The Seasonality of Energy
Hello again, Northeast Solar family! As the leaves turn into a patchwork quilt of reds, oranges, and golds across our beautiful region, it's impossible not to feel a sense of wonder at the changing season. In our last blog post, we talked about the power of choosing Northeast Solar as a partner in your journey to break free from rising utility bills. Now, as fall settles in, we can see firsthand how the choices we make about our energy impact not just our wallets but also the comfort and warmth we create in our homes. The crispness in the air, the scent of woodsmoke, and the joy of fall festivals remind us of why we love living here in Western Massachusetts. It's a time for gathering around the fire, enjoying hot apple cider, and feeling that special coziness that comes from pulling on your favorite sweater. It's time to get our hygge on.
Changing Seasons & Solar Power
In the summer, our solar panels are hard at work, soaking up the abundant sunlight. But as the days grow shorter and the sun begins to hang low on the horizon, we start seeing a natural decline in solar production. If you're like me, you've probably noticed your solar array is producing a bit less lately. Here in Western Massachusetts, we live at approximately 42 degrees latitude, which means we lose about 40% of our sunlight from summer to winter. The sun's azimuth angle—the compass direction from which the sunlight is coming—changes dramatically as well. In the summer solstice, the sun reaches an azimuth of about 70 degrees above the horizon, while during the winter solstice, it barely reaches 24 degrees. This shift in both the duration and the angle of sunlight impacts how much energy our panels can generate. That's just nature telling us it's time to adjust—much like switching out iced tea for hot cider or trading a summer t-shirt for a warm flannel.
As we head into the upcoming short days of light, we'll be using more electricity to keep back the darkness. The darker days bring their own particular set of energy needs, whether it's leaving lights on a little longer or using electric blankets for that extra touch of warmth.
Luckily, many of us have planned for this. Through net metering, those sunny summer days when our solar systems overproduce allow us to "bank" energy credits to help offset the darker months. It’s a bit like storing up firewood or putting away squash for winter meals—a practical preparation for the colder season ahead.
Heating with Air Source Heat Pumps
As we move into these cooler days, our air source heat pumps start switching over to heating mode, keeping our homes warm and cozy as we move toward winter. The outdoor compressor unit of a mini-split system does indeed work harder to extract heat from the colder air, as there is less thermal energy available in winter temperatures compared to the summer. This means that while air-source heat pumps are still highly efficient, they do need to use more energy to maintain warmth as the temperatures drop. Mini-split owners should also make sure to keep their outdoor compressors clear of leaves, snow, and any other debris that could obstruct airflow or reduce efficiency. Proper maintenance helps ensure that the system can operate effectively, providing consistent warmth even on the chilliest days. The energy usage shifts from cooling down during humid summer days to holding back the chill that creeps in during the evenings. Our electric needs go up just as our solar production starts to wane—a reality that anyone living in New England knows all too well.
We're resilient, we're practical, and we're thoughtful about the way we prepare for and celebrate the changing seasons. One way to ensure our homes stay warm and comfortable is by taking advantage of a free Mass Save energy assessment. During an assessment, an Energy Specialist will seek out energy-saving opportunities, recommend upgrades, and help you navigate available rebates, incentives, and 0% financing options. After an assessment, you'll receive a custom energy report highlighting the rebates and incentives you qualify for, which can include no-cost targeted air sealing and 75-100% off approved insulation improvements. One of the first steps toward better efficiency is weatherization, such as upgrading your insulation and air sealing. These improvements can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 20%, reduce drafts, improve comfort, and even help protect your home from potential damage like ice dams. The goal is simple: keep you and your family warm and comfortable while saving you money.
Fall Maintenance
As the leaves begin to fall, it's important to remember that they can sometimes get trapped under your solar array, which can become troublesome. Additionally, squirrels may decide that under the array is a perfect place to build a nest. We recommend taking a quick look under your array periodically to ensure no debris is collecting if you are able. We do design our installations to make this less likely. Still, if you want extra protection, we can install Critter Guards to help keep leaves and squirrels away from under your array, ensuring your system runs optimally throughout the year.
So as we take this seasonal journey from bright autumn days to cozy winter nights, let's also prepare for all the fun that winter holds too! Whether it's sharpening the skis for a day on the slopes, getting the snowshoes ready for a trek through the woods, or setting up the ice fishing gear, there are plenty of adventures waiting for us. Preparing our homes for energy efficiency means we can come back to a warm, welcoming space after enjoying all that the New England winter has to offer. Let's think about how we can make our homes as energy-efficient as possible while keeping them warm and inviting. If you're looking for ways to do that, Northeast Solar (NES) is here to help! Reach out to us to learn how we can work together to make your home energy-efficient and take advantage of our expertise, especially when it comes to Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) rebates. We're here to ensure your home stays cozy and your energy use stays efficient. Together, we can celebrate everything this season has to offer—including the chance to make choices that benefit both our families and our community.
Until next time, stay cozy and stay sunny!