1. Steca                      98.6%
2. Sunways               97.8%
3. Fronius                 97.7%
4. Diehl Ako             97.7%
5. Voltwerk              97.7%
6. SolarEdge             97.6%
7. Mastervolt           97.5%
8. Mirsibushi            97.5%
9. Solutronic             97.4%
10. Fefu                          97.4%

(This information was compiled from product data sheets).

The solar inverter market leader in terms of market share, SMA, is positioned just under the best ten companies. The difference in the claimed maximum efficiency between Steca and SMA is 1.6% .  In actual  applications, the energy losses through inverters should be considered over the 10-15 years’ lifetime and efficiency in real-life conditions.

Source: Solarbuzz Marketbuzz 2010

*Market size definition based on PV systems installed and/or delivered to site.

Sun City Solar has installed several of these inverters. If you would like further information on any of these inverters or others, visit our website.

A Photovoltaic solar power system must be able to function efficiently for 25-30 years in all weather conditions and under the hot summer sun.

Grounding Hardware

What is commonly called in the Photovoltaic  industry “BOS” (Balance of System), i.e. the “rest of the system” (rails, grounding, surge protection, wire, cables, etc.), plays a very important role in ensuring that you and your home or building are properly protected and have adequate power production for many years to come.

From an economic viewpoint, it is even more important for each individual component of a solar power system to be chosen on the basis of the warranties provided by the product and its manufacturer than for a normal electric system. Why? Because the operating specifications of each device must remain unchanged throughout the entire life cycle of your system and investment.

Sun City Solar Energy is dedicated to providing reliable products from the direct current (DC) side through to the Alternate Current grid connected point. In fact, the solar panel we suggest, after careful research, has a 30 year unprecedented warranty!

This solar mounting system is the only all stainless steel mounting system on the market today.  Here are pictures of the non-penetrating install:

For convenience, hosing off the solar panels should get them clean enough to improve efficiency. However, if cleaning the solar panels requires more than a hose (for bird droppings and such), you will need to manually clean the solar panels with a brush and water.

To clean your solar panels manually, here are some factors to consider:

• It is recommended you NOT use soap and use SOFT water where possible. Hard water (with a high mineral content) can eventually build up heavy deposits.
• Never climb onto the array – use a soft brush with an extension pole. Boat cleaning brushes (around $30) are the best.  Boat cleaning brushes are designed not to scratch and offer flow-through handles which deliver water right to the bristles.
• If chemical cleaning is required, use a detergent that will not damage aluminum. Many domestic detergents can damage panel frames and clamps.
• For large arrays, a commercial window cleaning system is advised. These brushes can extend up to 30′ and will deliver deionized water directly to the glass surface to remove dirt and leave no deposits.
• Never power wash the solar panels.  The high pressure may dislodge wiring or damage the shingles around the roof mounts.

Solar panels benefit from natural cleaning from rain which usually removes most of the dirt and grime. How often you clean your panels is determined by the weather in your part of the country. For areas with less dirt, it is recommended to wash them around 1-2 times a year.

There is no set time to wash your solar panels, but you may want to include the maintenance with other seasonal chores, such as cleaning the gutters or washing windows.  Clean solar panels will definitely improve your energy output and put more money in your pocket. Call Sun City Solar Energy and, for a nominal fee, we will be happy to wash your panels for you.

In Tulsa, one of our many repeat customers, Mr. Russell, has asked Sun City Solar to install his fifth installation with our team. Starting last November with a solar power system with battery back up and Solar Hot Water, Mr. Russell has asked Sun City Solar to install another solar power system with battery back up and Solar Hot Water on another home.

Sun City recently designed and installed a solar lab for Oklahoma Gas and Electric so they can test several inverters.

Last week we finished a large Solar Hot Water system for Eureka Springs Transit Authority, a  Solar Power system for the City of Springdale, and a Solar Pool Heater for Eco Apartments.

Of course, we continue to install many residential grid tie systems and enjoy our customer’s smiles when they see their meter spin backwards!

This ranking does not say anything about the module cost per Watt, nor about the most important concern, the cost per produced solar kWh. It could mean that a module of lower efficiency is so much cheaper that the extra cost for other system components (more frame, cables, installation work) can easily be covered by the money saved on the modules. Also, some modules perform better in real life conditions rather than in the standard test condition as mentioned on the their certified datasheet.

All but one of the  the top 10  modules are manufactured in Asia.  The number one, Sunpower, is from the US, but their cells and modules are manufactured in the Philipines.   Several well known brands did not make it into the Top-10 as most are  young and unknown brands.It will be interesting to see what market position these young companies obtain.   The future will tell as the top 10 listings  will continue to change.

It takes decades to install one nuclear power plant. Solar, a modular technology, can be produced and installed at a pace far faster than most energy technologies.

This year, the U.S. industry may install 2 gigawatts of solar. The last nuclear power plant to come online in the U.S., Watts Bar 1, has a capacity of 1.1 gigawatts — but that took 23 years to complete, not two years.

Natural gas peaker plants, which are idle most of the day are an expensive option for utilities.

Over the last few years, 153 coal plants have been abandoned, in large part due to uncertainty over environmental regulations.

So what does all this mean? It means that the notion that “solar is too expensive” doesn’t hold up anymore. When financing providers can offer a home or business owner solar electricity for less than the cost of their current services; when utilities start investing in solar themselves to reduce operating costs; and when the technology starts moving into the range of new nuclear and new coal, it’s impossible to ignore.

According to SunPower’s Tom Dinwoodie: “The cross-over has occurred.”

The Tulsa Technology Center and Sun City Solar Energy have formed a work-based program for the Technology Center’s electrical students. Master Electrician Larry Batson from Tulsa Technology and Installation Manager Garret Roth of Sun City Solar Energy will teach students how to install solar electric systems on actual solar installation projects.  The program will allow students to work in a hands-on environment. Students will have the opportunity to learn solar electrical concepts for several different solar electric system applications.

The Solar Installation program will provide needed job skills for the students and serve as a resource for the growing solar energy industry. The students will be evaluated on a regular basis by Sun City Solar professionals to ensure compliance with industry standards.  The program was developed by Tulsa Technology and Sun City Solar Energy jointly.

For more information about this program, contact:

Garret Roth, Installation Manager, Sun City Solar Energy at 918-494-0886

Larry Batson, Master Electrician and teacher at Tulsa Technology Center 918-955-0047

When Americans take advantage of the tax credits available for investing in solar energy, an increase in the conversion to a renewable energy source makes a difference to our planet.  There is no easy or short answer to energy.   If every household in the US installed a solar hot water heater, a solar electric power system, or a solar pool heater on their home, there would be a significant decrease in the amount of carbon dioxide and other pollutants in the air.  Add the cumulative effect of using solar over the coming decades to replace the pollution generated by coal fired power plants, and there would be a phenomenal reduction of green house gases.

There are consequences if we ignore what is happening to our planet.  The spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a sad example.  Americans as a whole enjoy one of the best standards of living in the world.  We take for granted the comforts afforded by our high standard of living. Many people do not see a problem with our current energy use and are not concerned about the state of the environment.  Those that are concerned feel they can do little to improve the quality of our air, land and water.  At what point should we, as inhabitants of the planet, make an effort to allow our progeny to enjoy a quality of life that does not include the increase of environmentally induced disease, destruction of our natural habitats, extinction of species, rampant overproduction of invasive species, contaminated food and polluted water? 

If you look at the global picture, it can seem overwhelming, and the prospect for change seems slim.  But you CAN make a real difference.  You can invest in a solar water heater, a solar electric system, a solar pool heater, even a solar electric attic fan.  All of these things make a difference to your community, your state, our country and to the planet as a whole. Thoughtful consumerism and changes to our lifestyles can make a difference.  Investing in clean solar energy will make a difference.

If we all do our part, we will be able to maintain our lifestyle and allow the natural world to thrive.  Visit SunCityEnergy.com  to learn how you can save money and help our future generations by owning a Sun City Solar  Energy System.

When you subtract the initial cost and add up the benefits, installing a solar system was one of the best decisions you made last year.  Think of the health benefits to your budget and the planet if you had the forethought to install a solar energy system five, ten, or even twenty years ago.  Think of all the extra money you would have for food, clothing, mortgage payment, vacations, college, – whatever you need to ensure a long and healthy life.  And investing in solar will only get better because. . .

Yes, Virginia, the New Year started with yet another rate hike from the local utility in Oklahoma. If Santa came down the chimney, he probably ate all the cookies because he needs to store energy for the long winters at the North Pole. Those of us that depend on gas and electricity for our heating and cooling don’t have the same luxury. We don’t get free “cookies.”  Some of us may even toss our cookies when we get our utility bills after the blizzard of 2009.

If you haven’t received a rate increase where you live, chances are, there is one in the works.  When you invest in a solar system, you own your own utility company.  Money you will pay to the utility company will be applied to a power system that uses free, non-polluting energy from the sun. All those utility rate hikes continue to enhance the value of your solar energy investment.

Sun City Solar has been helping people in the Midwest and Mid South with solar energy applications since 1983. If you want to become a lean, mean energy consumption fighting machine, call one of the solar consultants at Sun City Solar. The professionals are well-versed in the technology, market trends and are ready, willing and able to answer your questions. Our solar experts will identify the best system under the sun to fit your needs. Stop by one of our showrooms today and learn how you, too, can be a part of the solution. Call 918-494-0886 today, and become energy fit for the future.