All posts by brilliance

What is climate change, and what can we do about it

What is climate change, and what can we do about it

21 November 2022 3 min read
  • Climate change has cost the U.S. more than $350 billion in the last decade.
  • Emissions of fluorinated gasses like hydrofluorocarbons released due to commercial, industrial, and household usage increased by 90 percent between 1990 and 2020, leading to drastic effects like increased pollution and global warming.
  • The U.S. experienced 20 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disaster events in 2021

These alarming facts highlight the devastating physical and socioeconomic impacts of climate change.

What is climate change?

Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns are referred to as climate change. Though these changes can be natural, since the 19th century, human activities have been the primary cause of climate change.

Most human activities like transportation, heating, manufacturing, agriculture and clearing land lead to emission of greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide and methane. These gasses wrap around the Earth, trapping the sun’s heat leading to rising temperatures. Rising temperature leads to many adverse consequences –

Rising sea levels

The oceans absorb 90% of excess heat from the greenhouse effect. This causes a rise in water levels that can be threatening to islands. It also poses extreme risks for marine life and marine ecosystems.

Threat to life on Earth

Increasing temperatures lead to more natural disasters like heat waves, hurricanes and wildfires, threatening all life forms. It leads to changing landscapes like desertification, glacier retreat (loss of ice cover) etc. This can cause food and water scarcity, more diseases and economic loss.

Declining biodiversity

Forests are home to wildlife. They also protect the planet by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2), a significant source of pollution that causes climate change. With rising levels of greenhouse gasses and clearing of forest land for human activities, animals and plant species lose their natural habitat. Forests also purify air and soil. Therefore, a loss of forest cover leads to ecological changes like soil erosion, desertification of land, increased heat, etc.

How can we combat climate change

It is reassuring to know that we Americans are trying to protect our planet, our home. For example, 69% of U.S. adults prioritize developing alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar, over expanding the production of oil, coal and natural gas.

There are so many steps that people like you and me can do to take action on climate change –

Cut back on driving

Transportation accounts for 26 percent of emissions since 1990 in the USA. If possible, instead of getting into the car, walk or cycle. You will reduce your carbon emissions and also enjoy physical and mental benefits of the exercise. You will save money too.

If driving is unavoidable, either share car rides or trade in your gasoline fuelled car for an electric car or a hybrid vehicle so that you choose a more green lifestyle. Else you can take public transport if applicable.

Reduce your energy use

We can all make changes to our lifestyles to reduce energy usage. For example, buying energy-efficient appliances, switching off lights when not required and wearing extra layers of clothes during winter will lead to lesser energy usage. It will also translate to lower energy bills too.

Switch to cleaner energy

You will reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and decrease your carbon footprint. You can generate your own electricity, so you do not have to pay utility bills. If it doesn’t generate enough power for all your needs, you still reduce your use of traditional energy sources. And you can sell surplus power to the utility and get credits in your account. You will also be eligible for tax credits for yourself and your business. It is a win-win situation for you and planet Earth. You can switch to solar with GreenBrilliance. We offer end-to-end ‘Made in USA’ solar systems ensuring true turnkey delivery for homes, offices and government organizations.

As a human race, we can come together to slow down the effects of climate change with individual and collective action. So let us join hands for a cleaner, brighter future.

Solar batteries versus generators

Solar batteries versus generators

10 November 2022 2 min read

Generators and solar battery systems both provide backup power in the event of an outage. Generators can connect to your home’s electrical panel. They can either start automatically when the power goes out or be installed to be turned on manually. They run on fuel to keep your electricity on during an outage. On the other hand, when the grid goes down, a solar-powered battery backup system will draw stored energy from the batteries to power your home. Let us look at the differences between them and their advantages and disadvantages –

Generators Solar batteries
They generate electricity by burning fossil fuels like natural gas, diesel or propane. Solar battery systems store excess energy generated by a power source like solar panels and save it for later use.
Backup generators are of two types. Some turn on automatically when an outage is detected, and others can be manually turned on as required. When there is a power outage, the solar system will disconnect from the grid, and the solar batteries will start powering your home without interruption.
Usually, a 15-20 KW generator costs between $4,000 and $6,000.
But they have recurring costs like maintenance, refueling, etc. In the short run, generators are more affordable as their upfront costs are low.
The current market price for most solar batteries ranges from $8,500 to $10,000 excluding installation costs.
Installing a solar solution with solar storage has higher upfront costs. But they need not be powered with fossil fuels. Maintenance costs are meager to zero.
Generators generate sound and exhaust while in operation, thus causing air and sound pollution. Solar batteries neither produce noise nor any polluting substances while in operation.
Generators do not qualify for tax credits. A solar system with batteries qualifies for state-level tax incentives and federal tax benefits.
Generators increase your carbon footprint. They run on fossil fuels and cause air pollution. You can further decrease your carbon footprint when you pair solar batteries with solar as your usage of renewable energy rises.
Generators are easy to connect to existing natural gas lines and get them up and running. Installing a solar system with solar batteries is highly technical and comprehensive. Therefore, it will help to go with an expert solution provider like GreenBrilliance so that you are assured of a high-quality solution and peace of mind.

If you are looking to

  • Power your home 24×7
  • Reduce electricity bills in the long run
  • Gain energy independence by reducing dependence on utility grids and fossil fuels
  • Switch to clean energy

It will be a bright idea to go for a solar battery with GreenBrilliance.

We offer high quality solar batteries or a comprehensive solar solution along with a backup system that will take care of all your energy needs. So, Book a meeting with us today.

Let us bust some myths about Electric Vehicles

Let us bust some myths about Electric Vehicles

21 October 2022 3 min read

The pursuit of sustainable living is driving innovation all over the globe. As a result, there are emerging technologies that are shaping newer ways of living. Perhaps the sector to undergo the most significant transformation is mobility. The vehicles of the world are going electric as countries endeavor to reduce their dependence on conventional vehicular fuels – petrol, diesel and gas.

But new technologies are often welcomed with much suspicion and skepticism, especially when they demand considerable investment. People want to be sure that the technology will indeed be a rewarding overall experience. It is also a time when one finds many myths doing the rounds. So has been the case with electric vehicles(EVs). The following are four of the most common myths around electric cars that need to be clarified to enable people to make an eco-friendly choice.

Myth #1: Electric vehicles are unsafe.

Fact: The advocates of this myth single out incidents to paint an imbalanced picture. Experts agree that EVs are as safe, if not more safer than conventional vehicles. They must adhere to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in the USA. When the car is in an adverse situation such as a collision or short circuit, emergency safety mechanisms turn off the electrical system. Most brands have crash-proof means, and their batteries are well-protected.

Myth #2: Electric vehicles don’t offer range for daily needs.

Fact: The EV range or the distance a car can travel on a single charge depends on various factors such as weather, vehicle handling, maintenance, age of battery and driving conditions. In the US, almost all electric cars deliver more than 100 to 200 miles on a single charge. The daily average commuting distance is around 50 miles. Technology evolution is also helping automakers increase the range of their vehicles. So EVs do not have any limitations for typical daily usage.

Myth #3: EVs have a higher carbon footprint than gasoline vehicles.

Fact: The proponents of myth argue that by adopting electric vehicles, the world is shifting the source of carbon emissions from the tailpipe of vehicles to the chimneys of power plants. While it is true that in the absence of greener alternatives for producing electricity, charging electric vehicles would increase electricity consumption, leading to a significant increase in emissions from power plants. However, power plants around the world are becoming cleaner. In addition, renewable power generation is becoming more robust with the passing of the day. Moreover, research shows that over a period of time electric vehicles account for lower greenhouse gasses emissions than conventional fossil fuel vehicles when you consider their manufacturing and usage.

Myth #4: Charging electric vehicles is a major issue.

Fact: Yes, EV charging takes more time than fueling your vehicle and charging stations are less ubiquitous than we would like them to be. But any charging point can help charge the EV battery – be it the toaster or the dryer charging point. You can also install an EV charging station in your house. Level 1 chargers are suitable for average daily usage of fewer than 50 miles a day. If the daily usage is higher than that, Level 2 chargers might be better. If charging your EV is a concern, GreenBrilliance has a solution. We can make EV Charging at your home greener, faster and cost-effective. Our portfolio of superfast EV charging stations which we can power with our solar solution, offer various options suited to your needs and make you a Sustainability Champion.

We can help you adopt a more green lifestyle so that you can support our country build a more sustainable future. Contact GreenBrilliance @ 703-657-0090 or gosolar@greenbrilliance.com to find out more.

Does residential solar storage make sense?

Does residential solar storage make sense?

14 October 2022 2 min read

Did you know that we can store solar energy and use it when the sun is not shining? Solar panels use sunlight and transform it into electricity. Whereas solar battery storage allows homeowners to store solar energy –

What is solar+storage?

Residential solar energy systems that are paired with battery storage are called solar-plus-storage systems. Solar batteries store the excess power produced by solar panels. The excess energy can be used as and when you need it irrespective of weather, time of the day and regularity of electricity supply from the grid.

Why should I get solar storage?

Solar storage provides many benefits that directly translate to savings. Let us see how –

Flexibility of time of usage

When you have solar storage, you can decide if you want to use power from your panels, the utility grid, or the battery. For example, when there is a blackout, you can make use of solar power stored. In the early evenings, the price of electricity from the grid is higher. You can choose when to use energy from the storage system, thus saving some money.

Net Metering

If you have solar panels that are connected to the utility grid, you can send the excess power that your solar panels have generated to the grid. It will help you earn credits that can be offset against your electricity bills. Here again, you will be putting money in your wallet.

Better usage of power

With the net meter and power generation, you will be more aware of the amount of power generated and used. You can track the energy usage that can help you take steps such as adjusting your activities to reduce usage at peak usage times. This will help decrease your electricity bills. Also, you can always keep some energy capacity in reserve so that fluctuations in the electricity supply do not affect you and your family.

How long can energy be stored in solar storage systems?

Solar energy can typically be stored for about 4-5 days.

How long-lasting are solar batteries?

The most popular solar batteries are Tesla PowerWall and LG Chem. Tesla Powerwall has a limited warranty of zero defects and an unlimited cycle warranty for 10 years1. LG Chem has a battery warranty of 10 years with a throughput clause that changes depending on the model2. The life of batteries depends on numerous factors like battery usage, battery maintenance, and installation. GreenBrilliance provides hi-tech ‘Made in USA’ batteries for long-lasting use.

What is the price of installing solar batteries?

As per the energy department3, a solar+storage system can cost between $25,000 -$35,000. It, of course, depends on various factors like usage, size of the house, etc. If you have solar panels installed, you can install storage separately. It can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $22,000. But solar makes financial sense as you will be eligible for federal tax credits and may also get additional solar battery incentives depending on the state you live in.

GreenBrilliance also offers a wide range of financing options making the switch to solar easier.

Solar+storage systems make a lot of sense as you can reduce your electricity costs and also gain energy independence. We at GreenBrilliance can help you go solar with our high-quality and cost-effective hybrid solar panel systems and backup power solutions that will ensure your peace of mind.

Why does it make sense to go solar in Pennsylvania?

Why does it make sense to go solar in Pennsylvania?

27 September 2022 2 min read

Pennsylvania may not be among the top states in the United States of America in solar yet but it has a lot of potential to utilize solar. Solar prices have fallen about 53% over the last ten years. The average solar payback period, i.e. the average duration it takes for property owners who install solar panels to recover their initial investment through electricity savings, is 10.40 years. Pennsylvania also offers a lot of incentives to invest in solar. And, the new Inflation Reduction Act makes it even more attractive. Let us find out how –

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

With the new Inflation Reduction Act, there have been changes to the investment tax credit (ITC), also known as the federal solar tax credit. A homeowner or business in Pennsylvania will get a deduction of 30 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from their federal taxes. The 30 per cent tax credit will be available until 2033. Post that, it will drop to 26 per cent, subject to other rulings. Do remember that this is applicable when you own a solar system. You won’t receive this benefit if you have signed a solar lease or PPA.

Net Metering

Net metering is the policy that allows people with solar to get a credit on their electric bill for the energy they produce from their system. Solar energy owners can generate power and store it in batteries. Then, they can use it later when needed or sell the excess energy back to the grid. At the end of the 12-month billing cycle, the utility company will compensate net-metered generators for the extra credit at the retail price of electricity minus the distribution component.

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)

Solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) are tradable certificates earned by home solar owners for every megawatt-hour of solar energy they produce. They are similar to carbon credits.

One SREC is generated for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity your solar energy system produces. The owners of solar panel systems – from individual homeowners to large-scale solar developers can sell SRECs to utilities through the state’s SREC market. As of September 2022, the price is around $40.

An SREC has a useful life of three years. So, for example, if you generated SRECs in 2021, they will be valid towards the 2021, 2022, or 2023 compliance periods.

Go with GreenBrilliance

It makes sense to go solar in Pennsylvania. GreenBrilliance operates in your state and can deliver high performance, quality solutions at the best prices. Contact us @ 703-657-0090 or gosolar@greenbrilliance.com to begin your solar journey. Soon, you will start saving money and contributing to a greener, cleaner planet.

Building a positive work culture in GreenBrilliance

Building a positive work culture in GreenBrilliance

12 September 2022 2 min read

“A company’s culture is the foundation for future innovation.” – Brian Chesky, Founder Airbnb.

Workplace culture is a sum of the values, beliefs and attitudes that define the organization and are inherent in its processes.

At GreenBrilliance, we aim to constantly develop and nurture a positive work culture to engage and motivate employees to do their best for our customers. We undertake initiatives to promote work-life balance, well-being, social connections, learning etc. to build a vibrant work culture that embodies transparency, trust and positivity –

Modern workspace

GreenBrilliance’s new office is an awesome place to work, collaborate, communicate and relax. With flexible working spaces, modern conference rooms, a gymnasium with cutting-edge equipment and an excellent cafeteria, the new office is a happy, supportive workplace that energizes people to give their best at work each day.

Learning and Development

Employees look for growth opportunities, and companies aim to build a competitive edge. A comprehensive learning and development program can help achieve these objectives. We regularly invest in training and development programs as they help in boosting the performance of our employees and move the organization forward.

We have conducted training sessions such as ‘Solar Sales and Customer Psychology’ – a training session on Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) for the sales team and arranged for an in-depth training session by SolarEdge for our employees on solar technology,

Team Building

We believe that team building is an important investment we can make for our people. It improves communication, builds trust and increases collaboration. This can lead to a stronger company culture and boost performance. It is also good to let our hair down once a while. The GreenBrilliance team and their family members regularly go on our team picnics to have a wonderful time bonding over food, games and conversations.

The team at GreenBrilliance adds value to customers’ lives and contributes to a greener planet, and we ensure that we support them at every level. Check out our Careers page if GreenBrilliance sounds like an organization you want to work and grow with.

Inflation Reduction Act – What does it mean for solar consumers and producers

Inflation Reduction Act – What does it mean for solar consumers and producers

22 August 2022 2 min read

By signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law, President Biden takes a giant step towards setting our country on the path to reducing greenhouse gasses by 50%-52% below 2005 levels by 2030.

While the law has measures for health and taxes apart from energy, let us see how the Inflation Reduction Act will be useful to solar consumers and producers.

For Consumers

  • Homeowners and commercial organizations who adopt a solar system will be eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the cost of installed equipment for solar solutions till 2032. It will reduce to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. The credit will be retroactively applied to anyone who installed their system in 2022. It is a welcome change, as, under the earlier provision, residents could claim up to 26% for installations in 2022 and up to 22% in 2023. Beyond that, there were no incentives.
  • Solar power projects eligible for the full 30% tax credit can increase their tax credit by an additional 10% – to 40% in total – by purchasing domestically produced hardware.
  • The law proposes a $4,000 consumer tax credit for lower/middle income individuals to buy used clean vehicles and up to $7,500 tax credit to purchase new clean vehicles.
  • The demand for batteries is on the rise. The new law ensures that energy storage projects are also eligible for tax credits. Even if they are stand-alone facilities, they will receive a 30% tax credit. Batteries connected to a solar power project will continue to qualify for the credit, even if they are not charged by solar power. Moreover, customers with an existing solar solution can retrofit a battery to it and take advantage of the credit.

For producers and manufacturers

  • Manufacturers of solar components are also eligible for Production Tax Credits (PTCs). Companies manufacturing thin film photovoltaic cells, crystalline photovoltaic cells, photovoltaic wafers, solar grade polysilicon, polymeric backsheet, and solar modules will get tax credits. These will be higher if they meet specific wage and apprenticeship requirements.
  • Solar power projects will receive 0.3 cents/kWh as PTC for 10 years. This will be adjusted for inflation. If the projects meet certain wage and apprenticeship requirements, it will receive a tax credit of 2.5 cents/kWh for the first ten years. Moreover, there are additional tax credits for solar providers that sell solar to low-income individuals via community solar projects.
  • The law proposes to provide investment tax credits to build facilities that make electric vehicles and retool existing auto manufacturing facilities to manufacture electric vehicles. This could be advantageous to the solar energy providers. With the ease of availability of electric vehicles, support for solar installations and incentives to buy electric vehicles, consumers have the opportunity to go green with electric cars that can be powered by solar energy.

Be part of the clean energy transition

The law, when implemented, will kick start the era of affordable clean energy in America. It will be a game changer for solar consumers and solar providers. We @ GreenBrilliance will make the most of the provisions while implementing solar systems, so our customers get the maximum benefits. Contact GreenBrilliance @ 703-657-0090 or gosolar@greenbrilliance.com to begin your solar journey and be part of this catalytic change.

I have installed solar panels. What comes next?

I have installed solar panels. What comes next?

10 August 2022 2 min read

Congratulations! You have installed a solar system. What’s next, you may ask. Here are some things to do once your solar PV system is installed –

Solar System Inspection

There will be an inspection process to ensure that the property’s electrical system can handle the generation of solar energy. In addition, there will be a structural inspection to see if the roofing can bear the weight of the solar panels, raking equipment etc. Once the utility company is satisfied with the system it will give permission for the system to be activated and be connected to the grid.

Check if meter installed can take care of net metering

The electric utility company is supposed to credit solar panel owners for excess electricity The electric utility company is supposed to credit solar panel owners for excess electricity generated through “net metering.” Therefore, ensure that your meter can track energy flowing into the grid and from the grid to your home electricity. This is important as when you are connected to the grid, electricity generated by the solar panels will be consumed first. Then if required, electricity provided by the utility company will be used.

Shift Load

Now that you can generate your own electricity, you can choose how to utilize it best. For example, it might be a good idea to turn on the dishwasher in the morning when it can be powered by solar energy. Charge devices or use energy-intensive equipment when the sun is shining to use electricity generated from your solar panels, which would mean lower electricity costs.

Maintain your solar panels

While solar panels are low-maintenance, keeping them clear of dust, dirt, and debris is essential. These can block sunlight which means the panels will generate lesser energy over time. You should also service the solar panels to ensure that the electrical wiring is not damaged or deteriorated. And, fittings, switches, fuse boxes, breakers and cables are in proper working order. GreenBrilliance provides service and maintenance offerings to keep your solar system in mint condition.

Monitor your solar system

Once you’ve installed solar, check your electricity bill to find details of your solar energy consumption. Keep an eye on monthly outgo and electricity consumption. Most installations work with apps like Enphase or SolarEdge that can help monitor the energy production of your solar. If usage is the same, the monthly outgo should typically be lower. If you have a battery system, you can store the energy generated. Use or sell it to the grid, making electricity consumption more efficient.

Go with GreenBrilliance

GreenBrilliance can deliver high performance, quality solutions at the best prices. Contact us @ 703-657-0090 or gosolar@greenbrilliance.com to begin your solar journey, and you will soon reap the benefits of solar energy and also play your part in fighting climate change.

Driving the future of solar with our customer-first approach

Driving the future of solar with our customer-first approach

18 July 2022 2 min read

A customer-first approach puts the customer at the center of organization. GreenBrilliance strives to create and maintain a customer-first culture by seeking ways to consistently and proactively deliver a positive customer experience. We design our processes and products while keeping the customer as the top priority always –

Comprehensive, High Quality, Made In USA solutions

We deliver solar solutions based on exact customer requirements and a 360-degree conceptualization, design and development of solar power installations. We also offer support on the creation of permits, licensing processes and approvals from concerned authorities. We provide assistance on financing options as well. We use superior quality panels and equipment and are proud that our systems are ‘Made-In-USA. We also offer a 25-year warranty.

Proactive Communication

An informed customer is a happy customer. We take many steps to ensure constant communication with customers and have a robust feedback mechanism in place. Customers and interested members of the public can contact us @ 703-657-0090 or gosolar@greenbrilliance.com. Customers have the freedom and flexibility to meet with us to begin their solar journey. They can visit this page and book a short meeting, a longer discussion, an online conversation or a site visit as per their convenience, and we will be happy to assist them.

Strong partnerships

We do not want our customers rushing from one vendor to another for panels, batteries, financing options, quality assurance etc. Therefore we have strong partnerships with various industry players such as REC and NABCEP for certification and accreditation of our team and Pearl to certify our installations. In addition, we have partnered with TESLA and Generac for storage solutions and created strategic relationships with other businesses that our customers and prospects may interact with so that it is a win-win for all participants of the solar industry.

Investment in our team

Delivering a customer-first approach is possible when our team has the right tools, technology, and resources to best serve the customer. So we invest in programs to train and upskill our team, ingenious processes, holistic software platforms and a modern workspace so that our people who are the backbone of our success are equipped and motivated to add value to customers’ lives.

We love our customers

At GreenBrilliance, we strive to retain and delight our customers and therefore deliver high performance, quality solutions at the best prices. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.

4 ways businesses can get more value from solar

4 ways businesses can get more value from solar

05 July 2022 2 min read

Electricity costs form a major chunk of overhead costs for businesses. Solar energy is rapidly becoming a mainstream energy source for businesses across the country. Most of us know that organizations that go solar benefit from lower utility bills and tax credits. But did you know you can leverage the benefits of going solar in many other ways? Here are some ways you can get more value from solar –

Get warranty

Most solar companies will provide a warranty. However, to truly benefit from the warranty ensure that all equipment is covered. Moreover, choose a solar provider who is well-established so that the warranty will not become void in the near future. GreenBrilliance has been in business for 15 years. We deliver turnkey solar systems to residences, commercial organizations and government departments with a 25-year warranty, including solar installation coverage with premium warranties.

Conscious business

Environmental protection is an important issue for people today, and there is growing awareness of the effect of businesses on climate change. As a result, people are shifting their preference for companies that take steps to be eco-friendly. As a business, when you are conscious about sustainability, environmentally conscious customers will be attracted to your business, thereby giving your business a competitive edge. At the same time, you will be contributing to a cleaner, greener planet.

Equipment Efficiency

A solar panel is a crucial factor in determining the amount of solar energy generated by the solar system. The more efficient the panel, the more energy produced. Businesses must take care to install premium solar panels that offer higher efficiency and more power output and do not degrade quickly. The solar system should also be designed and installed to last for a long time so that the business can generate payback on the investment in solar over a longer timeframe.

GreenBrilliance offers an integrated solution with a guarantee of premium equipment and best-in-class installation.

Protection against rising energy costs

Volatile energy prices adversely affect the cost of running a business. However, a business that goes solar will be able to keep its energy costs stable, which means it can plan its budget efficiently. Moreover, rising electricity costs will not hamper its cost of operations.

Going solar with GreenBrilliance makes more business sense

Going solar gives you more benefits than just reduced costs and federal tax credits. Contact GreenBrilliance @ 703-657-0090 or gosolar@greenbrilliance.com to leverage more from your solar solution.