Home > Resources > Articles > Working From Home? Solar Might Be Perfect for You

Working From Home? Solar Might Be Perfect for You

December 17, 2021 | 373 views

Working From Home? Solar Might Be Perfect for You
The pandemic emptied out most of America’s offices as workers across the country set up home workstations. Although this looked to be a temporary situation for many, it has become clear that many workers are choosing to continue to work from home, and many businesses are embracing this concept as well. If you’re one of those individuals, you may want to consider adding solar to your home.


A shift in power usage

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, “Americans spent $6 billion more on at-home power consumption from April to July 2020 than during normal times, nearly offsetting a decline in business and industrial demand.” The increase in residential consumption was fueled by increased home heating and cooling demands, workers participating in virtual meetings, running computers, printers, lamps, and other electronic devices all day long. This has resulted in a shift in energy costs from corporations to employees, with many workers seeing significant increases in their home utility bills.


Capitalizing on higher demand to maximize your system size

Solar can be a great way to offset the costs of your home's energy demands. Because your consumption is currently higher than it would be if you were working at your company's office, you have the ability to install a system that will more than cover your electricity needs if and when you do return to a corporate office setting. Although your increased usage means you'll need to add a more extensive solar photovoltaic system to your home to do this, it also provides you with an opportunity to maximize your system's size to meet your needs.


Incentives and savings

The federal solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit (ITC), allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. However, that number falls to 22 percent in 2023 and goes away in 2024 for residential projects, while commercial projects are reduced to 10 percent ongoing. The ITC applies to both residential and commercial systems and there is no cap to the size of the system the ITC can be applied to.  Making plans now to invest in a solar PV system for your home can be a great way to continue to reap the rewards of working from home without it having a significant negative impact on your monthly utility bill.

Spotlight

Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc

Headquartered in Woodridge, Ill., Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. is a high-growth company that creates novel specialty chemicals that perform better from renewable feedstocks, making the products that industry and consumers use every day better. Using a proprietary technology called olefin metathesis, the company delivers specialty chemicals that exceed the performance of existing products while leaving a smaller environmental footprint — for use in personal care products, detergents and cleaners, engineered polymers, and other specialty chemicals markets.

OTHER ARTICLES
SOLAR+STORAGE

A vision for renewable energy

Article | June 14, 2022

Right now, renewable energy makes up a very small part of the entire energy sector of Bangladesh. But as we move into the future, and concerns about the environment become too great to ignore, exploring cleaner and greener sources of energy becomes the need of the hour. Our economy is booming, and our population is growing, so it goes without saying that our energy requirements are immense. There is plenty of scientific evidence that burning fossil fuels indiscriminately is not sustainable in the long term, so we do need to up our game in looking at alternatives.

Read More
SOLAR+STORAGE

2020: The Year of Convergence in Corporate Renewables

Article | June 8, 2022

The rapid growth of corporate renewable procurement has been nothing short of a buyer-driven revolution in the United States’ electric sector. Almost 20 gigawatts (GWs) of corporate power purchasing agreements (PPAs) were completed in 2019 across the globe, up from 13 GWs of corporate PPAs in 2018 and triple the numbers from 2017.1,2 And the majority of this growth has come from the United States. Fortunately for those of us committed to renewable energy, we expect this trend to continue. But as should be expected in such a dynamic, buyer-driven sector, we are starting to see some noticeable shifts in the marketplace as it evolves and grows. I wanted to highlight some of the trends Constellation is watching for this year.

Read More
SOLAR+STORAGE

2020 Trends That Will Make Waves In The Energy Industry

Article | May 27, 2021

In the renewable world, energy is generated by weather and the amount of energy that can be produced depends on the current conditions. Energy storage can ensure a power supply is maintained when weather conditions are not optimal for generating energy. While energy storage products have already been introduced to all levels of the market there are several technology hurdles to overcome before energy storage will reach maximum potential. We believe there will be great advancements in 2020 on:

Read More

Solar Power, Great For The Environment? Or Is It The Last Thing We Need?

Article | February 10, 2020

Solar power is an undeniably a green, renewable form of electricity generation - but many organisations with questionable motives (even here in New Zealand) are trying to persuade the public (and Government – hi lobbyists!) that solar power isn’t that environmentally friendly, and that it's even harmful. At the expense of bullish corporate profits, solar power is often thrown under the bus. This article lists the facts - putting an end to the negative spin on solar so often found in the media. When solar panels produce power, they do not; create any air pollution, use zero water, create carbon emissions, noise pollution, and they won’t disturb surrounding ecosystems. Solar power is a renewable energy source, the sun’s rays are infinite, fill your boots.

Read More
SOLAR+STORAGE

Renewables find success in ‘black start’ experiment

Article | June 14, 2022

Right now, renewable energy makes up a very small part of the entire energy sector of Bangladesh. But as we move into the future, and concerns about the environment become too great to ignore, exploring cleaner and greener sources of energy becomes the need of the hour. Our economy is booming, and our population is growing, so it goes without saying that our energy requirements are immense. There is plenty of scientific evidence that burning fossil fuels indiscriminately is not sustainable in the long term, so we do need to up our game in looking at alternatives.

Read More
SOLAR+STORAGE

Treasury Wine Estates To Install Thousands Of Solar Panels

Article | June 8, 2022

The rapid growth of corporate renewable procurement has been nothing short of a buyer-driven revolution in the United States’ electric sector. Almost 20 gigawatts (GWs) of corporate power purchasing agreements (PPAs) were completed in 2019 across the globe, up from 13 GWs of corporate PPAs in 2018 and triple the numbers from 2017.1,2 And the majority of this growth has come from the United States. Fortunately for those of us committed to renewable energy, we expect this trend to continue. But as should be expected in such a dynamic, buyer-driven sector, we are starting to see some noticeable shifts in the marketplace as it evolves and grows. I wanted to highlight some of the trends Constellation is watching for this year.

Read More
SOLAR+STORAGE

Installation of a Solar System in 2021

Article | May 27, 2021

In the renewable world, energy is generated by weather and the amount of energy that can be produced depends on the current conditions. Energy storage can ensure a power supply is maintained when weather conditions are not optimal for generating energy. While energy storage products have already been introduced to all levels of the market there are several technology hurdles to overcome before energy storage will reach maximum potential. We believe there will be great advancements in 2020 on:

Read More

Solar Power, Great For The Environment? Or Is It The Last Thing We Need?

Article | February 10, 2020

Solar power is an undeniably a green, renewable form of electricity generation - but many organisations with questionable motives (even here in New Zealand) are trying to persuade the public (and Government – hi lobbyists!) that solar power isn’t that environmentally friendly, and that it's even harmful. At the expense of bullish corporate profits, solar power is often thrown under the bus. This article lists the facts - putting an end to the negative spin on solar so often found in the media. When solar panels produce power, they do not; create any air pollution, use zero water, create carbon emissions, noise pollution, and they won’t disturb surrounding ecosystems. Solar power is a renewable energy source, the sun’s rays are infinite, fill your boots.

Read More
MORE ARTICLES

Spotlight

Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc

Headquartered in Woodridge, Ill., Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc. is a high-growth company that creates novel specialty chemicals that perform better from renewable feedstocks, making the products that industry and consumers use every day better. Using a proprietary technology called olefin metathesis, the company delivers specialty chemicals that exceed the performance of existing products while leaving a smaller environmental footprint — for use in personal care products, detergents and cleaners, engineered polymers, and other specialty chemicals markets.

Related News

SOLAR+STORAGE

Advanced Power's Cutlass Solar Project Begins Commercial Operations

Advanced Power | January 24, 2023

On January 23, 2023, Advanced Power confirmed that the Cutlass Solar project has reached full commercial operation, and is now supplying reliable, renewable energy to the Greater Houston area. The finished project is a 140-Megawatt (MW) DC photovoltaic solar generating facility that began providing power to the ERCOT system in July 2022. The announcement marks the complete transition from building and testing to full commercial operations. Advanced Power will continue to serve as the facility's asset manager, while SOLV Energy will operate it. The facility is owned by Advanced Power and its co-investors, Fuyo General Lease Co., Ltd. and ENEOS Corporation. Bechtel, a company experienced in designing and implementing complex power projects for over 60 years, oversaw the facility's procurement, engineering, and construction. Collin Brown, Vice President of Development at Advanced Power, shared, "Cutlass Solar exemplifies Advanced Power's continuing growth as a global developer, manager, and owner of modern power infrastructure. We are committed to bringing reliable power to growing areas that need it, such as Greater Houston." He added, "We are equally pleased to be contributing to the community through tax revenues to support the county and local schools." (Source – PR Newswire) Cutlass Solar is situated on 700-acre land in Fort Bend County, Texas, approximately 40 miles southwest of Houston. It is Advanced Power's first operational project in the comprehensive 8-Gigawatt low-carbon and renewable development pipeline within the United States. Other projects in the ERCOT pipeline include Alina Energy, Elio Energy, Eldora Energy, Oriana Solar, and Talitha Energy. About Advanced Power Massachusetts-based Advanced Power is a privately owned organization that develops, owns, and manages infrastructure projects for power generation across Europe and North America. By leveraging its skills in asset management, financial structuring, and development, the company is moving closer to its underlying goal of significantly lowering global emissions. The organization has prevented over 9.5 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, provided more than 18 million megawatt hours of clean energy, delivered more than 2.6 million homes with power, and raised more than $5 billion in equity and debt financing to date.

Read More

INDUSTRY UPDATES

CAM Integrated Solutions Supports Amp Americas' RNG Project Pipelines

CAM Integrated Solutions | February 03, 2023

On February 2, 2023, CAM Integrated Solutions, LLC, announced its partnership with Amp Americas, a renewable natural gas (RNG) leader that produces carbon-negative fuels and feedstocks from dairy farm waste. CAM will deliver engineering support for several Amp Americas RNG production development projects, including one of the biggest animal waste-to-RNG projects to date, as well as micro plants to make RNG viable for smaller dairy farms, as part of the partnership. Amp Americas operates and owns one of the country's most extensive portfolios of ultra-low carbon intensity RNG facilities. The company anticipates producing approximately 12-million-gallon equivalents of RNG and generating nine million kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2023. CAM understands the changing energy market and brings a lean 'midstream mentality' to the next generation of energy. Amp Americas has benefited from CAM's wide range of fully integrated service offerings over the past year, and it will continue to provide comprehensive project delivery services as the companies advance the renewable industry. Craig Pierrotti, CEO of CAM, states, "Our partnership was founded on both aligned core values and a joint mission to support the transition to renewable energy. We are eager to support Amp as they continue to pave the way in the RNG space." (Source – Business Wire) About CAM Integrated Solutions, LLC Founded in 2015 and based in Houston (Texas), CAM Integrated Solutions is an energy solutions provider for Upstream and Midstream markets. The company supports ESG/GHG and Net Zero initiatives for both oil & gas and renewable/clean energy clients. Its fully integrated solutions include FEED, procurement, fabrication, project & construction management, detailed engineering and design, automation & controls, field support, and commissioning. CAM adapts to the dynamic energy industry by bringing an integrated and lean delivery model to the next generation.

Read More

ENERGY

Apex Signs Offtake Agreement with Meta for Huge Clean Energy Generation

Apex Clean Energy | January 31, 2023

On January 30, 2023, Apex Clean Energy signed an Environmental Attribute Purchase Agreement (EAPA) with Meta to generate total renewable energy in the Angelo Solar Project with a 195 MW facility, supporting the regional operations in Tom Green County (Texas). The Angelo Solar Project will generate around $31.7 million in tax revenue for the local community, approximately $22 million in landowner payments, and about 400 jobs during construction, with commercial operations expected in early 2024. The other earlier declared transactions would continue to manifest between Apex and Meta, like an 80 MW EAPA with Altavista Solar, 197 MW with Jayhawk Wind, 175 MW with Lincoln Land Wind, 200 MW with Aviator Wind East, and 225 MW with Great Pathfinder Wind, along with this agreement. President and CEO of Apex Clean Energy, Mark Goodwin, said, “The success of our company and our mission, to accelerate the shift to clean energy, relies on partnerships with first movers like Meta that have set ambitious standards driving the energy transition. He added, “As we advance our sixth project alongside Meta, this portfolio, now totaling more than a gigawatt, represents a diverse set of best-in-class wind and solar projects in markets across the United States.” (Source – Business Wire) Urvi Parekh, Head of Renewable Energy at Meta, said, “We appreciate Apex’s partnership in helping us bring a total of one gigawatt of new renewable energy to the grid across Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Kansas, and Iowa.” She added, “This new solar project will support our commitment to 100% renewable energy and will help bring jobs and investment to the local community.” (Source – Business Wire) About Apex Clean Energy Apex Clean Energy generates clean energy with a diverse portfolio of about 40 gigawatts. At its headquarters in Charlottesville (Virginia) and nationwide, 400 specialists are working on its projects. Its renewable frontiers are wind, solar, storage facilities, distributed energy resources, and green fuel technologies in North America. Established in 2009 as a modest start-up, the company has grown into a successful business that encourages employee initiative and autonomy.

Read More

SOLAR+STORAGE

Advanced Power's Cutlass Solar Project Begins Commercial Operations

Advanced Power | January 24, 2023

On January 23, 2023, Advanced Power confirmed that the Cutlass Solar project has reached full commercial operation, and is now supplying reliable, renewable energy to the Greater Houston area. The finished project is a 140-Megawatt (MW) DC photovoltaic solar generating facility that began providing power to the ERCOT system in July 2022. The announcement marks the complete transition from building and testing to full commercial operations. Advanced Power will continue to serve as the facility's asset manager, while SOLV Energy will operate it. The facility is owned by Advanced Power and its co-investors, Fuyo General Lease Co., Ltd. and ENEOS Corporation. Bechtel, a company experienced in designing and implementing complex power projects for over 60 years, oversaw the facility's procurement, engineering, and construction. Collin Brown, Vice President of Development at Advanced Power, shared, "Cutlass Solar exemplifies Advanced Power's continuing growth as a global developer, manager, and owner of modern power infrastructure. We are committed to bringing reliable power to growing areas that need it, such as Greater Houston." He added, "We are equally pleased to be contributing to the community through tax revenues to support the county and local schools." (Source – PR Newswire) Cutlass Solar is situated on 700-acre land in Fort Bend County, Texas, approximately 40 miles southwest of Houston. It is Advanced Power's first operational project in the comprehensive 8-Gigawatt low-carbon and renewable development pipeline within the United States. Other projects in the ERCOT pipeline include Alina Energy, Elio Energy, Eldora Energy, Oriana Solar, and Talitha Energy. About Advanced Power Massachusetts-based Advanced Power is a privately owned organization that develops, owns, and manages infrastructure projects for power generation across Europe and North America. By leveraging its skills in asset management, financial structuring, and development, the company is moving closer to its underlying goal of significantly lowering global emissions. The organization has prevented over 9.5 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, provided more than 18 million megawatt hours of clean energy, delivered more than 2.6 million homes with power, and raised more than $5 billion in equity and debt financing to date.

Read More

INDUSTRY UPDATES

CAM Integrated Solutions Supports Amp Americas' RNG Project Pipelines

CAM Integrated Solutions | February 03, 2023

On February 2, 2023, CAM Integrated Solutions, LLC, announced its partnership with Amp Americas, a renewable natural gas (RNG) leader that produces carbon-negative fuels and feedstocks from dairy farm waste. CAM will deliver engineering support for several Amp Americas RNG production development projects, including one of the biggest animal waste-to-RNG projects to date, as well as micro plants to make RNG viable for smaller dairy farms, as part of the partnership. Amp Americas operates and owns one of the country's most extensive portfolios of ultra-low carbon intensity RNG facilities. The company anticipates producing approximately 12-million-gallon equivalents of RNG and generating nine million kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2023. CAM understands the changing energy market and brings a lean 'midstream mentality' to the next generation of energy. Amp Americas has benefited from CAM's wide range of fully integrated service offerings over the past year, and it will continue to provide comprehensive project delivery services as the companies advance the renewable industry. Craig Pierrotti, CEO of CAM, states, "Our partnership was founded on both aligned core values and a joint mission to support the transition to renewable energy. We are eager to support Amp as they continue to pave the way in the RNG space." (Source – Business Wire) About CAM Integrated Solutions, LLC Founded in 2015 and based in Houston (Texas), CAM Integrated Solutions is an energy solutions provider for Upstream and Midstream markets. The company supports ESG/GHG and Net Zero initiatives for both oil & gas and renewable/clean energy clients. Its fully integrated solutions include FEED, procurement, fabrication, project & construction management, detailed engineering and design, automation & controls, field support, and commissioning. CAM adapts to the dynamic energy industry by bringing an integrated and lean delivery model to the next generation.

Read More

ENERGY

Apex Signs Offtake Agreement with Meta for Huge Clean Energy Generation

Apex Clean Energy | January 31, 2023

On January 30, 2023, Apex Clean Energy signed an Environmental Attribute Purchase Agreement (EAPA) with Meta to generate total renewable energy in the Angelo Solar Project with a 195 MW facility, supporting the regional operations in Tom Green County (Texas). The Angelo Solar Project will generate around $31.7 million in tax revenue for the local community, approximately $22 million in landowner payments, and about 400 jobs during construction, with commercial operations expected in early 2024. The other earlier declared transactions would continue to manifest between Apex and Meta, like an 80 MW EAPA with Altavista Solar, 197 MW with Jayhawk Wind, 175 MW with Lincoln Land Wind, 200 MW with Aviator Wind East, and 225 MW with Great Pathfinder Wind, along with this agreement. President and CEO of Apex Clean Energy, Mark Goodwin, said, “The success of our company and our mission, to accelerate the shift to clean energy, relies on partnerships with first movers like Meta that have set ambitious standards driving the energy transition. He added, “As we advance our sixth project alongside Meta, this portfolio, now totaling more than a gigawatt, represents a diverse set of best-in-class wind and solar projects in markets across the United States.” (Source – Business Wire) Urvi Parekh, Head of Renewable Energy at Meta, said, “We appreciate Apex’s partnership in helping us bring a total of one gigawatt of new renewable energy to the grid across Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Kansas, and Iowa.” She added, “This new solar project will support our commitment to 100% renewable energy and will help bring jobs and investment to the local community.” (Source – Business Wire) About Apex Clean Energy Apex Clean Energy generates clean energy with a diverse portfolio of about 40 gigawatts. At its headquarters in Charlottesville (Virginia) and nationwide, 400 specialists are working on its projects. Its renewable frontiers are wind, solar, storage facilities, distributed energy resources, and green fuel technologies in North America. Established in 2009 as a modest start-up, the company has grown into a successful business that encourages employee initiative and autonomy.

Read More

Events