Just as a car that is well-maintained will run better, solar panels that are maintained well will be more long-lasting and efficient.

Many customers and people interested in going solar have questions around the maintenance of solar panels. GreenBrilliance’s solar panels are high-quality equipment and require very little maintenance. Here are some tips so that you get the most from your solar panels –

Cleaning

Clean solar panels can receive maximum sunlight, and this will ensure that your solar system generates optimum energy output. Moreover, clear solar panels will add to the aesthetic appeal of your house. You can clean them 3-4 times a year, depending on the area you live in. You can use a soft cloth, eco-friendly soap or a hosepipe with water or a dust blower if too much dirt and debris have accumulated.

Maintenance

It is important to service the solar panels regularly. In the maintenance routine, ensure that

• the electrical wiring is not damaged or deteriorated
• fittings and cables are securely attached
• all components such as fuse boxes, switches, breakers are in working condition
• the inverter is operating efficiently, and the display is accurate. It should have the green light flashing.
• inspection of the mounting hardware for wear and tear

Do remember to keep the paperwork related to the purchase and maintenance of the solar panels in place.

To ensure complete peace of mind for customers. GreenBrilliance provides service and maintenance offerings that ensure

• System diagnostics
• Cleaning and maintenance of solar panels, interconnection breakers, inverters and other integral components
• In-depth analysis of compliance with prevalent building and fire codes

Monitoring

The best way to detect problems in performance is to monitor the solar system. You can integrate a monitoring system with your solar system to track the energy produced and receive notifications on malfunctions. With it, you can also check the trend of energy generation and consumption to track efficiency and usage and make decisions accordingly. can check the trend of energy generation and consumption to track efficiency and usage and make decisions accordingly. GreenBrilliance offers monitoring capabilities in the aftersales service offerings.

Go with GreenBrilliance

GreenBrilliance provides turnkey solar solutions that consist of ‘made in USA’ high quality equipment. They are durable and last for many years. Moreover, we provide attractive service and maintenance offers. Call @ 703-657-0090 or email us @ gosolar@greenbrilliance.com to get all your concerns addressed.

Solar Power World, the solar industry’s leading business-to-business publication, recently released the list of the top solar contractors in the country. We are happy to share that we have been ranked among the top 20 solar companies in the United States. We have also been honored with two awards:

Most Forward-thinking Solar Contractor:

We received this award as we are devoted to making progress in solar energy to pursue the goals of long-term customer satisfaction and a more sustainable future for planet Earth. GreenBrilliance develops turnkey solar solutions that:

• Can be trusted by customers and are durable
• Comprise of high-quality, ‘Made-in-USA’ components
• Integrate the latest technology for maximum efficiency
• Save more money for customers in the long run

Top Solar Designer:

Our team member, Omkar Bhandakkar, lead solar PV engineer, was recognized as the Top Solar Designer. He designed a solar project that complied with the strict guidelines of Virginia’s HOA laws. It was the only design approved and was the first solar installation to be allowed within that HOA’s jurisdiction. His innovative design and persistence led to GreenBrilliance installing many systems in that large HOA community.

We are the top-ranked solar contractor in the DMV area and also the top-ranked in those offering battery systems. We are honoured to be part of this illustrious list, and the awards encourage us to deliver even more outstanding results. We will continue to live up to the recognition through greater innovation, better quality, enhanced value offerings and improved service.

GreenBrilliance has also been acknowledged as the fastest growing solar company in the nation. It has been possible due to:

• Our NABCEP certified engineering and installation professionals
• Delivery of Pearl-certified solar solutions to customers
• Solar32, a one-of-its-kind 32-point quality rating system that we have initiated to enforce accountability, the performance of the team and the quality of the solution.
• Leveraging state-of-the-art technology such as the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Neurobotz. It is powered by our proprietary transformer technology and provides intelligent analytics, manages power distribution dynamically and enables electrical equipment to operate at an optimal level.

Go solar with GreenBrilliance

The awards have cemented our expertise and experience in solar solutions. You have the opportunity to make a difference to your consumption, your savings, and the planet. Contact us @703-657-0090 or gosolar@greenbrilliance.com today.

Solar is expensive

A solar system is a big investment

Only rich people can afford solar

You may have come across these myths. Let us show you why they are wrong and how you can actually get paid with solar.

You save more

The cost of solar has dropped considerably in the last 10 years as the prices of solar panels and expenses related to installation and permits have fallen. Moreover, the energy efficiency of appliances and other electronic items are upgraded such that they are better compliant with solar energy. Thus, you spend less on the initial installation costs and your consumption over time, leading to more savings.

You get paid for generating electricity

Solar is a significant investment. But the solar system will pay off in 5-7 years. Post that, you will be self-sufficient, generating energy for your consumption. When you generate extra energy, it is sent to the grid, and you earn credits. Typically, solar systems generate electricity in the afternoon when demand is high. The price at that time is higher as well. So, you get paid at a higher rate. You may use electricity for lighting, etc., in the night, when the overall demand is less. So even if you use electricity from the grid, you pay a lesser amount – a twin fold advantage when it comes to overall savings.

You get tax credits

Installations between the years 2021-2022 are eligible for a tax credit of 26% of the cost of the system. It means a homeowner who has gone solar in 2021 or 2022 will get a dollar value equivalent to 26% of the total solar cost reduction in the total federal tax payable by a homeowner. The total cost includes equipment cost, labor and installation cost, related wiring and piping costs.

If the total value exceeds your tax liability, you can carry the remaining amount to the next taxable year.

You increase your home’s value

Solar systems are viewed as upgrades, and the value of homes with solar panels is higher. As per a study by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory done along with other institutions and universities, home buyers are willing to pay about $10,000 more for a solar home. So, you will be making a sound investment when you go solar.

Go solar today

By understanding your yearly energy consumption, Team GreenBrilliance can help determine your electricity needs. This way, you can identify the most optimum size of the solar power system that you should install.

Going solar is a fantastic opportunity to save money, earn money and be the environmentally conscious citizen of today. Therefore, we suggest that you do not delay and contact us @ 703-657-0090 or gosolar@greenbrilliance.com to find out how you can make the most of solar.

Solar is increasingly becoming the energy source of choice. With advancing technology, government encouragement, growing consumer awareness and a reliable supply of quality solar solutions, the solar market is growing consistently. Recently, the U.S. solar market surpassed 100 gigawatts of installed electric generating capacity as per a report released by Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

But there are still some myths around solar energy and solar panels which cause people to defer their decision to go solar and lose out on the benefits of solar energy. Let us bust some common myths around solar panels and set the record straight.

Go solar with GreenBrilliance

We provide high quality, made-in-USA products to our customers to support them in their solar journey. Contact us today to know more about our products and services.

You might have come across the term ‘net metering’ in articles, news items and conversations on solar energy. Here’s all you need to know about it.

When you install a solar system, you generate electricity for your usage. Sometimes, you may not use all the electricity generated. For example, in the summer months, during the daytime, more electricity can be generated. Would it not be great if you could give it back to the grid to reduce future electricity bills? This is where net metering comes in. It is a utility billing mechanism available for solar energy users. The utility company offers credit to residential and business customers who generate excess electricity with their solar panel systems and send it back to the grid.

You get credit as you will be only billed for the “net” energy used each month, that is, the difference between the energy produced by the solar power system and the energy consumed by the house/office over the monthly billing period. You will actually be able to see the meter run backwards. The excess electricity will traverse to the home electrical panel and then to the utility grid.

Apart from saving dollars on utility bills, net metering provides other benefits as well:

• Net metering is an easy process to implement and use.
• It is an excellent way to utilize excess energy generated if a battery storage system is not feasible.
• It will increase the usage of renewable energy sources and reduce the use of non-renewable resources as people in the neighborhood will end up consuming electricity generated by solar panels.
• There is minimal energy loss as excess energy is immediately sent to the grid and utilized by the nearest homes.
• As more people in the community will use solar energy, the health of the families and the environment around them will benefit.

Many states in the United States have implemented net metering. Net metering policies are evolving with respect to rates, accurate valuation of solar energy, etc., so that the society as a whole, benefits from solar energy.

Take advantage of net metering with GreenBrilliance

Do not delay going solar as it is the energy of the future. Contact us @ 703-657-0090 or gosolar@greenbrilliance.com for a comprehensive solar solution and cash in on the multiple benefits of solar energy.

Do solar panels work in winter? – The short answer to that question is- Yes.

It is commonly believed that solar panels do not generate power when the sun is not shining. But that is a myth. There is a misconception that solar panels will be ineffective in cold climes, snowfall and rain. Solar panels are the most efficient when there is direct sunlight. Still, even when weather conditions diffuse the sunlight, they can generate energy and help you be self-sufficient for your energy needs.

Solar panels need light and not heat

Solar panels use sunlight and not heat to generate electricity. Sunlight reaches Earth on most days except in the poles. Efficient solar panels use sunlight to the maximum extent and generate power. Moreover, when there is a cloud cover, the sunlight is scattered but still reaches Earth. Solar panels can utilize this sunlight. In case of a thicker layer of clouds, energy production decreases but solar panels are much more efficient than they are given credit for.

Lower temperatures lead to higher efficiency

When the sunlight particles hit the solar PV cells, the electrons present are put in motion creating electric currents. Like most electronics, solar panels function more efficiently in cold conditions. When the temperature drops, the panel produces more voltage, which leads to the generation of more electricity.

Effect of snow on Solar panels

Solar panels work well when it snows, too, as long as they are not engulfed by a lot of snow for an extended period.

Even when it snows, sunlight does reach the solar panels allowing the solar cells to generate electricity. The solar panels are usually installed at an angle. This ensures that the snow does not get accumulated on the panels, blocking the light from reaching them. When the snow melts it cleans up the solar panels. The panels without debris become even more productive. Sunlight can also penetrate through a moderate amount of accumulation of snow, allowing the solar cells to generate electricity. Our solar panels undergo pressure tests to assess the extent of weight they can withstand, and we can recommend the best-suited panels depending on the snowfall in your region.

Of course, heavy snowfall does halt power generation. But on an average, there is no substantial effect of it in most places.

Solar is a solid investment in all weather conditions. So, whether winter is coming or not, it makes the best sense to install a solar installation and become energy independent.

Have More Questions?

We understand that a solar solution is a significant investment, and you may want to know more before you take the plunge. Get in touch with us @ gosolar@greenbrilliance.com or 703-657-0090 to learn more about our solar solutions, service and maintenance offerings and financing options.

Solar makes sense for businesses. The solar industry has matured and is now an affordable energy option. It is a reliable source of electricity. Your business will gain in terms of cost savings and excellent ROI. Customers are also more environmentally conscious and choose to go with companies that are sustainable. With solar energy sources, you reduce the company’s carbon footprint and do your bit for a cleaner, greener future.

Moreover, the United States federal government subsidizes the purchase and installation of solar power generating systems with a federal solar tax credit. The credit is available for both residential and commercial installations. Let us dive into the working of solar tax credit for commercial users.

Solar ITC

The solar investment tax credit (ITC) is a tax credit that can be availed on federal corporate income taxes for 30% of the cost of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system placed in service during the tax year.

Eligibility Requirements

The business should have commenced setting up the solar PV system between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2021, and it should be operational before 2024. The construction is said to have commenced if there is proof that physical construction is underway and the business has incurred at least 5% of the total project costs by the deadline specified.

The solar system for which the tax credit is claimed must be located in the United States or the U.S. territories. The business that claims the tax credit must not be a tax-exempt corporation, but there are ways to claim indirect benefits for such organizations.

Included Expenses

The tax credit can be claimed on costs incurred on:

• Solar PV panels, inverters, racking and balance-of-system equipment, transformers, circuit breakers and surge arrestors
• Sales and use taxes on the equipment
• Installation costs and indirect expenses
• Energy storage devices (subject to certain conditions)

Extent of Tax Credit

The tax credit is reducing on a continuous basis:

The tax rebate is calculated on the gross installed cost of the solar system. If the business 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.

Are you ready to go solar

The U.S. government is making a fast and conscious shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to combat climate change. You have the opportunity to play a part in this by switching to solar. We understand that investing in solar energy is a critical financial decision. GreenBrilliance can provide an integrated solar solution that powers seamless business operations and generates quick ROI. Contact us today to obtain a free quote.

Fossil fuels powered rapid development and exponential economic growth. But our race towards economic progress has caused damage to the planet. People have, of course, realized that they must act fast to stem the damage and are undertaking various measures to undo the damage and restore the planet’s natural environment. An important measure is the observation of World Environment Day. It is celebrated on June 5th every year to raise awareness on the varied problems facing our environment and drive change in consumption patterns and national and international environmental policies.

Doing good for the planet and people is a value we take to heart in GreenBrilliance. We believe that we can work together with our customers and make every day an Environment Day. Let us see how we can be more environment conscious starting today:

Be informed

It is never too late to embark on a worthy cause. As humans, we have recognized the importance of a cleaner and greener lifestyle and sustainable development. Therefore, there are a lot of resources in the form of books, articles, webinars, and websites that you can use to stay up to date on environmental news. Learn about the issues affecting your community and the wider world. Find out how to adopt a green lifestyle and how your profession and business can be more sustainable.

The sun can power your house and your workplace. Connect with us for a free consultation. We can demonstrate how solar works, its advantages and how you can make a difference to the environment by switching to solar.

Make smarter choices

Won’t you be happier when you know that the light you switch on or the mobile game you play is powered by electricity from a renewable source of energy? The cost of generating energy from renewable sources is getting more economical. With better availability and infrastructure, you have a range of energy sources such as solar, geothermal and wind. You can evaluate them and choose the best option.

Solar power is inexpensive, easy to use, and 100% climate friendly. The government is actively encouraging solar energy consumption by providing numerous incentives. GreenBrilliance can customize a solar solution suitable for your unique needs and provide an end-to-end installation. It is in your power to make an intelligent choice.

Take real action

There are many ways to contribute to a greener planet. Abide by the mantra – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Opt for a sustainable lifestyle by boycotting products and services that harm the environment. Conserve electricity by using LEDs, CFLs, a smarter thermostat, and choosing Energy Star certified appliances.

One way to quickly lower your carbon footprint is to install a solar system for your energy needs in your home and business. We deliver integrated solar solutions for residential, commercial and government purposes so that you do your part in protecting the environment.

Raise awareness

If you are a proud solar user, be vocal about it. Talk about its benefits to friends, family and anyone who would listen. Share your experience of going solar and the advantages you have secured in terms of reduced energy bills, increased property value, freedom from the grid and outages, and a better conscience. GreenBrilliance supports its customers to go vocal about how they are contributing to stem climate change.

Make Peace with Nature

It is time to get active and get bold. Switch to solar and celebrate World Environment Day every day by installing a solar energy solution. Contact us to get more details.

You can considerably reduce your impact on the environment by using clean, renewable sources of energy. Solar energy is simple, smart, and sustainable. It is good for our planet and helps you reduce your energy bills and generate electricity for the grid. Moreover, the United States federal government subsidizes the purchase and installation of solar power generating systems with a federal solar tax credit. The credit is available for both residential and commercial installations. Let us dive into the working of solar tax credit for homeowners.

What is the federal solar tax credit?

A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of income tax otherwise payable by you. Solar tax credit is a tax credit that can be claimed on federal income taxes for a percentage of the cost of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed.

What are the eligibility requirements to claim solar tax credit?

As a residential solar energy user, you are eligible for the solar investment tax credit if you meet these criteria:

• Your solar PV system was installed entirely between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2021.
• It is in a residential location in the US, either in your primary or secondary residence.
• The solar PV system is new or being used for the first time.
• You have purchased it with cash or through financing. You are neither leasing a solar solution nor are purchasing electricity generated by a system you do not own.
• You can claim tax credit even if you are not connected to the grid but as long as the solar installation is generating electricity for your use.

What are the expenses that are covered?

The following expenses can be considered in the cost of the solar system installed:

• Cost of solar panels.
• Price of PV cells to power the attic fan.
• Labor costs incurred by the solar contractor on onsite inspection, assembly, and installation.
• Other permitted fees and sales tax expenses.
• Balance-of-system equipment such as wiring, inverters, and mounting equipment.
• Energy storage devices that are charged by the solar system installed.

What is the extent of tax credit that I can claim?

Installations between the years 2016 – 2019 were eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the cost of the system. It means the dollar value equivalent to 30% of the cost could be reduced from the total federal tax payable by a homeowner who had gone solar in those years. The incentive is reducing on a continuous basis:

For now, installations after 2023 are not eligible for any tax credit.

Are there conditions where I cannot claim solar tax credit?

You cannot claim the credit if you do not owe any federal tax. But if you do not have enough tax liability to claim the entire credit in one year, you can take it forward to the following years till the credit is exhausted.

For more details and comprehensive information on the solar tax credit, you can visit the IRS website.

Go Green with GreenBrilliance

The US government is working to evolve to a renewable energy economy, and you can play a part by switching to solar. GreenBrilliance can provide an integrated solar solution that best fits your requirements. We partner with you to help you achieve energy independence, monetary benefits and contribute to a sustainable future. Contact us today to make a difference.

GreenBrilliance has introduced Solar32Certified^TM, a first-of-its-kind quality rating system for solar solutions. It is a rigorous quality control process that validates your solar installation against a comprehensive checklist of 32 items.

Why Solar32Certified^TM?

As a customer, switching to solar is a big decision. Once you’ve made the decision, selecting a solar solutions provider can be tricky. Customers are often left wondering whether they chose the right solar partner and whether the solar installation meets their requirements. In such a situation, a benchmark that validates your solar system proves helpful.

At GreenBrilliance, we understand customer concerns and have introduced a rating system called Solar32Certified^TM that makes customers feel confident of their investment.

Comprehensive quality assurance and control

Our quality assurance team uses Solar32Certified^TM to inspect our solutions on criteria such as:

• Team’s knowledge and expertise
• Components design and function vis-a-vis established standards
• Conformance to the planned installation process and technical specifications
• Post-installation performance of various modules
• Customer experience in terms of timeliness, interaction with the crew, and installation
• Safety measures
• Cleanliness and hygiene practices
• Post-installation and after-sales experience and support

The checklist helps us determine whether the solar installation achieves the goal of incorporating superior quality systems and a robust installation process for our customers.

Maximum value for your investment

Solar32Certified^TM helps us identify and eliminate any inefficiencies or errors in the process – from home assessment, permit issuance to engineering, installation, and maintenance. The quality process enables us to maximize value for every customer by optimizing the solar system’s performance and payback.

Improved solutions and processes

Solar32Certified^TM is a transparent and standardized process to source information from our customers based on their convenience and comfort. We leverage these insights to review and improve our overall delivery process continually. It is a win-win situation for both GreenBrilliance and our customers.

We believe all solar installations should be evaluated based on this rating system so that customers have peace of mind and are assured of quality and performance.

Choose GreenBrilliance for going solar

We deploy high-quality turnkey solar solutions that delight customers. Talk to us today to switch to a Solar32Certified^TM system.