Solar panels work with help from the sun, which provides light converted to power. Photovoltaic cells absorb the sun’s energy, converting it to DC electricity, and a solar inverter converts DC into AC electricity to use throughout the building.

Optimism is growing around how solar panels can continue to generate a substantial amount of energy during nighttime. With widespread implications for solar panels of all kinds, this hybrid solar panel model could utilize daytime and nighttime power.

Dubbed NSP (Night Solar Panels), these novel panels were created by Tristan Deppe and Jeremy Munday from the University of California Davis. In their paper, “Nighttime Photovoltaic Cells: Electrical Power Generation by Optically Coupling with Deep Space,” the team points out the current drawback with solar energy only harnessing energy during daylight hours.

Their research shows that NSPs could emit radiation via infrared that would then create electron-hole pairs. Operating differently than conventional solar panels, NSPs still share some core elements.

Professor Munday said, “A regular solar cell generates power by absorbing sunlight, which causes a voltage to appear across the device and for current to flow. In these new devices, light is instead emitted, and the current and voltage go in the opposite direction, but you still generate power. You have to use different materials, but the physics is the same.”

For now, NSPs are not as powerful as conventional solar panels, but their 24/7 duration offsets that disadvantage. Munday and his fellow researchers are in the prototype stage. Soon they will convert their theory into a functional, live setting.

In developing nations where a high amount of sunshine shines bright, the opportunity for solar panels to provide a solution to communities is high. Solar power is low-cost, easy to install, and is long-term. There are plenty of third-world nations that do not have a lot of sunshine; NSPs would be a monumental addition to these areas. 

Though NSPs won’t be popping up today or tomorrow, the transformative effect they could have in the future gives a bright outlook to the possibilities.

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

At the ReCell Center, the country’s first advanced battery recycling center at the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, a team from Michigan Technological University (MTU) has pioneered a method for separating batteries. The cathode is a positively charged electrode within a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. This innovative process paves the way for large-scale recycling of substantial batteries.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are powered by lithium-ion batteries, as are most portable electronics, including smartphones, tablets, etc. Especially in the EV realm, the demand for batteries has outweighed the technology available to recycle them.

Called “froth flotation,” the process has been used for awhile according to the study, “Used for many years by the mining industry to separate and purify ores, froth flotation separates materials in a flotation tank based on whether they repel water and float, or absorb water and sink. Generally, cathode materials sink, which makes them difficult to separate from each other. That’s true of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC111) and lithium manganese oxide, two common EV battery cathode materials that the ReCell team used in its experiments. What the researchers found was that separation can be achieved by making one of the cathode materials, NMC111, float via the introduction of a chemical that makes the target material repel water. Once the cathode materials were separated, the researchers determined through testing that the process had a negligible impact on the electrochemical performance of the materials. Both also had high purity levels (95% or above). [F]or now, the ReCell Center team is laser-focused on creating, step by step, a complete recycling process for lithium-ion batteries that is economically viable.”

Before 2032, researcher’s guestimate that two million tons of end-of-life EV Li-ion batteries will be expiring every year, so the process for recycling them is extremely critical. As an increasing number of older model EVs reach the end of their lives, the recycling technology is currently not up to speed.

Since the cathode materials in each EV battery vary by automaker and production year, recycling consists of mixing lithium metal oxides and individually separating each one for them to be reused. Once impossible, this is now feasible thanks to the novel research done by MTU.

Are you looking for an EV charger to power your vehicle? You’ve come to the right place! Contact the experts at State Electric Company to schedule an installation today.

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

According to the 2021 Utility-Scale Solar Report published by the Lawrence Berkeley National Library, large solar installations delivering energy to the electrical grid are on the upswing.

During 2020, the sector boasted 14 gigawatts (GW), equivalent to 73 percent of all new solar power. Solar power was the second-largest source of electricity-generating capacity additions in 2020 for projects of all sizes. Wind power was first, at 42 percent, and natural gas third, with 19 percent.

The study said, “It was the year with the greatest utility-scale solar capacity expansion in the United States so far, representing a year-over-year growth of 65 percent.”

The report stated, “Utility-scale PV is well-represented throughout the nation, with the exception of upper-Midwestern states in the ‘wind belt. Recent recipients of new utility-scale solar projects in the north—Idaho and Minnesota—did not add new capacity in 2020, while Montana, the Dakotas, Iowa, New Hampshire, and West Virginia still await their first utility-scale solar projects.”

Strong growth in the utility-scale solar pipeline is anticipated, as 460 GW of solar projects in the queue existed at the end of 2020.

The authors wrote, “Solar – both standalone and in hybrid form – is by far the largest resources within these queues, roughly equal to the amount of wind, storage, and natural gas combined.”

Are you exploring solar panels for your home or business? Contact State Electric today to add some green energy to your utilities.

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Standby generators are similar to vehicle engines, requiring routine maintenance to perform adequately. A generator maintenance plan is essential to ensure your generator runs in tip-top shape. These plans can be altered to your schedule by including regularly scheduled inspections, filter/fluid changes, disposal of fluids, oil analysis, and comprehensive system test.

With scheduled maintenance, minor problems are quickly identified and can be corrected before becoming huge issues. When you need a backup power supply, it’s crucial to ensure your generator is working efficiently. Poorly maintained generators are more susceptible to damage, failure, and losing warranty status. For this reason, many manufacturers require maintenance plans as a condition of the warranty.

Before choosing a generator maintenance plan, keep in mind:

Frequency
How often will your generator be running? The more frequently it operates, the more upkeep is likely needed. Hospital generators, for example, might need service on a weekly basis, while generators for homes might only need to be serviced annually.

Requirements
What do you need your generator for? Are you using it for lights and power within your home, servers and computers, or perhaps critical care medical equipment? The greater the liability, the higher the maintenance need.

Compliance
Some facilities are required by law to comply with local or national codes for standby power systems. NFPA 110 is a standard that entails installation, maintenance, operation, and generator testing. If a code is required for your business, make sure your service agreement includes additional services, including load banking, fuel testing, and automatic transfer switch maintenance. 

Service
Ensure the company you select to service your generator is licensed and certified by a manufacturer. Technicians should be trained, certified, and ready to handle the most challenging generator maintenance conditions.

Need help? State Electric Company installs and maintains generators. Call to schedule your generator inspection today or visit our website to learn more.   

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) recently released a press statement announcing the formation of the  National Electric Highway Coalition (NEHC). This new coalition merges the Electric Highway Coalition with the Midwest Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Collaboration and combines contributing electrical companies throughout the United States. The Tennessee Valley Authority, one electric cooperative, and 51 investor-owned electric companies make up the NEHC. 

The NEHC is an effort between electrical companies to provide Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations off of major United States freeways by the end of 2023.

According to the website, “The NEHC is the largest such alliance of electric companies that have organized around the common goal of deploying EV fast-charging infrastructure to support the growing number of EVs and to help ensure that the transition to EVs is seamless for drivers.”

Tom Kuhn, EEI president, said, “EEI and our member companies are leading the clean energy transformation, and electric transportation is key to reducing carbon emissions across our economy. With the formation of the National Electric Highway Coalition, we are committed to investing in and providing the charging infrastructure necessary to facilitate electric vehicle growth and to helping alleviate any remaining customer range anxiety.”

So far, over $3 billion has been invested in implementing EV charging infrastructure transportation, thanks to the EEI’s member companies. The NEHC approximates that over 100,000 EV fast-charging ports will be needed by 2030 to strengthen the 22 million EVs projected on roads comprehensively.

Kuhn said, “By merging and expanding the existing efforts underway to build fast-charging infrastructure along major travel corridors, we are building a foundational EV charging network that will help to encourage more customers to purchase an electric vehicle. We owe a great deal of gratitude to the electric companies that created so much momentum at the regional level, paving the way for us to expand this effort nationally.”

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Solar energy development is still a growing and evolving subject. If you are curious to learn more, then keep reading to discover and solidify your solar power knowledge.

It’s Almost 200 Years Old
Solar power might be an up-and-coming technology in today’s day and age, but it’s actually been around since the 1800s. French physicist Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic (PV) effect back in 1839, paving the way for solar power innovation. This energy collection process converts solar power into electricity and was followed by advances in mathematics and inventors alike. Subsequent patents were secured by scientists such as Charles Fritts, Augustin Mouchot, Harry Regan, Edmond Weston, Alessandro Volta, and more.

Composition
Solar panels are composed of cells that transform sunlight into electricity. As sunlight infiltrates the panels, a more significant amount of electricity is generated. PV cells (from Becquerel’s initial discovery) are coated with a semiconductor that harnesses the energy produced by the sun, converting it to energy. The energy then creates an electrical current that synchronizes with the PV cell, generating electricity.

Benefits
Solar panels can be used to power nearly everything from lights to HVAC systems. These highly efficient sources of energy allow for decreased dependence on fossil fuels and nonrenewable energy supplies. In addition to lowering energy bills, solar panels are low-maintenance, requiring only bi-yearly cleaning.

Installation
The average cost of solar panels is anywhere between $15,000 to $35,000, roughly $3 to $5 per watt. Depending on the area, power company, and system, the average home requiring a 4 kW system would cost roughly $15,000. Larger homes requiring 8 kW (more panels) would be closer to $30,000. Keep in mind this cost also includes equipment, wiring, inverters, mounting hardware, and labor.

Savings
Don’t let the installation cost scare you – over 20 years, solar panels can save you between $20,000 to $40,000, or roughly $1,000 to $2,000 per year.

Are you thinking about installing solar panels for your home or business? Call the professional electrical contractors at State Electric Company today for more information.

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

A recent report released by BloombergNEF called the “Zero-Emission Vehicles Factbook” worldwide momentum toward zero-emission vehicles has grown substantially since 2019.  

In 2019, Electric Vehicle (EV) sales were 2.1 million. In 2020, that number rose to 3.1 million, and in 2021, they are projected toward roughly 5.6 million. 7.2 percent of global new car sales throughout the first half of 2021 were electric, a jump from 4.3 percent in 2020 and 2.6 percent in 2019.

Fueled by automakers that have committed to selling 40 million EVs by 2030, 27 percent of automakers have also planned to phase out combustion engines at that time.

The report states, “The global clean road transport market will be worth around $244 billion this year,” but cautioned, “Most of them [automakers] still have a long way to go before we can be confident that we are on a zero-emissions trajectory. Manufacturers and technology companies will need to accelerate the development and deployment of vehicles and supporting technology, such as batteries, infrastructure, and software.”

A policy paper published by COP26 titled “COP26 Declaration on Accelerating the Transition to 100 Percent Zero Emission Cars and Vans” promised, “As representatives of governments, businesses, and other organizations with an influence over the future of the automobile industry and road transportation, we commit to rapidly accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Together, we will work towards all sales of new cars and vans being zero emission globally by 2040 or earlier, or by no later than 2036 in leading markets.”

Major governments, city, state, and regional governments, auto manufacturers, business fleet owners and operators, investors, and financial institutions signed the agreement. Throughout the United States, 13 states signed the agreement, as well as 11 automobile manufacturers.

Time to get an EV? State Electric Company sells and installs residential and commercial EV chargers.

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

We all know how to extend gas in our motor engine vehicles, but many people aren’t yet familiar with Electric Vehicles (EV.) Despite their gain in popularity, most EV owners don’t know much about extending battery life. Read on for some tips on how to extend your EV battery range.

1. Capacity: Batteries are not cheap, but the bigger you can afford, the better. If the battery can hold more power, it can stretch a charge over a lengthy period. Especially while on long road trips or commuting to work, the last thing you want to do is stop and charge your EV. Interrupting your day for a recharge might be more inconvenient than paying for a bigger battery capacity to begin with.

• HVAC: When gas engines run, the combustion process naturally produces heat, helping to keep you warm while driving. However, in EVs, this phenomenon does not exist. Instead, the battery is used to kick start the resistance heater or heat pump. Tesla EV battery life drops by almost two-thirds and consumes roughly 35 percent more energy when the heat is on.

• Acceleration: Just as with gasoline cars, putting the pedal to the metal can noticeably burn through battery life. While driving, try to maintain a decent, consisitant pace to conserve energy.

• Tires: When combustion vehicle owners get their oil changed, the tires are generally checked or rotated. With EVs, the absence of an engine means no visits to mechanic shops. Set a reminder to check your tires every couple of months to ensure the battery will run more efficiently.

• Trunk: Extra weight in an EV will force the battery to work harder. If you put something heavy in your vehicle, make sure you remove it as soon as possible. Store extra items in your garage if you want your battery range to go the distance.

• Garage: Battery-powered items should not be left in the cold. This goes for all batteries, including lawnmowers, power tools, etc. EVs abide by the same rules. Cold temperatures can decrease the range of an EV. Keeping the battery plugged in (if outside) helps, but the best solution is to store your EV in the garage.

Are you considering buying an EV and need a charger installed? Contact the experts at State Electric Company today to learn how we can help.

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs.  

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

A plan was recently released by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to help the General Services Administration (GSA) shift to a more energy-efficient real estate. The GSA is a government organization in charge of acquiring and overseeing office space for federal buildings. An annual budget of roughly $21 billion means the GSA manages the greatest portfolio of commercial office space throughout the country. Particularly, the GSA owns and leases more than 375 million square feet in roughly 10,000 buildings throughout 2,200 communities in America.

The plan outlines how GSA can transform some of these buildings into Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings (GEBs). By establishing energy savings performance contracts along with utility service contracts, municipal customers will have the opportunity to monetarily back projects that are unqualified by national, state, and local tax incentives. Private sector customers are typically not eligible for these energy-efficient and renewable energy tax incentives otherwise.

The energy service contracts will enable the power upgrades in GSA buildings to be paid for by contractors or utilities. Then, the costs would be recuperated through the energy savings that take place throughout the life of the development.

GEBs can use smart technologies to interact with the electric grid with the goal of reducing, shedding, shifting, modulating, or generating electricity as necessary. To provide for demand flexibility, grid services, occupant needs or preferences, cost reductions, and increased resilience, GEBs can optimize their energy use in an integrated manner.

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs.  

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

A novel Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network is in the works for the Midwest region. Five Midwest governors (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) comprise the Regional Electric Vehicle Midwest Coalition (REV Midwest), which is set to build charging stations across the five states.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by the five governors, expediting economic development for the Midwest region. Medium and heavy-duty electric trucks will be able to charge along with these stations as well.

To coordinate the efforts across state lines, a task force will be established. Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a plan for wireless charging in Michigan along with a statewide, state-funded EV charging network. In addition to creating jobs and improving public health, these Midwest states will also be more eligible for federal funding or private investment.

Despite being the hub of the United States auto industry, Michigan’s reputation has widely been slower on charging and supporting EVs. Michigan franchise law prevents Tesla from selling vehicles directly in the state. Daniel Crane, a law professor at the University of Michigan, called the bill “Corrupt politics at its worst. A real travesty.” Backed by GM, the law states that vehicles must only be sold through independently owned or franchised dealers.

REV Midwest follows the West Coast initiative by ten years.

Governor Whitmer said, “Today’s REV Midwest partnership is a bipartisan effort to build the future of mobility and electrification and connect our communities. Our partnership will enable the Midwest to lead on electric vehicle adoption, reduce carbon emissions, spur innovation, and create good-paying jobs.”

To schedule an installation for your EV charger, contact State Electric Company today.

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs. 

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.