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How Does a Smart Solar System Actually Work in Practice?

September 27, 2021

Thinking about a smart solar system? But what’s the difference between an ordinary solar system and a smart system? And how does one of these “smart” systems work?
The difference between ordinary and smart systems comes down to one factor: energy production. But which produces more? When you’re ready to discover the answer for yourself, so you can save yourself a bundle, read on.

The Ordinary Solar System Vs. The Smart Solar System

At a glance, both systems are the same. They use the same photovoltaic cells used by NASA on the international space station. They’re black, reflective panels that absorb the sun’s light and convert it into usable electricity.
So, if the technology is the same, what makes a “smart” system so smart? Though solar cell technology hasn’t changed much, power regulation has changed dramatically. In a smart system, DC power optimizers help each cell work at peak performance.
That means you harvest more energy each minute the sun shines. More power means a lower power bill. That translates to more money in your pocket each month.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Smart also means internet connectivity. After you choose the best solar company in your area to install smart solar, you’ll also receive access to their software. It’ll give you the power to maintain control over your energy.

  • Monitor your energy production from any internet-ready device
  • Control other energy-consuming devices in your home
  • Manage your energy production and consumption to maximize your solar industry investment

So, smart setups help you not only produce more power, but also help you reduce your power usage. During the day, the excess power you produce is kicked back to the grid. At night, your local power grid will return that energy to you at no cost.

Supporting a Cause

Your local solar company might be doing more than providing you with green energy. Many also support other worthwhile causes, so your money can serve dual purposes. You could support both solar energy and other charitable causes.
Blue Raven Solar, for instance, funds an initiative to alleviate the global water crisis. They provide the equipment and power to transform 70,000 liters of brackish water into potable water each day. That process provides clean drinking water to up to 35,000 a day.

Saving a Buck

You’ll also find both federal and state rebates, such as Virginia’s clean energy tax incentives. They cut the price of installing solar by giving you tax breaks and other benefits. Through December 2022, you can receive a 26% tax credit if you install solar.

What’s Next?

Now that you better understand the smart solar system, you can see why folks are choosing smart systems over ordinary systems. It comes down to more energy and more money in your pocket each month. Which system will you choose?
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