RECYCLING: A Solar Panel’s Final Journey

For many years people have been asking Same Sun about what we do with damaged modules or what happens to modules once they have completed their lifecycle. This has always been a concern for us but in our fourteen years there were so few modules that we dealt with that had been damaged or broken in any way that the issue was not pressing. And as solar panels typically last decades, we have yet to see them end their usefulness.

Modules were accumulated, stacked and shrink wrapped.

In our years of business we have installed tens of thousands of solar modules, and yet we only had 96 to recycle.  A number were unusable for a variety of reasons, e.g. scratched/damaged during delivery or installation, or subject to vandalism/other accidental damage after installation.  Most of the modules were within specs of the original performance warranties, but the solar client decided to have their existing array replaced, either because of new construction or they wanted a newer, higher-wattage system; in most of these cases they asked us to recycle their old modules.    

We knew our modules were never going to end up in a landfill. We have been paying for their storage until we could find our best option. We not only wanted to make sure these modules did not end up in a dump, but we also wanted all the usable material to be recycled. We researched a few options and chose Solar Panel Recycling in North Carolina.

Recycled modules are broken down into their component elements.

Solar Panel Recycling can recycle nearly 100% of silicon mono-crystalline and poly-crystalline solar modules, which make up the majority of the modules in the US recycling stream. Thin-film and cadmium telluride modules are the second most common, but many solar recycling companies will not process modules containing hazardous materials such as cadmium telluride or lead. Most states don’t have a waste classification for solar modules, which means too many modules end up in landfills. However, SPR will take solar modules of any type and condition, and they are committed to safely recovering and recycling even hazardous materials, in addition to glass, aluminum, silicon, metals, and plastics.

It has been a laborious and somewhat costly job for Same Sun to meet the specifics of shipping the modules to SPR but worth it to make the smallest environmental impact.

Pick-Up by Solar Panel Recycling

By going solar, we and our clients have chosen to produce clean renewable energy. Recycling damaged modules or the modules that soon will be at the end of their lives, while reclaiming useful materials and safely disposing of hazardous ones, is the final step in our ongoing quest to be Part of the Solution.

Questions? Contact Us to learn more.

Is your home ready for an EV Charging Station?

It’s a wonderful thing that you have purchased an Electric Vehicle.   No gas, no oil, no emissions and super fun to drive!

Your vehicle probably came with a charger that can be plugged into a standard outlet. This is known as Level I charging, and while no special equipment is needed – it results in only 6 miles per hour of charge.  Even if your vehicle is plugged in for 12 hours overnight, you’ll only get 72 miles.  While that might be ok for local driving, most EV owners want to take advantage of the maximum range of their cars, which these days are usually between 250 and 300 miles.  That’s why you’ll want a Level II charger installed.

That’s where your home’s EV Readiness comes in.  You’ll need a space to mount the charger close to where you will park the vehicle.  Most importantly, your home’s electrical service will have to be evaluated to make sure there that there is adequate space in your main electrical panel to connect an EV Charger. 

Your electrical panel is made up of a number of circuits, each with a breaker to control the flow of electricity.   The breakers are sized according to how much amperage it can handle.   The size, or capacity, of the breaker that will control the charger will dictate how quickly you can charge your vehicle.  Here’s a summary of how many miles per hour you can expect with different sizes of breakers:

Breaker SizeMiles per Hour Charged
20 Amps12
30 Amps18
40 Amps25
50 Amps30
60 Amps36
70 or 80 Amps37

Most of our clients will find the 40 Amp breaker sufficient.  Even if the vehicle is nearly empty when arriving home. a typical overnight charge of ten hours, e.g. 9 PM to 7 AM, should allow for a full, or nearly full, charge in the morning. 50 AMPs, if the electrical panel can accommodate, is optimal at 30 miles per hour in charging.

The total capacity of the main electrical panel is also a factor EV Readiness. You can’t install a large breaker if there is not room for it.   A number of our clients have only 100 AMP services, making it sometimes challenging to accommodate any charger beyond a simple wall outlet.  Also, many of our clients who are adding EVs are also adding heat pumps and/or electrically powered domestic hot water that require large breaker sizes. For these clients an upgrade to a 200 AMP service or more will be necessary.

Same Sun of Vermont installs EV chargers and performs system upgrades when necessary or desirable. Contact us to discuss your home’s EV Readiness, or to schedule an EV Charger installation.

The Eagle Has Landed

Announcing the 580-watt Eagle 72 G6B Bifacial solar module.  Manufactured by Jinko Solar, one of the largest Tier One companies. These durable industrial-grade modules are built to withstand harsh weather conditions. They are now available for residential and small commercial solar ground arrays. 

Here’s why we’re excited:       

  • More Power with Fewer Modules – 580 watts per module is a big leap, as prior to this our best option for solar ground arrays maxed out at 485 watts per module.  This means that an average array consisting of 24 485’s can be built with only 20 modules, taking up less yard space and with a lower height;
  • Power From Both Sides The bifacial technology harnesses reflected light from the ground, snow or other surfaces. This increases energy generation; 
  • Made in the USASame Sun insists on American-made components but it hasn’t always been easy, or even possible.  Eagle modules are now being manufactured domestically;
  • 30-Year Performance GuaranteeThese modules are warrantied to be at least 87.4% effective at the end of 30 years.

The high wattage modules makes solar ground arrays efficient to install, and we are offering our lowest prices ever for these.

Contact Us today to learn more!

Our Thoughts on Battery Backup

Many people, both existing and prospective customers, have reached out to Same Sun and asked us to install battery backup storage for their solar arrays. While the technology is exciting; everyone wants their solar array to provide power in the dark or during a power outage, we do not recommend this course of action.

Here are a few of the reasons:

  • We Do Not Think the Expense is Justifiable.  Unlike solar, there will never be a return on investment for battery backup. To do it right and have sustained power during an extended winter outage the cost is $25,000 – $35,000.
  • It is Not Environmentally Friendly.  Unlike batteries that power your vehicle thus replacing gas and oil the precious commodities such as graphite, lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt will only be used on rare occasions for convenience. Additionally, moving power back and forth from solar or the grid to the battery backup creates a loss of kWhs.
  • It is Not Reliable.  We have installed several battery backup systems, including right here in our own office to test the technology.  In our experience, we have been called upon to service 60 – 70% of these projects. We do not believe this is viable.
  • It May Not be Safe. We have concerns that our state is relying on individual manufacturers’ safety codes. Vermont does not inspect the installs.
  • Battery Lease Programs Disqualify You for Maximizing Savings.  If you are a GMP customer that is leasing your battery or part of their program that uses the battery to mitigate peak demand, you are not allowed to switch to Rate 11, which is the most advantageous billing rate for a solar customer.  See our previously published blog post about Rate 11 here. Also, GMP will be accessing your battery at peak demand times, possibly having it low or drained when you need the power due to an outage.
  • Today’s Batteries May Soon be Obsolete. Soon, there will be a bidirectional charger for all vehicles that will allow you to use your Electric Vehicle as battery backup for your home. The resources used to make car batteries are justifiable because driving an EV directly reduces oil and gasoline production, and lowers emissions.

While we wish that there was an inexpensive environmentally friendly and reliable battery back-up storage – this is not our experience.  If you have frequent power outages or this is a concern for you, we recommend that you have your essential loads placed into a subpanel and then get a conventional generator sized proportionately.

Please Contact Us with any questions.

2023 as A Local Vermont Solar Company

As 2023 comes to an end:


We want to take a moment to reflect and celebrate both the businesses and individuals we have been able to work with throughout the year. 

When Same Sun opened its doors in Vermont thirteen years ago, we believed our mission was important: to work with folks to produce clean solar energy. In 2011, those kilowatt-hours primarily powered your lights and electrical appliances.  Now, because of subzero heat pumps and a long list of EVs on the market, solar is heating your homes and powering your cars.  Our dream is coming true: move all you can from fossil fuels to the grid and power the grid with your own solar array!  Same Sun celebrated this at the Paramount Theatre this last Spring with “An Electrifying Afternoon.”

An Electrifying Afternoon

2023, The Paramount Theatre

In 2023, probably our most famous Vermont client, Whistlepig Whiskey, chose to add a ground array to the unusual and impressive rooftop array Same Sun completed years ago. Together, these two arrays provide all the electricity the distillery employs. 100% clean energy; as if one needed another reason to enjoy this premium rye whiskey!


Misconceptions Around Solar Power in Vermont

How Solar Power Works in the Winter:

It’s that time of year again, the temps have dropped and the snow has started falling. If you read our last blog post about optimizing your solar power in Vermont, then you already know one way to get the most value from your solar. We often hear, “Solar can’t possibly work in a Northeastern climate.”  But it does.  A common misconception with solar panels is that colder weather means less production; it’s quite the opposite. We are here to explain how solar energy works in the winter and debunk any myths you might have heard. 

Common Misconceptions Around Solar:

1. The Cold Weather Stops Solar Panels from Producing

The days are shorter during the winter, meaning less time for solar to produce, but this is made up for by greater efficiency of the panels in the cold! Solar panels produce energy from the sun’s light, not the sun’s heat. It may seem counterintuitive that they would perform better in colder temperatures, but they do. This is because as the temperature rises, solar panels lose efficiency due to increased resistance in the electrical circuit. In colder temperatures, solar panels are able to maintain a more consistent voltage, which leads to an increase in their overall efficiency. This means those cold, sunny days will still produce plenty of energy to power your home or business.

2. Solar Panels Won’t Work When it Snows Causing A  Rise In Electric Costs

Although snow can block some of the sun from getting to the panels, it usually does not affect production enough to make solar any less worth it during the winter months. Most solar panels are installed at an angle, whether they are on the roof or on the ground. This makes it easy for the snow to slide off, and the warmth from the panels will melt it at faster rates. Oftentimes, the snow on the ground can actually reflect more light into your panels.  This is particularly true of our ground mounts, where we use bifacial solar modules that generate power from both sides! 

We can’t speak for other companies, but ours provides an estimate of your solar  generation throughout the year. So if a snowstorm blocks your panels for a few sunny days- it’s likely been accounted for in your production estimate. The summer months often overproduce, meaning if there is a chance of snow in your forecast, you probably have remaining solar credits to make up for it. If you prefer to see a consistent amount of production though, there is the option to clean them off.

3. Panels Require More Maintenance During the Winter Months

As we mentioned above, it doesn’t hurt to clean off your solar panels when a heavy snowstorm rolls through. This doesn’t mean that it is a necessity. You can count on the summer months and sunny winter days to provide you with plenty of energy to get you through the winter. For those who love to ensure the highest rates of productivity for their panels, there are some easy options for cleaning off the panels. They make tools like a “SnowJoe”, that is meant for scraping the snow off your panels. If you have ground mounts, then cleaning off your solar should be easy. For the roof, on the other hand, you may need an extension pole. If you have solar panels on your roof- NEVER- get on top to try to clean them off. This is extremely dangerous and unnecessary. If you can scrape off the bottom of the array, the sunlight will heat the panels and cause the rest of the snow to melt. The power of the sun will do most of the work for you!

So is solar power worth it in places like Vermont that have harsh winter months? As a local solar company based in an area that deals with this kind of climate, we can say the answer is yes. Our customers receive lower electricity costs all year round. Solar companies that are reliable give you peace of mind in knowing that they take all seasons into account for your installation. This means you won’t have to worry over the colder months.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 802.775.7900, or email us at info@samesunvt.com.

Maximizing the Value of Your Solar Power in Vermont

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Solar?

If you have solar power, congratulations–you are already reaping the benefits of saving on your electric bill.  But did you know you can further increase your savings with one simple step?

For Green Mountain Power customers, the step that we recommend for residential solar owners is to switch to Rate 11.

Green Mountain Power offers different billing rates to its customers whether they have solar energy or not. Each rate is meant for a different type of usage and dictates how you pay for the kilowatt-hours (kWhs) you buy from the utility. The default is Rate 1, which is a set rate of approximately 18 cents for every kWh of electricity used. 

How do you know what rate you have? It will be located on the back of your Green Mountain Power bill.

What is Rate 11?

Rate 11 is a Residential Time of Use Service available to single-family homes, individual apartments, and farms. This means that a week is broken down into “peak” and “non-peak” periods and what you are charged for kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed is based on the time at which you use them.  Peak Hours are considered Monday through Friday for eight consecutive hours between 1:00 pm and 9:00 pm. 

During peak times, you are charged a higher than normal price, about 28 cents per kWh. A lower-priced off-peak kWh charge of 12.5 cents the rest of the time mitigates this, however.  Once you know which hours are most expensive, you can plan around that.  For example, you can program your EV Charger or Dishwasher to start running after 9pm, or only do laundry on mornings and weekends.

Therefore, Rate 11 is a great option for  the type of person who doesn’t use a lot of electricity during the day, but is home a lot on weeknights and weekends.  With solar, Rate 11 is the best option even if you are using electricity during peak times. 

Why Rate 11 Is the Better Choice if you have Solar:

When you go solar, your relationship with the utility company changes.  You are no longer simply purchasing kilowatt-hours, you are generating them.  When your solar is working, the first thing it does is provide the power for any consumption happening at a given moment.  If there is more generation that you are using, the excess is monetized and stored in your net meter bank, to be drawn on at times that your solar is not generating, e.g. at night.  

This means that for most of the peak hours, your solar will be working and taking care of your electricity consumption – you will therefore not see peak hour consumption charges even if you are using electricity then.  If you are overproducing during that time, you will have credit left over that is worth about 15.5 cents per kWh–still more valuable than the rate you will pay off-peak.

In comparison, if you have Rate 1, you are paying the set rate 24/7.  You get no benefit from lower rates during the hours that your solar is not producing, leading to a higher bill overall.

Same Sun owners Philip and Marlene Allen have been using Rate 11 for their solar-powered home for more than four years, and they have enjoyed a 20 – 40% reduction in their bill depending on the time of year. 

Rate 11 can be a great way to save money on your electric bill whether or not you have solar, but more so if you do. For questions, contact Same Sun for information about Green Mountain Power’s rates and how solar impacts your electricity bill.

141 West Street, 
Rutland, VT 05701
United States

Proudly powered by WordPress

Pages

Same Sun Presents: The River Events

Come Learn About Solar Energy and Meet Our Team!

Join us at one of two local restaurants for an evening of food, drinks and giveaways. The River Events will be an opportunity to learn about the benefits of solar energy in an inviting social environment. November 2nd, from 5-7 PM, join us at the Clear River Inn and Tavern, in Pittsfield, VT. Alternatively, if it is more convenient, join us November 9th from 5-7 PM at The River Pub and Grill in Brandon, VT.

Meet Our Company

If you are considering solar for your home or business, come meet with owners Philip and Marlene Allen to get to know more about our company. Our staff will be there to answer any questions you may have about solar, and our processes. With both events hosted at locally owned (and solar-powered) restaurants, this is a great opportunity to mingle with other like minded Vermonters.

All we require is an RSVP!

Food. Drinks. Giveaways. Solar Energy.

During each event, we will host raffles with prizes from our local solarized partners such as Whistlepig Whiskey and The Paramount Theater.

Attendees will receive access to our “River Event Promotion”, offering a free solar site evaluation, and a potential discount of up to $1000 dollars off your solar project if you decide to move forward. 

To RSVP:

If you think solar might be the right choice for you, come and let us answer any questions you may have! This is a great opportunity to learn more about your energy options with a fun night out!

To RSVP, call us at 802.775.7900, or email us at info@samesunvt.com with your information, including which event you will be attending, the names of each individual, as well as a phone number where we can reach you.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Same Sun Presents: The River Events

Come Learn About Solar Energy and Meet Our Team!

Join us at one of two local restaurants for an evening of food, drinks and giveaways. The River Events will be an opportunity to learn about the benefits of solar energy in an inviting social environment. November 2nd, from 5-7 PM, join us at the Clear River Inn and Tavern, in Pittsfield, VT. Alternatively, if it is more convenient, join us November 9th from 5-7 PM at The River Pub and Grill in Brandon, VT.

Meet Our Company

If you are considering solar for your home or business, come meet with owners Philip and Marlene Allen to get to know more about our company. Our staff will be there to answer any questions you may have about solar, and our processes. With both events hosted at locally owned (and solar-powered) restaurants, this is a great opportunity to mingle with other like minded Vermonters.

All we require is an RSVP!

Food. Drinks. Giveaways. Solar Energy.

During each event, we will host raffles with prizes from our local solarized partners such as Whistlepig Whiskey and The Paramount Theater.

Attendees will receive access to our “River Event Promotion”, offering a free solar site evaluation, and a potential discount of up to $1000 dollars off your solar project if you decide to move forward. 

To RSVP:

If you think solar might be the right choice for you, come and let us answer any questions you may have! This is a great opportunity to learn more about your energy options with a fun night out!

To RSVP, call us at 802.775.7900, or email us at info@samesunvt.com with your information, including which event you will be attending, the names of each individual, as well as a phone number where we can reach you.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Solar Lease VS. Buy

Solar Arrays: Why Lease when you Can Own?

Renting and leasing-so common in so many industries. We sometimes rent or lease apartments, cars, electronics, and furniture, and some may even say we have a lease on life. In certain cases, a lease can offer the short-term, affordable commitment you seek. So it makes sense you might be asking yourself- “is it better to lease vs. buy my solar array?”

In the solar market, some companies will offer what seems to be a shiny alternative to purchasing solar outright. These companies go door-to-door targeting homeowners with an offer that, at first glance, might seem desirable. They will describe a solar lease as a financially sound alternative to owning that will lower your electric bill and allow you to take part in a sustainable lifestyle.

If you are thinking about going solar or have been offered this kind of lease by a solar company, which is usually a large national business, we are here to warn you of some of the flaws that come along with this kind of “investment”.

When it comes to solar panels, here’s why buying is best:

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels? Buying is better.

Return on Investment:

When a consumer leases solar panels, they pay for service fees, any consumption charges not covered by the solar panels, and a payment to the leasing company. Thus, you will continue to have a monthly bill ranging from $150 to $250 per month on average. The leasing company will say you are getting a discount on your electricity charges but for some homeowners, the payment might end up being the same, if not more than their current electric bill! If you choose to buy out of your leasing agreement, many companies charge more than the remainder owed.

Although purchasing solar requires more of an upfront investment, it will remain just that—an investment. With top-quality equipment, you can expect your solar panels to last typically around 30 years. 30 years with a very low monthly electric bill and a guaranteed return on investment long before then. If upfront cost is an issue, there are many solar loans that use the equipment itself as collateral, and not home equity.  This means you are left with years of free electricity once the loan is paid off.

Tax Credits and Incentives:

The federal government offers great incentives when it comes to solar energy. There is a 30% tax credit that is given when you purchase solar. At the end of the day, you will still own your panels and receive a 30% payment for your project. With a solar lease, you own nothing, and it is the leasing company that gets the tax credit, not you. In addition the leasing company receives state tax credits and depreciation value. A hoped for 5 – 10% savings to you means thousands of dollars of profit for them.

Owning Solar can Increase the Value and Desirability of Your Home:

If you read our previous blog post, you’ll be fully up to speed as to how there is clear evidence that solar panels increase the value of your home. Solar energy is becoming more popular each year as consumers look to cut down on energy costs and be part of the solution to the current climate crisis. So, if you choose to sell your home, you have an asset.

If you choose to lease, this will inherently have the opposite effect. Consumers may hesitate to buy your property because they don’t want to take over the current lease. On top of the already many stressors of moving- you’ll also end up dealing with the hassle of an additional lien on your home.

Warranty and Service:

Locally owned companies like Same Sun of Vermont will ensure you have the best warranty and service promise for your investment. Same Sun uses only premium products with industry-leading warranties of up to 25 years when we install your solar panels, and we also offer a workmanship guarantee to provide free service for five years if you run into any issues!

When you lease vs. buy your solar, you may find that your service plan won’t cover any equipment problems. Damaged solar panels may fall on your homeowner’s insurance and your leasing company won’t be responsible.


When deciding between a solar lease or purchase, one option clearly outweighs the benefits of the other. Corporately owned solar businesses are often just looking for their next contract, be wary. Do your due diligence by researching a locally owned solar company in your area. Often, these are the people that want to ensure you get quality equipment and a good ROI.

As a company, we strive to provide unbiased information to fully educate consumers in their decision-making process. If you do choose to lease your solar, that’s not our business. (Pun intended)

Before signing a lease, contact us today.

More information on going solar:

https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-going-solar

https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics