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Experts from around the world report that we have three years to stop the harmful effects of climate change; if we want to stop the worst of global warming and dangerous CO2 emissions, it’s still possible. We need coordinated efforts from just about everybody in government, business, and the community.1
This includes us: residential homeowners. As homeowners, we can play a significant part in keeping our planet green by getting smart, going solar and reducing our collective carbon footprint.
Solar systems often include batteries for energy storage, which require careful charging to maintain optimal voltage levels. These systems also incorporate an inverter to convert DC power from the sun into AC power for home use.
Governments across the planet are forging ahead with plans to reduce greenhouse gases.2 In the U.S., thirty percent of all new electric power came from solar power last year.3 (The news isn’t all that bad!)
You’ve heard about smart homes with the latest techno-gadgets and energy-efficient appliances connected by the Internet of Things, or IoT.4 It was only an idea in the not-so-distant past. It’s now a fact of life and we’re only getting smarter.
Modern smart homes often incorporate advanced batteries and charging systems to manage energy flow and maintain consistent voltage throughout the house. Many systems can be controlled and monitored via your phone, ensuring reliable power management.
You can unlock your door when you’re not home, water your yard from another country, turn on your heat before you reach your driveway, and check on your kids from work. The IoT is doing it all.
But don’t forget that connecting to the IoT requires energy. Everything needs powering up—your smartphone, smart house, and smart car. You need energy. Solar panels plus battery service is a big part of this connected ecosystem that can provide you with that energy.
A solar controller can help manage and optimize this energy flow, ensuring your smart home operates efficiently. It also regulates the charging process for batteries, preventing overcharging and maintaining the proper voltage. The system's compatibility with various home appliances ensures efficient electrical load distribution.
Did you know that 16 of the 17 hottest years on record have been this century?5 And this century is still a teenager. Temperatures are rising, and so are our utility bills.
Air conditioning our homes takes enormous amounts of energy and dollars—not to mention keeping other appliances running when we need them the most. Our grid structures are failing,6 and many grids can’t handle increased power demands on a hot day.
China led the world in solar installations in 2016, but the United States came in second.7 Most countries understand the need for solar energy and its critical role in reducing climate change effects. (This is more good news.)
At Sunrun™, our mission is to help America adopt solar with our Sunrun Home Solar & Battery States, one rooftop at a time. Our systems are designed to work efficiently with various battery types, ensuring optimal charging and voltage management. We also focus on providing reliable solutions that can handle your home's electrical load even when the sun isn't shining.
Sunrun can boost energy efficiency in your smart home. Our Brightbox™ battery is optimized to give you control over your power usage and information. This means you get to see how much energy you use and consume in real-time and decide when and where the lights stay on.8
Our smart technology allows you to use solar power stored in the battery when rates are highest (usually when you get home from work and at suppertime). We continuously optimize your Brightbox system via our 24/7 system monitoring. This helps to maximize the production and performance of your solar panel and your savings.
Also, if there is an outage or blackout, you determine what is powered in your home. The system ensures proper voltage distribution and efficient charging of the batteries during sunny periods.
Brightbox is simply a smart choice—for your home and the planet. Going solar could be your first step to building a smart home with the most benefits. Depending on where you live, you can realize both direct and indirect savings.
If your state has Time-of-Use rates, our battery provides power during peak times so that you don’t need to rely on grid electricity. There has been a steady increase in outages in the U.S. over the last 15 years—the highest number in any other developed nation.12
In states where backup power is necessary due to extreme weather conditions, Brightbox can be cheaper than diesel-powered generators. Between the low price of the unit itself, the higher capacity compared to other portable generators, more infrequent maintenance requirements, and zero fuel costs, this just makes financial sense.
With Brightbox's advanced monitoring equipment, you can easily track your energy production and usage, maximizing your savings potential.
No matter where you live or what Sunrun plan you choose, you can save when you lock in at today’s rates for two decades. There will be no more surprise and confusion when you open your bill—for twenty years. You’ll know exactly what to expect. How sweet is that?
We would like to move away from fossil fuels and our local utilities and become more independent. The rise in extreme weather events and outages is increasing,9 and consumers want resilient power. We want to save on everyday energy costs, but we must also be ready during an emergency. We must recover quickly if the power should go out in the neighborhood.
Going solar can help lower your utility bills and prepare you for the inevitable outage. Just as important as limiting rising energy costs, a smart home definitely reduces your carbon footprint. Additionally, solar systems with efficient battery life ensure your home remains powered longer during outages. The performance and reliability of these systems are crucial for maintaining power during critical times.
Everyone struggles with rising energy prices, and they are rising10. To help combat these costs, more homeowners want to become less reliant on the grid. According to SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association) the price of solar has dropped by 60% over the last decade11. Consumers are transitioning to solar at a fast pace, helping to drive the costs down even further.
As we said, embracing new technologies such as Sunrun’s Brightbox™ battery can increase home efficiency and help you make real long-term savings. But shifting to a smart home plus solar can be overwhelming. So take baby steps. Start with what will save you money now and keep those savings coming over the long term.
Start with Sunrun Solar and begin saving on your monthly utility bill immediately! Get a complimentary solar quote specific to your family’s energy needs and start building your smart home today. The planet… our planet… will thank you.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jun/28/world-has-three-year...
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/22/coal-power-plants-gr...
https://www.seia.org/research-resources/solar-market-insight-report-2017...
https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewweinreich/2017/12/18/the-future-of-th...
https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/noaa-nasa_global_an...
Brightbox™ is currently available to new Sunrun solar customers only.