Nuclear power plants harness heat produced during nuclear fission to heat water to produce steam. The steam is used to spin large turbines that generate electricity. Typically, the fuel used is Uranium.

Solar energy is generated when solar panels use the sun’s energy to generate electricity. In simple terms, solar cells interact with incoming light to generate an electrical current.

In light of the climate change crisis, there is no doubt that we have to meet our energy needs using cleaner sources of energy. Both solar and nuclear energy are considered clean energy sources. They leave minimal or no carbon footprint and are renewable energy sources. The solar versus nuclear energy debate has been going on for quite some time. Let us look at how they stack up against the other:

Costs

The cost of building a facility to generate nuclear power compared to setting up a solar system is much more expensive. However, you can set up a solar system in your home or office relatively easily and start reaping the benefits immediately.

Time

As per Lazard, a leading investment banking firm, the average time to build a nuclear plant is 69 months. On the other hand, the average time to set up a home or commercial solar system is 3 months or less and the time to build a large-scale solar utility unit is not more than 9 months. GreenBrilliance will take you through the entire process, from assessment, solutioning, permit issuance to engineering and installation in a smooth, quick and efficient manner.

Capacity

The capacity of a nuclear power plant might be more than that of a typical solar farm or solar solutions implemented in a community or town. This is because it has the capacity to generate power continuously, and solar is dependent on the sun, which is not available to us 24 hours a day. But the long time taken to be operational and high costs outweighs it making solar a favorable choice.

Time to become operational

Solar becomes operational pretty fast compared to nuclear energy. We need this right now, considering the serious issues that planet Earth is facing due to climate change.

Risk

There have been instances when people living around a nuclear facility and the environment have been endangered. Solar energy production is free of such risks making it a safer choice.

If we want lower emissions quickly and cost-effectively, solar energy bests nuclear power as the leading source of carbon-free energy.

Going solar has become a viable option with prices of solar panels going down, technological advances and increased production of solar systems. With access to solar energy, people, businesses and government organizations can reduce their utility bills, manage their energy consumption and positively impact the environment. Did you know that you have the option to either buy solar panels or lease them? Let us look at the differences of owning a solar system and leasing solar panels:

Solar is the way forward

Owning a solar system involves higher upfront costs and maintenance efforts. But it offers higher savings and flexibility in terms of selling the premises where it is installed. On the other hand, a lease is better if there are barriers to buying solar panels and you do not want to be involved in maintenance and monitoring of the system. Either way, solar energy is the best way to go forward for better financial returns and a cleaner and greener environment.

Solar energy has emerged as the most practical and environmentally friendly alternative for companies to meet their energy needs. Most big and small businesses have either gone solar or are planning to embrace solar energy. Why?

Companies aim to be responsible corporate citizens with an environmental conscience along with achieving their corporate objectives related to revenues and costs.

Let us look at the various benefits of going solar for businesses:

Increasing energy requirements

As a company becomes more successful, the energy requirements increase. Non-renewable sources of energy such as coal and oil are limited in supply. On the other hand, there is substantial growth in solar energy generation. In the US, around 91 billion kilowatthours of solar energy was generated in 2021 compared to around 24 billion kilowatthours in 2015. It makes sense for businesses that need access to constant power supply and increasing energy requirements to adopt solar.

Cost benefits

Prices of conventional energy sources are expected to rise raising the costs of running the business which can pose problems for your budget. The best way to save on energy expenses is to generate the power yourself. It is very easy to set up a solar system that can generate energy, store excess energy and help you save money in the long run. There are various financing options to acquire solar systems that can be availed of as per your requirements. Moreover, the prices of solar panels have dropped, and their efficiency has increased over the years.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

By reducing dependence on traditional energy sources, the company can decrease its carbon footprint. By adopting a clean and green energy source like solar companies can play their part in protecting Earth with no greenhouse gases or harmful chemicals released into the air.

Federal Investment Tax Credit

Businesses that install solar systems will receive a federal tax credit for 10% of the gross installed cost of the solar system. If the company cannot use all the tax credit related to the commercial ITC in one year, it can carry the tax credit back one year and 20 years forward.

Better Goodwill and more Customers

Customers and society are increasingly conscious of the activities of companies. A company that cares for the environment is regarded highly in society. Customers also tend to choose the services of those companies that have eco-friendly processes and offer “green” services and products. By adopting solar power, a company contributes to sustainability and will be seen favorably by customers, partners and investors.

Solar is the way to go

While going solar is a significant investment, it will pay off in the long run. To sum up, we need a cleaner, greener environment. Going solar will be your contribution to a greener future. With the various strategic business advantages it gives, solar will also make your business competitive.

You can call us @ 703-657-0090 or email us @ gosolar@greenbrilliance.com to know more about our commercial solar installations, products and solar project financing options.

Solar energy can be used on industrial buildings, government organizations, commercial units and residences. There are a host of reasons as to why it is the right time for West Virginia to go solar:

• As of mid-2021, the total solar capacity installed in West Virginia was 15 MW. It is expected that solar can power up to 23% of West Virginia’s power needs. It means there is potential to install 6300 MW. Moreover, the solar industry is undergoing rapid changes in terms of advancing technology and optimization of costs. There is also increasing awareness of the benefits of solar energy and the unsustainability of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. They cause irreparable damage to the environment and have a shelf life for job opportunities.
• Solar panels that leverage solar energy to convert to electricity are moving ahead in efficiency and aesthetic value. Their prices are being optimized too. The government offers several incentives for solar installations. People can claim up to 26% of the cost of a solar photovoltaic system for installations in 2020-2022 as tax credit. For installations done in 2023, they can claim up to 22% of the cost for systems installed in 2023.
• With the thrust towards renewable energy across the country, flexible and easy financing options for solar installations are available. People can buy them in cash or by taking loans with favorable terms for borrowers.
• All utility companies in West Virginia have to offer net metering. It ensures that any resident or organization installing a solar system will get full credit for the production of surplus energy. The utility company will give a one-for-one credit for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) sent back to the utility company.
• It is also interesting to note that while the coal industry played an important role in West Virginia, things are changing. Coal mining jobs declined from 86,507 in 2010 to 42,117 in 2020, and solar energy related employment grew from 93,552 jobs in 2010 to 2,31,474 jobs in 2020 all across the US. Moreover, solar energy is the way forward. It is environmentally friendly to produce it, and people have better working conditions.

Go solar now

So, a drop in the installation costs, electricity bill reductions, tax savings and the chance to build a greener future make solar energy a great investment for West Virginia businesses, farmers, and homeowners. GreenBrilliance is in West Virginia now. You can call us @ 703-657-0090 or email us @ gosolar@greenbrilliance.com to know more about our solar installations, products and solar project financing options.

The solar industry added a record 19.2 gigawatts of new capacity during 2020. It was a 43% jump from 2019, and by 2030, solar installations are expected to quadruple from current levels.¹ The Biden administration aims to generate 45% of the total U.S. electrical generation through solar power by 2050.

We also experience an increase in the number of power outages and blackouts. By using solar energy, we will be in more control with solar, thus facing lesser unpredictability.

On the other hand, going solar is a significant investment, and there are many accounts of increasing investment costs. In addition, people are unsure of equipment maintenance and the extent of power generation.

So, are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels provide us with multiple advantages:

• Sustainability: We can generate emissions-free energy. It will help us reduce our carbon footprint and thereby do our bit to combat climate change.
• Financial benefits: We get many financial advantages. With solar panels, you generate your own electricity which means you do not have to pay utility bills. Even if your solar panel installation doesn’t generate enough power for all your needs, you still reduce your use of traditional energy sources. If there is surplus power, you can sell it and receive payments in your account or get credit in most states. Many studies have concluded that solar installations increase property value. The federal government and many state governments offer solar tax credits and incentives for homes and businesses.
• Optimum use of the availability of sunlight: Our planet gets plenty of sunlight. Solar panels can leverage it to produce electricity for homes, offices, and factories.

Still unsure about going solar

Review your electricity bill

With many of us still spending many hours of our day in our homes, the electricity bills could be high. The higher your bill, the more likely you will benefit from switching.

Estimate your solar panel cost

The main cost involved in going solar is the price of the panels. But with the increasing efficiency of solar panels, tax incentives and lowering of electricity bills, the cost is offset. GreenBrilliance provides high-quality, ‘Made-in-USA’ products that maximize benefits for our customers.

We also offer a range of financing options so that your switch to solar is within your means.

Watch out for incentives

The government offers significant incentives for installing solar panels as an alternate energy source. As of now, federal tax credit allows taxpayers to claim 26% of installation costs for systems placed in service by Dec. 31, 2022. The credit lowers to 22% in 2023 and expires in 2024, unless the policy changes. Moreover, many states offer additional incentives in terms of property tax exemption, waived fees, and expedited permits. You can take advantage of the incentives and get more value for your investment.

Want to know more about going solar?

We understand going solar is a big decision. With solar panels, you can avoid energy cost fluctuations, have a sustainable lifestyle, and enhance the value of your home. Contact us @ 703-657-0090 or gosolar@greenbrilliance.com, and we will be happy to engage with you so that you make the right decision.

Energy consumption in Virginia is more than two and a half times greater than the state’s energy production. Although the contribution from solar to Virginia’s energy production is small, it had almost tripled between 2017 and 2019 and there is a great scope for homeowners, businesses, and government entities in the state to go solar all the way. As part of the mission to be sustainable, the federal, state, and local governments provide numerous incentives for residents, commercial organizations, and government departments to encourage them to adopt solar energy. If you are in Virginia and looking to go solar, these are the solar rebates and incentives available to reduce your solar installation costs:

Net metering

You can sign up for net metering, and get credits on your electricity bill in lieu of the kilowatt-hours of solar electricity that you send back to the grid. You can use the net metering credits when you need more electricity than what your solar panels generate. In this way, you can balance out your electricity production and use.

Federal solar tax credit

You can earn federal solar incentives by going solar. Residents and businesses in Virginia can claim federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) on federal income taxes. They can claim up to 26% of the cost of a solar photovoltaic system for installations in 2020-2022. For installations done in 2023, they can claim up to 22% of the cost for systems installed in 2023. Do remember that the ITC applies only to those who buy their PV system either with a cash purchase or solar loan. GreenBrilliance can install turnkey solar solutions and offers a wide range of financing options that will allow you to take control of payments on your terms.

Residential property tax exemption

It has been seen that installing a solar energy system in your home can significantly increase your property value as the demand for a solar home is rising. There is potential to earn greater profits on the resale of the house, but does that also mean higher property taxes? Virginia has a law allowing localities to exempt or partially exempt solar from property taxes residents pay. So many localities have made this applicable to the homeowners.

Go solar with GreenBrilliance

We have successfully delivered numerous solar solutions to our customers in Maryland. Contact us @ 703-657-0090 or gosolar@greenbrilliance.com to find out how you can make the most of going solar.

The reach of renewable energy is widening, and it is the future. In line with this, the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in the United States is supported by the federal government, several states and local governments. Moreover, EV owners stand to earn federal tax credits and other state incentives provided they fulfil specified conditions. As a result, a growing number of people are adopting to go green with EV vehicles. But there are issues to be taken care of like low battery or the hassle of searching, locating, going somewhere and paying to charge your car.

GreenBrilliance wants to help you in your mission to be more sustainable. We want you to make the most of your EV car, gain financial incentives and also play a part in the USA’s commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Therefore, we have partnered with Qmerit, a leader in green energy transformation, to provide high-quality electric vehicle charging solutions. These solutions will be available for homeowners and businesses.

The partnership will enable all our customers to access qualified & licensed electricians who install charging equipment. You will be free of worries like low battery or charging the car. Owning an EV will become stress-free as charging it will be seamless and convenient.

The initial agreement is for the installation of at-home Level 2 charging hardware. They are the higher-powered specialty connections. They ensure faster charging, thereby providing more convenience to customers.

All EV owners need to do is to fill a simple form through Qmerit. Then, they will get competitive quotes from GreenBrilliance, which will be based on the unique characteristics of the owner’s home or business.

Go Green today

What are you waiting for? Contact us @ 703-657-0090 or gosolar@greenbrilliance.com to know more about our EV charging stations and other solar energy solutions.

What is community solar?

Community solar refers to a large solar facility shared by various community subscribers. These subscribers – residents, businesses, or government organizations, etc., will receive credit on their electricity bills to the extent of power produced by their portion of the community solar array.

Many people and organizations are unable to install their own solar panels. Community solar is an excellent opportunity for them to get affordable, locally produced, and clean energy.

What are the benefits of community solar?

There has been a growing interest in community solar across the country due to its manifold benefits:

• Individuals or organizations purchasing or subscribing to a share in a community solar project can get electricity at a lower cost.
• Those who cannot install solar panels on their own can still take advantage of solar energy.
• Community solar benefits a diverse customer base as many people may not have the financial means to install their own solar solution. By participating in a community solar project, they can buy a small share or subscribe to it according to their budget considerations.
• Individuals and organizations that purchase a share in the community solar project can avail themselves of the federal solar tax credit.
• You can be free of the maintenance of solar panels and need not worry about part replacement when you participate in a community solar project. The project developer will manage these things.

How do I sign up for it?

Community solar programs are usually offered in two formats:

Ownership Model: You can purchase a certain number of the panels or a portion of the community solar project to be a community solar participant. You will receive an electric bill that includes the credits/savings from the power produced by the solar panels you own.

Subscription Model: In this model, you enroll as a subscriber and pay a lower price on your electric bill each month compared to the amount you pay for electricity from your regular utility.

Sign-up is a pretty straightforward process. First, check if there is an active program in the area that you stay in. Typically, you will be able to sign up through your utility or sign up online with the community solar project developer.

How does it work?

It is based on virtual net metering. The solar energy generated by the community solar project offsets the electricity bill pulled from the regular utility grid either by a certain amount for a subscription model or to the extent of ownership by you in the project. So, for example, if a community solar array produces 5,000 kWh of electricity and you own 2% of the project, you get credit for 100 kWh for that billing period.

Are there any disadvantages of community solar?

• The financial incentives will not be as good as you have for your installation. For example, if you subscribe to community solar, you will not gain any federal tax incentives, cost benefits, etc. and the state-specific solar incentives are not always guaranteed for community solar.
• It has been proven that houses with solar system installations command a premium value as compared to homes that do not have them.
• All areas do not have community solar projects. Even if there are such projects in the surrounding area, there are limits to the number of people who can sign up for them.

With growing awareness of the harmful effects of using non-renewable energy sources and increasing production of solar energy, it has never been easier to make a difference – to your electricity bills and the planet. Contact us to get more information on solar energy and get a quote on a solar installation.

The state of Maryland consumes more than five times as much energy as it produces¹. By mid-2020, Maryland had 1,122 megawatts of total solar generating capacity installed1. As part of the ambitious goal of reducing the carbon footprint of the U.S. by 50% by 2035, the state and the federal government provide numerous incentives for residents, commercial organizations, and government departments to encourage them to shift to solar energy. Here is a list of the incentives/ rebates available:

Federal Tax Credit

Residents and businesses in Maryland can claim federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) on federal income taxes. They can claim up to 26% of the cost of a solar photovoltaic system for installations in 2020-2022 and up to 22% of the cost for systems installed in 2023. The system should be placed in service during the tax year and generate electricity for a home or the premises of an organization located in the U.S or U.S territories.

State and Local Property Tax Exemption

Photovoltaic solar energy installations in commercial and residential properties are exempt from state and local real property taxes.

Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program

Maryland’s Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program offers $1,000 grants for homeowners who have installed photovoltaic solar panels or solar shingles. The homeowner must submit the grant application to Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) by June 2022, and the installer must be NABCEP certified.

GreenBrilliance is a NABCEP certified solar solution provider and can work with you in installing a turnkey solar system and assist with requisite paperwork.

Solar Rebates for Businesses

The Maryland Commercial Clean Energy Rebate Program offers incentives for eligible businesses, nonprofits, local governments, and State of Maryland government departments that install solar energy technology. The rebate amount depends on the system installed.

Tax Credit Program for Energy Storage

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) will award a total of $750,000 in tax credit certificates during the tax year 2021 for residential and commercial taxpayers who have installed an energy storage system on their residential or commercial property in Maryland during Tax Year 2021 (January 1 – December 31, 2021). Do note that the application process must be completed by January 15, 2022.

GreenBrilliance provides hi-tech ‘Made in USA’ batteries to store solar power generated.

Local Solar Tax Credits in Maryland

Some counties within Maryland, such as Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Harford County and Prince George’s County, offer additional rebates and credits for residential and non-residential solar installations.

Maryland Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)

Homeowners and commercial property owners can get credit on their electric bills for generating excess solar energy. It can offset electricity bills when utilization is higher than the solar energy generated.

Go solar with GreenBrilliance

We have successfully delivered numerous solar solutions to our customers in Maryland. Call us at @ 703-657-0090 or email us @ gosolar@greenbrilliance.com to find out how you can make the most of going solar.

With the White House outlining an ambitious plan to increase solar energy generation from 3% in 2020 to 40% by 2035 and 45% by 2050, it is clear that the future is solar. With government support and innovations in the solar industry, customers can go solar and fight climate change. They will also gain benefits like decreased power outages and reduced energy bills. If you are a person who wants to make a difference to the climate and to your energy consumption, here is a list of questions that you should ask the solar consultants so that you install a solar energy solution that is most suited to your requirements:

How long have you been in business, and can I get information on the solar systems have you installed?

Companies that have been in business for a few years and have installed various types of solar systems for a broad customer base will definitely have more experience and expertise in understanding customer requirements, deciding on the optimal solar solution, managing processes and documentation, etc. GreenBrilliance has been in the business of solar for over 14 years and has a proven track record.

Can you share your industry certifications, licenses and insurance and product information?

Check for proof of accreditation by industry bodies. For example, solar companies can go for the NABCEP Certification. It gives PV installation professionals additional experience and knowledge. Ensure that they have the relevant licenses and insurance in place.

In commitment to delivering high quality solar solutions, among other certifications, GreenBrilliance and its team are Pearl certified and NABCEP certified. Check out our certificates and licenses here.

Can you explain in detail the benefits that I will get when I go solar?

Going solar is a significant investment. Therefore, get a detailed overview on the investment amount, quantified benefits, payback and ROI along with qualitative benefits of the solar solution.

Can you share customer references?

The best marketers and sales representatives for a company are its customers. Hence, you should ask about some of the solar installations for customers in your category and get their references so that you can find out about their experience and make a decision.

What are the conditions related to warranties, upgrades and maintenance?

It is vital for prospective solar customers to understand product details, terms of warranty, upgrades and maintenance once the solar system is installed. It would help if you were 100% sure of the products being installed as it is a long-term investment. GreenBrilliance provides ‘Made in USA’ solar systems and offers a 25-year warranty on the products. We also ensure hassle-free maintenance.

You can be a savvy solar customer by being fully educated on the solar system to be installed. Remember to ask your solar provider the questions mentioned here to have a comprehensive solar system and not worry about it in the future.

Go solar today

GreenBrilliance has a proven track record of delivering quality turnkey solutions and a tradition of transparency and trust. Get in touch with us today @ 703-657-0090 or gosolar@greenbrilliance.com to go solar.