hybrid): Excess electricity is sent back to the utility company, giving you kWH credits in exchange.

Battery (optional): Excess electricity is sent to your batteries to charge them to capacity.

Benefits of Solar

Reduce Energy Bills: Going solar is a great way to reduce your energy bills and even potentially eliminate them. We size the solar system to cover the annual energy needs of your home. Therefore, when your system is producing more power than you need in the sunny months, you have credits in the cooler months when there is less daylight to produce solar power. Many of our customers only pay the grid connection fee on a monthly basis which can be as low as $15/month!

Reduce Carbon Footprint: Going solar is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Solar power has minimal impact on the environment as it does not produce CO2, water pollution, or greenhouse gases. A Northeastern home with a 7.5 kW system can offset almost 10,000 pounds of CO2 per year, which is the equivalent to saving 50 trees or off setting 11,000 car miles driven.

Protect Against Rising Energy Costs: Relying on the traditional form of energy means that your electric payments are prone to unexpected price spikes since they are tied to the ever-shifting global energy market and domestic policy changes. However, solar systems harness a consistent and reliable source of energy that lessens or can even eliminate your dependence on big utility companies. Therefore, freeing you from the whims of electricity pricing.

Paying for Solar

The cost of your system will depend on several factors including: the size of the system, your current energy usage and costs, your area’s utility net metering policy, tax credits, incentives, and rebates. We can walk you through your system’s needs, available tax credits, and financing options. Most customers have a solar payment that is lower than their previous electric bill, allowing them to start saving money from day one.

Financing: There are a number of different financing options available depending on the state you live in. Through the financing options that we have available to our customers, that qualify, there are many low interest options and bridge loans available. Our Finance Manager will be able to go over the specifics with each customer and help them get the best financing option for them.

Solar Tax Credits & Incentives: The current Solar Federal Tax Incentive is 26% of the system's cost. Additionally, many states have their own incentive and rebate programs available that can offset the solar system cost up to 50%! We can help you determine how much you can save on your solar system from day one.

Cash: There is always the option to pay for your solar system in cash if you have the funds. We can walk you through the amount you will need for your custom solar system.

Lifetime & Durability of Panels

Lifetime: The technology in solar panels is continuing to improve. Solar panels are continuing to produce energy at around 90% efficiency after 25 years! That means your solar system is going to last for decades to come. Also, the solar panels will continue to produce power for more than 25 years. Additionally, as the technology continues to improve, the longevity will increase as well. However, we are already impressed with the longevity of the current solar panels available.

Durability: Solar panels are built to last. They are composed of glass, metal, and silicon with no moving parts. Therefore, they have a 25-year warranty and will last well beyond that. Solar panels are also put through vigorous testing to make sure that they can stand up to the demands of Mother Nature and the everyday activities that take place around your home and yard. They are tested against pouring rain, hail, sleet, snow, baseballs, and an enormous amount of weight. The panels come out of these strenuous tests unscathed and still producing power. It’s amazing what solar panels can hold up against!

Don’t trust our word for it? Check out these videos of solar panels being put to the test!

Solar World Testing

Mission Solar Testing

Types of Solar Systems

Solar systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes. We are able to customize the solar system to the needs of your home or business. There are 4 main types of solar systems: Roof Mount, Ground Mount, Solar Outbuilding/Shed, and Solarscape.

Roof Mount: Roof mounted systems are the most cost-effective option. We utilize the home or building as the structure to hold the panels. The criteria used for identifying if a roof is qualified for solar are size, material, shading, orientation, and the age/condition of the roof. A roof mounted system also protects and extends the life of your roof.

Ground Mount: A ground-mounted system is a great solution for customers who do not have adequate space on their roof for a solar system, have the space in their yard for the solar system, or the building is not oriented to maximize solar production. There are 3 common options available: Standard Ground Mount, Pole Mount, and Dual Axis Trackers.

Solar Outbuilding/Solar Shed: A solar outbuilding/solar shed is a fully customized structure that functions like a ground mount and doubles as a storage space. It can be used as a gardening shed, tool shed, or a small garage. A customized solar outbuilding functions like a ground mount that provides the primary building with solar-generated electricity. It is a simple all-in-one solar solution best suited for customers who want to benefit from some outdoor storage on their property.

Solarscape: A solar canopy, carport, or patio cover can generate solar power while creating shade and protecting the sheltered space from the elements. It doesn’t require additional land the way a ground mount does and is an efficient use of space that is also aesthetically pleasing. The optional bi-facial modules can absorb additional sunlight reflected from the ground boosting the energy yield as well as the overall curb appeal.

Are you ready to go solar now? Do you have additional questions that you still need answered? Reach out to us today and we will be happy to answer your questions and help you get started on your solar journey.

Earth Day 2021

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 13:25:24 GMT

Earth Day 2021 is coming up on Thursday, April 22! The theme for Earth Day this year is: Restore Our Earth. This theme can have a different meaning to everyone, but speaks volumes as to how we need to be treating Mother Earth. There are plenty of ways we can all try to Restore Our Earth, this Earth Day, and all year long. We have put together a list of some ideas that are great for you and your entire family to try out this Earth Day and add to your repertiore year round.

Earth Day Ideas

Talk About the Environment & Get Others Involved: Earth Day is a great time to talk about the environment with your friends, family, and kids. You can swap information about how to live a more environmentally friendly life and help inspire each other to do more to give back to Mother Earth. Earth Day is a fantastic time to have open and honest conversations about the environment and to build a community around green habits.

Read a “Green Book”: There are a ton of books out there about the environment. From informational, to fun, and inspiring children’s books, find a book about the environment to read this Earth Day. You can pick a book on your own, or get your friends, family, and kids involved too. Then you can all discuss what you learned. It’s a fun activity that is also educational and inspiring.

Calculate your Carbon Footprint: Knowing your carbon footprint is an excellent place to start when trying to understand your habits and how to adjust them to be more environmentally friendly. You can take inventory of your activities that are the biggest contributors to your carbon footprint and take steps to reduce them. Small changes can lead to a big reduction in your carbon footprint.

Save Energy: You can make small changes in your home to save big on your energy bills. Turn off the lights when you leave a room, unplug small appliances that aren’t in use, weatherstrip your home, and switching out incandescent light bulbs for CFLs or LEDs are just a few changes that can help you save on your energy costs. Plus, reducing your energy consumption is good for the environment and your carbon footprint.

Buy Local: Buying local not only benefits your local economy, but it also helps the environment. When you buy local, the carbon footprint of the products you are buying is reduced. Plus, if you are buying local produce or meat, it tends to be fresher and will last longer. Try to find ways to buy local more this year and help stimulate your local economy while helping Mother Earth.

Recycle: This Earth Day, either try and find ways to up your recycling game or pledge to start recycling. Recycling is a great way to make sure more products do not just end up in a landfill and are given a second life . You can also use it as an opportunity to create a new recycling system in your home or at work. Additionally, get your friends and family involved to help hold each other accountable for your new recycling habits.

Online Billing: Most companies offer online billing now. Instead of getting a bill in the mail you can have it emailed to you and pay it online. Moving to online billing is a fantastic way to reduce paper consumption and saves you money on stamps, since you won’t have to send a check in for payment.

Reduce Plastic: Plastic is in many of the products we use and single use plastic is prevalent in our society. Try reducing plastic by using reusable containers to store your food, reusable water bottles, and travel mugs for your morning coffee. Also, remember to bring your reusable bags when shopping and try buying items in bulk. Also, look for products that are made of recycled plastic. Lastly, if you do use plastic products be sure to recycle them.

Eat Less Meat & More Plants: Meat consumption is a big contributor to greenhouse gases. A great way to reduce your meat intake is to participate in Meatless Mondays. You do not have to be a vegetarian or vegan to help reduce meat consumption. Not eating meat one day a week can lead to big changes for the environment.

Gardening: Gardening is a great way to get outside and grow your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs. You can also try plating plants that attract bees and butterflies to help their populations grow. Also, if you plant species that are native to your area, they require less water and maintenance to flourish. You can also plant some trees to help local insects and animals with their habitat. There are a lot of great ways that you can use a garden to nourish you, your family, and your local habitat.

Pesticide Free: When tending to your garden and lawn this year, pledge to do it pesticide free. Not only is it better for the environment, but it is also safer for pets and children. There are many natural ways to keep unwanted bugs and critters out of your garden and lawn. Give them a try this year!

Go “Plogging”: Plogging started in Europe and is a great way to get a workout in and clean up your community at the same time. The purpose of plogging is to bring a bag with you on your jog and pick up trash along the way. It combines two great things into one!

Enjoy the Outdoors: On Earth Day, be sure to get outside and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. Whether you go for a hike, get on the water, or go for a walk after work, try to find some time to enjoy the area that you live and all that it has to offer.

*Content originally found in articles published on EarthDay.Org, Treehugger, and The Old Farmer's Almanac.

How do you plan on celebrating Earth Day this year? We would love to hear what you have planned. If you are looking to make a bigger change this year consider going solar. It is great for the environment and your wallet. Reach out to us today to learn more!

Green Ideas for Spring 2021

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 12:36:48 GMT

Spring is a great time to start anew. The weather is getting warmer and there is a sense of renewal with plants starting to grow and the birds chirping. It is also the perfect time to look at your habits and see what adjustments you want to make to be more environmentally friendly. We have put together a list of some of our favorite green habits to adapt this spring and will be beneficial year-round!

Green Tips

Add One New Sustainable Habit: Instead of overwhelming yourself with a dozen new ways to be more eco-friendly this year, pick one new habit that will fit into your lifestyle. It could be recycling shampoo bottles, planting a garden, walking or biking instead of driving, or a number of other great ways to live a more sustainable life. All the small changes that you make can add up to a big reduction in your carbon footprint.

Declutter: Spring is a great time to take inventory of your belongings and decide what you want to keep, donate, and recycle. Try to only keep things you actually use or items that have sentimental value. For items that are in good condition but you no longer use, you can donate to friends, family, or a non-profit organization. Also, many items you have around your house can be recycled. Just be sure to drop them in the right recycling bins or bring them to a recycling center. Decluttering your home is an excellent way to find items to donate and recycle.

Clean Cleaning Products: Cleaning products that are not labeled as natural or have not been certified by a third party as “Green” can contain toxic chemicals. Look for all-natural cleaners the next time you need to stock up. It is a great way to keep toxic chemicals out of your home and invest in biodegradable cleaners. Check out the labels of the cleaners in your local store the next time you run low for more environmentally friendly options.

Vinegar for Cleaning: Instead of buying multi-purpose cleaners in the store, give a vinegar solution a try. It is cheaper and better for the environment. You can use it with newspaper to clean your windows and mirrors, use it in the dishwasher, and even mix it with water to clean your floors. Try vinegar for cleaning before running out to the store and buying a multi-purpose cleaner.

Ditch Paper Towels: Paper towels create a lot of waste since they are single use. Instead of using paper towels for your routine cleaning, invest in reusable cleaning towels. You can even cut up old towels or t-shirts to make cleaning rags to the size that you want. If you still want to keep some paper towels on hand, look for recycled ones and use them sparingly.

Use the Dishwasher: It may come as a surprise that running your dishwasher when it is full conserves more water than washing dishes by hand. Not only is using your dishwasher a timesaver and more convenient, but it can also help you reduce water consumption. That is a win-win for you and the environment.

Full Loads of Laundry: When doing laundry, try to only start up the washer when you have a full load. This will maximize the efficiency of it and the water used. Plus, if you wash your laundry in cold water you will also consume less energy. Maximize the energy efficiency of your washer by only running it when you have enough for a full load and wash with cold water.

Energy Upgrades: There are several ways you can lower your energy usage in your home. You can start by switching out your incandescent light bulbs for CFLs or LEDS. Doing this will lower your energy consumption and reduce how often you need to replace your light bulbs. You can also install a smart thermostat in your home. Smart thermostats are programmable, and many of them allow you to change the temperature of your home from an app on your phone. It is a great way to keep your cooling and heating costs down by being able to monitor it from anywhere you are and programing it for when you want to increase and decrease the temperature of your home. Lastly, using shades on your windows can help with heating and cooling costs. In the winter you can keep them open to bring in the sunshine and, in the summer, close them to lessen the amount that the sun is heating your home. Small changes can make a big difference in your energy bills.

Use Commercial Car Washes: Did you know that commercial car washes use less water to clean your car than you would at home? On average, people use 80-140 gallons of water at home to wash their car, when a commercial car wash uses an average of 45 gallons of water. Plus, commercial car washes often reuse the runoff and/or send it to treatment centers. While you may not want to always go to a commercial car wash, it is a good idea to add it into your car washing rotation.

Garden: If you are looking for a way to make sure that your fruits, vegetables, and herbs are organic, you should consider planting a garden. It is a great way to get fresh produce, get outside, and literally enjoy the fruits of your labor. You can also plant flowers to brighten up your yard and have fresh arrangements to bring into your home. Another great gardening tip is to plant native plants to the area that you live, as they will require less maintenance. Start a garden, big or small, this year to enjoy fresh produce.

Compost: Composting is a great way to get rid of table scraps, yard clippings, leaves, and more in an eco-friendly way. You can build a compost bin for your yard or purchase one. You can even purchase a sleek composter for your kitchen that you fill up before you bring it to the composting bin in your yard. Composting is a fantastic way to get enriched soil and reduce food waste in landfills.

Get Outside: If you are able to, make it a goal to get outside more this year. Go for a walk, hike, bike, get out on the water, or find another activity that you enjoy in the great outdoors. The more you get outside and enjoy the natural beauty, the more you will appreciate it. Also, as the weather gets warmer, consider walking or biking to places that are a doable distance away. Just remember to turn off the lights when you leave home and unplug any small appliances that are not in use.

*Content originally found in articles published on Planet Aid , Earth911 , Sustany , Campus Environmental Center , and The Good Trade.

What green habits are you planning to implement this spring? Did we miss any that you have found to be beneficial? We would love to hear what they are! Also, if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint even more, consider going solar. It is good for the environment and your wallet. Reach out to us today to learn more!

Average Solar System Size Offset

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 15:07:08 GMT

Have you ever wondered what going solar actually offsets for the environment? How many cars you have taken off the road by going solar or how many trees your system is equivalent to planting? We took a look at the average system size for 2020 (9 kW) to see what it would offset over 20 years. The numbers are beneficial for your carbon footprint and the environment. Going solar is a great way to offset many pollutants in the environment.

9 kW Solar System Equivalent Offset's Over 20 Years

Pounds of Coal Burned: 140,240 pounds
Over 20 years your solar system can offset 140,240 pounds of coal from being burned! That is a huge way to help the environment and help prevent pollutants from coal getting into the air.

Barrels of Oil Consumed: 294 barrels
294 barrels of oil is equivalent to 12,348 gallons of oil. If you purchase one gallon of milk per week it is equivalent to the amount of milk you would buy over 237 years. Your solar system can offset a huge amount of oil consumed!

Number of Smart Phones Charged: 16,230,660
Having your solar system for 20 years can offset over 16 million smart phones charging! It's easy to say that charging your smart phone, and those of anyone who comes to your home, will be easily offset by your solar system.

Miles Driven by a Passenger Vehicle: 315,800 miles
It is common for people to keep their vehicle until it hits about 100,000 miles. A 9 kW solar system can offset the miles you drive of 3 different cars you own, if kept for 100,000 miles.

Gallons of Gasoline: 14,320 gallons

If we use the analogy from above of buying a gallon of milk once a week, 14,320 gallons would be equivalent to 275 years worth of milk. That is a lot of gasoline that is being offset by a 9 kW solar system.

Acres of US Forest Equivalent: 166 acres of forest
During 20 years of a 9 kW solar system being used, it would be equivalent to planting 166 acres of US forest. That is a large parcel of land that would be fostering plant and animal life.

Tree Seedlings Grown for 10 Years: 2,100 seedlings

A 9 kW solar system is equivalent to planting 2,100 seedlings and allowing them to grow for 10 years. The benefits of more plants and trees in the environment includes reducing carbon and maintaining habitats for wildlife.

Tons of Waste Recycled Instead of Landfilled: 44 tons

44 tons is equal to 88,000 pounds of trash being recycled instead of being brought to a landfill. A 9 kW system over 20 years can help offset a huge amount of waste in the environment.

Incandescent Lamps Switched to LEDs: 4,840 switched
Having a 9 kW solar system run for 20 years is equivalent to switching 4,840 incandescent lamps to LEDs. If every household had 10 lamps that they switched over it would be equivalent to just under 500 homes making the switch. Making the switch to LEDs is a smart decision for everyone.

*Based on calculations done on the EPA's website .

Are you interested in what your offset could be if you went solar? Are you looking to make the switch to help reduce your carbon footprint? Reach out to us today and we can help you make the switch to solar and reduce your carbon footprint!

Donation Campaign for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 14:05:58 GMT

Did you hear that the Residential Federal Solar Tax Credit is staying at 26% through 2022? We are so excited about this that we decided to celebrate by giving back to our community! For every installation we do, for all our product lines, from January 1, 2021 - June 30, 2021 we will donate $26 to the Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York. Help us give back to our community and get started on your project today!

About the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York

The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York has been a true source of support for the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. They cover 23 counties in New York and supply 50 million pounds of food to families in need on a yearly basis. During the pandemic, they have adapted to drive-thru pantries to keep their volunteers and the communities that they serve safe. They also have many other programs that help students, seniors, and bring care and hygiene products to those in need. The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York has been helping communities since 1982 and is continually finding new and innovative ways to to help those in need.

Donation Campaign

The past year has been tough for everyone. When we heard that the Solar Federal Tax Credit would be staying at 26% through 2022, we knew we had some good news to finally celebrate, and giving back is the perfect way to celebrate it. At Apex Solar Power & Roofing, we want to make our community the best it can be and help those that make it so special. That is why we are donating $26 for every install we do from January 1, 2021 - June 30, 2021 to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. So get started with your solar, roofing, EV charging, and/or battery backup project for your home or business and help us better your home and give back to the community!

Are you ready to help with the donation campaign for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York? You can learn more about it and get started here. We are excited to help our customers and give back to our community at the same time!

Green Habits for 2021

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 13:36:17 GMT

2021 is a great year to start finding ways, big or small, to make your lifestyle greener. There are both small and big habits that can help you to reduce your carbon footprint. We have compiled some awesome green habits to implement in the new year. Start a greener lifestyle in 2021 and reduce your carbon footprint while also saving money.

Green Habits

Reduce Energy Usage: There are several ways to reduce your energy usage this year. You can hang your clothes to dry instead of using the dryer, turn off lights when you leave a room, and unplug small electronics and appliances when they are not in use. Additionally, you can weatherstrip and improve the insultation of your home to help keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. All these efforts can add up to big changes in your energy usage and bill.

Renewable Energy & Heat Sources: Using renewable energy to power your home is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Solar Power is compatible with most homes and will reduce your energy bill and dependence on the grid. Also, heat pumps are a more efficient way to heat your home and they use less energy. If you pair solar power and heat pumps you will definitely be saving on your energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint.

Transportation: Switching to a hybrid or an electric vehicle is a terrific way to cut down on your carbon footprint. You can learn more about the federal and state incentives for purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle in our recent blog post . If switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle is not an option for you, there are other ways you can bring down your driving footprint. You can carpool, combine multiple trips into one, and take public transit when available. There are many ways in which you can reduce your carbon footprint through your travel options.

Shop Local: Shopping local is not only a great way to support your community, but it is also better for the environment. It reduces the carbon footprint of the item’s lifecycle. The carbon footprint of he item is reduce even more when it is made or grown locally. Additionally, putting more money into your local economy is a great way to encourage the community to take care of it and protect its natural resources.

Eco-Friendly Products: There are a lot of products that we use on a daily basis that can easily be switched out for more eco-friendly ones. There are many cleaning products and toilet paper brands that are eco-friendly and readily available at local stores. Be sure to check out the packaging for eco-friendly options the next time you need to pick them up. Additional products that can create a lot of waste that have eco-friendly alternatives are shampoo, wrapping paper, and straws. Switching to eco-friendly versions of all these products will have a positive impact on the environment.

Green Makeup & Beauty Products: Consider checking out eco friendly makeup and beauty products the next time you need to purchase these items. It is an excellent way to vote with your dollar and support companies that are doing their part to protect the environment. You can also find a salon that only uses eco friendly products for your next haircut. It is a great way to stay green and feel beautiful.

Clothing: Fast fashion is a big contributor to carbon emissions. To do your part in reducing the demand for fast fashion you can purchase secondhand clothing and donate your gently used clothing. Another option is to only buy clothes that you need, and not an item that you may wear once or twice. Also, borrowing clothes from friends and family is an excellent way to save money and reduce carbon emissions from fast fashion. Lastly, you can research clothing companies that have sustainable practices and support them.

Reusable Water Bottles: Plastic is harmful for the environment and it is costly to buy plastic water bottles for daily use. Try switching to a reusable water bottle instead. It will save you money and is better for the environment. Plus, there are plenty of fun water bottles to select from that you will want to show off.

Reusable Food Storage: When packing food for lunch or storing it at home, opt for reusable containers instead of plastic bags. Not only do they save you money in the long run, but they are also better for the environment. If you do need to use plastic bags, try to use them more than once to extend their life. Reusable containers are an excellent way to store your food in an eco-friendly manner.

Printing: Printing at home or the office can take a toll on the environment. In an electronic world, think twice before you print something out. If you need to print it, set the printer so it prints on both sides of the paper. You can also buy recycled paper which is better for the environment.

*Information originally found in articles on Green Match , Radio , & lifewithlilred

What are your favorite green habits for 2021? We would love to hear what they are. Also, if you are interested in making even bigger changes in 2021 you should consider going solar. To learn more about the benefits of going solar you can reach out to us here!

EV Incentives, Charging, & News

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 13:33:50 GMT

Electric Vehicles have proven that they are not a trend, they are the way of the future. The number of them on the roads has increased over the years and will not be slowing down anytime soon. There are plenty of ways that you can get onboard with the electric vehicle revolution as a driver, business owner, and community. There are incentives available, chargers for different needs, and plenty in electric vehicle news for everyone to get excited about.

Electric Vehicle Incentives, Chargers, & News

Incentives: Purchasing an electric vehicle can be more expensive than a conventional vehicle upfront. However, the maintenance costs of an electric vehicle are far less than that of a conventional vehicle. Additionally, there are federal and state incentives available to help offset the costs and encourage the purchase of an electric vehicle. Through the Federal Government, you can receive up to $7,500 in the form of a tax credit for purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle. All hybrid and electric vehicles have their own tax incentive values. Furthermore, each state has their own tax incentives available for purchasing a hybrid or fully electric vehicle. You can save a large portion on the cost of a hybrid or electric vehicle through both state and federal tax incentives. Buying a hybrid or electric vehicle is a great way to do your part in lowering your carbon emissions.

Federal Incentives

State Incentives

NY EV Make Ready Program: A new EV incentive program is now available in New York for businesses and municipalities. The EV Make-Ready Program will help to cover the costs of making a site ready to install EV chargers. This includes utility electric infrastructure and EV equipment needed to connect and serve the EV charger, but does not cover the cost of the EV charger itself. The equipment and infrastructure must be installed by utility approved contractors, which Apex Solar Power & Roofing is. The program will cover up to 50% of the costs for non-public locations, up to 90% for public locations, and up to 100% for locations in or near disadvantaged communities. Additionally, you can retroactively apply for the incentive for projects that started on July 16, 2020 and after. This is a great opportunity to make your business and community EV friendly.

Get Started With us Here

Types of EV Chargers: There are different types of EV chargers available for charging at home and on the road. Level 1 & 2 chargers are for at home use and Level 2, 3, & 4 chargers are for commercial use. It Is helpful to know what types of chargers are compatible with your vehicle, fit into your driving habits, and how quickly they can have you back on the road.

Level 1 & 2 Chargers: A Level 1 charger is what comes with your electric vehicle at no extra cost. It feeds 120 volts and can be plugged into any standard household outlet. The drawback of a Level 1 charger is that it takes a long time to fully charge the battery. Level 1 chargers are great to have in case of an emergency but a Level 2 charger is more beneficial for anyone that uses their electric vehicle daily. A Level 2 charger feeds 240 volts and charges up to 10 times faster than a Level 1 charger. With a Level 2 charger stopping at home, or at a charger in your community, for a couple hours can extend your travel substantially.
Level 3 & 4 Chargers (Fast Chargers): Level 2, 3, and 4 chargers can be used for commercial charging. However, only Level 3 and 4 chargers are considered Fast Chargers. Level 3 and 4 chargers charge your electric vehicle at a much faster rate than Level 2 chargers. Level 3 chargers can charge an empty battery in 20 minutes to an hour. Level 4 chargers are the Tesla Superchargers which are even faster than the Level 3 chargers. However, Level 4 chargers are only compatible with Teslas. Additionally, these chargers are designed to charge batteries that are very low. Fast Chargers rapidly charge your battery and it will start to slow down the pace of the charge when it reaches 50%. It will tapper off even further when the battery hits 80% charged. The suggestion is that once your battery hits 80%, on one of these chargers, that you cease charging unless you absolutely need your vehicle fully charged. Some stations will cut off the charge at 80%.

Reach out to us here to get started with EV chargers for your home or business!

EV News: The electric vehicle market saw a boom in 2020 and it does not look like it is going to be slowing down. Tesla was one electric vehicle company that saw its shares see triple digit growth in 2020. While this is great news for the electric vehicle market, the cost of entry into the market is higher than that for a conventional vehicle. Therefore, electric vehicle companies NIO and Facedrive are finding innovative ways to bring the cost of electric vehicles down.

NIO is using a leasing program for the batteries of their vehicles to bring the price of purchasing an electric vehicle down. Participants can also exchange the battery of their vehicle after a few years of use with this program. Facedrive is using a leasing and exchange approach. They offer three different subscription levels and have seventeen models available. Participants can select the subscription package that suits them and then switch easily between the electric vehicles available in that package. Both NIO and Facedrive are finding innovative ways to bring more drivers into the electric vehicle revolution. It will be exciting to see what the future holds for electric vehicles and what innovations are right around the corner.

Information originally found in yahoo!finance article

If you are looking for an electric vehicle charging station at your home or business reach out to us today. We would be happy to go over with you the options available that fit your needs and the incentives you can receive. Get started today!

Green Volunteering (Virtually)

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 14:21:09 GMT

The season of giving is here and what better way to give back than to volunteer your time. Volunteering may look different this year but there are plenty of ways you can still give back to your community and the environment. Many organizations have virtual opportunities for volunteers to help their organizations during this time. Below are two places that you can go to find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!

Volunteer Match

Volunteer Match works with non-profits to bring them together with volunteers that are passionate about their work. They believe in helping non-profits build a community and relationships with volunteers, so the organizations can support their missions. Volunteer Match works with many organizations and you can search for volunteer opportunities based on your interests. There are numerous environmental organizations working with Volunteer Match to find volunteers to work with them virtually. Check it out today for a volunteer opportunity that you can do from home and help the environment.

Idealist

Idealist is another organization that works with non-profits to help them find employees and volunteers. They are based in New York and have been working to connect people with non-profits for over 25 years. Idealist believes in helping organizations create communities that are passionate about what they do and taking steps to make changes for the better. The website is easy to navigate to find the right volunteer opportunity for you. There are many environmental organizations that are looking for virtual volunteers to help them with their missions. Search these volunteer opportunities today to find a passion to bring with you into the new year.

Volunteering is a great way to help others and make your community a little bit better. What is your favorite non-profit to volunteer with virtually? We would love to hear which one or ones it is! If you are looking for more ways to give back to the environment you should consider going solar. It is good for the environment and your wallet. Reach out to us today to learn more!

Solar & Battery Backup: The Dynamic Duo

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 12:58:03 GMT

There have been many dynamic duos throughout the years: Starsky and Hutch, Calvin and Hobbes, and peanut butter and jelly. Now we have the new dynamic duo: solar and battery backup. This pairing may be the most iconic in years to come due to the benefits it provides to homeowners and the environment.

Benefits of Solar and Battery Backup

Reduce Emissions: Reducing your emissions is a huge benefit of going solar. Then if you add battery backup, you are reducing them even more. Battery Backup is the clean way to power you home when the lights go out. Also, you can run off the battery if you have peak times that you want to keep your energy use down during. Solar and battery backup can help you reduce your emissions and help the environment breathe better.

Power Your Whole Home: The great part of solar and battery backup is you can size the battery backup system to power priority loads or your entire home. Therefore, when the power goes out you can choose if you want to keep everything running or to keep just the essentials running, like your refrigerator and lights. Battery Backup is a great way to choose how to power your home when the lights go out.

Clean Energy: Clean energy is here to stay and the environment is thanking us. Going solar is a fantastic way to power your home in a clean way, with the power of the sun. It is a renewable source of energy that is abundant. Plus, if you add in a battery backup system for when the power goes out, it is leaps and bounds cleaner than running your home off a generator. Solar and battery backup is the clean way to power your home in all circumstances.

No Refueling: With a solar power and battery backup system, you don’t have to worry about refueling a generator. The excess solar power is stored in the battery for when you need it. Then when the battery is used, the solar power system will start to store its excess energy in the battery again to keep it at the ideal level. When you have a solar and battery backup system, you no longer need to worry about refueling a generator after it is used.

Tax Credits Available: One of the many perks of going solar is the tax credits available. There are federal tax incentives available and many states have their own incentives as well. In some states, you can save as much as 50% on your solar system through tax incentives. Plus, many states are now implementing battery backup incentives as well. With all the tax incentives available, it is very attractive to go solar and add a battery backup system to your home.

Winter Is Coming: With winter around the corner, we can expect snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. The last thing you want when it is freezing out is to be without power for days at a time. With solar and battery backup you do not have to worry about that. The battery backup system will keep your home running so you do not have to worry about pipes freezing and keeping your family warm. Solar and battery backup is what you need for peace of mind in the cold winter months.

Lower Energy Bills: Who doesn’t love to save money? Especially on your pesky energy bills that will always be there. Going solar is a great way to reduce your energy bills. Many of our customers only pay the connection fee to the grid on a monthly basis! Plus, with a battery backup system, you can switch to it if you live in an area that has peak rates to save even more. Saving money is a one of the many superpowers of the dynamic duo of solar and battery backup.

Solar power and battery backup is now our favorite dynamic duo, we hope it is one of yours too! Do you have questions about solar and battery backup? Are you interested in making the switch? Reach out to us today and we would be happy to answer your questions and help you get started!

Green Holiday Gifts 2020

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 15:21:54 GMT

The holidays are right around the corner and it is time to start thinking about what you will be getting your loved ones this year. We like to go with gifts that are eco friendly and encourage green thinking. Therefore, we put together a list of our favorite green gifts for 2020 that are great for everyone on your list. The environment and all parties involved will be thrilled with these green gifts!

Do you have a favorite green holiday gift? We would love to hear what it is! Also, if you are looking for a green gift that keeps on giving, you should consider going solar. It reduces your carbon footprint and energy bills. If you are interested in learning more, reach out to us today!

Solar Lifestyle

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 12:46:13 GMT

Going solar is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and commit to a greener lifestyle. From your home to your car, solar is a great and clean way to power your life. It can also encourage a lifestyle that looks for other ways to further benefit the environment in your everyday life. Solar is more than a way to reduce your energy bills, it is a way to give back to the environment and encourages green living attitudes.

Benefits of the Solar Lifestyle

Powering Your Home: Deciding to make the switch to solar is a big decision for any home or business owner. However, to make the decision a bit easier, there are numerous benefits of going solar. You reduce your carbon footprint, your energy bills, and become a symbol of green energy in your community. Plus, there are incentives at the federal level and in many states for going solar. In some states, you can save up to 50% of the cost of your system through incentives! Now that is an attractive reason to go solar. Going solar powers your way of life in a green way and is a reminder to look for other ways in which you can be living a green lifestyle.

Powering Your Vehicle: Being able to power your electric car with solar energy is a great benefit of the solar lifestyle. Having an electric vehicle is good for the environment and being able to power it with solar is even better, because you will be reducing your carbon footprint even more. When going solar, you can easily have your system sized for your vehicle needs. Making the switch to solar can inspire you to be green in more areas of your life, including the vehicle that you select to drive. Having your home and vehicle powered by the sun is a huge benefit of the solar lifestyle.

Battery Backup: Keeping your lights on when the power goes out is a nice perk. However, using a generator to keep your lights on can be costly when it comes to refueling and carbon emissions. When you have a solar system, you can opt to store excess energy in a battery backup system, and power your home cleanly when the power goes out. With a battery backup system, you never have to worry about refueling, and it keeps your carbon emissions down when compared to a generator. A battery backup system is another way to enhance your solar lifestyle and keep the way you power your life green and your carbon footprint down in all circumstances.

Green Living: There are several other ways that you can live a green lifestyle. You can recycle, buy used clothing and other home items, use reusable bags, start a composting bin, weatherstrip your home, and buy organic. The list of what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint is long. We suggest finding a few items that you are passionate about and adding them to your lifestyle. Whether it be reusable sandwich bags or recycling your shampoo bottles, they are all steps in the right direction. Living a green lifestyle is more than going solar, it is finding the small ways to make changes for a greener planet.

Are you interested in living the solar lifestyle? What green lifestyle changes have you made in your life? We would love to hear what they are! Also, if you are interested in making the switch to solar you can reach out to us here .

Tips For a Green Halloween

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 13:50:14 GMT

The spookiest holiday of the year is almost here! While Halloween's colors are traditionally orange and black, that doesn't mean you can't celebrate it in a green way. From pumpkins to costumes to decorations, there are plenty of ways to ensure that your Halloween festivities will keep the environment in mind while still having a spooky fun time!

Green Tips for Halloween

Decorations: You can easily turn items you already have in your home into fun and spooky Halloween decorations. Stockings can become spiderwebs, cardboard boxes become tombstones, and milk jugs become skeletons. Get your entire family involved to have a fun filled day of making decorations. Plus, you can borrow decorations or reuse them from previous years to keep it green.
Costumes: When it comes to costumes, you can make your own, borrow from friends and family, or check out a thrift store for fun and cheap buys. Have a small gathering, in a safe way, to make your Halloween costumes and get creative ideas from others. Making a Halloween costume is part of the fun and lets your creative side shine.
Treats: Look for Halloween treats that are made locally or are organic. Check the packaging to see if it is sustainable or recyclable. Also, look over the ingredients to check if the chocolate was sustainably sourced. All of these tips will help keep your treats for Halloween green while still keeping them tasty.
LED Lights: Use solar powered LED lights to illuminate the path to your home for trick-or-treaters and to create a fun atmosphere for the holiday. It is a great way to ensure that trick-or-treaters will easily find the path to your door and have it lit in an environmentally friendly way!
Pumpkins: Buy pumpkins from a local farm or grow your own. Taking a trip to a local pumpkin patch is a fun tradition for everyone in your family. Also, when you are done carving the pumpkin, be sure to save the seeds for a tasty treat! Lastly, make sure you let the pumpkin decompose and add it to your compost bin.
Trick-or-Treat Bags: When it comes to trick-or-treat bags be sure to use something that is reusable. A pillowcase, tote bag, or even a school backpack are all great options. Plus, they are sturdy and can fit a lot more treats than a single use plastic bag can, which makes them even better for trick-or-treating.
Parties: If you are having a Halloween gathering be sure to keep the environment in mind. Use reusable dishes and cutlery, cloth napkins, and buy as many of the treats from local and organic vendors as possible. If you have to use disposable dishes, go for ones that are biodegradable and eco-friendly!
Transportation: When it comes to trick-or-treating, walk in your neighborhood or surrounding area if it is safe to do. If you need to go elsewhere for your Halloween festivities, consider carpooling with friends and family members to cut down on the number of cars on the road. You can also take public transportation if it is available in your area.

Do you have any tips for a green Halloween that we missed? We would love to hear what they are! Also, if you are looking to make bigger changes in your green lifestyle you should consider going solar. To learn more about the benefits of it, reach out to us today!

*These tips were originally published in articles on World Wild Life and Grades of Green.

Electric Vehicles: Benefits, Tax Incentives, & Powering with Solar

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 13:58:00 GMT

Electric Vehicles are becoming the norm now. Their range is increasing and the cost of them is becoming more and more affordable. Also, there is a larger variety of options to select from to suit your needs. Electric Vehicles are an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and take another step toward a green lifestyle. Electric Vehicles have numerous benefits, tax incentives, and can even be powered by clean energy, through your solar system.

Benefits of Electric Vehicles

Financial Benefits: The cost of electric vehicles is continuing to come down, and there are government credits that make it even more enticing to purchase one. You can receive between $2500 and $7500, in tax credits, for purchasing a new electric car based on the size of it and the capacity of its battery. Another financial benefit of electric vehicles is they are less costly to fuel. On average, to charge an electric vehicle for the year costs 1/3 of what it costs to fuel a gas or diesel vehicle. Lastly, electric vehicles are cheaper to maintain than their gas and diesel counterparts. They have fewer moving parts than conventional vehicles which means there is less to replace and maintain. The biggest maintenance cost will be the battery if it needs to be replaced. However, most batteries have an 8-year warranty to keep you covered.

Environmental Benefits: Electric vehicles emit zero exhaust emissions, which are big contributors to pollution. Also, they are starting to be made with more eco-friendly materials. Many electric vehicles use recycled plastics and bio-based materials for the padding and bodywork of the vehicle. Additionally, since electric vehicles pollute less, driving one is good for your health. Less pollution means less toxins to breathe in. This leads to fewer health complications and a better quality of life. Lastly, electric vehicles are significantly quieter than their gas and diesel counterparts. This in turn provides less noise pollution which allows everyone to have more peace when at work, on the road, and at home.

Fun to Drive: An electric vehicle can increase the fun you have while driving as they have more torque and a faster response time than conventional vehicles. This means that you can get up to speed faster and leave the conventional cars in the dust. Also, they are low maintenance which means you spend more time on the road and less time in the shop. Another reason they are fun to drive is because of how safe they are. Electric vehicles tend to have a lower center of gravity which makes them less likely to roll. Lastly, the risk for major fires or explosions is less due to them having fewer moving parts. Therefore, you can drive worry free when behind the wheel of an electric vehicle.

Tax Incentives

Residential: If you purchase electric vehicle charging equipment for your home, there is a 30% tax incentive available up to $1,000. Having electric vehicle charging equipment at your home is a great way to get the most out of your vehicle and have it ready for the adventures of the day. You must purchase and have the equipment installed by December 31, 2020 to be eligible to receive the tax incentive. Do not miss out on this great opportunity!

Commercial: Electric vehicle charging equipment at your commercial location is a great way to bring in customers and increase their dwell time. Plus, you can receive a tax credit of 30% of the equipment and install cost up to $30,000! This incentive is a great way to offset the cost of purchasing and installing the equipment. You must have the equipment purchased and installed by December 31, 2020 to be eligible to receive the incentive. This is a great opportunity for your commercial property!

Powering With Solar

Electricity Usage: We can help you determine the electricity usage of your electric vehicle, or future one, when sizing your solar system. We would need to know the electric vehicle you have, or are planning to purchase, and your average daily mileage. It’s that simple! If you would like to prepare your solar system for your future electric vehicle you can install an inverter that can handle more power, utilize microinverters, add additional panels to your current system, or build an additional solar system.

Inverter: If you install an inverter that can handle more power, you will want to know the number of panels that you plan on adding. String inverters are the most common with solar systems and the solar panels are arranged in strings which feed into the inverter. The inverter is then sized for the output of those solar panels only. Therefore, if you go this route you will need to make sure that the inverter can handle your current solar panels and the ones you plan on adding in the future.

Microinverters: Another option is to install microinverters with your solar panels. In this scenario, each of your solar panels has its own inverter. Therefore, adding extra panels in the future is easily done without needing to have an inverter that can handle more power than what you originally installed.

Additional Solar System: Installing an additional, smaller, solar system is also an option but only if you have the room for it. You could install a smaller roof or ground mount to meet the energy needs of your electric vehicle. The good news is that you can claim the federal tax credit for solar more than once so you can save even more! You can also initially build a larger system that will accommodate your future needs. However, some utilities will not approve a system that is significantly larger than your current needs.

Energy Efficient: Lastly, there are other ways that you can make your home more energy efficient. This will in turn make more room for your future electric vehicle energy needs. You can switch out light bulbs for energy efficient ones, use a programmable thermostat, upgrade your appliances, and improve your home’s insulation .

Electric vehicles are not just a fad, they are here to stay! If you own an electric vehicle, or a business, and want to install an electric vehicle charging station reach out to us today ! We can help you determine the best option and go over the incentives available.

Tips For an Eco Friendly Fall

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 11:34:21 GMT

Fall has officially begun! That means chilly nights, pumpkins, and beautiful changing leaves to peep at. However, just because the leaves will no longer be green doesn't mean you still can't live a green lifestyle as the temperature starts to drop. We have put together some helpful tips to keep you green in a new season.

Eco Friendly Fall Tips

Lower Your Thermostat: Just because there is a chill in the air doesn't mean you need to crank the heat to be warm. If you set your thermostat to 68 degrees you will still be plenty warm and save money on your energy bills. Plus, you can layer up, use blankets, or grab a cuddle buddy to keep warm.
Rotate Your Bedding: To help keep you warm in the cooler months, switch to heavier blankets and flannel sheets. A nice cozy blanket can do wonders when the temperature starts to drop. Switching to heavier blankets will help keep you warmer when you sleep at night and lower your temptation to turn up your heat.
Use Your Slow Cooker: The slower cooker is great for the hearty meals of the fall and winter months. You can put all your ingredients in it in the morning and have a delicious meal by dinner. While your slow cooker will be on longer than your oven, it will still consume less energy to cook your meal.
Lower Your Water Heater Temperature: Most water heaters are set at 140 degrees but can still provide the same hot water you need when set to 120 degrees. Lowering the temperature on your water heater can save you when it comes to your energy bill, as there is less energy being used to get your water heated to the higher temperature.
Plug Leaks: Take the time before it gets too cold out to seal all your windows, doors, and any other place where air could be escaping from your home. Doing this will help you to heat your home more efficiently and keep your energy bills down since you will not have air escaping from the nooks and crannies of your home.
Plant Bulbs: You can start prepping for your spring garden in the fall. There are a variety of bulb plants that can be put in the ground in the fall and you will see the beauty of them in the spring. Iris, tulips, and daffodils are just a few varieties that you can plant in the fall and you can look forward to their blooming in the spring.
Start Composting: Composting is a great way to reduce your food waste and have a rich fertilizer for a garden of any size. You do not need to have a lot of space or a large garden to start composting. There are many composters that can fit on a counter top and the enriched soil is great for all plants and yards, and puts your food waste to good use.
Go Hiking: The fall is a great time to get outside and go for a hike. The weather is cooler and you can see the beautiful leaves changing color. It also helps to keep your electric bill down by keeping you out of the house. Plus, it is a great way to soak up the sunshine before the harsh weather of winter hits.

Do you have any tips for an eco friendly fall that we missed? We would love to hear what they are! Also, if you are looking to make bigger changes in your green lifestyle you should consider going solar. To learn more about the benefits of it, reach out to us today!

*These tips were originally published in an Eco Green and How Stuff Works.

Additional Benefits of Going Solar

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 12:34:37 GMT

On a list of the common benefits of going solar you are going to see reducing your energy bill and carbon footprint, and increasing the value of your home. However, when you have seen these great, but repeated benefits, all the time they tend to lose their shock value. Therefore, we commonly get asked what are the other benefits of going solar? We have put together a list of other great benefits of making the switch to solar that everyone can get on board with.

Benefits of Going Solar

Renewable Symbol & Advocate: When you make the switch to solar you become a symbol of renewable energy in your community. You also become a source of information for others who are considering making the switch. Making the switch to solar can help others in your community do the same and helps your community become more dependent on renewable energy.

Create Jobs & Boost Local Economy: As the adoption of solar energy grows, so does the need for solar installers. The more people that make the switch to solar the more jobs that will be created in this growing industry. Plus, when you select a local installer, you are putting your dollar back in your community and helping the economy to grow and prosper. The solar industry is still in the early stages and as it grows, so will job creation and the economy.

Easily Paired with Battery Backup: If you are concerned about loosing power in winter and summer storms, adding battery backup to your solar system is an easy solution. Battery backup is a much cleaner way to power your home when the power goes out, compared to generators. Plus, your solar system will seamlessly charge your battery backup system so you never have to worry about fueling up a generator again.

Extends Roof Life: Did you know that having a roof mounted solar system can actually lengthen the lifespan of your roof? The solar system protects the section of your roof that it is on from the elements. This includes snow, wind, ice, hail, and even the sun. All the elements from weather can damage your roof, but with your solar system helping to protect it from these elements, your roof can last longer due to the more limited exposure.

Longevity of Solar Systems: The technology in solar systems is continually improving. That means that the solar systems that are installed today are providing a better energy output than the ones from even five years ago. The solar systems of today last longer and are extremely durable. A solar system that is installed today will keep producing energy at 85% or more for 25 years and will keep producing energy for decades after. An investment in solar today can help keep your energy bills low for decades to come.

Power Your Electric Vehicle: Looking to make changes to have a more environmentally friendly lifestyle can include making the switch to an electric vehicle. What can make the switch to an electric vehicle even better is powering it with renewable energy. A home solar system can provide the power you need to charge your electric vehicle in a renewable way. A solar system can help you power your green lifestyle.

Knowing all of the benefits of solar power can help you make a more informed decision. Making the switch to solar is a big decision and we are here to answer all your questions about it. You can reach out to us here and we will show you how much you can be saving when you decide to go solar!

Green Labor Day Tips

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 14:38:37 GMT

Labor Day is already around the corner. This year make your Labor Day celebration environmentally friendly. We have complied some great tips that are easy for everyone. Let us all celebrate Labor Day in a green way and set the mood for the rest of this year’s celebrations.

Tips For a Green Labor Day Celebration

Try out these tips for your Labor Day gatherings!

Evites: Instead of mailing out paper invitations for your Labor Day shindig send them out electronically. You can do this through email, a Facebook group, or even text. Sending them electronically also helps you to keep better track of RSVPs so you know how many people to expect and can better prepare.
Daylight: If you have your Labor Day celebrations during the day you can take advantage of the natural sunlight and do not have to use energy to provide light for your guests. If your celebration goes into the night, you can use candles to create a relaxing atmosphere and cut back on energy costs.
Skip Disposables: Use reusable plates, cups, cutlery, and serving dishes. Doing this helps cut down on the waste from paper plates, cups, and plastic cutlery. If you are having a large gathering and do not have enough reusable dishes for everyone, you can ask guests to bring their own or buy compostable and biodegradable dishes and cutlery that are better for the environment.
Carpool: Whether you are hosting a Labor Day celebration or going to one, look for someone to carpool with or encourage your guests to do so. The more people that carpool the less carbon emissions that will be emitted when traveling that day. It is a way to help cut down on the traffic of Labor Day as well.
Recycling Bins: Be sure to have out recycling bins at your gathering. Having them out encourages your guests to use them and saves you the time of digging through the trash for recyclables at the end of the day. It is another easy way to celebrate the day with friends and family in a green way.
Buy Locally: Buying your food locally for your gathering is a great way to support your local economy and cut down on the carbon footprint of your food chain. Plus, there are a ton of great local produce varieties available this time of year that are great for cookouts and large gatherings.
Pitchers for Beverages: Using pitchers for drinks reduces waste especially if you have reusable cups available or compostable ones. Also, buying in bulk is usually cheaper than buying individual serving sizes for beverages. Therefore, you can help your wallet and the environment at the same time.

Do you have any tips for a green Labor Day celebration that we missed? We would love to hear what they are! Also, if you are looking to make bigger changes in your green lifestyle you should consider going solar. To learn more about the benefits of it, reach out to us today!

*These tips were originally published in a Recycle Nation article and a CET article .

Why Should You Select Apex Roofing?

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 13:15:08 GMT

Picking out a contractor to work on your roof is an important task. Your roof is an essential part of your home that protects you and your family. Therefore, you want a contractor that you know will get the job done and do it right. Plus, you want them to be competitively priced. Apex Roofing is the roofing contractor that you are looking for. We take pride in our work and even have financing options available. Apex Roofing is here to help you with your residential and commercial roofing needs.

Residential Roofing

Apex Roofing is your local Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor. We have been recognized as the top tier of an exclusive roofing contractor network that meets strict standards for professionalism, reliability, and unparalleled craftsmanship. Which gives us the advantage of being able to offer the best roofing system warranties (up to 50-year warranties). Also, we are one of a select few Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Roofing Contractors from Kingston to the Canadian border.

Another reason to select Apex Roofing is that we offer a wide range of colors for both asphalt shingle and metal roofs. We will help you select a color that you love and fits the personality of your home. At Apex Roofing, we want you to have a roof that is timeless and will enhance the curb appeal of your home for decades to come.

Lastly, Apex Roofing can help you replace your current roof or install one for a completely new build. We know how important the roof is to protect your family and home and we can be there to protect it all from day one. Apex Roofing also has financing options available so you can get your roof when you need it most. We are here to make your roofing dreams a reality, at a great price, and with the best materials.

Commercial Roofing

A commercial roof installation is quite different than a residential one. Apex Roofing understands how to work with the materials and properly install them. Therefore, we can walk you through the commercial roofing process to ensure that you understand what to expect and pick the appropriate material for your roof. We install both TPO and EPDM roofs and will help you determine which is the best fit.

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is a single ply roofing membrane. Its benefits include being rated for high winds and grease resistance. TPO comes in a wide range of colors with the most common being white, grey. and tan. Manufacturer warranties for TPO are up to 30 years, so you can enjoy the longevity of your roof.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer) is a durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane. Its benefits include it being rated for high wind, hail, heat, fire, and weathering resistance. EPDM also has the longest average service life in the roofing industry.

Apex Roofing is a Master GAF Select commercial roofer, which means we are upheld to the highest standard. We are here to walk you through all the steps of a commercial roofing project and our top priority is our customers.

Apex Roofing can help with all of your residential and commercial roofing needs. We use the best products and are competitively priced. Plus, we have financing options for residential roofs. To learn more, reach out to us here!

Tips For A Green Summer

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 15:30:36 GMT

This summer may feel different from previous ones, but it doesn't mean that you still can't have fun while keeping it green. There are a number of ways to keep the environment in mind when you make your summer plans. That way your summer can be fun and eco friendly all at the same time!

Tips To Stay Green This Summer

Try out these tips to have fun this summer while still being eco friendly!

Plant a Garden: Planting a garden at home is a great way to enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of your labor. Also, you will be consuming your food in a sustainable way while getting the benefits of working outside in your garden. Plus, home grown fruits and veggies are delicious and convenient!
Shop at Your Local Farmer's Market: Not everyone is able to have a garden at home or grow all the produce that they would like in their home garden. Therefore, a Farmer's Market is a great place to get local and fresh produce. It's a great way to support your local farmers and reduce the emissions in your food chain.
Walk or Bike: Walking and biking aren't only great ways to get some cardio in, but also awesome transportation methods. If you are able to walk or bike you should consider doing so to work, the store, and anywhere that is within a reasonable distance. Plus, these transportation methods cut down the carbon footprint of your everyday travels.
Carry In, Carry Out: Respecting the environment is a big part of enjoying the outdoors. Hence, if you are planning to go hiking, camping, or spend anytime outdoors this summer, make sure you carry out what you carried in with you. If there is not a proper receptacle to dispose of your garbage in the outdoors, bring it home with you and dispose of it properly there.
Green Sunscreen: Protecting ourselves from the sun is important when spending time outdoors. When picking out your sunscreen, look for one that is eco friendly and mineral based. Not only is it better for the environment, but it is better for your skin and health as well.
Indoor Plants: Bring some greenery inside this summer with indoor plants. Indoor plants are an excellent way to brighten up your home. Additionally, they also serve as natural air purifiers. Therefore, you can feel better about the air you are breathing when you are running the AC and are inside on a scorching hot day.
Make Meals at Home: Making more meals at home is a superb way to cut down on the emissions in your food chain. Plus, if you are able to use produce from your garden or local Farmer's Market in your meals, you are helping the local economy while getting to have delicious and fresh meals from the comfort of your home.
Hang Your Clothes to Dry: If you have the space to do so, hanging your clothes to dry in the warm weather is a great alternative to using the dryer. Not only does it cut back on your carbon footprint, but it also gives your clothes that fresh smell. Also, the UV rays from the sun help to kill any lingering bacteria on clothing.
Repurpose Your Water: Water is essential to staying healthy all year long, especially in the heat of summer. This summer be sure to use any water leftover in your water bottle or from waiting for the shower to heat up to water your plants or put in your pet's water dish. It's a great way to not let water go to waste.
Unplug: Getting away from technology and enjoying the outdoors with friends and family is one of the best parts of summer. Before you run outside, check that small appliances and technology that don't need to be plugged in are unplugged. It helps you save on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint.

Do you have other tips for having fun and being green this summer? We would love to know what they are! Also, if you are looking to make a big change in reducing your carbon footprint this summer you should consider going solar. It helps you stay green all year long! To learn more about going solar you can reach out to us here!

*These tips were originally published in a Biofriendly Planet article that you can find here.

Battery Backup Benefits

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 12:35:43 GMT

Being able to keep your lights on regardless of the circumstances is a great benefit of having battery backup. When the power goes out you don't have to worry about the food in your fridge rotting or being in the dark for hours. Battery backup is a great option whether you integrate it with your solar system or have it just for emergency situations.

Benefits

There are many benefits to equipping your home with battery backup. It is beneficial for you, your home, and the environment.

Keep Your Lights On: When the power goes out you won't have to worry about sitting in the dark for hours and your food possibly spoiling in the fridge. You can select to power your entire home with your battery or just the necessities such as the fridge, lights, and other key appliances.
Solar Compatible: Batteries are compatible with your solar system. Therefore, the excess energy that your solar system creates will be used to keep your battery charged. You can also select to run off the battery at night or during peak periods of electrical use to keep your energy bills down.
Quiet: Unlike generators, which are loud, batteries run quietly and won't be bothersome to you, your family, or your neighbors. You won't even be able to hear it running, so you can sit back and admire the power that it's producing.
Clean: Generators run on fossil fuels, where batteries can store the excess power of your solar system. Also, you don't have to worry about refueling your batteries after they have been used, unlike a generator.

Brands We Trust/Offer

There are a number of different options out there when it comes to selecting battery backup for your home. We have compiled the list of brands that we trust and can help you determine which is the best fit for your home.

Battery backup has many benefits for your home and your family. If you want to learn more about your battery backup options you can reach out to us here . We are always happy to answer questions and help promote clean energy!

Green Tips To Stay Cool This Summer

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 13:26:15 GMT

The heat of summer is here and trying to stay cool can be a challenge, especially if you want to be eco friendly. That is why we put together a list of some tips to help you and your family stay cool this summer while also keeping the environment in mind. Staying cool and being green can be easy!

Tips To Stay Cool

Try out these tips to stay cool this summer while still being eco friendly!

Close Blinds & Curtains: Letting the natural sunlight into your home can be wonderful. However, in the summer months it also lets heat from the sun into your home. Keeping your curtains and blinds closed during the heat of the day can help to keep your home cool and the sun's rays out of your home.
Know When To Open Windows: Opening your windows during the heat of the day will let all the warm air in and heat up your home. It is best to open up your windows during the cooler parts of the day, particularly when the sun has started to go down at night or hasn't fully risen yet in the morning.
Open Doors: Keeping the interior doors of your home open helps to circulate cooler air throughout your home. Closing a room off will trap the heat inside of it and when you go to open the door to that room that heat will circulate throughout your home. Keeping the interior doors open can help keep your home cool.
Ditch Incandescent Light Bulbs: Incandescent light bulbs give off heat. Switching to LED of CFL bulbs will not only decrease the energy needed to power your lights but also decease the heat that they give off. Additionally, be sure to only have lights on when you need them.
Caulk & Weatherstrip: Another trick to keep the cool air in your home is to caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows. Doing this keeps your home more insulated allowing your home to stay warmer in the winter months and cooler in the summer months.
Ice In Front Of A Fan: A fun trick to cool down your home is to place a bowl of ice or an ice pack in front of a fan. Doing this cools the air that fan is circulating. For the best results make sure to tilt the bowl so that the fan is hitting it as it pushes air throughout the room.
Don't Cook During The Day/Use The Grill: Cooking during the day with your stove or oven creates heat in your home. Avoid cooking during the warmest parts of the day. Also, if you are able to utilize cooking on the grill more frequently in the summer. Cooking on the grill keeps the heat from cooking out of your home.
Plant For Shade: When doing the landscaping around your home consider planting trees and shrubs for shade. Your plants will then do the work of blocking the sun from entering your home and help to keep it cool. It is also beneficial if the plants can be cut back in the winter or will loose their leaves to allow in the warmth of the sun during that time of year.
Light Paint Colors: If you are looking to give your home a makeover go for lighter colors. Lighter colors reflect heat where darker colors absorb it. If you want to make the biggest difference paint your exterior walls in lighter colors and you can have darker colors on your interior walls if you desire.
Use Cotton Sheets: 100% cotton sheets will help to keep you cooler than those with a polyester blend. Cotton sheets are more breathable and therefore keep you cooler throughout the night. Due to this it allows you to not have to crank the AC as high or have fans going throughout the night to keep you cool.

Do you have other tips for staying cool and green this summer? We would love to know what they are! Also, if you are looking to make a big change in reducing your carbon footprint this summer you should consider going solar. It helps you stay green all year long! To learn more about going solar you can reach out to us here!

*These tips were originally published in an HGTV article that you can find here.

Why Going Solar in 2020 Is Still A Great Option

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 12:41:09 GMT

2020 has thrown us all some curve balls but the benefits of going solar have not changed. It is still a great way to reduce your energy bills and your carbon footprint. Plus, there are still Federal and State Tax Incentives available to make the cost of going solar even more affordable. Going solar has many benefits for you, your wallet, and the environment.

For You

Going solar in 2020 has many benefits for you and your family. One of them being that you are taking a big step in supporting renewable energy. You are powering your house by the sun and supporting the move away from fossil fuels. Another benefit is that solar panels can help protect the section of the roof that they are on. Therefore, increasing the life span of your roof. Also, going solar helps to set the precedent in your family and community that solar is for all and not just for the select few. It is affordable and for everyone!

For Your Wallet

When it comes down to it who wouldn’t want to be saving money on their energy bills? Energy bills are a necessary evil that we have to pay, but you don’t have to be paying hundreds of dollars a month for them. Many of our customers just pay the connection fee to the grid which can be as low as $15/month, depending on where you live and your energy provider. When a home has a solar system, it is designed to cover the energy needs of the home. The energy that the solar panels produce is fed back into the grid and then the energy provider credits that home with the energy that they have created. In the Northeast, the solar systems that we design are done so with the winter months in mind so you will have low energy bills all year long! Plus, with the Federal Tax Incentive of 26% of the system's cost and State Tax Incentives available, you are saving on the installation and equipment costs of your solar system as well. Going solar makes your wallet smile for many reasons!

For The Environment

The more things that we can do to help preserve our environment the better. For each person that can be different but equally important efforts being made. This can include recycling, driving an electric vehicle, and even going solar. All these actions help to decrease your carbon footprint and help the environment to smile a little. While going solar may seem like a big commitment it is a great way to support renewable energy, the environment, and help your wallet at the same time. Reducing your carbon footprint is important and going solar is a big step you can take to reduce it and do your part to try and leave the environment a little better for the next generation.

There is no doubt that 2020 has been a crazy year already and we aren’t even halfway through it. However, a solar system is a solid invest for you, your wallet, and the environment. It will be producing clean energy for years to come and you will be reaping the benefits for decades. If you are interested in learning more about going solar reach out to us today . It is a great way to keep you, your wallet, and the environment smiling ��.

Grilling Tools

Wed, 20 May 2020 11:33:38 GMT

The season for grilling is upon us! It is time to get outside and enjoy the warm weather with some delicious grilled foods. We have put together a list of our favorite tools for grilling that make creating delicious foods a breeze. Get ready for a great grilling season and be a pro at home or on the go!

Portable Grill

A portable grill is great for the grilling season when you are on the go! It is perfect for a picnic in the park or to bring on a vacation. This grill is made from high quality material that is meant to last for years and years. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee. Get this awesome grill here!

Grill Set

This grill set comes with all the tools you need to make delicious grilled food. It comes in a convenient aluminum case to keep all of your tools nicely stored. Also, all of the tools are made out of stainless steel so they are rust resistant. Get this handy grill set here!

Grilling Apron

This grilling apron is perfect for everyone! It has all the pockets that you need for tools, towels, and spices to help you grill. It also has a headphones loop so you can rock out while grilling. Plus, its made from durable material to last for years. Get this awesome grilling apron here!

Grilling Gloves

These grilling gloves are meant to withstand high heat so you can handle your grilled foods safely. They are made from environmentally friendly silicon and are built to last. The gloves are non-slip and have a cotton inner layer for moisture wicking. Get these handy grilling gloves here!

Natural Charcoal

Natural charcoal provides that great grilling flavor with fewer emissions. It has a long burn time and has a high burning heat to get the most out of your grill time. Plus, it is easy to light allowing you to get your grill up and running in a flash. Get all natural charcoal here!

Are there grilling tools that you love that we missed? We would love to know what they are so we can all be grill masters this summer. If you are looking for another way to brighten up your summer season you should consider going solar. It reduces your carbon footprint while saving you money. You can reach out to us here to learn more!

Electric Vehicle Tax Incentives

Wed, 13 May 2020 12:10:41 GMT

It is fairly well known that there are tax incentives for going solar, but did you know there are also tax incentives for purchasing electric vehicle charging equipment? There are both commercial and residential incentives available for you to take advantage of. Take the next step in reducing your carbon footprint by going electric.

Residential

If you purchase electric vehicle charging equipment for your home, there is a 30% tax incentive available up to $1,000. Having electric vehicle charging equipment at your home is a great way to get the most out of your vehicle and have it ready for the adventures of the day. You must purchase and have the equipment installed by December 31, 2020 to be eligible to receive the tax incentive. Don't miss out on this great opportunity!

Commercial

Electric vehicle charging equipment at your commercial location is a great way to bring in customers and increase customer dwell time. Plus, you can receive a tax credit of 30% of the equipment and install cost up to $30,000! This incentive is a great way to offset the cost of purchasing and installing the equipment. You must have the equipment purchased and installed by December 31, 2020 to be eligible to receive the incentive. This is a great opportunity for your commercial property!

If you are looking to install electric vehicle charging equipment at your home or business please reach out to us today ! We can help you determine the right equipment for your location and make sure you are set up to get those tax incentives!

Gardening Tools

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 12:13:39 GMT

Gardening is a great way to get outside and enjoy the earth. Whether you plant flowers, herbs, vegetables, or fruit, it's a great way to beautify your home and become more self-sufficient. Plus, gardening provides a fun workout and activity for the family. We put together a list of our favorite gardening supplies to get you started!

Gardening Gloves

These bamboo gloves are perfect for working in any garden and climate! The bamboo material helps to keep the hands cool in the heat and warm when it's cold. They are touchscreen friendly, comfortable to wear, and come with a satisfaction guarantee! Get these awesome gardening gloves here!

Garden Tool Set

This gardening set is perfect for novice and experienced gardeners. All of the tools have ergonomical wood handles to help with the comfort of using them. Plus, the set comes in recyclable packaging to help reduce waste and has a satisfaction guarantee. Get this garden tool set here!

Seed Starters

These seed starter pots are perfect for starting flowers, vegetables, herbs, and any other plants! The pots are made from peat to reduce transplant shock and do no harm root circulation. They are also biodegradable, eco friendly, and are OMRI certified. Get these biodegradable seed starters here!

Garden Pad

If you are spending hours in the garden your knees are going to feel it! To reduce the pain you can use a garden pad to cushion the knees. You will feel comfortable gardening for a few minutes or hours. Plus, it can be used as a cushion at sporting events, for yoga, and much more! Get this great garden pad here!

Watering Can

This stainless steel watering can is as beautiful as it is functional! It is perfect for your indoor plants but also works great outdoors as well. It is built to resist scratches and tarnish and is eco friendly. It is easy to clean and a great gift for the gardener in your life! Get this beautiful watering can here!

Do you have other gardening supplies that you love? We would love to hear what they are! Also, if you are looking to make a bigger change to help the environment you should consider going solar. We would be happy to help you determine if making the switch to solar is the right move for you. Reach out to us here to learn more!

How to Celebrate Earth Day at Home

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 13:00:50 GMT

Earth Day is April 22 this year (2020), and while you may not be able to get out and support a project in your community there are plenty of ways that you can celebrate at home. The day is about giving back to this wonderful earth and supporting it in any way that we can. So roll back your sleeves and start a project at your home to celebrate this wonderful earth that we have!

What You Can Do At Home

These fun activities are ways that you can celebrate Earth Day at home with the entire family:

Start a composting bin! This is a great way to reduce waste and make your own soil that is fertile.
Plant a garden! Whether you want to plant flowers, vegetables, herbs, fruit or all of the above it is a great way to become more self-sufficient and encourages you to get outside.
Build a bird house! This is a fun activity for the entire family. Plus, you and your family will get to observe the birds that come and visit.
Plant a tree! Billions are cut down every year so do your part in helping to replenish the loss.
Become conscious of your energy consumption! Unplug appliances that are not in use, turn off lights when you leave the room, fix leaky faucets, and invest in rechargeable batteries.
Go paperless! Switch to online billing statements and paying bills online. Also, unsubscribe to junk mail.
Get a reusable water bottle! Reduce your plastic consumption by switching to a reusable water bottle.
Collect rainwater! Use the rainwater you collect to water your garden and plants.
Recycle! Put a recycling plan in place at home and designate bins to collect your recyclables.

Are you looking to keep the celebration of Earth Day going all year long? If you are looking to make a big change to reduce your carbon footprint then consider going solar. It not only helps the environment, but helps your wallet as well. Reach out to us today to learn if going solar is right for you!

Eco Friendly Bags

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 12:37:17 GMT

With the plastic bag ban now in effect in New York, and many other states, it is important to bring your own bags to the grocery store to avoid the 5 cent fee for paper bags. While paper bags may be a little better for the environment than their plastic counterparts, the best thing that you can do is to invest in reusable bags. There are a variety of different reusable bags that you can get from heavy duty ones for the grocery store to colorful snacks bags. Investing in reusable bags is great for your wallet and the environment.

Heavy Duty Grocery Totes

These heavy duty grocery totes are perfect for your weekly shopping trip. They hold up to 4 gallons and stay open for easy loading. They fold up compactly when not in use for easy storage and can be used for multiple purposes including grocery shopping, laundry, and traveling. Get these great heavy duty totes here!

Sandwich & Snack Bags

Not only do these bags reduce your plastic consumption, but they also come in fun patterns! The bags prevent leaks and have smooth zippers that prevent crumbs from getting caught in them. Plus, they can be used as a makeup bag, for toiletries when traveling, or even art supplies. Get these fun reusable bags here!

Produce Bags

Ditch the plastic produce bags and get ones that you can reuse. These produce bags can hold up to eleven pounds and are machine washable for easy cleaning. They are perfect for picking out produce or bulk items at the grocery and are great for a farmer's market too. Get these produce bags here!

Lightweight Totes

Lightweight totes that are sturdy are a win-win! They come in fun patterns, are machine washable, and have a one-year no rip guarantee. There are plenty of fun patterns to choose from to make your reusable bag experience more expressive. Get these lightweight tote bags here!

Silicon Storage Bags

Keep your food fresh with silicon bags and reduce your plastic consumption. These bags are dishwasher and freezer safe. Plus, they allow for flexible storage to reduce the space taken up in your fridge or freezer. Get these awesome silicon bags here!

Making these small changes can add up to a big reduction in your carbon footprint. Do you have any additional eco friendly bags that you love? We would love to hear what they are! Also, if you are looking to make a bigger change in your energy consumption, consider going solar. We can help you decide if making the switch to solar is the right decision for you. Learn more here!

Do You Need A New Roof?

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:01:08 GMT

Spring is just around the corner and that means budding flowers, warmer days, and the roofing season is here! You may be wondering if you need a new roof this year or how you can tell that your roof needs to be replaced, before you discover damage to your home. We are here to help you determine if your roof needs to be replaced or if it has some years left in it.

Age of Roof

If your roof is already 20 years old, it is nearing the end of its lifespan and its time to start thinking about a new roof. You may have a few years depending on the condition of it, but you will want to replace it before having an old leaky roof causes damage to your home, and cost you even more.

Shingles

There are a few signs that your shingles can show that mean you need a new roof. If your shingles are buckling, curling, or losing granules you need a new roof. Curled and buckled shingles are a sign of them being exposed to sun and moisture. The integrity of the shingles has been compromised and allows the elements, cold, and heat to seep into your home.

When it comes to lose granules, check your gutters. If you find them in there, then your shingles are at the end of their life and it is time for a new roof. This can also lead to cracked or missing shingles. Cracked shingles are well past their life expectancy and allow the elements into your home. Missing shingles can also cause issues with water, heat, and cold seeping into your home.

Mold or Algae

If you have water stains on your roof, you could have mold or algae. When you have either of them growing on your roof, they can damage the surface of the shingle. When the surface of the shingle is damaged it can lead to leaks in your roof and water in your home, which is never a good thing.

Missing Flashing

Flashing serves an important function on your roof by sealing out water, generally around a chimney or vent. If this gets damaged it can cause leaking into your home. Make sure that it is replaced by metal flashing, as it lasts longer than the tar or roof cement alternatives that can crack as they age.

Daylight/Insulating

If you go into your attic and can see light coming through the roof boards, your roof is most likely in need of a replacement. It means that the decking is damaged from moisture and there may even be moisture in your insulation. It can lead to leaks in your home, and means your home is not insulated properly. When your home isn’t insulated properly it can lead to higher energy bills.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the condition of your roof we would be happy to answer them. We can also guide you through the entire roof replacement process and have financing options available so you can get a new roof when you need one. You can reach out to us here!

A Green Bedroom

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 13:44:07 GMT

Living a greener and more sustainable lifestyle is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. There are small things that you can do around your home that really add up. Choosing clean and green items for your bedroom is a great place to start. Check out our list of favorite green items for the bedroom to get you started and give you some great ideas!

Recycled Cotton Rug

Are you looking for a rug to brighten up your room? This 100% recycled rug is the one for you! It is made from recycled cotton and yarn, and no two rugs are the same. That means your rug is unique to you. It is also soft, durable, and reversible. Get this beautiful rug here!

Natural Cotton Curtains

These curtains are not only beautiful but they are eco-friendly too! They have no chemical coating and are machine washable. Plus, they block out 65% of the light helping to insulate your room and cut down on heating and cooling costs.
Get these great curtains here!

Woven Storage Basket

This lovely basket can serve many purposes in your bedroom. It is made from 100% natural jute fibers, and the threads remain strong when exposed to the elements. This basket is a great way to store your belongings in an attractive manner.

Get this wonderful basket here!

Bamboo Sheets

Eco-friendly sheets and luxury go hand in hand with these bamboo sheets. The fabric is soft, and antibacterial and allergy free. They come with a lifetime guarantee so there is no risk in trying them out for your bedroom.

Get these luxurious sheets here!

LED Touch Lamp

This simple and functional lamp adds a warming glow to your bedroom in the mornings and night. The LED bulb helps to reduce energy consumption, lowering your energy bills while providing cozy light.

Get this simple and elegant lamp here!

Making these small changes can add up to a big reduction in your carbon footprint. Do you have additional green bedroom items that you love? We would love to hear what they are! Also, if you are looking to make a bigger change in your energy consumption, consider going solar. We can help you decide if making the switch to solar is the right decision for you. Learn more here!

Community Engagement

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 15:14:30 GMT

Apex Solar Power & Roofing enjoys giving back to their community whenever they can. They know that they wouldn’t be able to keep bringing their services to the communities that they serve without their support. Over the years they have taken time to give back and help support these communities in any way that they can. Check out some of the projects they have completed so far.

Adopt A Highway

In 2019, Apex Solar Power & Roofing adopted two local stretches of road to maintain. They took to the roads last Earth Day and collected over 30 bags of trash in one outing! Apex Solar Power & Roofing takes pride in their local roads and are happy to be able to help beautify them and keep the trash off them. They will be maintaining these roads again this year and you will be able to them us out and about throughout the year picking up the trash along side them.

Salvation Army

For the 2019 holiday season, Apex Solar Power & Roofing sponsored the Salvation Army Holiday Stage at the Aviation Mall. Through this sponsorship they were able to help more families celebrate a Christmas that they would not be able to afford otherwise. It also went towards supplying holiday dinners for local families. By sponsoring this event they were able to spread the holiday spirit and help families have a wonderful holiday season.

Habitat For Humanity

A few years ago, Apex Solar Power & Roofing had the opportunity to help with a Habitat for Humanity project. They installed a 4000-watt installation on a local home, which was one of the first Habitat for Humanity homes with solar on it in the country. Apex Solar Power & Roofing had a number of employees and installers come out for the day and volunteer their time to help a local family. It was a great experience for all and they are happy that they could help a local family not only build a home, but power it with solar power.

Marathon Dance

Apex Solar Power & Roofing has had the honor of helping the South Glens Falls High School reach their fundraising goals for the Marathon Dance. Over the years they have donated $250 for every project installed in the area and $20 for every person in the area that gets a free quote. Apex Solar Power & Roofing does their best to help this great cause that helps a variety of charities in the area. The students that put on the dance are hard working and Apex Solar Power & Roofing is happy to support them.

Questions?

Apex Solar Power & Roofing is always looking for new ways to give back to their community. If you have a project in mind give us a shout! You can also refer a non-profit for our solar for a cause program to help them reach their fundraising goals . You can also contact us here with any community involvement questions!

Green Cleaning Products

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 17:00:57 GMT

It’s a new year and decade and that means it’s a fresh start. Therefore, it’s a great time to spruce up your cleaning game with cleaning products that are actually clean. We have compiled a list of our favorite green cleaning products that spruce up the home without any harsh chemicals. This year start fresh with green cleaning products that make your home sparkle and shine!

Do you have other green cleaning products that you use to make your home sparkle? We would love to hear which ones they are. Also, if you are looking to make your home even greener you should consider making the switch to solar. Not only does it benefit the environment but it reduces your energy bills, saving you money! Reach out to us today to learn more!

Solar Misconceptions That Are Common To Hear

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 14:57:53 GMT

Solar power has gained a lot of popularity recently and for good reasons. It helps home and business owners reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. A solar system is a great investment in the future for many home owners and businesses. Despite the growth of solar energy, there are still many solar misconceptions out there. We are going to help clear them up for you so you can make an informed decision about solar power. Solar power can be a big asset to your energy bills and carbon footprint, and we want you to know exactly what it is about before you decide if making the switch is right for you.

Tax Credits

The 26% federal and state tax credits are applicable to the individual homeowner’s taxable income. The maximum tax credit rebate will never be more than the taxes the homeowner has paid or owes. Therefore, the homeowner will only get their own money back. Solar income tax credits will never be subsidized or taken from an individual who is not the system purchaser. Also, states have their own incentives and programs to encourage home and business owners to make the switch to solar. We can go over all of the tax incentives that you are eligible for, so you know exactly how much your solar system will cost you and what the return on investment will be.

Expensive Equipment

The cost of solar equipment is continuing to go down. Therefore, you do not need to be a millionaire to be able to benefit from a solar system. In fact, the middle and working classes are more frequent adopters. Someone who can easily afford their electric bill is not going to be as motivated to go solar as someone who is truly seeking savings. For the millions of people who work hard to budget their bills and household expenses, knocking out or lowering the electric bill has a huge impact! In fact, New York, among other states, has special LMI financing loan options for those whose household income is below the median for the county. Therefore, there are plenty of options and ways to make a solar system affordable for all who would like to make the switch to renewable energy.

Financing A Solar System

It is a myth that you will have to purchase a solar system in cash. The vast majority of solar system purchases are financed by federal credit unions who specialize in renewable energy financing. Most homeowners opt for a loan that has monthly payments that are less than their current electric bill. There are no early payment penalties and they also offer free tax credit bridge loans. These loans give the homeowner time to do next year’s taxes, and use the tax credits to directly reduce the system cost. Financing is simple, and over 70% of our customers have financed their solar systems. We can help you determine which loan is right for you when you decide to go solar.

Questions?

Deciding to make the switch to solar is much easier when you have all of the facts. To learn more about solar power and if making the switch is right for you, reach out to us today ! We will be happy to answer all of your questions and show you all of the options that are available.

Last Minute Eco Friendly Stocking Stuffers

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 13:30:00 GMT

The holiday season is here, and with it brings a lot of activities and celebrations. Between all of the family, friend, and office gatherings, it can be difficult to get that last minute shopping done, and to keep it green. We are here to help with this dilemma! We put together a list of our favorite eco friendly stocking stuffers that are perfect for anyone on your list! Give the people in your life a special gift that is also a gift to the environment.

What are your favorite eco friendly stocking stuffers? We would love to hear if you have additional ones that we can add to our list. Also, if you are looking to make a bigger change for the environment during the holidays consider going solar. Not only does it benefit the environment but it reduces your energy bills, saving you money!

Reach out to us today to learn more!

Understanding The Solar Federal Tax Credit Change

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 13:30:00 GMT

There are many reasons why a person decides to make the switch to solar. It can be for environmental reasons, to gain energy independence, or to save money on energy bills. Usually it is a combination of reasons but saving money is generally a big part of it. Therefore, many people are wondering if it will still be worthwhile to go solar when the Solar Federal Tax Credit drops from 30% to 26% in 2020.

The answer is a resounding YES! The reason being that you will still be reducing your carbon footprint and saving money on your energy bills. Plus, the cost of going solar is continuing to drop as solar equipment is becoming increasingly more efficient. Meaning that the cost of going solar is still beneficial for the environment and your wallet.

Change In Tax Credit

Below is an example to further illustrate the change in the Solar Federal Tax Credit. The examples is for a 6500 watt solar system at $3.00/watt, with the 30% tax credit versus the 26% tax credit.

30% Tax Credit

Total Cost: $19,500

30% Federal ITC: $5,850

26% Federal Tax Credit

Total Cost: $19,500

26% Federal ITC: $5,070

Difference:

$780

Even with the decrease in the tax credit it is still attractive to make the switch to solar. You will still be receiving a large tax credit back, and decreasing your energy bills and your impact on the environment.

If you are looking for more information about the Solar Federal Tax Credit reach out to us today! We would be happy to answer all of your questions and help you navigate if going solar is the right option for you!

Green Entertaining For The Holidays

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 13:26:00 GMT

It is the time of year we gather with friends and family for the holidays. That can mean a big family dinner or a cocktail party with your loved ones. Either way keeping the environment in mind during these gatherings is important. This is why we have put together a list of our favorite eco friendly holiday party supplies just in time for entertaining!

Which are your favorite eco friendly holiday party items? We would love to hear if you have additional ones that we can add to our list. Also, if you are looking to make a bigger change for the environment during the holidays consider going solar. Not only does it benefit the environment but it reduces your energy bills, saving you money! Reach out to us today to learn more!

The Pika Energy Island Is Now The Generac PWRcell

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 14:00:00 GMT

The Pika Energy Island is now the Generac PWRcell. The Generac PWRcell offers the same great benefits as the Pika Energy Island and even has some improvements. It is a great solar storage option that can keep the lights on during power outages and help reduce your energy bills during peak rate hours. It is especially appealing with the winter weather coming and the potential for snow storms to shut off power for days. The Generac PWRcell can keep you powered in all conditions.

Generac PWRcell Features & Benefits

The Generac PWRcell has many features and benefits that make it an appealing addition to your home.

Features

Fully integrated operating system
Up to 12kW of surge power
8kW of continuous output
8.6kWh to 17.1kWh of storage
PWRview app that lets you easily track energy consumption, monitor battery usage, and track savings

Benefits

The most powerful and efficient solar energy management system available
Industry leading warranties
Scalable and can grow with your needs over time
An investment into your home and future
Charges and discharges more efficiently than competitors, meaning more energy available for the home

A Generac PWRcell can be a great addition to any home and provide the peace of mind you are looking for when the power goes out. Are you interested in a Generac PWRcell for your home? Reach out to us today to learn more about how it can be added to your home!

Generac PWRcell Brochure

How to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 12:30:00 GMT

Winter is coming. That means snow, sweaters, and shorter days. It also means putting on layers and delaying turning on the heat as long as possible to avoid watching your energy bill go up. However, winter doesn’t have to be a dreaded time of the year. There are a few tricks we have learned throughout the years on how to effectively heat your home and by doing so, keeping your heating costs down while staying cozy on the couch.

Staying Warm Tips

These simple tips can keep your house warmer and help you avoid turning the thermostat up:

Open your curtains when the sun is shining. This will allow the heat from the sun to come in, and to prevent the heat from escaping close the curtains at night.
Move any furniture away from registers or vents that heat your home. The heat will then be able to circulate the room more evenly.
After you have finished baking or cooking with your oven, and turned it off, leave it open and let the heat spill into the room. Only do this if it is not a safety concern for any of the residents in your home.
Check the filters in your furnace and replace or clean them if necessary for it to perform optimally.
Use rugs on hardwood and tile floors. They help to keep your feet warm when walking across them.
If you have a fireplace and are not using it, close the flue and the draft. Also, block your fireplace with a fireplace insert to prevent warm air from escaping up it and cold air from coming down it.
Use blankets when lounging on the couch to keep warm. You can also snuggle with your pets for extra warmth!

Stop dreading winter and the extra heating costs by following these tips. Do you have your own tips of how to keep your heating costs down in the winter? We would love to hear them! Also, if you are looking to keep your heating costs down even more this winter consider going solar to offset your energy bill. Reach out to us today to learn more!

EV Grant for Local Governments

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 12:00:00 GMT

Electric Vehicle charging stations bring in business to towns and companies that have them available. EV charging stations attract high-paying customers and increase dwell time as well. Plus, they showcase that the town or city is a leader in clean energy. EV drivers go where charging stations are available which can draw them to your town and in turn boost your economy. The DEC is now offering a grant to make bringing EV chargers to your town more affordable, so you can reap all the benefits of being an EV friendly destination.

EV Infrastructure Grant

The grant has a total of $2.5 million in funds available. The grant funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are available to municipalities that installed (or will install) electric vehicle charging stations that are Level 2 or direct current fast charge.

The electric vehicle charging station must also be included as qualified in either the NYSERDA Charge Ready NY Program or the New York State Office of General Services EVSE and Network Services State Contract .

A 20% local match based on total project cost is required. Maximum grant amount for any facility (location) is $250,000 and to any one municipality is $500,000. There is no minimum award amount and charging hubs consisting of multiple units are eligible. Also, the NYSERDA ChargeReady Program and the DEC ZEV Infrastructure program may NOT be utilized together for the same electric vehicle charging station installation project.

The DEC is accepting applications for the Municipal ZEV Infrastructure Grant Program on a rolling basis through 4:00 pm on May 29, 2020 or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first. Eligibility for equipment, installation, electricity, and site preparation expenses for projects that started on June 1, 2018 or after.

Utlizing The Solar System

Is your town or municipality interested in utilizing this grant for electric vehicle charging stations? Apex Solar Power can help you through the process. Reach out to us today to get started and make your town a model for green practices!

Simple Changes to be More Green

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 13:00:00 GMT

When making changes to reduce your carbon footprint, small changes can add up to a big reduction. There are simple changes to be more green that you can make around your home to conserve energy and help to promote green practices. We have complied a list of some of our favorite ones that are easy to apply in any home!

What are you going to try out to make your life a little more green? If you are looking to make a big change in your lifestyle you should consider going solar. It’s a great way to produce your own clean and green energy and cut down on your carbon emissions while saving money.

Reach out to us today to learn more!

What to do if Your Solar Installer Went Out of Business

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 12:30:00 GMT

Going solar is a great choice for the environment and for your energy bill. However, not all solar companies are able to stay in business for the lifetime of the solar system that they installed for you. Therefore, it can be stressful to determine where you should go if you have questions about your system and your solar installer went out of business. We service all solar systems, whether we installed it or another company did. You can contact us with any questions or concerns about your solar system and we will help you determine if any issues are occurring.

Services & Maintenance We Provide

Meter Swap
Critter Guard Installation
Inverter Troubleshooting
Micro Inverter/Optimizer Replacement
Module Replacement
PV System Removal & Re-Installation
Consulting

Site Assessment
String Inverter Replacement
Roof Leak Evaluation
Monitoring/Troubleshooting Support
PV System Removal
Full System Operating Check
System Upgrades

One of the many great aspects of solar system’s is that they are low maintenance. Therefore, once it is installed you can produce clean and green energy for years to come without worrying about it. However, if you feel your system isn’t performing where it should be, we can help diagnosis it and get it back to performing at its best. We service all solar systems and you can contact us here with any questions that you have.

How to Get The Most Out of Your Solar Panels

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 13:00:00 GMT

Solar panels, along with many of their other benefits, are low maintenance. Which is a big perk of installing them. However, there are a few ways that you can ensure that you are getting the most out of your solar panels. Having your solar panels producing at their peak performance is the best way to keep your energy bills and carbon emissions low.

Clean Panels

Overtime panels can accumulate dust, dirt, droppings, and pollen on them. In most cases, rain will wash all of these away and keep your panels performing at their peak. However, when there are long periods without rain or if you live on a farm, more dirt is in the air, then you may need to clean off your panels. Dirt and debris can impact the amount of sunlight being absorbed and converted into energy.

If you decide that you want to clean your panels you can either hire a professional or do it yourself. When cleaning the panels yourself you want to emulate the rain with your garden hose. You want to gently spray the panels with water. Also, do not use any chemicals on them or use anything to scrape them. This can cause scratches and damage to the panels which may alter their production. It is best to be gentle when cleaning your panels or check the weather for the next rainfall and let mother nature do the work for you.

Read Your Energy Bill

Reading through your energy bill every month will show you how much energy your system is producing. It will also show you if you produced more energy than you needed or if you had to draw from the grid. The portions of your energy bill that you should look include rate plan, solar production & energy use, net energy use, and other utility charges.

Rate Plan: This shows how much you are being charged for electricity and any rules for calculating the cost. Also, if your plan is based on Time-Of-Use, this section will show the rate for the different times of day.

Solar Energy Production & Energy Usage: Your solar energy production will be shown here in kilowatt hours along with how much energy you consumed.

Net Energy Use: If a negative number is shown here that means you produced more energy than you consumed and the excess energy was sent back to grid and is banked as a credit for future months. If you have a positive number in this section it means you used more energy than you produced.

Other Utility Charges: This is the charge for being connected to the grid.

Depending on the time of year will depend on the solar production numbers that you will see. It is common to produce more in the summer and then have those credits applied in the winter months when the days are shorter.

Monitor Your System

It is easy to monitor your solar system through your monitoring portal online. You can access it on your computer or through an app on your phone. In the monitoring portal you will be able to see real time what your system is producing and if any panels are not where they should be. Check your system when you get your energy bill to make sure that the production is the same in both places.

Maintenance Visit

If you feel that your solar system is not performing where it should be, give us a call! We will be happy to come out and check what is going on to get your system back to peak performance.

Questions?

If you have any questions about your solar system or monitoring portal we are here to answer them. We want you to be producing as much energy as possible with your system and be able to see the production as well. Reach out to us here with any questions that you have!

Solar Carport Options

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 12:00:00 GMT

Solar Carports are a great option for a home or business. It provides the benefits of a ground mount with additional advantages. The land underneath the carport can be utilized to park cars, cover a patio, or create a shaded area in a yard. They provide more functionality for your home or business than a traditional ground mount does. There are plenty of solar carport options so you can find the one that fits your needs.

Solar Carport

The solar carport option is available in 1-3 bays and has the most panel options available. It is available from 16-48 panels so you can be sure to offset the power needs of your home or business and offset them with clean and green energy. With this option you get site specific configuration, a fixed tilt slope up to 5 degrees, and an EV charging station is optional.

Timber Frame Carport

The Timber Frame Solar Carport option is a beautiful structure to display your solar panels and protect your vehicle from the elements. It also makes a great patio cover or a gazebo in your yard. It is hand crafted in Vermont with high quality materials and the craftsmanship is stunning. This carport is a beautiful addition to any home and will only enhance the curb appeal of a home.

The Palm Carport

The Palm Carport is an all inclusive package that is available for 2-4 cars. The package includes both the structure and the solar panels. It is made from corrosion proof aluminum and has bifacial solar panels. Optional additions to the Palm Carport include: wifi software integration, EV charger, and LED lights. It is a great option for a carport with some extra perks available.

Are you interested in a solar carport option for your home or business? Reach out to us today and we can help you find the perfect fit for your location!

Apex Solar Power & SolarFi

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 13:00:00 GMT

Apex Solar Power has donated solar panels to SolarFi for their work in Africa. They are bringing solar power to communities that do not have a reliable energy source. The solar panels will be used to power kiosks that can provide refrigeration, phone charging, and internet access. Having solar powered kiosks will bring commerce to these communities and allow them to rely on dirty fuels less and renewable energy more, which will improve quality of life.

Increased Quality of Life

The use of solar energy can increase the quality of life in communities in Africa that are currently using dirty fuels as their energy source. These fuels emit toxic fumes that are hazardous to the environment, and those that breathe them in. The ability to use solar power will lessen the dependence on these fuels. When solar panels produce energy there are no toxic fumes or exhaust emitted. Therefore, the amount of pollution and health problems related to toxic fumes will decrease and the health of the people in these communities will improve.

Also, many people in these communities are walking long distances every day just to charge their phone. This puts a drain on them and their health. However, they need to have a charged phone to be able to access their bank account and make essential purchases. Therefore, having a solar powered kiosk nearby that allows them to safely charge their phone is a huge benefit and relief. Having a local solar power source in these communities creates a reliable energy source and helps to improve the quality of life.

Solar Power Bringing Hope

With the donated panels from Apex Solar Power, SolarFi is closer to helping more communities in Africa utilize solar energy. Solar power will help these communities lead healthier lives and lessen their dependence on dirty fuels. Plus, solar power has a great return on investment for these communities that rely on them, and spend most of their income on it. Solar power is bringing a better quality of life to these communities in Africa.

SolarFi is a New York State 501(C) (3) founded by Antonio Dixon, former founder of SunPowerd, Jerry Shaye, former Director of International Trade Development at New York State, and Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, a former Ghana Ambassador to the United States. The team works closely with RPI, and UMass Amherst to develop innovative solar solutions for people in developing countries. SolarFi’s co-founder, Antonio Dixon stated “With the help of solar, SolarFi & Apex Solar Power can lift a generation out of poverty. We are extremely grateful for our partnership with Apex Solar Power.”

If you would like to learn more about SolarFi you can check them out here . You can also donate to their cause and help bring more solar power to communities in Africa here.

If you are looking to go solar contact us here!

Food Labels

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 12:00:00 GMT

When grocery shopping, there are many different food labels that can now be found on the packaging of food. While picking a certified organic or no added hormones product seems like a great pick, what does this claim actually mean? We are breaking down the common labels that you see at your local grocery store so you can make a more informed decision about the food that you purchase.

Common Food Labels

Pasture Raised Dairy

The health benefits for cows who pasture graze are greater than those that are confined to an indoor facility. Pasture grazed cows are less likely to get sick and need antibiotics. Also, milk from pasture grazed cows is higher in healthy fats and contains a more favorable ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.

Fair Trade Certified

This seal means that one or more ingredients in the product were produced and traded on accordance with Fair Trade USA’s standards. These standards consist of fair wages for farmers and workers, safe working conditions, and environmental protection. It helps farmers earn community development funds to improve their lives when they are Fair Trade Certified.

Certified Naturally Grown

The farmer is committed to farming practices that build soil health, don’t rely on synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, animal drugs, GMOs, and provide humane living conditions for farm animals. This seal is similar to that of a certified organic farm with a few standards that are different. The main difference is the verification process which is done by another farmer, a local extension agent, or three of the farmer’s customers.

Humanely Raised

The government agencies that oversee labeling of meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs do not have a common standard for the “humanely raised” claim and there are no on-farm inspections to verify it. The claim suggests that the animals are treated humanely through their life cycle and are provided decent living conditions that meet the animals’ needs. Each company can determine their own definition of what it means to be “humanely raised.”

USDA Organic

No producer or company can claim their food as “organic” unless the product is certified by a USDA-accredited certification agency and is in compliance with all of the requirements of the US Department of Agriculture’s organic standards. This is the only production claim that is backed by federal law and regulations that set a uniformed standard for what the “organic” label means. The standards include but are not limited to promoting sustainable agriculture and aiming to minimize negative impacts on the environment and human health.

Cage Free

When it comes to chicken ” cage free” does not mean much. Most chickens commercially raised are in “grow-out houses” and are rarely confined to cages. However, when it comes to eggs it does matter. Hens raised commercially to produce eggs are usually confined to cages. Therefore, “cage free” eggs come from chickens that are able to roam around.

Antibiotic Free

This claim is allowed on dairy products. However, the FDA has no regulatory definition of “antibiotic free” but expects it to mean that there is no residue of antibiotics in the product. There is no guarantee that the cows were not treated with antibiotics or other drugs and the milk is not tested for this. The FDA does not verify this claim.

Pesticide Free

The FDA does not have a regulatory or standard definition for “pesticide free” and does not require those making the claim to be certified or tested. They expect the claim to mean that no pesticide residues are present. However, the FDA does not expect that the foods were produced without the use of pesticides at any point from production to storage. This claim is not trustworthy.

Non-GMO Project Verified

This seal is verified and highly meaningful for consumers who want to avoid foods with GMOs and support farmers who do not use them. Producers have to comply with the standards of Non-GMO which means that plants, animals, or other organisms have not had their genetic code changed in a way that does not occur naturally.

American Grassfed

This label is verified and highly meaningful. It means that the animals were grass fed throughout their entire life cycle and were never fed grain. Also, the animals had continuous access to pasture and were not raised in confinement. Antibiotics, growth hormones, and the intentional feeding of GMOs is prohibited.

This content originally appeared on the Greener Choices website and you can learn more information about these food labels and others.

If you are looking to go green in more areas of your life consider going solar. It reduces your carbon footprint and saves you money.

To learn more contact us here!

SolarFi & UMASS Amherst

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 12:00:00 GMT

Solar power systems are popping up all over the place. They can be found on top of homes, in yards, fields, and parking lots. One thing solar panel system owners don’t fret about in the United States is having someone steal their panels after they have been installed. However, this is a reality for those in Africa. Solar panels are stolen and then used for other purposes, such as a table.

SolarFi is spearheading a way to solve this issue. They have partnered with UMASS Amherst to design a system that can fold into itself as a security measure. The panels will be mounted on a 40-foot container that will be used as a refrigeration unit for local farmers in Africa.

Solar System Design

UMASS Amherst has designed a retractable solar system to increase the amount of solar power that can be generated and to protect the panels against theft. Being able to store the panels at the end of the day also helps to protect them against the elements. The design has two adjustable trays for the panels, so they can be positioned at the optimal angle. Another perk of this system is that by using the adjustable trays, the amount of surface area that can be used to generate solar energy is 3 times the surface area of the top of the 40-foot container. This permits for more panels to be utilized. Also, the ease of the design allows it to be deployed by 2 people and doesn’t require any electricity. The end goal is to have the entire system used as a “business in a box”, in Africa, that will have a refrigerator, freezer, charging kiosk, and access to the internet. Plus, the panels will act as awnings around the container and provide the much-needed relief of shade.

Utlizing The Solar System

Women in the local communities in Africa, will own the “business in a box” and rent space out to local farmers. Depending on the types of crops, 50-100 farmers will be able to utilize the space. It will be a cost-effective business for the women to run, and for the farmers to rent the space. Refrigeration is a huge selling point for the farmers. With the heat in Africa, crops can spoil quickly. However, with the option to refrigerate them, 40% more of the farmers crop’s will be saved. That’s a significant increase and a big help to the community. There has already been interest generated by local farmers and women for this system, as they can both benefit tremendously from it.

Another benefit of this system is the extra power that it will produce. Since the panels can be adjusted to the optimum angle, the amount of power generated will be in excess of what is needed to power the refrigerated area. Therefore, the excess power can be used to purify water, charge phones, and provide access to the internet. Through the use of internet and IOT, the container will be able to monitor its performance and receive weather updates. Weather updates are crucial to the farmers and their crop management.

Bringing It All Together

SolarFi wants to see both the business owners and the farmers benefit from the solar system. They know that both the local economy and food sources are crucial to these communities in Africa. With the help of UMASS Amherst, SolarFi is able to find a way to protect solar panels, bring business opportunities, and preserve crops in Africa. Both organizations are doing their part to bring the benefits of electricity to underserved parts of the world.

If you would like to learn more about SolarFi you can check them out here . You can also donate to their cause and help bring more solar power to communities in Africa here.

If you are looking to go solar contact us here!

Vampire Power

Wed, 22 May 2019 14:00:00 GMT

Vampire Power, also known as Standby Power, is when a device is still drawing electricity even when you have turned it off. Every cord that remains plugged in is drawing electricity and can account for as much as 20% of your monthly electric bill. According to the US Department of Energy, 75% of appliance energy use comes from when the appliance is turned off. That’s a lot of unwanted energy use adding emissions into the environment. Luckily, there are ways to cut down on Vampire Power when you know who the offenders are.

Vampire Power Offenders

Vampire Power has some big offenders that we need to be aware of. These devices are constantly drawing power even when they are turned off or in sleep mode. This is because they are lying in wait to be turned on, performing updates, connecting to remote servers, or recording data. Common examples of this is are a TV waiting to sensor the remote to power on or a DVR waiting to record the next show in your lineup. These devices can be classified as remote ready or one click, since that’s all they need to wake up. The big offenders include:

Computers
Printers
Satellite & Cable Boxes
Stereos
TV
Microwave
Garage Door Opener
Video Game Consoles

Not As Obvious Energy Drainers

There are energy drainers all around us that contribute to Vampire Power. While some of these aren’t feasible to turn off completely or unplug after every individual use, it is good to be aware of what is contributing to your energy bill and learn how you can combat it. Not as obvious appliance and electronics include:

Furnace
Air Conditioner
Gas Range
Coffeemaker
Electric Toothbrushes
Plugged in Devices (cell phones and laptops once charged)
Nightlight

How To Stop Vampire Power

Now that we know the offenders of Vampire Power, we need to take steps to combat it. In America, 23% of power consumption is in the form of “idle load electricity”. Therefore, we can all do more to fight these energy drainers and be more aware of our energy consumption.

We can do this by:

Buying Energy Star Certified Appliances (when you need to replace them)
Plug your devices into power strips – turn off the power strip when you are done charging your devices
Use energy saving mode on appliances that have it
Unplug devices when they are charged
Unplug appliances and electronics that aren’t used every day – microwave, blender, toaster
Set up game consoles and computers to go into sleep mode after a short period of time
Buy power strips that can shut power off after a specified duration – most have outlets that will remain on as well
Switch to LED bulbs
Switch to a Smart Thermostat
Water Sensor

Another great way to combat Vampire Power is to go solar. Not only can you save money but you will reduce your carbon footprint too. When you reduce the effects of Vampire Power and go solar, you are making big moves to conserve electricity and the environment. To learn more reach out to us here!

EV Charging Map

Wed, 08 May 2019 13:15:00 GMT

The EV Charging network is growing and expanding across the country! This is great for electric vehicle drivers, and the environment. Not only are states, cities, and towns installing them at rest stops and in public parking areas, but many businesses are having electric vehicle chargers installed to contribute to the growing demand for them. Plus, the businesses benefit from an increase in customer dwell time, customer and employee loyalty, and showing their commitment to helping the environment.

We have installed many EV chargers throughout the Northeast and even a few in the North and South Carolina. On this EV charging map you can find all the charging stations that we have installed that are open to the public. Feel free to stop by them when you are driving around town or taking a road trip!

Are you looking to install an EV charger at your home or business? We can help you determine what type of charger is right for you and what incentives are available. Reach out to us here and let us help you get started!

StreakGuard™ Algae Resistance Protection

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 13:00:00 GMT

When you go with Owens Corning TruDefinition® Duration® or TruDefinition® Duration® Designer shingles you get the added benefit of StreakGuard™ Algae Protection. It prevents black streaks from forming on your roof that can lower the value or curb appeal of your home. Owens Corning does this by blending copper-lined granules, which help prevent algae growth, into their colorful granules, which is proprietary to them, and is scientifically developed to meet the needs of specific regional climates. StreakGuard™ helps to inhibit the growth of blue-green algae and provides protection against black streaks.

Algae Growth & Black Streaks

Supported by the #1 Trusted Brand in Roofing (Owens Corning)
Helps inhibit the growth of algae to keep your home beautiful
Gives homeowner peace-of-mind based on decades of Owens Corning testing and experience with algae resistance protection
Is available on a wide variety of shingle styles and colors
Has a limited 10-year warranty

StreakGuard™ Algae Protection is a great benefit to have when you decide to go with TruDefinition® Duration® or TruDefinition® Duration® Designer shingles. If you are in need of a new roof we can help you get the best fit for your home. Reach out to us today and we would be happy to get you the roof your home deserves!

Content is in reference to the Owens Corning website and StreakGuard™ PDF.

Building A New House With Solar

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 13:10:00 GMT

If you are building a new home, or considering building a new home, a great thing to incorporate into the design is a rooftop solar system. Not only will you save money from day one on your utility bills but it can also cut the cost of your solar system. Since you can design your roof to be optimized for solar, you may need less panels to offset the power of your home. Also, you can cut down on the costs of the electrical conduit needed for solar by making it easier to access. Building a new house with solar is a perfect way to save money from day one and ensure that your home is optimally set up for it.

Roof Aspects to Keep in Mind

Roof Orientation – The roof plane which you want to have your solar panels on should be facing true south. Since we get less sun in the Northeast this allows the panels to get the optimal amount of sun. The closer the direction of the roof is to 180 degrees south the better the solar system will perform.

Steepness – The ideal angle for your roof is between 30 and 45 degrees. This allows the panels to be at the best angle to absorb the power from the sun.

Vents, Chimneys, & Dormers – You want to avoid having any vents, chimneys, or dormers on the roof plane that your solar panels will be on. Any of these elements can cause shading on the panels.

Roof Material – The best roof materials for a solar system are asphalt shingles or metal. This is due to their durability and long lifespan. Slate tiles and cedar shingles are more fragile and can cost more money to install on. This is why most solar installers will only install on asphalt shingle and metal roofs.

Load Bearing – On average, solar panels add an additional 3 pounds per square foot. During the construction process you can check with your contractor to make sure that your roof will be able to easily withstand the extra weight.

Shading – While we love beautiful trees in our yards, we prefer for them to be in a spot that won’t cast any shadows on the solar panels. Therefore, it’s best to plant any trees or shrubbery with your solar panels in mind.

Electrical Aspects to Keep in Mind

Electrical Conduit – Electrical conduit is usually run on the outside of a home for a solar system. However, if you incorporate where it needs to be run during construction you can have it run on the inside of your home if you prefer. Having your home prepared for this can make it easier on the solar installers and shorten the amount of time the installation will take.

Main Service Panel & Circuit Breakers – During the construction process you can ensure that your main service panel and circuit breakers will be in an easily accessible location and that they can handle the addition of a solar system.

PV Inverters & Other Equipment – Some of the equipment for your solar system will need to be near the main service panel. You can set aside room near the main service panel for easy access and to install the additional solar equipment such as the inverter.

Building a new house with solar can also increase the value of your new home. Therefore, your new home has already gone up in value with the addition of your solar panels. If you are interested in how solar panels increase the value of your home you can read more about it here.

At any point during your construction process we would be happy to talk with you and your contractor about how to incorporate a solar system. You can reach out to us here today!

Content is in reference to an article that originally appeared on energysage.

A New Roof & Solar Panels: The Perfect Pair

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 14:00:00 GMT

You need a new roof but you also want to get solar panels so you can start producing clean and green energy. Both are investments so you figure you can only do one at a time. However, there are many benefits to getting a new roof & solar panels at the same time. There are cost savings, you can extend the life of your new roof, and your solar production won’t be interrupted when you do end up needing a new roof. Solar panels and a new roof are a perfect pair.

Cost Savings

First off, it is important to note that it is not beneficial for everyone to get a new roof when you decide to go solar. If you have replaced your roof in the past 5 – 10 years you should still have plenty of life left in it. However, if you need to replace your roof in the next 5 -10 years and would like to go solar, it is something that you should consider. One of the benefits of getting a new roof when you are going solar is the cost savings. The portion of your new roof that is having the solar panels installed on it, is eligible for the same 30% Federal Tax Credit that is available when you go solar. Therefore, you can get a significant cost savings on your roof that you wouldn’t otherwise.

Extends the Lifespan of Your Roof

Solar panels not only provide you with renewable energy but they can also extend the lifespan of your roof. They protect your roof from the elements that can cause damage to it. This can include snow, wind, rain, ice, and even the sun. When you get a new roof and solar panels together you are extending the life of your roof while producing clean energy which is a win-win in our book.

Uninterrupted Solar Production

Another advantage of having a new roof installed when you go solar is the uninterrupted solar production. If your roof is going to have to be replaced in a few years, after going solar, you are going to have to pay for the panels to be removed, roof to be installed, and panels to be put back on your new roof. You will also miss out on the solar production while your panels are off the roof. To save you all of this hassle and money it can be more beneficial to get your roof replaced before you put solar panels on it.

There are many benefits to getting a new roof & solar panels at the same time. Again, not everyone needs a new roof to go solar but if your roof is towards the end of its life it is a good idea to invest in one. If you are unsure if you need a new roof we would be happy to help you determine that. You can contact us here with any of your roofing and/or solar power needs !

Insurance, Warranties, & Financing For Your Roof

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 14:30:00 GMT

Insurance, warranties, & financing for your roof can be overwhelming when you are deciding if you need a new one. Don’t worry, when it comes to getting a new roof we can help you every step of the way. We are able to help you work with your insurance company, offer top of the line warranties, and have financing options available. Apex Roofing is here to help you with all aspects of the roofing process.

Insurance

Sometimes you need a new roof because Mother Nature wasn’t kind to it. This means your insurance company is involved with getting your roof replaced which can be a hassle. We are here to help you process your claim and work with your claims adjuster to get your roof replaced. This includes discussing the material and cost requirements outlined by your insurance company. We want to make sure you get a new roof that you love that is also in line with what your insurance company will cover.

Warranties

A new roof is an investment and you want it to last for many years. Which is why we offer top of the line warranties. Through Owens Corning, you are able to get a 50 year warranty that covers your asphalt shingle roof from manufacturing and material defects. We also have an excellent workmanship warranty. We stand behind the quality work that we do and know that it will last for years to come.

Financing

When the time comes for you to get a new roof it can be daunting. Not only do you have to decide who to work with, the material, and color but the price of it can be overwhelming. This is why we offer a low-interest financing option to make this purchase more affordable. We want you to be able to get a new roof when you need it and not wait until it gets worse. We don’t want your roofing problems to get worse and end up costing you more.

When purchasing a new roof, we are here to walk you through every step. This includes working with your insurance company, going over available warranties, and offering low-interest financing. We want to make sure that you get the best roof for your home and that are covered for years to come. If you are need of a new roof you can reach out to us here and we would be happy to help!

The Best Roof Material & Color For Your Home

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 14:15:00 GMT

Your home is a place of comfort and peace that reflects your taste. You have carefully picked out every piece of furniture and decor. Therefore, shouldn’t the exterior of your home match the interior? We think your roof should tie your entire home together just like it protects you and your family. This is why we offer many color options for both asphalt shingles and metals roofs. This way you can pick out the best roof material & color for your home that exemplifies your taste while keeping you warm and cozy.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt Shingles are the most popular roof type. This is because they have a long lifespan, are cost effective, easy to install, and come in a wide array of colors. We are an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor and offer their TruDefinition DURATION Shingles. They have shingles available in a wide range of colors so you can find the best fit for your home and style.

Asphalt Shingles

Owens Corning has some handy tools on their website to help you pick the best shingle color for your home. There are quizzes, visualization tools, and style boards at your service.

The Roofing Color Compass Personality Quiz is a fun way to get a base idea of what colors your personality is drawn to. It asks you questions about how you would describe yourself, your interests, and your style. Then based on your answers, it tells you what your perfect colors are. The colors have descriptions about your personality and how they fit into your home. It also gives you your ideal shingle color. This quiz is a fun place to start to get some ideas for your new roof.

DesignEyeQ is Owen Corning’s Visualization Experience. You can upload a picture of your home or use a sample home based on your zip code. Once you select a home or upload yours, you are able to make changes to it through this tool to try out new options. Not only can you try out new shingle colors on your home but you can also play with the siding, doors, trim, shutters, windows, and railings. It’s a great way to see how your new shingle color will match your home before you make your decision.

Owens Corning also has Featured Style Boards to provide inspiration. Each style board shows how you can use different colors in the shingle color palette to accentuate it. It shows how the same shingle pattern can be used for a variety of homes while still making each look and feel unique. It’s a great way to find ideas for both interior and exterior features of your home.

Lastly, there is a color board for you to pick your favorite color. Once you select your favorite color, it brings you to the shingle and style board for it. This is a great way to see how your favorite colors fit into your home and even on your roof.

Metal Roofs

Metal Roofs have a lot of advantageous as well. Their lifespan is 40 – 70 years, they are durable, offer lightweight protection, and come in a wide range of colors. We offer ABC’s (American Building Components) Imperial Rib option. The Imperial Rib is the most popular choice from ABC and uses the highest quality metal in the industry. They offer a nice array of colors for you to choose from to match your personality and the beauty of your home.

Metal Roofs in 29 Gauge

Metal Roofs in 29 & 26 Gauge

ABC Tools

ABC has the Color Visualizer Tool. You can upload a picture of your home or use one a sample one that most closely matches your home. In this tool you are able to change the siding, roof, trim, and stone features of the home. It’s a great way to play around with the colors and find the ones that you like best. This tool makes finding the best roof material & color fun and simple.

Whether you go with asphalt shingles or a metal roof, you want to make sure that it is the best roof material & color for your home. The color of your roof can enhance the beauty of your home and is another way to express your style. Both of these materials are long lasting and have great color options. When you are ready for a new roof we would be happy to help you pick out the best material and color for you. You can reach out to us here with any questions that you have!

Warning Signs You Need A New Roof

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 13:00:00 GMT

Any day, or home, can be ruined by a leaky roof. Your wonderful and cozy home now feels like your visit to Niagara Falls. To avoid this becoming a reality for you, the signs signaling you need a new roof can be easy to spot when you know what to look for. Look for the below warning signs today to avoid having an indoor swimming pool in your living room.

Be sure to check your home for all of these warning signs that indicate you need a new roof. No matter what problem you are experiencing with your roof, Apex Roofing can help. It’s better to have your roof looked at when you are having a small problem then let it turn into a big one that can cost a lot more, and turn into an emergency. If you’ve decided its time to replace yours and are looking for a new roof, Apex Roofing is an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, and we even offer financing options. We would be happy to help you get a better roof that can protect your home. You can reach out to us here!

Content is in reference to articles that originally appeared on ADR, Angie’s List , and Good Housekeeping.

Types of EV Chargers

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 14:00:00 GMT

When it comes to charging your electric vehicle at home or on the road there are different types of EV chargers that you should be aware of. Level 1 & 2 chargers are for at home use and Level 2, 3, & 4 chargers are for commercial use. You will need to know which ones are compatible with your vehicle, fit into your driving habits, and how quickly they can have you back on the road.

Level 1 & 2 Chargers

A Level 1 charger is what comes with your electric vehicle at no extra cost. It feeds 120 volts and can be plugged into any standard household outlet. The drawback of a Level 1 charger is it takes a long time to fully charge the battery. This makes it difficult to rely on when you have a fully electric vehicle with a short driving range, low battery capacity, or low maximum acceptance rate. It also can be a challenge for people with a longer than average daily commute and those with no opportunity to charge their vehicle during the day. Level 1 chargers are great to have in case of an emergency but a Level 2 charger is more beneficial for anyone that uses their electric vehicle on a daily basis.

Level 2 chargers feed 240 volts and charge up to 10 times faster compared to a Level 1 charger. With a Level 2 charger, stopping at home for a couple hours can extend your travel substantially. Installing a Level 2 charger at your home is beneficial as you can rely on your electric vehicle more and won’t worry if you will have enough battery life to get to work in the morning.

Level 2 Charging At Home

Having a Level 2 charger at home has a lot of advantageous. The major one is that it takes less time to charge your vehicle than a Level 1 charger. Other benefits to having one at home are:

You can connect the charger to your home network and it will work with your smart devices
Save more money by scheduling to charge during off-peak hours
Remotely start/stop charging session
Check progress of charge in real time
Set reminder to get notified when charging is complete
Monitor and track every charge, energy use, and cost
Another great thing about Level 2 chargers is they can be mounted to your wall or installed on a pedestal, depending on your property. We can help you with both options and if any trenching is needed our crew can take care of it for you.

When having a Level 2 charger installed, you will want to have a licensed electrician install it for you. There is a lot of voltage to take into consideration and you want to make sure it is done right and safely. If any of your electrical components are too old or not strong enough to accommodate the EV you own or are looking to purchase, our licensed electrician can replace it for you at time of installation or upgrade it in the future.

Lastly, if you are looking for a Level 2 EV charging station, all of the ones that we offer come with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty. On top of that, we also provide a 5-year workmanship warranty even if you are supplying an EV charger that you bought on your own.

Fast Chargers (Level 3 & 4)

Level 3 & 4 chargers are two other types of EV chargers that are used for commercial charging. They are commonly referred to as Fast Chargers since they are able to charge your electric vehicle at a much faster rate than Level 2 chargers. One thing to keep in mind when using these types of chargers is that they are meant to charge batteries that are very low. Fast Chargers are able to rapidly charge your battery and it will start to slow down the pace of the charge when it reaches 50%. It will tapper off even further when the battery hits 80% charged. The suggestion is that once your battery hits 80%, on one of these chargers, that you cease charging unless you absolutely need your vehicle fully charged. Some stations will actually cut off the charge at 80%.

Level 3 chargers can charge an empty battery in 20 minutes to an hour. Level 4 chargers are the Tesla Superchargers which are even faster than the Level 3 chargers. However, Level 4 chargers are only compatible with Teslas. Make sure you know which chargers are compatible with your electric vehicle before you hit the road.

There are many types of EV chargers out there and it’s good for you to know which ones are compatible with your vehicle and will fit your needs. There are also apps to help you locate EV charging stations when on the go that would be beneficial for any EV driver to download.

Do you already drive an electric vehicle? Are you looking to add a charging station to your home or business? Do you want to power it with solar? We can help! You can reach out to us here and we would be happy to help you with any of these projects.

Powering Your EV With Solar

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 14:30:00 GMT

Electric vehicles go well with another piece of green technology, solar panels. Powering your EV with solar energy is a smart investment to make. While you may not be able to invest in solar and an electric vehicle at the same time, there are ways to make sure that your solar system can cover the extra energy needed to power your future EV. Also, the cost savings of both a solar system and electric vehicle will be well worth it.

Determining EV Electricity Usage

If you decide to go solar before you purchase your EV you will want to determine how much electricity your future EV will consume. First you will need to decide which EV you will be purchasing and from there you can find the mileage rating. Based on the mileage rating, and your average daily miles driven you can determine how much electricity it would take to charge it for your daily needs and then for the year. Below is an example provided by Mother Earth News using an EV with a 30 kWh/100 miles fuel economy rating:

“If you drive 25 miles on an average day, that means you’re using approximately 7.5 kWh of electricity per day – or just over 2,700 kWh of electricity in a given year. This is the “extra” amount of electricity you’ll need your solar energy system to produce.”

We can also help you determine the coverage of future electricity use of your EV when sizing your solar system. All you would have to provide us with is the EV you are planning on buying and your average daily mileage and we can do the rest of the work for you. Then powering your EV with solar will be in your reach!

Preparing Your Solar System For Future Needs

There are a few different ways you can prepare your solar system for future needs. You can install an inverter that can handle more power, utilize microinverters, install a smaller solar system, or build a bigger system from the start.

If you decide to install an inverter that can handle more power, you will want to know the number of panels that you plan on adding. String inverters are the most common with solar systems. The solar panels are arranged into strings which feed into the inverter. The inverter is then sized for the output of those solar panels only. Therefore, if you want to go this route you will need to make sure that the inverter can handle your current solar panels and the ones you plan on adding in the future.

Another option is to install microinverters with your solar panels. This would mean that each of your solar panels has its own inverter. Therefore, adding extra panels in the future is easily done without having to have an inverter that can handle more power than what you originally install.

Installing an additional, smaller, solar system is also an option but only if you have the room for it. You could install a smaller roof or ground mount to meet the energy needs of your EV. The good news is that you can claim the federal tax credit for solar more than once so you can save even more!

You can also initially build a bigger system that will accommodate your future needs. However, some utilities won’t approve a system that is significantly bigger than your current needs. This is something that we could work with you on to see if it is an option where you live.

Lastly, there are other ways that you can make your home more efficient. This will in turn make more room for your future EV energy needs. You can switch out light bulbs for energy efficient ones, use a programmable thermostat, upgrade your appliances, and improve your home’s insulation.

Powering your EV with solar energy is a fantastic idea with many benefits. You get to reduce your carbon footprint and save even more money. Remember, you don’t need to wait to go solar until you have your EV. There are many ways to adjust your system to fit your future energy needs. Plus, you want to claim the federal and state incentives that are available and stop paying those high energy bills. Solar and EV make a great team!

Content is in reference to an article that originally appeared on Mother Earth News.

Apps to Locate EV Chargers

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 13:00:00 GMT

Whether you are taking your electric vehicle on a road trip or driving it around town, you will to want to know where all of the EV charging stations are along your route. This is why there are apps to locate EV chargers that you can easily download on your phone so you will always be prepared. Check out the ones we have compiled below to find your new travel buddy!

ChargeHub

ChargeHub’s interactive map has EV charging stations in both the United States and Canada. They pride themselves on having a continually updating map as users are constantly adding locations to it. The map is easy to use and it has a trip feature to help you find ev charging stations along any route that you take. You can filter the map based on the type of charger, open 24/7, free stations, hotel stations, network, and type of connector. This map is easy to use and constantly being updated.

Chargemap

Chargemap is one of the best apps to locate EV chargers if you are traveling in Europe. While their map does contain EV charging stations around the world it is the most accurate for those located in Europe. The one back draw to using their map is you do need to have a login to interact with it. However, once you have a login you can see pictures of the charging stations, comments about them, and other useful information.

ChargePoint

ChargePoint offers an interactive map that shows all of their EV charging stations and other EV charging options as well. With their map you can filter for availability, price, connector type, and network. You can also create a login so you can save and keep track of EV charging stations that you have used or plan on utilizing. Lastly, you can sort charging stations by their distance from you.

FLO

Flo is another app that shows all of their EV charging stations and other options as well. The Flo interactive map allows you to filter charging stations by type, network, and availability. Also, when you click on an EV charging station it will show you the fee associated with it. Flo tends to show less “other” options than the ChargePoint map but still has a decent amount to choose from.

Google Maps

Google Maps also has an option for you to search for EV charging stations. You can identify them by the red marker with a white charging station inside of it. It will notate how many chargers there are and some have the pricing on them. The best part about it is that you can use street view to see where the charging station is located. However, be aware that many stations do tend to be missing from this app.

Open Charge Map

Open Charge Map shows EV charging stations in both the United States and globally. You can filter your options by network/operator, usage, status, and connection types. You can also use it to plan a trip and find all of the EV charging stations along the route. When you click on a station you can check in, add photos, and save it. It will also show you the address, network/operator, equipment details, and the data provider for it.

PlugShare

PlugShare is the “leading app for EV drivers” as it has been referred to as a community for EV drivers and is able to guide them to charging stations around the world. Their interactive map is easy to use and allows you to filter by many categories. These include: region, plug type, network, payment required, restricted locations, residential locations, and availability. You can also add a station, plan a trip, and view your recent activity. This app is easy to use and has all you need in one spot.

Tesla

Tesla also has its own map for where all of their charging stations are located. This app is a must for all Tesla drivers. The map allows you to filter by the type of location that you would like to charge at. The options are: stores and galleries, service centers, superchargers, and destination charging. When you are charging, your Tesla app will notify you when your car is ready to go. Lastly, they have the option to plan a trip and map the EV chargers along the way.

There are so many options to choose from when looking for apps to locate EV chargers. Each of them has something to offer and will allow you to hit the road with confidence! Remember, you can always stop by and charge up at our office along the way.

Benefits of Electric Vehicles

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 14:30:00 GMT

There is no denying that the sale of electric vehicles are on the rise. This is because of the new options that keep coming out and all of the benefits of electric vehicles. Some of their many benefits are: cheaper to fuel, cheaper to maintain, and zero emissions are emitted from them. Also, electric vehicles have higher performance and lower maintenance compared to their gas and diesel counterparts. With all of these reasons it’s easy to see why electric vehicles are growing in popularity.

Financial Benefits

Everyone loves to save money when it comes to their vehicle. While the prices of electric cars are continuing to come down, there are government credits that do make it even more enticing to purchase one. You can receive between $2500 and $7500, in tax credits, for purchasing a new electric car based on the size of it and the capacity of its battery. This makes them more affordable for anyone to purchase.

Another financial benefit they have is that they are less costly to fuel. On average, to charge an electric vehicle for the year costs 1/3 of what it costs to fuel a gas or diesel vehicle. Those are savings that we can all get behind. Plus, instead of having to stop by the gas station when you are out, you can charge your car when you are home. Lastly, the network of charging stations is continually growing which makes it more convenient for EV drivers to charge wherever they are.

Electric vehicles are also cheaper to maintain. They have a lot less moving parts than conventional vehicles which means there is less to have to replace and maintain. The biggest maintenance cost will be the battery if it needs to be replaced. However, most batteries have an 8 year warranty so you can drive with peace of mind.

Environmental Benefits

Having a positive impact on the environment is one of the major benefits of electric vehicles. We are all looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint and this is a huge step in that direction. Electric vehicles emit zero exhaust emissions which are a big contributor to pollution. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint even more, you can charge your electric vehicle with solar panels. Solar panels are a great way to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. Using solar panels to power your electric vehicle and home is a way to make huge strides in making a positive impact on the environment.

Not only can you charge your electric vehicle with renewable energy but they are starting to be made with more eco friendly materials. This makes them even more beneficial for the environment. Many of them use recycled plastics and bio based materials for the padding and bodywork of the vehicle. Therefore, electric vehicles are helping the environment in all stages of their life cycle.

Additionally, since electric vehicles contribute less to pollution driving one is good for your health. Less pollution means less toxins to breathe in. This leads to less health complications and a better quality of life. Also, electric vehicles are significantly quieter than their gas and diesel counterparts. This in turn provides less noise pollution which allows everyone to have more peace when at work, on the road, and at home.

Fun to Drive

How much fun do you have driving your current vehicle? An electric vehicle can increase the fun you have while driving. They have more torque and a faster response time. This means that you can get up to speed faster and leave the conventional cars in the dust. Also, they are low maintenance which means you spend more time on the road and less time in the shop. Plus, since you can charge your car at home or when you are out and about, due to the expanding EV charging network, you can joyfully drive by the pump knowing you no longer need to stop there.

Another reason they are fun to drive is because of how safe they are. Electric vehicles tend to have a lower center of gravity which makes them less likely to roll. Additionally, the risk for major fires or explosions is less due to them having fewer moving parts. Therefore, you can drive worry free when behind the wheel of an electric vehicle which makes it much more enjoyable.

The benefits of electric vehicles are numerous. They save you money, are good for the environment, and are a blast to drive. An electric vehicle is worth your consideration when you are looking for something new to drive.

Do you already drive an electric vehicle? Are you looking to add a charging station to your home or business? Do you want to power it with solar? We can help! You can reach out to us here and we would be happy to help you with any of these projects.

Eco Friendly Gifts For Kids

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 14:00:00 GMT

With the holidays fast approaching, the deadline for gift buying is around the corner. When it comes to buying gifts for the kids in your life you want them to be sturdy, fun, and free of toxic materials. We have put together a list of our favorite eco friendly gifts for kids that hit all of those requirements. All of these options you can feel good about buying and giving to your kids. Check out these wonderful gifts that you are going to wish you had growing up!

Dump Truck

Playing in the dirt with a dump truck is a classic childhood memory. Why not have your kids do this with a dump truck that is better for the environment? The John Deere Dump Truck is made from recycled and bioplastics. Bioplastics are made from sugar, wheat, and corn so they don’t contain any harmful or toxic materials. Just because this dump truck is eco friendly doesn’t mean it can’t handle the toughest playgrounds. It’s built to last and withstand the great outdoors as “Nothing Runs Like A Deere.” Get this awesome dump truck here!

Inflatable Jumping Horse

A really fun eco friendly gift for kids is the Inflatable Jumping Horse. It is made out of eco friendly PVC and is latex-free, BPA-free, and phthalate-free. It is soft and comfortable for kids to bounce on. Besides it being fun and a way to tire your kids out, it helps to develop coordination and balance. They also come in a variety of fun colors and animals so you can pick out the perfect one for your kid. Get this fun bouncing gift here!

Honeysticks Beeswax Crayons

Honeysticks beeswax crayons don’t only smell great but are good for the environment too. They are handmade with 100% pure New Zealand beeswax with non-toxic pigments. The honey that is used to make the crayons is a natural by-product of honey production. Therefore, these crayons cause minimal impact on the environment. Give your little artist these sustainable crayons and let their imagination run free.

Get these beeswax crayons here!

Candy Wrapper Coin Purse

This cool candy wrapper coin purse is not only unique but eco friendly. It is vegan, made from reclaimed and repurposed materials, and is handmade. It is a fun way to keep your change, phone, or anything else that you need to carry with you. Also, since each one is handmade no two are exactly alike. Plus your kids will have fun looking at all the different wrappers used and trying to find their favorite. Get this handy coin purse here!

Portable Solar Charger

Teach your kids about the power of solar energy with a portable solar charger. Its lightweight, waterproof, and made for the outdoors. You can charge 2 devices with it simultaneously and it has a built in LED flashlight. It is also made of eco friendly materials. This portable solar charger is a great way to introduce solar energy to your kids and teach them how it can turn energy from the sun into power that can charge their phone. Get this amazing charger here!

These eco friendly gifts for kids are fun and great options for the holidays. They are all easy on the environment and gifts that your kids will want. A couple of them you could even get for yourself and bring out your inner child. If you are looking for an eco friendly gift for the entire family you should consider going solar. You can find out more information about going solar here. Happy shopping and holidays!

Eco Friendly Gifts For Men

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 13:30:00 GMT

As the weather gets colder and we prepare for the holidays, the stress of finding the perfect gift can be overwhelming. We all have special men in our life that we want to get something fun and useful for. No need to look any further than the list of eco friendly gifts for men that we have compiled. All of these items are fun, functional, and best of all eco friendly. You are definitely going to want some of these gifts for yourself as well.

Solar Powered Speakers

The Eton Rugged Rukus Solar Powered Speaker is the perfect gift for anyone who loves the great outdoors. The speaker is powered by the sun and charges your phone at the same time. You connect to the speakers through blue tooth and the battery provides 8+ hours of listening. Not only is the speaker solar powered but it is water resistant too! It’s great for a day at the beach, hanging at the pool, or camping. Get this rugged solar powered speaker here and snag one for yourself as well!

WeWood Mira Wood Watch

As far as eco friendly gifts for men go, this is by far one of the classiest. Not only do WeWood watches look great but they are good for the environment. WeWood makes all of their watches out of reclaimed and recycled materials, including the wood. The watches are also free of toxic and artificial materials. As an added benefit, for every watch purchased WeWood plants a tree in collaboration with the nonprofit organization Trees for the Future. Since 2010, they have already planted over 600,000 trees. These watches are timeless and benefit a great cause. Get this beautiful watch here!

Recycled Bottle Opener

We all have a drawer that is filled with miscellaneous kitchen supplies where your run of the mill bottle opener ends up. The Brewcapper is a bottle opener that you will display proudly. It is handmade in the USA from recycled whiskey barrels. This heavy duty bottle opener is easy to use and won’t dent bottle caps. They come with “Think Globally Drink Locally” printed on them and a sturdy leather strap for you to hang it up with. Also, if you ever have an issue with the Brewcapper they will replace it. Get this sturdy and unique bottle opener here!

Recycled Ocean Plastic Sunglasses

Norton Point sunglasses are made from recycled ocean plastic. They come in great styles and for every pair that is purchased, Norton Point pledges to remove 1 pound of plastic from the ocean. Another great fact about the company is that they give back 5% of their net profits to reinvest into global clean up efforts. These sunglasses not only look great but are helping to clean up our oceans at the same time. That’s a fantastic reason to spring for a new pair of sunglasses for a special man in your life and treat yourself to a pair too. Get these ocean saving sunglasses here!

Combat Boot Leather Wallet

An everyday item that you can easily switch out for an eco friendly one is a wallet. Wallets are being made out of all kinds of recycled materials including, leather from recycled combat boots. These wallets are made in the USA with recycled leather that was originally made in the USA. If you are looking for a wallet for a loved one that is functional and water and fireproof this is the wallet to get them. Each wallet is unique as the leather from each boot has been worn differently. Get this extreme life proof wallet here!

This selection of eco friendly gifts for men are perfect to choose from for the holiday season. All of these items are functional, durable, and benefit the environment when you give them as a gift or keep a couple for yourself. If you are looking for an even bigger eco friendly gift this holiday season, consider going solar. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Find out more about going solar here. Happy shopping this holiday season!

Eco Friendly Gifts For Women

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 14:00:00 GMT

The holiday season has arrived!

This time of year brings snowfall, time with family and friends, and the stress of shopping for loved ones. When it comes to the special women in your life, you want to get them something that they will love and is as unique as they are. The good news is, there are a variety of eco friendly gifts for women that are equally unique and beautiful. Therefore, switch it up this year and check out these eco friendly gifts that you will want to get for yourself too!

Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer

Juice Beauty products are great for the woman in your life who wants to use all natural beauty products. All Juice Beauty products have 70% or more organic ingredients, are sulfate-free, paraben-free, and have no artificial dyes. Juice Beauty is USDA Certified Organic and all of their products are vegan and cruelty free. They also use solar and wind power for their production process. This company is conscious of what they put in their products and how they are produced which we can get behind! The Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer is great for anyone who wants to protect their skin from the sun and hydrate it at the same time. Get this awesome moisturizer here!

Hand Blown Multicolor Recycled Glass Tumblers

These hand blown glass tumblers are brought to us through the NOVICA collection. NOVICA products are fair trade, hand made, and in association with National Geographic. For them, it’s all about bringing the artisans of the world to a fair market place so we can all enjoy their beautiful pieces. These Hand Blown Multicolor Recycled Glass Tumblers come with an official NOVICA Story Card certifying the quality and authenticity of them. These tumblers won’t only look great when you are entertaining but will also be a reminder that you are helping an artisan across the world share their gift.

Get these beautiful glasses here!

Recycled Flip Flop Bracelets

What could be more unique than a set of bracelets made out of flip flops? These bracelets are one of a kind and handmade. They are fair trade sourced and made by women in Mali, West Africa. These bracelets are made out of recycled flip flops which makes them washable, durable, and soft. You can wear them to the beach, pool, working out, or out and about in your everyday life. Recycled flip flop bracelets are a great gift to give any woman in your life and benefits women across the world. That’s a win-win in gift giving. Get these flip flop bracelets here!

Recycled Tent Cross Shoulder Body Bag

What’s one of our favorite eco friendly gifts for women this season? A cute recycled bag that fits easily into your everyday life. This one is made of recycled canvas tents and its durable material can handle anything that everyday life can throw at it. Also, since each bag is made from recycled canvas tents, no two are identical. Which means that you are able to give that someone special a bag that is as unique as they are.

Get this fantastic and cute recycled bag here!

The Tartan Blanket

Blankets are something that you can never have too many of, especially warm and cozy ones. Therefore, why not feel good about how this cozy blanket was made? The Tartan Blanket company uses 70% recycled wool and 30% mixed fibers from materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. They are warm and durable blankets that are perfect for a picnic outside or cozying up to watch a movie under. This is a blanket that you can feel good about giving as a gift and may even want to buy one for yourself. Get this cozy blanket here!

These eco friendly gifts for women are bound to make any special woman in your life smile. They are unique, use recycled materials, and beautiful. Plus, you may want to get a couple of these for yourself as well. If you are look for an even bigger eco friendly gift this holiday season, consider going solar. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Find out more about going solar here. Happy shopping this holiday season!

Electric Vehicle Charging for Hotels

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 14:00:00 GMT

Electric vehicle charging for hotels & lodging is taking off! As the EV-driving population increases innovative hotels, including the Marriott and Hilton, have realized the value in catering to EV drivers. They have discovered that EV drivers are ideal customers that bring in additional revenue and repeat business. There is a growing number of hotels exploring how they can provide EV charging stations, as one of their many state-of-the-art amenities, that make the traveling and lodging experience as effortless as possible for this growing number of high-value guests.

Why Do You Want To Attract EV Drivers?

EV drivers are constantly referred to as high value guests, why is this? This is because 70% of EV drivers have a bachelors or graduate degree. Plus, in 2016, 40% of EV owning households brought in more than $125,000. These are well educated consumers who have a higher than average spending capacity. They are also more likely to be repeat customers. This is because EV drivers like to frequent places where they can charge their vehicles while they dine, shop, and stay.

US EV Industry Insight & Forecast

The number of electric vehicles on the road is increasing and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. In 2017, there were 763,000 EV sales and 41 unique models available, which is 28% more than what was sold in 2016. By 2020, estimates show that the United States will reach one million EVs sold. Additionally, the national sales of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) units are expected to reach 500,000 by then. Then by 2023, it is predicted that the number of EV models available will double. This is exciting for all drivers and the options that will be available to them. Lastly, by 2030, 1 out of 4 new cars sold will be electric. These forecasts are exciting to see and as long as the infrastructure is in place the growth of electric vehicles should continue to increase. Therefore, it would be in the best interest of a hotel to be ready to accommodate these vehicles and their drivers.

Be The Preferred Lodging Destination

We now know that the number of EV drivers is increasing but what other reasons are there for you to want to put in EV charging stations at your hotel? EV charging stations are a competitive edge, they capture indirect revenue, you get to build both corporate reputation and brand loyalty, and it’s a cost efficient customer acquisition.

Gain the competitive edge on your competition that you have been looking for. EV drivers elect to shop, dine, and stay where they can also recharge their cars. EV chargers can literally drive higher occupancy and set you apart from your competition. Therefore, making your business an attractive destination for the growing ranks of EV owners especially when your competition doesn’t offer this great convenience.

You can capture indirect revenue. Having charging stations on site can attract more affluent guests, such as Tesla owners, who will potentially spend more money on room service, at the spa, in the restaurant, and on other hotel extras. It’s an easy opportunity to maximize revenue per occupied room and boost food and beverage revenue even from customers who are simply stopping for a quick recharge.

You will be able to build up your corporate reputation and build brand loyalty. Sustainability has become a defining factor in guest attraction and loyalty in the hospitality industry. Charging stations are a very visible way to demonstrate your commitment to green initiatives and will attract attention even from those who don’t drive electric cars.

EV chargers are a cost effective customer acquisition. Now is the time to install your EV charging equipment. Organizations, like NYSERDA, are making significant investments to deploy EV infrastructure for the future. Incentives such as rebates and tax credits all make now the time to be an early adopter.

NYSERDA EV Charging Rebate Program

EVSE owners may receive a rebate of $4,000 per charging port installed ($8,000 for dual port EVSE) up to $200,000 per calendar year. Applications are accepted until the end of 2021 or until the program runs out of funds, whichever comes first. Electric vehicle charging for hotels can be very cost effective if you are able to take advantage of this program.

Bonus Points!

Make your EV driving hotel guests happy with this additional amenity that won’t cost you much at all, EV charger adapters. These are adapters that can be used to make an EV compatible with a charger when it normally wouldn’t be. Having a few of these behind your welcome desk is a simple convenience to put your customer service over the top. Here are a few adapters that will do the trick and are easy to store.

There are many fantastic reasons as to why electric vehicle charging for hotels is a great idea, especially for yours. Not only will you attract new business and be ahead of your competition but, you will also be eligible to receive funding to help pay for them. If you are ready to learn more or get a quote for EV chargers you can request one here.

Solar Panels and Snow

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 13:00:00 GMT

The changing of the seasons is a beautiful thing in the Northeast. With the change from fall to winter coming soon it brings feelings of the holidays, cozy nights, and the quiet of a beautiful snow fall. It also reminds us that temperatures will be dropping and no matter how beautiful the snowfall is, it can be a pain to clean up. From brushing off your car to shoveling the driveway, snow can be a hassle. Also, you may have concerns about your solar panels and snow.

When it comes to snow on your solar panels, we get a lot of questions from our customers as to what they should do about it. Should they let the snow melt naturally or try and clean off their panels? We recommend leaving the snow to melt, as it is a lot safer than trying to remove it from your panels. Remember, we do include snow cover in your estimated output of your solar panels when designing your system.

Why You Should Leave The Snow

Leaving the snow alone to melt off of your solar panels is the safest and best option. There is no risk of damaging your solar panels or you getting hurt in the process. It can be tempting to use a roof rake to clean off your panels. However, that would mean you are swinging around a piece of plastic on a metal pole to reach your roof. When that rake makes contact with your solar panels it will not be gentle as they are difficult to control. The roof rake can harm a panel or catch on a roof mount. Also, the warranty for your solar panel equipment will no longer be valid if you are the one that causes the damage to them. Your panels are made of strong materials that will not easily break so why take the risk?

Patience is key while you are waiting for the snow to melt but your panels will assist with the process. The “photovoltaic effect” that causes solar panels to create electricity also generates heat. Sunlight will penetrate upwards of 12 inches of snow! Therefore, the heat your panels create, combined with the warmth of the sun, will expedite the melting process. It is well worth it to wait and not cause any damage to your panels, yourself, or your warranty.

If you have any further questions about how to handle your solar panels and snow or your production guarantee, feel free to give us a call at 518-309-278 6 or you can reach out to us here!

Solar 101: Durability of Solar Panels

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 12:00:00 GMT

What have you heard about the durability of solar panels? There is a lot of information floating around about this topic and solar panels are actually more durable than most people would guess. They are built to last and are composed of glass, metal, and silicon with no moving parts. This is why they have a 25 year warranty and last well beyond that.

Solar panels are also put through vigorous testing to make sure that they can stand up to the demands of Mother Nature and the everyday activities that take place around your home and yard. They are tested against pouring rain, hail, sleet, snow, baseballs, and an enormous amount of weight. The panels come out of these strenuous tests unscathed and still producing power. It’s amazing what solar panels can hold up against!

Solar World Testing

Check out the tests that Solar World puts their panels through. It’s amazing to actually see how hail deflects off of these panels and the weight that they are able to hold. See for yourself in this great video!

Mission Solar Testing

Mission Solar also puts their solar panels through the ringer. They tested their panels against extreme temperature changes, high pressure storms, high humidity, and much more. Check out all the tests they did below!

Solar panels are built to withstand Mother Nature and the rowdy activities in your neighborhood. This is why they have such amazing warranties! Now that you know that solar panels are extremely durable are your ready to make the switch to solar? Get a free quote here or reach out to us here with any questions!

Solar 101: Paying For Solar

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Once you have decide that you want to go solar, paying for solar becomes a topic of discussion. Whether you decide to pay for your solar system in full or finance it, the cost is a big factor in deciding to go solar. The cost of your system will depend on a number of factors including: available unshaded space, the size of the system, your current energy usage and costs, your area’s utility net metering policy, tax credits, incentives, and rebates. We can walk you through your system’s needs, available tax credits, and financing options. Most customers have a solar payment that is lower than their previous electric bill, allowing them to start saving money from day one.

Types of Financing Available

Low Interest Financing

New York’s Green Jobs Green New York Program (GJGNY) provides a loan with low interest financing. This is most commonly used by customers that would like to pay for the portion of their solar system cost that is covered by tax credits up front.

Tax Credit Bridge Loans

There are a number of solar loan products available that include a $0 down, 0% interest bridge loan for the value of the 30% federal and 25% New York State tax credits.

Solar Loans

Our Financing Partners offer a number of different solar loan products that enable customers to have a solar bill that is smaller than their electric bill. Coupled with an included Tax Credit Bridge Loan, financing a solar system has never been easier.

Solar Tax Credits & Incentives

One of the many wonderful things about going solar are the tax credits and incentives that you can receive. There is a federal tax credit available and depending on what state you live in there are additional incentives for you to take advantage of.

State Tax Credit (NY, MA)

New York and Massachusetts offer state tax credit to be used against the total cost of a solar system. State tax credits are dollar-for-dollar rebates against state income taxes that are paid throughout the year or owed come tax season.

State Rebates (NY, CT)

In some states, programs provide grants that are the same-as-cash rebates for systems installed by authorized solar companies. The amount of the rebate is determined by the size of the system and are frequently set up as “funding blocks.” Funding blocks are depleted as more solar is installed, and the overall incentive value shifts to the next level of funding. It is important to take advantage of these rebates while they last. For example, customers in New York who received $5,000 in funding in 2016, only received $3,000 for the same size system installed in 2017.

SREC’S (NH, NJ, MA)

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates are a tradable commodity that can be sold by homeowners to their utility in states that have Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) legislation. Eligible homeowners will receive one SREC for every 1,000 kWh generated by their systems. An average system creates 7-10 SRECs a year, which means over a 10 year period, a solar system in the SREC markets can earn the homeowner $5,000 to $30,000+, just for producing solar electricity.

Feed-In Tariffs (VT)

Some utility companies utilize feed-in tariffs to help encourage the adoption of solar energy. The concept is simple. The electricity your solar system generates is credited to your utility account at a higher price than the electricity you pay for. For example, if you pay $.145 per kWh, your solar system would earn you an extra $.045 per kWh. This makes a solar credit of $.19 per kWh. With these bonus credits, your solar system can be sized 20% smaller than your total usage, and still zero out your utility bill.

Do you have further questions about paying for solar and the options available? You can reach out to us here and we would be happy to help! You can also get a free quote here if you are ready to make the switch to solar!

Solar 101: Go Solar Now or Wait?

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Deciding to go solar is a big decision, this is why a lot of our customers ask us if they should go solar now or wait a month or even a year. We understand the dilemma as it is a big purchase. However, with this purchase you will be saving money and contributing to a cleaner environment for all. Another aspect to consider is that the price of solar has declined. This is due to the advancements in technology, the increase in manufacturing, and increased efficiencies which have brought the price of solar down by 70% in less than 10 years!

What you do need to keep in mind is that this doesn’t mean that the price of solar will continue to decrease like it has or that your return will be greater if you wait. In most cases going solar now will be more beneficial. The two main reasons are the cost of solar equipment and the incentives and credits currently available.

Cost of Solar Equipment

The cost of solar equipment is at an all time low, which is great if you are looking to go solar! The soft or non-hardware costs now comprise most of the costs associated with a solar system. This means that the decline of the cost of solar equipment is now inconsequential. The overhead costs and expense of the system design, permitting, interconnection, and installation will likely remain the same. Therefore, waiting for lower costs on the solar system may not be beneficial due to the money you could be saving on your utility bills by going solar now.

Incentives & Credits

If you go solar now, you can significantly lower the initial cost of your system by as much as 70% due to the incentives in place! If you do decide to wait, keep in mind that after 2019, the 30% federal tax credit (ITC) for residential solar will decrease by around 14% every year until it expires after 2021. By 2022, there will not be any ITC except for the 10% for commercial-scale solar. There are also state incentives that are depleting and there is always the possibility of change to incentives and rebates due to political changes. Therefore, in most cases it is more beneficial to take advantage of the tax credits and incentives that are available now.

Short Term vs. Long Term Costs Incentives & Credits

When you are considering solar as a form of investment, it’s important to compare the short-term cost with the long-term cost. It might not seem a lot to pay a couple hundred dollars in electric bills on top of your mortgage payment each month. However, electric bills can really add up especially with the 3% increase in cost every year.

Investing in solar is a lot like investing in a house. It would be great if you could pay in full, out of your pocket so you no longer have to worry about the cost of electricity. Even if you can’t, you can utilize all the financing options available to you and simply trade your electric payment for a smaller solar payment. Your monthly solar payment will be the same every year and once it’s paid off, you can enjoy the free clean energy for decades to come!

Also, having a solar system on your home has been shown to increase the value of it. Therefore, you have the perk of saving money on your electric bill and an increased home value, which is great if you decide to sell it. The financial savings are well worth going solar sooner rather than later.

Have you decided if you are going to go solar now or wait? If you are ready to make the switch to solar you can request a free quote here. You can also contact us here with any questions that you may have. We are always happy to answer your questions to help you make an informed decision!

Solar 101: How Long Do Solar Panels Last

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 12:00:00 GMT

How long do solar panels last? This is something that we get asked all the time. Most people know how long their car and household appliances will last but solar panels are still fairly new to incorporate into your home. Recently, one of our solar consultants was at a customer’s home to size them for an updated system. To his surprise, when he arrived, he saw solar panels that he had installed for them in 1976 and they were still producing power 42 years later! While the technology has gotten even better since then it is safe to say that solar panels will last you a long time.

"Photovoltaic Degradation Rates - An Analytical Review"

In 2012, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) published a study called “Photovoltaic Degradation Rates – An Analytical Review” after testing nearly 2,000 solar installations. The study found that for traditional silicon-based solar panels, the median reduction in efficiency is about 0.5% per year. Which means that even after a 25-year “productive lifespan”, solar panels can still operate at around 88% efficiency on average.

Based on this study we can conclude that solar panels will keep producing for well over 25-30 years. Those that power the International Space Station are depended on by astronauts for over 13 years. Even more impressive are the solar panels that are used for communications and exploration satellites. These panels have been operating for over 60 years!

In the years since the 2012 study, new technology has been developed to produce more efficient panels. The lifespan of solar panels, which is already impressive, can only continue to increase. That being said the panels available today, produce energy for decades and come with warranties to keep your mind at ease.

Warranties

At Apex Solar Power we offer the Best-In-Class Warranties. These include a 25-year Workmanship Warranty and a 10-year Production Guarantee for every system installed on top of the 25-year Equipment Warranty. With these warranties you can sit back and enjoy the benefits of the sun once your system is installed.

Do you have questions about the lifespan of solar panels or the warranties available to you? Reach out to us here and we would be happy to answer any of your questions! If you are ready to make the switch to solar you can get a free quote here!

Fall: The Best Season To Get A New Roof

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 13:00:00 GMT

Fall is the season of change. Leaves are changing color, the kids are back in school, and you get back to your normal routine. It’s the time of year you start to cozy up inside and enjoy the crisp air. It is also the best season to get a new roof. The weather is more ideal for roofing, roofing materials adhere the best, and it’s a good time to prepare for the harsh winter weather ahead. Fall is a great time to make a transformation to your home and upgrade to a new roof, whether it be asphalt shingles or metal.

The weather in the fall is perfect for getting a new roof. The storms from the summer are over and the brutal winter ones haven’t started yet. It’s also ideal for roofers. They don’t have to battle the heat of the summer or the bitter cold of a Northeast winter. The temperature is ideal to be the most productive and efficient while working outside and to have your roof open for a short period of time.

Roof Condition

Going into the cold winter months you want to make sure that your roof is in the best condition. Any current damage to your roof will only get worse throughout the winter due to heavy snowfalls and ice dams. It will exacerbate the current wear and tear on your roof by ice freezing and melting and expanding in any small holes or cracks that you have causing them to expand. Also, heavy ice buildup can overload roof flashing and tie-ins.

Winter is also a time when critters are looking for a nice place to cozy up. If your roof has any tears or holes it makes it that much easier for them to expand them and make a home for themselves. While you may be a nature lover it is less than desirable to have a squirrel or chipmunk in your roof or running around your attic.

Roofing Materials

Another great reason the best season to get a new roof is the fall, is that the typical temperature range is ideal for roofing materials. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the United States and they do best when installed between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat of the summer can cause shingles to stick together and the cold of winter can cause them to break when placing them on your roof. Also, when shingles are applied at the ideal temperature they form an airtight barrier that protects against rain and snow and are less likely to be blown off by high winds. They also have time to settle before the cold temperatures come and therefore the proper thermal sealing can adhere.

You also need to keep in mind that that shingles adhere the best when the temperature doesn’t drop below 40 degrees at night. This is important to note as a fall day in the Northeast can can have temperatures that jump from 35 degrees at night to 60 degrees during the day. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the weather and get your roof done before the temperatures start dropping at night.

Save Money

Having your roof replaced in time for winter can save you money. A new roof means a more efficient home when it comes to heating and cooling. The rising heat is no longer escaping through any holes or cracks you had in your previous roof. Therefore, you are keeping the heat inside and your energy bills down. It also keeps your home cooler in the summer months meaning your energy bills will be down all year long!

Fall is a great time to beautify your home and the best season to get a new roof as you prepare for the winter months. Regardless if you want asphalt shingles or a metal roof, it’s the ideal weather conditions for doing the work and for the materials (as long as it stays above 40 at night), it will prepare your home for the winter, and save you money on your heating bills. If you are ready to make the change and get a new beautiful roof you can get a free quote here or contact us here with any questions that you have!

Not ready to get a new roof this fall? We are already taking reservations for new asphalt shingle and metal roofs in the spring. Get your roof at the top of the list today!

Solar 101: Benefits of Solar

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 13:00:00 GMT

Making the switch to powering your home with solar energy has many benefits. These benefits are coincidentally a lot of the reasons why someone decides to go solar; such as, saving money or reducing your carbon footprint. Going solar has financial, environmental, and social economic benefits!

Reduce or Eliminate Your Electric Bills

If you don’t have a lot of cash in hand, don’t worry! Solar loans make solar achievable by letting you pay less than your electric payment every month. Once you have paid off your solar loan, you can enjoy the free and clean energy for decades to come. Also, with all the federal and state incentives in place, you can save even more by going solar now!

Smart Investment

The Northeast is one of the most expensive regions in the United States when it comes to the average residential retail price of electricity. You also need to consider the gradually increasing electricity rates, the aging and outdated grid system that will need to be updated/replaced, and the scarcity of the fossil fuels that will make all non-renewable energy very costly. Therefore, going solar is a sensible type of investment.

Protect Against Rising Energy Costs

Relying on the traditional form of energy means that your electric payments are prone to unexpected price spikes since they are tied to the ever-shifting global energy market and domestic policy changes. However, solar systems harness a consistent and reliable source of energy that lessens or can even eliminate your dependence on big utility companies. Therefore, freeing you from the whims of electricity pricing.

Increase Property Value

Market research has found that homes equipped with customer-owned solar sell faster than homes without solar. Each watt of solar adds around $3 to a home’s resale value, which means if you have invested in a 7kW system you can potentially price your house with a $21,000* tax-free equity increase. To learn more about how solar increases the value of your home, check out our recent blog post about it!

* “Selling into the sun: Price premium analysis of a multi-state dataset of solar homes,” Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Environmental Benefits

Infinite Supply

Unlike traditional energy sources that rely heavily on a finite supply of fossil fuels, the amount of solar energy that hits the earth each hour is enough to provide the energy needs of earth’s entire population for a full year! Needless to say, there is more than enough to power your home or business with it.

Readily Available Resources

While the excavation, transportation, and processing of fossil fuels require extensive capital, solar systems are scalable products that require one-time installation with minimal maintenance. Solar energy is captured where it is used. This means it can be harnessed anywhere a solar panel can be mounted.

Reduce Carbon Footprint

The generation of solar power has minimal impact on the environment as it does not produce CO2, water pollution, or greenhouse gases. A Northeastern home with a 7.5 kW system can offset almost 10,000 lb of CO2 per year, which is the equivalent to saving 50 trees or off setting 11,000 car miles driven.

Social Economic Benefits

Create Jobs & Boost Local Economy

The argument that transitioning to renewable energy will cost jobs simply isn’t true. In 2016, 1 out of 50 new jobs created in the U.S. was a solar-related job and the solar industry contributed $84 billion to the GDP according to The Solar Foundation. The solar industry now employs over 260,000 Americans, creating jobs about 12 times faster than the rest of the economy.

Making the decision to go solar has many benefits for not only you and your home but your community as well. Do you have more questions about solar? You can contact us here to request a free quote and see how much you can start saving!

Solar 101: Why Go Solar?

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 13:00:00 GMT

You may have heard that solar power is just for the affluent or environmentalists. However, most people who go solar do it for financial reasons. Where the average solar buyer falls on the social-economical and political spectrum is actually quite neutral. Solar is achievable for a lot of people, especially with rebates and tax incentives made available to everyone, including those who fall under the low-to-moderate income brackets. There are also solar loan options for those who chose to finance their system and they still pay less than their old electric bill each month.

When we asked our solar customers why they decided to make the switch, most of their answers fell under three main categories: to save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and declare energy independence. These three reasons are a constant trend in why we see people going solar.

SAVE MONEY

Saving money is one of the top reasons we hear as to why a customer is looking to go solar. The two ways to go solar, financially, are to purchase the system upfront or to get a loan. When you purchase the system upfront you will have a very low utility bill to pay for, that is generally just the hook up fee from the electric company. When you decide to use a solar loan, you will have a monthly payment plus a very low utility bill, which again should just be the hook up fee. Even when you combine the monthly loan payment and low utility bill, if you decide to finance your system, it is still lower than your current monthly utility bill. Therefore, you are saving money either way!

Reduce Carbon Footprint

Reducing your carbon footprint is another common answer as to why a customer has decided to go solar. Using clean solar energy to power your home is a great way to do this. Instead of relying on fossil fuels you can power your home with the clean energy from the sun that is completely free for your solar panels to absorb!

Declare Energy Independence

The last common answer we get from a customer, when asked why they want to go solar, is that they want to declare their energy independence. While most systems are still tied to the grid, you are producing your own power and even selling power back to the grid when you create excess. This allows you to claim your energy independence while only relying on the grid when absolutely necessary!

Regardless of your reason for going solar, it’s a great option to consider for your home or business. Are you ready to go solar? If so, you can get a free quote here. If you have more questions before you make your decision, reach out to us and we will be happy to help!

Solar 101: Types of Solar Systems

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Solar systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each home and business is unique and has their own elements that need to be considered when deciding to go solar. Common factors that we take into consideration when evaluating your home or business are: which direction the roof faces, the angle of the roof, and the amount of yard space available. Therefore, there are 4 main types of solar systems: Roof Mount, Ground Mount, Solar Outbuilding/Shed, and Solarscape.

Roof Mount

Roof mounted systems are the most cost-effective option. We are able to utilize the home or building as the structure to hold the panels. There are several criteria that we take into consideration when identifying if a roof is qualified for solar: size, material, shading, orientation, and the age/condition of the roof. A roof mounted system also protects and extends the life of your roof.

Benefits:

Won’t take up any additional space in your yard
Protects your roof
Most cost-effective

What to Consider:

Size of your roof
Roof material
Roof shading
Roof orientation
Age/condition of roof

Ground Mount

A ground-mounted system is a great solution for customers who do not have adequate space on their roof for a solar system, or if the building is not oriented to maximize solar production. There are 3 common options available: Standard Ground Mount, Pole Mount, and Dual Axis Trackers.

Benefits:

Cost effective & scalable
Set for the perfect orientation with the sun
Easy access for cleaning/sweeping

What to Consider:

Yard Size
Ground Condition

Solar Outbuilding/Solar Shed

A solar outbuilding/solar shed is a fully customized structure that functions like a ground mount and doubles as a storage space. It can be used as a gardening shed, tool shed, or a small garage. A customized solar outbuilding functions like a ground mount that provides the primary building with solar-generated electricity. It is a simple all-in-one solar solution best suited for customers who want to benefit from some outdoor storage on their property.

Benefits:

All-in-one solar solution with storage capability
Fully-customizable
Oriented to maximize solar production
Efficient use of space

What to Consider:

Yard space
Shading

Solarscape

A solar canopy, carport, or patio cover can generate solar power while creating shade and protecting the sheltered space from the elements. It doesn’t require additional land the way a ground mount does and is an efficient use of space that is also aesthetically pleasing. The optional bi-facial modules can absorb additional sunlight reflected from the ground boosting the energy yield as well as the overall curb appeal.

Benefits:

Fast/easy to install & scalable
Doesn’t require additional land
Provides coverage for cars, patio, etc.
Option of bi-facial transparent glass modules: higher production

What to Consider:

Yard space
Shading

Solar 101: How Solar Works

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 12:00:00 GMT

One of the most common questions we get is how does solar work? The way a solar system works is fairly simple. The solar panels absorb the power from the sun and that power is then converted into energy that you can use to power your home. The components needed to complete this process are solar panels, an inverter, a safety disconnect, a main service panel, an electric meter, and a battery (optional). All of these components work seamlessly together to absorb the energy from the sun and power your home!

Solar Panels – Solar panels capture the sun’s rays throughout the day. Panels convert sunlight into Direct Current (DC) electricity.
Inverter – The inverter receives the DC electricity and converts it into AC (Alternating Current) electricity suitable for household use.
Safety Disconnect – The electricity then passes through a Safety Disconnect.
Main Service Panel – The main service panel distributes the electricity to the individual circuits in your home.
Electric Meter – (Utility Gird-Tied/Hybrid) Excess electricity is sent back to the utility company, giving you kWH credits in exchange.
Battery (optional) – Excess electricity is sent to your batteries to charge them to capacity.

Solar systems are a clean and efficient way to produce your own power. It’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and bring down your energy bill. One of the many perks of a solar system is that once it is installed you are able to set it and forget it! There is no maintenance that you need to perform on it to keep it running. You just get to reap the benefits of going solar. If you have any questions about how solar works you can contact us here or if you are ready to make the switch to solar you can request a free quote here!

Solar Can Increase The Value of Your Home

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 12:00:00 GMT

A solar array not only powers your home with clean energy and reduces your energy bill but it can also increase the value of your home. A study done by the Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, analyzed the sale of 4,000 homes in a number of states with photovoltaic solar systems. On average, they found that these homes sold for $12,000 – $15,000 more than those without a solar array.

Therefore, solar not only lessens or eliminates your energy bill but it adds value to your home. Solar power saves you money on a monthly basis and brings about a bigger return if you decide to sell your home as well. This study can also help put you at ease if you aren’t sure if you are going to be in your home for the life of your solar system. If you decide to move and your solar system isn’t paid off yet, the increase in your property value when selling will cover any remaining balance you have on the system. To read the entire study you can check it out here.

What To Consider When Buying or Selling a Home With Solar

When you are buying a home with a solar array there are a few things that you do want to consider and be prepared for. As a seller you want to have documentation from your installer that the installation was done properly, this is information that any reputable solar installer will provide. You also want to have proof that it is saving you money on your energy bills. That is easy enough to show by providing your energy bills before and after you went solar. As a buyer you want to make sure that you have these documents. You can also call the solar installer to have any questions you have about the system answered.

As a homeowner, when you decide to sell your home and have a solar array, make sure that when your home is assessed that the value of the solar system is added into it. On average, the system can increase the value of your property by 3-4%. Another thing you want to keep in mind is to work with a real estate agency that understands the value of a solar system. This will help to keep you all on the same page regarding the value of your home.

According to the SEIA, there are 3 different ways to value your solar system with your home. They are the Income Approach, Cost Approach, and Comparable Sales Approach. The SEIA recommends using the Income Approach method when valuing your home with your solar system. This method values your system based on the projected income it will generate over the life of the solar system. Using this method to value a system, “most closely aligns the value with the homeowner’s perspective (both seller and buyers),” based on SEIA findings.

Regardless if you purchase a solar system and stay in the home for 5 or 50 years it is a good investment to make. If you are ready to make the switch you can get a free quote here or contact us here with any questions you have!

#1 Rooftop Contractor

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 14:00:00 GMT

#1 Rooftop Contractor in New York

Solar Power World Magazine has released its annual rankings and Apex Solar Power came out on top for the third year in a row! Many companies are focusing on huge utility-scale solar fields while we have focused on small commercial and residential systems. Our dedication to these smaller systems has helped us grow and helped thousands of people along the way. Our main goal is to help our customers realize that solar power is affordable and help them save money while powering their home or business with clean energy.

We are honored to see that our dedication and hard work has paid off. Solar Power World Magazine ranked us The #1 Rooftop Contractor in New York! This marks the 3rd year in a row that we have been given this status. We could not be happier, nor more grateful to have maintained it. We owe it all to our customers for believing in Solar Power and choosing Apex Solar for their system.

It has been great to see the number of people choosing to go solar increase over the years. It is truly a great way to save money while reducing your carbon footprint. With the interest in solar growing, it has also allowed us to further our education efforts about the benefits of solar power in the communities we serve and grow as a company. We are excited to see what this next year will bring for us and our amazing customers!

If you haven’t gone solar yet and are wondering what it is all about check out our Solar options. If you are ready to make the switch you can request a free quote or reach out to us today!

Electric Vehicles

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 14:00:00 GMT

A few years ago, seeing an electric vehicle on the road was a rare sighting. Even more rare than an electric vehicle was an electric vehicle charger. Now they are both common to see on your daily commute. Electric vehicles are growing in popularity because they are becoming more affordable and the range on them is increasing. By 2025, 1 out of every 4 vehicles sold will be electric.

Therefore, we need more infrastructure for them to be truly integrated into our society. Luckily, there are already many businesses that have taken the initiative to start installing electric vehicle chargers at their locations. This is beneficial to the business as it draws in more customers and to the EV driver as they can now top off as they are out and about. We have helped many businesses install electric chargers already and see this trend continuing for many years!

Recent Installs

Recently, we had the honor of installing chargers at the Jaguar executive’s homes for their first ever electric vehicle, the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace. It combines everything you love about an electric vehicle with the luxury of a Jaguar. Another exciting install for us was at the Killington Ski Area. They are taking the charge when it comes to EV chargers as they have the largest number of EV chargers of any ski area in North America. This is an exciting time to see the adaption of both electric vehicles and EV chargers.

Ready To Install Your EV Charger?

While we have done installs at a lot of ski areas, resorts, and hotels a lot of businesses can benefit from having EV chargers installed. They are a great addition to restaurants, gyms, apartments, and any type of business that is looking to provide this convenience for their customers and employees. There are many benefits to having one installed at your business including: increased dwell time, attracting high paying and quality customers, and adding another competitive edge over your competition. If you are interested in adding an EV charger to your business you can learn more about them here or reach out to us today !

Southern Adirondacks For Solar

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Have you been to a Southern Adirondacks for Solar event yet? They launched this year’s solarize campaign on May 5 and have had a myriad of events since then. Don’t worry though, there are more coming up! The Southern Adirondacks for Solar program is able to help those living in the Southern Adirondacks go solar for a group rate. That means you pay less when you decide to go solar! As one of the selected providers for this campaign, we are here to help educate our community about the benefits of going solar and to help you determine if going solar is right for you. Take a look at the great events we have had and the ones that are coming up!

Southern Adirondacks for Solar has been at the Glens Falls Farmer’s Market, Take A Bite in downtown Glens Falls, and put on a few events of their own. The workshop at The Hub in Brant Lake was a unique and fun event! The Hub is a great place to go for a bike ride or grab a bite to eat. Drew and Noah, the owners, are big supporters of solar and have 2 trackers! Those that came were able to see these awesome trackers, enjoy some great food, and learn more about Southern Adirondacks for Solar and if going solar is right for them. It was a fun and educational night for all who attended!

It’s not too late to go to a Southern Adirondacks for Solar event or take advantage of their great rates available to you! This Saturday you can see us and learn more about Southern Adirondacks for Solar at the Glens Falls Farmer’s Market. To check out what other events they have coming up you can visit their website or Facebook page . You can also contact us with any questions you have about the campaign or going solar!

Solarize Esopus

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 14:00:00 GMT

Apex Solar Power is excited to announce that we’ve been selected as an installer for the Solarize Esopus program! Open to any home or business owner in the greater Esopus area, we’re already seeing a ton of interest from people in Kingston, Esopus, and Ulster Park.

Solarize campaigns are like Groupon for solar. You can buy solar at a discounted rate since your community has already negotiated a rate with vetted solar providers. Solarize campaigns focus on:

Education
Negotiating Rates
Selecting Competitive Installers

Educating the community on solar and the benefits of using the sun for power is a large part of a solarize campaign. We want people to be informed about why solar may be the right choice for them and to have all of the facts. At all Solarize Esopus events, you will have the chance to get all of your solar questions answered so you can determine if going solar makes sense for you.

Solarize campaigns are able to negotiate lower rates for solar since it is being purchased at a group level. Which is why it’s similar to when you purchase something on Groupon. What could be better than deciding to go solar and getting it for a discounted rate?

Lastly, solarize campaigns vet a number of solar installers and then pick the most competitive ones to partner with. This allows members in the community who want to purchase solar to save time on researching solar installers. Also, they can be confident in the fact that they will be working with a qualified installer.

To learn more about the Solarize Esopus program you can visit their Facebook page . Be on the lookout for their upcoming events. You can also contact us with any questions regarding it!

A Busy Summer For Apex Roofing

Sun, 15 Jul 2018 12:00:00 GMT

On April 16th, Apex Roofing, a division of Apex Solar Power, was officially opened for business! The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce came out and did a ribbon cutting for the occasion. Now that the warm weather has finally arrived, our crew is out replacing roofs with beautiful Owens Corning materials . As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor we have access to the best roofing materials with great color options.

Why Roofing?

As a solar panel installer, the majority of systems we install are on the roof of the home or business. Stan Dobert, President of Apex Solar Power, put it best, “Most solar installations are performed on rooftops, so adding a roofing service provides our customers with a simple solution to complete both projects for their home.” Over the years we have had many customers express an interest in a solar system but they need a new roof for it to be viable. This then caused a delay in them producing their own clean energy as they had to find a contractor to replace their roof. Now we are able to be an all in one shop by being the ones to replace their roof and install solar. Also, many of our installers came from a roofing background. This meant that we already had experts on hand that could head up a roofing division. The members of our roofing division have over 40 years of combined experience. We are very excited in the talent that we have and that we can now provide the same great experience in roofing that we do in solar installations.

Need A New Roof?

We can help! If you have an asphalt shingle or metal roof, we can provide you with a free quote. Next, we will walk you through every step of the replacement process. Reach out to us today so we can make your roof strong and beautiful.

To Go Solar, Or Not To Go Solar?

Sat, 30 Jun 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Whether your home is in a residential development or on a beautiful property outside of the city, solar could be a great fit for you. One of the most common questions we get from home and business owners looking to go solar is whether or not they should wait a few months, or even a year to make the switch. It’s an understandable question, as there is always something in the news about a newer solar panel, or other new and exciting technology that would seemingly make solar less expensive.

However, it is almost always better to go solar sooner rather than later. Waiting can actually increase the net cost, as well as reducing other benefits long term. Some of the biggest reasons to go solar now are:

Cost Savings
State incentives and production benefits are reducing
Awesome technology is already available

If you decide to go solar today versus a year from now, that’s an entire year of high utility bills that you will be paying! Whether you purchase your system upfront or decide to finance you will be saving money. If you finance your system you will be trading your monthly utility bill for a lower monthly payment on your solar system. When purchasing upfront or financing you are still making clean energy to power your home. Either way the savings are worth it and better spent on something that you enjoy.

State incentives and production benefits are going strong right now but could be reduced in the future. While going solar is always a great option it is a good idea to take advantage of the current incentives available!

The solar panels available today are already efficient enough to offset 100% of your electricity needs using only your existing roof space. Waiting or purchasing more efficient solar panels only reduces the number of panels needed in a system. Most of our customers agree that having a system with 2 or less panels than they currently have is not worth the time and cost of waiting for them to become available.

Whether you decide to go solar today or wait, remember that great technology is already here and it’s never too early to start saving money. Reach out to us today to learn more or get a free quote!

Solar Power #1 In Electricity Added In 2018

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 14:00:00 GMT

From Business Insiders Article published on June 13, 2018 by Jeremy Berke. Read the full piece here.

The US added more solar power than any other type of electricity in the first quarter of 2018.
Solar accounts for 55% of all US electricity added so far in 2018.
The number is evidence of a broader global shift: Investment in renewable energy for electricity is overtaking fossil fuels.

“This data shows that solar has become a common-sense option for much of the US and is too strong to be set back for long,” SEIA CEO Abigail Ross Hopper said in a statement.

The SEIA report notes that the bulk of the new solar capacity added comes from utility-scale projects, which are large installations that feed power into the grid. Non-residential solar, a category used when companies like AT&T and Nestle switch their electricity source to solar power, was the second largest area of growth, according to the SEIA.

This growth comes despite the 30% tariffs the Trump administration levied on imported solar panels earlier this year. The tariffs went into effect at the beginning of February, a change that some in the solar industry previously told Business Insider would lead to a reduced demand for solar power.

After the tariffs went into effect, developers killed some $2.5 billion of solar installation projects, according to Reuters . Some US senators recently introduced a bipartisan bill to repeal the tariffs , saying they “jeopardize tens of thousands of workers” who are employed installing and maintaining solar installations in the US.

In 2017, before the tariffs were implemented, it cost around $50 to produce one megawatt-hour of electricity from solar power, according to an analysis from the investment bank Lazard. Coal, by comparison, cost about $102 per megawatt-hour to produce, the report calculated.

Rising US solar investment mirrors a larger global shift. In 2017, solar energy attracted $160.8 billion in investment , according to data from the United Nations Environment Program, outpacing nuclear and fossil fuels. China was by far the largest investor last year, sinking $126 billion alone into the renewable energy sector, according to a UN report.

Solar in 2017 was also the fastest growing electricity source globally, with 98 gigawatts added in 2017.

It’s exciting to see that solar power is continuing to grow and has accounted for over half of the electricity added in 2018 so far. If you are looking to learn more about going solar contact us to request a free quote!

Solar Makes Geothermal even better.

Thu, 31 May 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Great new options are now available to more efficiently heat and cool your home.

Renewable Energy: More than just solar and wind.

It has been exciting to witness the growth and increased adoption of renewables over the last decade. People are realizing that these options are not only feasible solutions for their home, but they are also affordable. As a solar energy company, we deal primarily in electricity, its generation, and its storage. The electricity solar generates is used in a home to power the lights, appliances, and even electric cars. Anything that needs electricity can benefit from the energy produced by solar panels, but the amount of energy needed can vary wildly.

One of the bigger challenges we have faced specifically is addressing the heating and cooling needs of a home with electricity. Heating a home with electricity is expensive, and it requires a huge amount of energy to make things comfortable- especially in the winter season. In some cases, a home with electric heat would need double the solar capacity installed in order to fully offset the energy demand. The inevitable result of this is that homeowners with propane or fuel oil keep it- it’s less expensive to maintain what they have than it would be to convert the home to an electric heating system.

A Renewable Solution is right under our feet.

Geothermal heating has been around for a number of years. Its main hurdle was its expense: a traditional geothermal system installation is very expensive, and the fact that it uses electricity to function only adds to that total cost to the system owner. New technology, however, is changing this reality relatively quickly. There is a new geothermal company that looks to be an excellent solution for a homeowner who wants to reduce their heating costs AND reduce the carbon footprint for their home.

Solar and Geothermal- The perfect pair.

Dandelion energy is an excellent company who has been doing great work in upstate New York. Their new Dandelion Air unit is an exciting development in the renewable heating sector- an affordable geothermal heating solution. Why are we so excited about it here at Apex? Geothermal systems utilize heat pumps to function, and these pumps run on electricity- the perfect compliment to a new or existing solar array. A net zero home has always been achievable, but it is not always affordable. With this new technology, you can increase your home’s efficiency, significantly reduce your carbon footprint, AND reduce your heating costs.

Geothermal by the numbers:

Dandelion recently posted a breakdown of what an average homeowner in New York can expect to spend and save with this new system if purchased outright:

”A Dandelion geothermal system, which provides year-round heating and air conditioning in a single unit, will use just $123 per month, or $1,480 per year in electricity. That’s a savings of $195 per month, or $2,340 per year on heating and cooling a home–roughly 61 percent cheaper than a conventional system.

If paid-outright for $20,000, the system will pay for itself in roughly eight and a half years.”

But Financing is also an option:

“Financing the system means paying nothing upfront, but instead just $135 per month in loan payments. Bundling a monthly loan cost with normal operating costs (above), the system will cost an average of $258 per month, or $3,100 per year to operate.

Compared to an old system (which cost $318 per month to operate), it saves $60 per month, or $720 per year heating and cooling her home–savings of nearly 20 percent. And since financing eliminates the upfront payment, the savings are immediate. “

All in All:

20% is a pretty good value, and with a solar system, the electricity portion is covered, making it an even better deal. We’re passionate about renewable energy, and solar power. Geothermal heating and cooling systems offer excellent ways to make homes and properties more sustainable, and help to reduce burning fossil fuels. When coupled with a solar system, you’re harnessing the sun to power your home. Solar and Geothermal are a perfect match, and a sure sign of a bright future.

To read more about Dandelion’s exciting new offering, check out their recent press release Here, and their savings breakdown Here.

National Grid Announces Electricity Rate Increase

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 15:42:00 GMT

After working with state regulators, National Grid has agreed on a three-year schedule that will increase the average residential customer’s monthly bill by 11 percent for customers in the northeast. For Massachusetts customers, the default rate already rose a whopping 34%, and will stay in effect until April of 2018.

While the arrangement spreads out the impact of the net increase over 3 years in New York, and the Massachusetts rate increase is deemed “temporary”, the net result is still more money out of pocket for utility customers who rely solely on the electric grid to supply their energy. The rate increase applies to the delivery portion of the electric bill, which is calculated based on the Kilowatt-hours of energy consumed (kWh).

What does this mean for you?

If you have a solar system, this news just means that you’re going to be avoiding an even higher bill. Because Net-Metering is a unit-for-unit trade of kWh produced, higher priced electricity prices mean that the output of your solar system is more valuable.

Want to protect yourself from increasing electricity rates? Making your own electricity is the easiest way, and getting a quote is fast and always 100% free.

Pika Energy Battery Installation

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 19:31:00 GMT

It was a cold February morning, but that didn’t stop our team from getting the battery bank installed for our customer’s new Pika Energy storage system.

Battery systems are becoming more and more popular, and Pika Energy’s new line of solar battery backup systems are a fantastic way for customers to have a reliable (and renewable!) source of energy in the event they experience a power outage.

Installing the individual battery units.

Pictured here is our trained installer loading one of the 4 Pika Battery units.Installing the individual battery units was a breeze. Each of the 4 batteries stores 2,500 watt-hours of energy. This bank holds 10,000 watt-hours in total.

The Pike Power Core up close.

Pika Solar systems use a special inverter that powers your home and charges the battery bank from the solar system.

Putting on the front cover.

Once the batteries are in, the front cover is installed.

The Pika Power Inverter is now live!

Power on! The system is now live, and the batteries are taking their first solar-powered charge.

We are excited to work with Pika and their awesome product, and our customer is thrilled. Keep an eye out for an upcoming blog update on Apex News for a time lapse of the installation, and more information about this project.

Interested in your own back-up system? We have a number of solutions that we can custom tailer to your specific situation. Give us a call, or request a quote online.

Last Days of Winter

Fri, 02 Mar 2018 16:19:00 GMT

Unlike the past few seasons, we have received plenty of snow this year in many areas, and cold temperatures are keeping it around. Just when it looks like things are going to be warming up again, another storm has arrived, “bombing out” on the northeast.

With March here, sunnier days are just around the corner. Throughout the season, we received calls and emails from customers who were concerned that their system cannot produce electricity when the panels are covered in snow. What should be done? With the latest storm here in March, there are sure to be plenty of solar system owners wondering how they should maximize their system’s production.

The Recommended Option

Apex Solar Power does not recommend, condone, or encourage any home or business owners to physically remove snow from their system. It is tempting, we know, but there is a very real risk that damage can occur to your panels if you’re swinging a snow rake around in freezing cold weather. Would you be comfortable cleaning your car off with a big metal and plastic rake on a pole, while standing 20 feet away? Us either. Snow rakes are hard to control. Though the tempered glass of solar panels is extremely durable and damage resistant, slamming a hard corner down onto glass is never a good idea. Like a car window, they will last a very long time, so long as you don’t smash it with a hammer.

What to do?

Be patient. The photo above shows one of our systems that has started to shed its snow, without any mechanical help. The “photovoltaic effect” that causes solar panels to create electricity also generates heat. Eventually, the snow will slide off the panels, and as more of the panels are exposed to sunlight, the heat they generate will expedite the process. It can be hard to wait, but the precautions are well worth it in the long run.

Remember- Your system production estimates include forecasted snow cover, and even then, the amount of energy your “missing” in December is less than 45% of what your production will be in April or May. We plan for winter when we size your system as it’s something that happens every year.

The Rebel’s Path

***The following is NOT recommended by Apex Solar Power, and any damage that results will not be covered by any manufacturer, installer, workmanship, or production warranty. Apex Solar Power does not recommend physically removing snow from your roof yourself, ever.***

Alright, with the disclaimer(s) out of the way we can talk about something that people do to clear snow off their systems, and the critical precautions they take while doing so.

Some homeowners decide that enough is enough and the snows gotta go. To do so, they use a snow rake with an important modification. They know that the hard, cold, sharp edges can cause damage, so they cover them up. We’ve seen some clever solutions:

Cutting a slit in a pool noodle, and affixing it along the edge of the snow rake. This makes a soft foam barrier, keeping hard edges away from the panel’s surface.
Using a large rubber or foam squeegee instead of the traditional roof rake end.
Using a big soft bristled broom on ground mounts.

The important thing to do is to cover the hard edges of anything that could be in contact with the panels, and try not to swing the device around with reckless abandon. Also, all the snow does not need to be fully removed. Often, leaving an inch or so of snow on the panels not only makes it an easier job, but sunlight easily penetrates this layer, which heats up the panels, and melts the rest.

***Remember, to ensure the longevity of your system and its panels, it is always best to be patient, and let the sun do the work.***

The Future of Home Energy

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 19:45:00 GMT

All Your Energy Under One Roof

With the popularity of smart machines and the “Internet of Things” home integration is already happening for connected appliances. With a growing electric vehicle industry and home battery solutions, an integrated home power station is possible.

First, we gained connectivity through all our devices: Computers, Phones, printers, and media centers. Today, a smart home revolution is underway: You can order groceries right from a “smart speaker” like Google home or amazon echo, and even control the lights and temperature of your home with smart home apps and thermostats.

Electric Vehicles are finally becoming mainstream. Our new Chevy Bolt can drive an astounding 240+ miles on a single charge! The capability of newer EVs to have this kind of range is a huge step forward, and unlocks the potential for longer “greener” trips, without range anxiety. Vehicle technology is certainly improving, but the key lies in improving battery technology.

With better batteries, practical home storage is here. And truly affordable home storage is right around the corner. Imagine if your solar panels were used to charge up a battery bank in your car, and another battery bank in your home.

During the day, instead of producing extra credits for the utility company, your solar energy goes to charging up your home battery bank, and running your home appliances while you take your car out for work or errands.

With Electric vehicle charging stations becoming more prevalent wherever you go, it’s not hard to imagine that your workplace or destination will have a place for you to plug in, and top up your car while you’re out.

In the evening, your home draws its electricity not from the utility company, but from your battery system. It’s even possible to plug your car into the home directly to supplement this storage.

The next day, the cycle repeats. It would be a clean and super efficient way to fully harness your solar panels and achieve full home energy independence.

Every year, we are seeing more and more changes to our daily lives as technologies continue to improve. Solar is an awesome source of power that is 100% free to access, whose technology is already mature. As batteries develop on the same path, it’s not hard to see just how attainable a renewable home can be as an integrated solar powerhouse!

INTRODUCING APEX ROOFING

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 18:43:00 GMT

A Seamless Experience. Solar power can be installed in many forms, but most commonly these projects are completed on roofs.... The post INTRODUCING APEX ROOFING appeared first on Apex Solar Power.

A Seamless Experience.

Solar power can be installed in many forms, but most commonly these projects are completed on roofs. For some, an older roof in need of replacement is a barrier for their renewable energy goals. For others, the prospect of shopping and getting quotes for roof replacements is a confusing and difficult process, but one that is necessary to protect their home or business. To serve these customers, Apex Solar Power is excited to announce that we have launched a new division of the company: Apex Roofing.

Why Roofing?

We have frequently worked with our solar customers on getting new roofs installed if necessary, but not all homeowners who are seeking a new roof are ready to make the switch to solar. Property owners seeking a new roof are still looking for a highly qualified contractor to complete their roofing project. We decided to bring our exemplary project management abilities and efficient installation practices to the roofing business. After all, many of our solar installers originally came from the roofing industry, and with that comes a host of experience.

What Makes Apex Roofing Different

As we have done with Solar installations, we take a professional “white glove” approach to our projects from start to finish. Selecting a roofing contractor can be daunting, and it’s difficult to know what you are really going to get, or who will be working on site. As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, Apex Roofing is backed by the best roofing manufacturer in the business.

What Apex Roofing provides

Installation

Products

Confidence

Need a new Roof?

Reach out to us today to get an easy quote, and get a new roof over your head.

The post INTRODUCING APEX ROOFING appeared first on Apex Solar Power .

An Apex Solar Power Customer Blog Post

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Thu, 26 May 2016 13:01:12 GMT

Beth Mackey’s post about going solar on her blog: Living Smart, Living Small.

May 26, 2016 was a monumental day in my life. Not my birthday. Not my kids’ birthdays. Not my anniversary. It was the day we flipped the switch to turn on our brand spankin’ new solar panels!

The whole process was so easy, I can’t believe we didn’t do it sooner.

I must thank environmentalist Bill McKibben, because it was his talk at Keene Central School last fall that really reminded me that I MUST do something to slow down climate change. And, thanks to our friends Jan and Megan Wellford who shared their experience going solar, and gave us the connection to Apex Solar – a company I can highly recommend.

The Details

From start to finish, our project took about 6 months. It would have taken 6 weeks, but just as Apex was about to schedule our install, the ground froze late last December and that meant we had to wait until the spring.

Apex was great to work with. Our salesman John was knowledgeable and personable. Our installers were also super nice and really, really good at what they do! The only hiccup in the entire process was one machine that broke down while digging the trench between the panels and our electric box. We had to wait a day for a part to come in.

For our ground-mount system, the racks went up in half a day, the panels (we have 24!) took a day and the trench took another day (not including the breakdown). Pretty good for full energy independence!

Except for snow removal, our system takes care of itself. I’ll report back on this as time goes on if we have any issues. I’ve talked to a number of friends (and friends of friends) and I have only heard of one couple who had to replace an inverter – but it was over 10 years old, and beyond its expected lifespan.

We are set up with 24 panels which will produce an estimated 7,000 kwH of power every year. Sweet mother of god, that’s a huge system! It’s sized at 109% of our expected usage with a few upcoming changes: electric heat and a clothes dryer, two luxuries we’ve decided to go with after much discussion. More on those changes to come! And, with such a sizable system, we have created a new landmark in the Town of Keene! Need to find our house? Look for the solar panels!

Being grid tied has its advantages (we sell to our electric company any excess power we produce) and disadvantages (when grid power goes out, our power goes out). We hope to one day mitigate that singular disadvantage by installing the coolest new thing out there in energy conservation: a Tesla home battery.

I was always worried that we could never afford to go solar. I had always heard of the thousands of dollars it costs and it always sounded beyond my reach. But here’s how I found out it was something we could afford to do:

Our monthly utility bill would not increase. Instead of paying the utility company, we pay off our loan.

The value of our property goes up by about the cost of the system, so we recoup any costs even if we sell tomorrow.

Our down payment was $1,000.

Between the grants offered to us and the Federal and State tax credits we will receive, our system will be at least 50-60% paid for!

When I ran the numbers, from every aspect it always came out that a solar installation was something we couldn’t afford NOT to do!

And the Best Part?

Apex Solar did ALL the paperwork!

The Bottom Line

If you have $1,000 and a house, GO SOLAR! And tell Apex Solar I say, “Thank you!”.

P.S. If you decide to go solar with Apex and want to support the LSLS blog, please mention my name!

Check out more sustainable living stories from Beth at Living Smart, Living Small.

If you are looking to make the switch to solar you can reach out to us here to learn more!