Solar

When you look at energy readings, you’ll see things measured in kilowatt-hours. Whether it’s your electric bill or the output of a solar panel system, it will most likely be in kilowatt-hours. It can be confusing to understand what a kilowatt or a kilowatt-hour are, but being aware of them can help you in many ways. By doing so, you’ll be able to better monitor your energy usage, make smarter choices about saving energy, as well as work towards lowering your overall electric bill. Luckily, Honey Bees Roofing & Solar, can educate you if you would like to learn more about kilowatts. Learning about kilowatt-hours can also help you determine which solar panel system is the best for your home. What is a Kilowatt? A kilowatt is a basic unit of energy that measures how much energy an appliance consumes. The acronym for a kilowatt is “kW”. The kilowatt is simply one thousand watts, another unit of energy that is frequently seen. Energy readings use kilowatts due to the large volume of electricity that many appliances consume. What is a Kilowatt-hour? A kilowatt-hour is the amount of energy you would use by keeping a 1,000-watt appliance running for one hour. In other words, it’s a unit that measures how much energy you’re using. Its acronym is “kWh”. Different devices will use a kWh in different amounts of time. For example, a 100-watt lightbulb would consume a single kWh in 10 actual hours. On the flip side, a 2,000-watt device will consume a kWh in about 30 minutes. The Difference Between Kilowatts and Kilowatt-hours It isn’t difficult to get kilowatts (kW) and kilowatt-hours (kWh) mixed up. They’re very similar, but they measure different things. Kilowatts are specifically for measuring how much energy each device or appliance uses. A kilowatt-hour measures the total amount of energy a system generates or consumes. Kilowatts measure electricity, kilowatt-hours measure energy use. Kilowatt-hours and Solar Energy When it comes to solar panels, it is important to have some knowledge of kilowatt-hours. If you want to install solar panels on your home, then you’ll need to figure out how many kilowatt-hours your home consumes a day. That way you can determine what configuration of type and number of solar panels you’ll need to offset the power consumption of your home. If you’re under-consuming, then you’ll still be heavily reliant on the power grid, and if you’re over-consuming then you may be putting energy back into the grid more than you’d like. While it can be difficult to determine exactly what solar setup your home will need, you can find help close by! Call a Professional If you’re interested in a no-pressure educational conversation about solar energy or installing solar panels on your building, then contact Honey Bees Roofing & Solar online or give us a call today at 817-668-6131! We offer free roofing inspections so we can help you choose the best roofing option for your home. In addition, we can work on any roof and help you determine what may need to be repaired. If you need a free roof inspection, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Across the country electric grid operators are sending a stern warning; electric power generation is starting to struggle to match the demand. The stresses of peak conditions, as well as potential delays in new power plants, have the potential to cause rolling blackouts in many states across the nation. There are multiple compounding reasons that may result in an electricity shortage in Texas. It may be a good time to prepare and even consider installing solar panels on your home. A System Under Stress The entire electrical grid has several problems befalling it all at once. One of these issues is the factor of age. Most of the systems that the United States use to transport electricity across long distances were built just after the second world war. The distribution lines that bring the power to individual areas are also decades old. Many power failures are due to the old systems failing under duress. The American Society of Civil Engineers found that “70% of transmission and distribution lines are well into the second half of their expected 50-year lifespans.” The routes that move electricity around are getting far too old, and no one is replacing them quickly enough. Extreme Weather Another factor that continues to prove to be a difficulty for the electrical grid is the upsurge of extreme weather. From the droughts and wildfires that ravage California, to intense freezes in our own backyard, the weather is rapidly and relentlessly worsening. The conditions put a strain on the power grid, and the effects were clearly seen during the 2021 Texas power crisis. The turbulent weather is simply exacerbating the pre-existing issues that our entire electrical system has. The Retiring of Fossil Fuels The final major factor that our power facilities are currently facing is a simple one: the United States is closing down conventional power plants faster than we can build renewable energy and battery storage. The country is making a mass transition from utilizing coal and natural gas to using far cleaner sources of energy. Overall, using more renewable and reusable sources of energy has long-term benefits. However, in the short term, the slow transition is merely magnifying the problems our systems have. Solar Energy Can Help While the future may seem dark with word of a possible electricity shortage in Texas, there’s still hope. Renewable energy is coming, no matter how slow. Clean energy is starting to compete with more traditional energy sources financially. There is far less investment in fossil fuels now than ever before. Even the average homeowner can make an investment towards their energy use. Now may be the best time to install solar panels onto a home to help weather the oncoming storm. The energy that a solar system creates can seriously offset the reliance on the power grid 24/7. If you’re worried about the future of the electrical grid, then it may be time to start making your own energy. Call a Professional If you’re interested in a no-pressure educational conversation about solar energy or installing solar panels on your building then contact Honey Bees Roofing & Solar online or give us a call today at 817-668-6131! We offer free roofing inspections so we can help you choose the best roofing option for your home. In addition, we can work on any roof and help you determine what may need to be repaired. If you need a free roof inspection, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Energy bills are on the rise. This most likely doesn’t surprise anyone in Texas, as they’ve been creeping up higher and higher for years now. Instead of just trying to make it work, many people have been working towards a more energy-efficient home. By saving energy, as well as making your own energy, you can save yourself a significant amount of money on your energy bill. That’s why Honey Bees Roofing & Solar has put together these tips, so you’ll know how to save energy with your home! Ways to Save Energy in Your Home Insulate The Whole House Heating or cooling your home in the winter or summer takes immense amounts of energy. If your home isn’t insulated well, you may have to heat or cool your home much more. Your HVAC units will be working much harder, as the temperature will be shifting more often. To save money and conserve energy, ensure that your house’s insulation is working properly. Make sure your doors are flush with the frame, or they may need weather stripping. Also, if your window’s sealant isn’t working properly you may also need to replace it. Lastly, check your foundation for cracks that may be letting out air. It also may be a good idea to get a free roof inspection to double-check its insulation. Install Solar Panels One critical step to making the most energy-efficient home possible is to install solar panels on it. Taking control of your energy bill is a major help with lowering it. Installing solar panels can reduce your bill or potentially eliminate your current electric bill. Solar panels go a long way in helping to reduce energy costs. Only Use Light When Needed During the day, you can utilize natural light to make your whole home bright. Open up the blinds and keep the artificial lights off. That way you’re not wasting the energy having lights on when you can keep your home lit for free. During the evening, use lights where you have to. However, always make sure to turn off the bulbs when you leave the room. Call a Professional Making sure your home is properly insulated, installing solar panels, and being mindful of light usage are great ways to work on lowering your energy bill. There are many more ways to work on being more energy-efficient, but the ways above are a great start. If you’re interested in installing solar panels or would like a no-pressure educational conversation about sun energy then Contact Honey Bees Roofing & Solar online or give us a call today at 817-668-6131! We offer free roofing inspections so we can help you choose the best roofing option for your home. We are one of the leading solar installers for the Burleson, Fort Worth, area and can help you take steps to have one of the most energy-efficient options possible. If you want to have a lower energy bill, keep your home cooler, or help the environment with energy-efficient roofing options then don’t hesitate to contact us!

Many solar shoppers get multiple quotes from installers before they make any decisions. While that’s the best way to make the best choice, it can be difficult to decipher what the differences between panels are. What is solar panel wattage? And what is solar panel efficiency? Luckily, Honey Bees Roofing & Solar is an expert on solar systems and has all the information you need to choose what’s right for your home! Solar Panel Ratings Ratings are one of the main ways a consumer can differentiate between panels. However, there are more ways to compare them than simple efficiency and wattage. Many solar installers use their panels for many reasons. Things like warranties, durability test results, prices, appearance, and other factors are all important. Ask an installer why they use the products they do, and they’ll explain it to you. What is Solar Panel Efficiency? Solar panel efficiency refers to the amount of sunlight that converts into electricity. That makes highly productive solar panels critically important for those with a small amount of space. If you want to maximize every inch of space you have available then you’ll want to focus on efficiency. However, productivity may not be the more important thing compared to warranties, aesthetics, durability, price, or other factors. There are multiple factors that go into how well a solar system creates electricity. In fact, even the color of the photovoltaic cells can make a difference! Typically, black cells (monocrystalline) are more efficient than blue cells (polycrystalline). Most solar panels are between 15 and 20 percent efficient. Over time, a panel’s productivity will unfortunately degrade. So, there are two things to consider when it comes to how well the cells will process sunlight. Look for the initial efficiency and the efficiency over time. What is Solar Panel Wattage? The wattage of a solar system reflects its output under optimal conditions. To calculate the actual wattage, simply multiply the amps by the volts. Solar panels typically have a wattage between 250-400 watts. Wattage and productivity are important but highly variable. Wattage doesn’t necessarily affect efficiency and vice-versa. To determine the capacity of a solar system, multiply the number of solar panels by their wattage. Output can be much different, however. If the weather isn’t optimal, or if some of the panels aren’t functioning properly then the output will be less than ideal. To create the ideal solar system, your output needs to be around the amount of energy your home requires. Call a Professional Solar rating factor efficiency and wattage together. While it’s not the only thing that matters when comparing solar panels it is important. Efficiency refers to how much sunlight will be converted to electricity. Wattage is how much output the solar system will have under optimal conditions. If you need help determining the right solar system for your home, contact us! If you’re interested in installing solar panels or would like a no-pressure educational conversation about sun energy then Contact Honey Bees Roofing & Solar online or give us a call today at 817-668-6131! We offer free roofing inspections so we can help you choose the best roofing option for your home. We are one of the leading solar installers for the Burleson, Fort Worth, area and can help you take steps to have one of the most energy-efficient options possible. If you want to have a lower energy bill, keep your home cooler, or help the environment with energy-efficient roofing options then don’t hesitate to contact us!

Solar energy continues to be incredibly valuable both residentially and commercially. It’s no surprise that it’s an industry that is slated to grow in 2022. Honey Bees Roofing & Solar has put together some of the 2022 sun-powered energy trends that you can watch out for as time goes on. There’s never been a better time to install energy panels on your roof! Solar Technology Continues to Grow Utilizing the sun continues to become more efficient. That lets both homeowners and businesses make more and more electricity in smaller areas. Solar shingles are becoming more widespread. Many people prefer the look of solar shingles over typical panels, but unfortunately due to product shortages, they are not readily available in many markets at this time. However, sun panels are also becoming thinner as well as weighing less. That means easier to install and easier on the eyes. Sun energy is also not increasing in cost; the market remains stable. That, paired with the fact that manufacturers are offering longer warranties than ever makes it clear that now is the to start utilizing the sun. New Solar Applications Are Gaining Popularity As technology improves, solar is becoming cheaper to use in a variety of applications. That means a larger variety of projects are becoming more available. Things like streetlights that run off the sun make a major change in energy bills. It also helps cut carbon emissions. Some places are creating sound barriers between highways and communities made of PV cells that not only make the communities easier to live in but also continually create energy. More and more devices are using photovoltaic technology, and that means a brighter and more sustainable future for us all. More People Will Use Solar Storage Solutions Solar batteries are being used significantly more often, ever since the widespread outages the country faced in the last few years. These batteries are becoming cheaper and easier to make while growing significantly in their power capacity. By utilizing this power storage, folks everywhere are making the most of their solar systems. They’re also preparing for a possible power shutdown in their area. There are also currently many tax and utility benefits to buying one of these batteries. That makes now a perfect time to invest in power storage. Solar Will Be Big in 2022 – Call a Professional These solar energy trends are prevalent in 2022 but have been growing for years. There are so many reasons to install solar on your home, and it looks like there hasn’t been a better time to. If you’re interested in installing solar panels or would like a no-pressure educational conversation about sun energy then Contact Honey Bees Roofing & Solar online or give us a call today at 817-668-6131! We offer free roofing inspections so we can help you choose the best roofing option for your home. We are one of the leading solar installers for the Burleson, Fort Worth, area and can help you take steps to have one of the most energy-efficient options possible. If you want to have a lower energy bill, keep your home cooler, or help the environment with energy-efficient roofing options then don’t hesitate to contact us!

There are a variety of things to be aware of regarding solar panels. Not everyone is aware of how they work. Honey Bees Roofing & Solar receives a lot of inquiries about the industry. One such question is “What is the difference between tier 1 and tier 3 solar panels?” Not everyone most likely knows about the tiers of sun-powered panels, but we have all the answers you need. What are the Tiers of Solar Panels? The tier system for panels was created as an international effort to be able to quickly tell the difference between solar panels. There is a range of quality between solar panels and their manufacturers. of solar panels. The tiers sort by multiple factors that combine to give consumers a good idea of what standard the panels are at. While the tier system has 3 tiers, most solar companies only use either tier 1 panels or tier 3 panels. Differences Between Tier 1 and Tier 3 Panels There are many differences between tier 1 and tier 3 solar panels. The main differences, however, are in quality, the warranties offered, and the actual efficiency of the system. Quality The differences in quality between solar panels of tier 1 and tier 3 can be massive. Companies with tier 3 have been producing panels for five or more years, and do their own research into technological improvements. They also do everything in-house, from creating the individual photovoltaic cells all the way to the final steps of production. Tier 3 companies have been around for two years, or even less, and they don’t make all of their own components. Tier 3 businesses also do much of their production by hand, unfortunately slowing down the process. It can also add more chance of failure in the panels themselves. Warranties The warranties are significantly different between tier 1 and tier 3 panels. Tier 1 panels have excellent quality and have been in production for years. With the business’s R&D constantly making improvements, they have only gotten better over the years. All of that works to ensure a great product, and the warranty proves the tier 1 companies confidence in their panels. These companies have excellent warranties for their solar panels. Tier 3 panels often have restricting warranties, if they have any at all. Actual Electrical Output All the research and hard work tier 1 businesses put into their panels pay off. They’re typically highly efficient and have some of the best actual output. Tier 3 companies have panels that work, but not nearly as well as tier 1 panels. To get the most out of your solar collecting system, you’ll want to consider getting tier 1 panels. What Tier of Solar Panel Does Honey Bees Roofing & Solar Use? Honey Bees Roofing & Solar wants the best for our customers, which is why we offer our customers the best solar panels we can. The strive for using top-quality materials has us exclusively using tier 1 panels. These manufacturers are trusted in the solar industry and stand behind their products. That’s the type of product we want to use. Sun power not only lowers your electric bill but also helps the environment. It’s a worthwhile investment for any household. If you are interested in getting solar power on your home, or a no-pressure educational conversation about solar power, contact us! Honey Bees Roofing &  Solar is an expert at installing solar on all types of roofs, including metal. If you want a free estimate on installing sun-powered panels for your roof or a free roof inspection to determine your roof’s condition, Contact Honey Bees Roofing & Solar online or give us a call today at 817-668-6131! 

Since the 19th century, our civilization has been field testing and improving our ability to harness the sun’s rays. Why? Because solar power represents the most abundant energy resource that we have on Earth. While humans have been working on harnessing solar energy for centuries, it’s only recently become so widely available. Thanks to advancing technology, today, we enjoy a more efficient solution to harness solar power and convert it to electricity for our homes. While many people have heard of solar power, several still ask the question, “how does solar power work?” How Do you Get Solar Energy? Solar power for your home starts with solar panels. Solar panels work because of the photovoltaic (PV) cells that reside inside of them. These photovoltaic cells create the key to solar electricity. When sunlight hits the PV cells, they absorb the energy from the resource,  in this case, the sun. As the PV cells absorb the sunlight they are simultaneously converting the power into electricity. This electricity is initially output as a direct current (DC), and unfortunately cannot be used by most houses, appliances, or just about anything that gets plugged in. Luckily, humanity has a solution for that. Making the Energy Usable Once the solar panels convert sunlight into DC electricity, the electricity travels from the panels into an inverter. Inverters typically reside on the side of any building with solar panels. Their primary role in solar power is converting the DC power from the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity for your home. AC electricity is the type that houses, appliances, and nearly everything else utilize on a daily basis. Finally, after the inverter converts the DC power to AC, it sends the power into the electrical service panel. The service panel then distributes the electricity throughout your home. What if I Make More Than I Need? If you make more solar power than you need, the power returns back to the local electrical grid instead of your home. In most places, including Burleson, TX and the greater Dallas, Fort Worth area, laws exist ensuring power companies reimburse you for this extra energy. Between being reimbursed from the electric company, creating your own electricity, and the tax write-offs that solar power brings, homeowners often recoup the cost of the initial solar investment. They do so because solar power eventually eliminates your electrical bill, therefore, establishing a positive investment. How Does Solar Power Work at Night? Without sunlight to power your home, you may be wondering, “how does solar power work at night?” Since the photovoltaic cells can’t create electricity, the regular power grid takes over to power your home. Your solar system transitions seamlessly between solar power and traditional grid power. Fortunately, you won’t notice a difference in power to your home at night versus throughout the day. The only noticeable change solar power brings is a lower electric bill. Call a Professional Solar power not only lowers your electric bill but also helps the environment. By utilizing PV cells, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. After the electricity passes through an inverter, your home maximizes the newly-created AC power. Solar represents a worthwhile investment for any household. If you are interested in getting solar power on your home, or a no-pressure educational conversation about solar power, contact us! Honey Bees Roofing &  Solar is an expert at installing solar on all types of roofs, including metal. If you want a free estimate on solar power for your roof or a free roof inspection to determine your roof’s condition, Contact Honey Bees Roofing & Solar online or give us a call today at 817-668-6131! 

With Texas being the fourth sunniest state in the country, getting solar power is an incredible resource for any home. It has a ton of benefits, both to your pocketbook and to the environment. Plus, the solar tax benefits that Texans enjoy are numerous. However, creating your own energy may seem confusing on the surface. If the sun powers my solar panels, what happens to my power at night? And how does my solar power interact with my electric company? Where Does the Power For My Home Come From? During the Day With solar power, you create electricity for your home passively throughout the day. As long as the sun shines it produces enough energy to power your home. The solar panels installed on your roof harness this energy and the inverter transforms it into usable, AC electricity. If you’re not creating enough energy to run your entire household, don’t fret. Although your home still utilizes solar power, the energy grid stays connected as a backup. This means, your electric company provides you with any excess power you need for your home. That way, if you’re using more energy than normal, or producing less than normal you won’t notice a difference in how your power “feels” while using it. During the Night At night, your solar panels can’t create energy for your home. Once again, your local electric company has you covered. While the sun is down, your home will be powered using the traditional electrical grid that once was used to power your home. The transition from creating your own power to using the electrical company remains seamless. The only thing you’ll notice with solar power concerning your power is the lowered electrical bill. If your solar panels aren’t generating enough energy then the electric grid helps power your home. But what if you’re making more than enough energy? Where Does the Excess Power Go? How does your electric company interact with your solar power when you’re overproducing? Well, the extra power flows into your local electric grid. In most states, there’s a system in place for you to get credit towards future electric bills when you’re overproducing solar power. In Texas, there are programs like the TXU Energy Renewable Buyback. These programs ensure that excess energy isn’t wasted, and you’re appropriately compensated for it. Call a Professional How does solar power interact with your electric company? Solar power allows you to create your own electricity for your home. However, when you can’t make enough due to the weather or the time of day, your electric company powers your home for you. If you’re overproducing power, your electric company should compensate you for the extra energy put into the electrical grid. Solar power not only lowers your electric bill but also helps the environment. It’s a worthwhile investment for any household. If you are interested in getting solar power on your home, or a no-pressure educational conversation about solar power, contact us! Honey Bees Roofing &  Solar is an expert at installing solar on all types of roofs, including metal. If you want a free estimate on solar power for your roof or a free roof inspection to determine your roof’s condition, Contact Honey Bees Roofing & Solar online or give us a call today at 817-668-6131!