The latest and greatest in Florida green energy by Wayne's Solar

Happy 35th Birthday to us!  Since 1983, Wayne's Solar has served the Central Florida region with the best solar energy solutions.  Sun powered is the way to go in the Sunshine State. 

We were recently chosen by the Volusia Solar Co-op as their exclusive solar provider for over 100 members.

We are now offering backup batteries: Ask us about having a Sonnen Backup Battery installed along with your solar PV power system.

"I had my solar tube skylight put in just weeks before hurricane Irma. I was pretty nervous about what might happen. Nothing...absolutely nothing. No leaks, no cracks, no damage! The guys from Wayne’s Solar told me their tubes could withstand a hurricane...and mine did! Wonderful customer service and they really make sure your house is clean before leaving. Have recommended them to other neighbors who are just as pleased!" - Mrs. Galloway

"These guys are awesome. They put in a solar pool heater for me last year. This year I had a roof leak that I thought was due to the panels on the roof. It actually ended up being caused by some nail pops from the shingles. Not only did they fix the area for me, but they went around the roof and fixed some other areas that had some potential issues. Awesome service, awesome company." - Mr. Perry

"Five ago I had Wayne's Solar install panels for my pool, a solar attic fan and a solar hot water heater. I have REDUCED my electric bill by OVER 50%. My total cost was recouped in the first 18 months." - Mr. Crouch

By the way, have you driven by any of FPL's amazing solar farms yet?  At this point, the solar energy sector employs more people than oil and gas.  Solar is the way to go and our company provides solar energy solutions from Jacksonville to Port Orange and as far as Putnam and Clay Counties, Florida.

Get Rewarded for Solar Water Heating in Florida

You can still get the 30 percent tax credit on your federal return when you install a solar powered water heater in Florida. Beaches Energy, JEA, and Clay Electric utility customers are also eligible for rebates.  Going solar pays off!

Utilizing incentives to install solar hot water systems is the smart way to upgrade your home's green design.  The consultants at Wayne's Solar will run the numbers for you and explain how going solar pays off quickly for homeowners and commercial property investors.

Did you know that one third of your electric bill is water heating costs?  That adds up, especially for facilities that use a lot of water such as medical offices.  Installing a solar water heater saves money and the environment. Solar panels on Florida homes are beautiful and functional.    

Solar hot water heaters work automatically and seamlessly, using the free and clean power of the Florida sun.  Our many happy customers confirm drastically reduced electric bills, especially when combined with photovoltaic for solar electric and solar attic fans.  

If you have a pool, our solar pool heating and variable speed pool pumps save you even more.  Wayne's Solar has been installing technology to harness the energy of the sun in Florida since 1983.  Contact us to find out more about rebates, credits, and benefits of solar hot water heaters.

Victory for Solar in Florida

Thank you to all who voted NO on Amendment 1!  There was an inspired, bipartisan grassroots effort to get the real information out about this misleading amendment.  Even though it was written in the interests of the utility companies, Florida consumers and solar supporters won the day by defeating it.  It was a gratifying success, especially since the marketing for the amendment was funded by millions of dollars and the marketing against it was almost strictly word of mouth.

Back in August, Amendment 4, a solar-friendly initiative, was passed by voters.  The people have spoken: We want the clean, free energy of the sun on our own terms, not under control of the utility companies.  It will still take some time to implement Amendment 4 but the defeat of Amendment 1 will only make that process easier for legislators.  Because of these positive developments in our government to favor solar energy initiatives, we will finally have a chance to live up to our name: the Sunshine State.  

Thank you again for saving solar by defeating Amendment 1, Florida voters! To show our appreciation, Wayne's Solar, headquartered in Ormond Beach, is offering special pricing on ALL complete solar power systems. Contact us today for your FREE estimate! This special offer expires 12/31/16 and cannot be combined with any other offer.  Please also keep in mind this offer must be presented at time of first appointment (say you saw it on the Solar Florida blog).  Now more than ever, it's time for solar in Florida.

Call us at (386) 673-9720 to find out more about our celebratory special offer and GO SOLAR! Wayne's Solar serves residential and commercial customers all over Central and Northeast Florida including Clay, Duval, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia Counties.  You can also use our easy online contact form here. 

  

What's the news for Wayne's Solar in 2016?

Look at this handsome group! We got our sales, office, and tech teams together right before the holidays for a photo shoot.

Congress voted to extend the 30 percent Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar for another three years. It will then ramp down incrementally through 2021, and remain at 10 percent permanently beginning in 2022.

JEA utility customers will want to contact Wayne's Solar right away. JEA has added funds for a new rebate extension until March 31, 2016. Rebates that are now active: 16+ SEER HVAC replacement, insulation, and solar.

Check out MORE solar incentives here or contact us at 844-4WAYNES. There are so many ways to save when doing the right thing and going solar. We also have a variety of internet specials.

We will be at the Flagler Home and Lifestyle Show: January 23 & 24, Sat. 9am-4pm & Sun 11am-4pm at Flagler Palm Coast High School. Stop by our booth and get a special discount offer if you say you saw this mention on the Solar Florida blog.

Our sponsored runner, Patrick Schmidt of Hayward Pools, just completed the Disney Goofy Challenge (1/2 marathon and full marathon) this month. Coming up for Patrick are some very exciting races for charity including the Skydive Ultra-Marathon (50 miles) on January 30. He is also running the Sarasota Half Marathon and the Atlanta Marathon in March, and the Keys 100 (relay team) in May.

We have partnered up with Camelbak to develop special edition versions of its water bottles. They are available for purchase at our headquarters today. Both models are BPA free, spill proof, and come with a lifetime warranty!

Update for 2015: Guinness World Records for Solar

Back in 2011, we posted this list of Guinness World Records for Solar that had been achieved at that point in time.  With the progress in solar and the popularity of this amazing energy source all over the world, we thought it was time to do an update!  Let's see what has happened in solar energy record setting in the past four years...

NEW RECORD: Fastest solar powered vehicle
Japan - August 20, 2014

The fastest speed attained by a solar-powered vehicle is 91.332 km/h (56.75 mph) and was achieved by Kenjiro Shinozuka (Japan), who drove Ashiya University's Sky Ace TIGA at Shimojishima Airport, in Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan.


UNCHANGED: Largest solar powered building
China - December 2009

In December 2009, China unveiled an office building in Dezhou, Shangdong province, that meets almost all of its energy needs with its rooftop solar panels. The building covers 807,000 square feet and contains research facilities, display areas, and a hotel.


NEW RECORD: Longest journey by solar electric vehicle
Germany - December 15, 2012

The longest journey by solar electric vehicle is 29,753 km (18,487 miles) and was achieved by the Solar Car Project Hochschule Bochum (Germany) who travelled around the world departing Adelaide, Australia on 26 October 2011 and finishing in Mount Barker, Australia on 15 December 2012.


NEW RECORD: Largest single solar thermal collector
Austria - January 31, 2014

The largest single solar thermal collector measures 70.70 m² (761 ft²) and was achieved by Siko Solar GmbH (Austria), in Innsbruck, Austria, on 31 January 2014. The solar collector was 20.80 m long and 3.40 m wide.


NEW RECORD: First circumnavigation by solar-powered boat
Monaco - May 4, 2012

MS TÛRANOR PlanetSolar (Switzerland) circumnavigated the world in a westward direction from Monaco in 1 year 7 months and 7 days from 27 September 2010 to 4 May 2012 on solar power only. The boat had accumulated 32,410 nautical miles (60,023 km; 37,296 miles) on its arrival in Monaco.


NEW RECORD: Fastest crossing of the Atlantic by solar power
France - May 18, 2013

The fastest transatlantic crossing made completely under solar power is 22 days 12 hr 32 min by MS TÛRANOR PlanetSolar (Switzerland) and its crew of six from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain to Marigot, Saint Martin, from 26 April to 18 May 2013.


NEW RECORD: Largest solar oven cooking class
India - January 4, 2014

The largest solar oven cooking class consisted of 3,639 participants, achieved by Keshav Srushti (India) in Mumbai, India on 04 January 2014. Students of the Suryakumbha solar oven cooking class first built solar ovens, then made a meal of vegetable masala noodles.


UNCHANGED: Most powerful solar chimney
Spain - February 8, 2005

Enviromission's prototype solar chimney power station in Manzanares, Spain, produced 50 kilowatts of electricity between 1982 and 1989. It consisted of a large area of greenhouses, in which air, heated by the Sun, expanded upwards through a 656 foot central tower, powering turbines as it escaped into the atmosphere.


UNCHANGED: Longest flight by solar powered spy plane
United States - July 23, 2010

Zephyr is a High-Altitude Long-Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle made of ultra-lightweight carbon-fiber. It flies on solar power generated by amorphous silicon arrays covering the aircraft’s wings, no thicker than sheets of paper. It is powered day and night by rechargeable lithium-sulphur batteries that are recharged during the day using solar power. On July 9th, 2010, Zephyr was launched at 0641hours and set three new world records. The flight took place above the US Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona and the aircraft was landed on the morning of July 23rd.

Contact Wayne's Solar when you are ready to be amazed by the amount of money you can save by switching to solar power for your Florida home energy needs.

Solar Florida Blog Celebrates Five Years

On November 2, 2009, we made our very first Solar Florida blog post, which means this source of solar business and industry information has been going strong for five years now!  With a readership of over 17,000 page views to date, we think this blog has been a success in distributing the facts about green home design and sustainable energy efficiency.

Also interesting have been the most popular blog posts as time has gone by.  Here are the top five in five years of publication:

Why choose a salt water pool over traditional chlorine? - With over 3,500 views of this blog post, it is apparent that many people are wondering the answer to this question.

Solar Hot Water Heaters For All Florida Climates - A very basic breakdown of the one solar upgrade you can make to your home that can save you up to a third on electricity.

Passive vs. Active Solar Hot Water Heater Systems - Did you know there were two different ways to heat your water using solar energy?  This explains the difference.

The Coolest Green Design Element: Sun Tunnel Skylights - If you have never seen these in action, you will be amazed at the level of light they create.

The Ideology of Solar: An Interview with Wayne Phillips - This recent post is climbing fast on the list of the most popular blog articles.

What else would you like to read about on Solar Florida?  Contact us at Wayne's Solar and let us know your questions about solar pool heating, photovoltaic electric systems for your home or business, and more.

Patrick Schmidt Keeps Running for Wayne's Solar

Patrick Schmidt, representing Wayne's Solar, participated in the Swamp House Half Marathon in DeBary recently.  He also ran a 15K race in Philadelphia on August 24th, coming in at 9th place overall and 1st in his age group.  Patrick also ran another challenging half marathon in Massachusetts over the summer.

Coming up, this runner of distinction has a marathon in Atlanta on Oct. 25, a half marathon at Disney's Wine & Dine on Nov. 8th, and the Space Coast marathon on Nov. 30th.  He will most likely qualify for the Boston marathon at the Space Coast marathon, and Patrick and Wayne's Solar are especially excited for this!

In addition, Wayne's Solar is partnering with Wells Fargo this month to offer an amazing September Special: 15 Months No Interest Financing! Regular Payments Required. With Approved Credit. Contact us today to apply and start saving today with a solar system or other installation from Wayne's Solar. Available through September 30th, 2014.

Variable Speed Pool Pumps are Game Changers

What burns up the second largest amount of electricity in your home aside from the heating and air conditioning unit?  If you have a pool with an old pump, there's your answer.  We kid you not: upgrading to a new variable speed pool pump can save you as much as 90 percent of your energy costs on this necessity of owning a pool.

Wayne's Solar features the Hayward EcoStar variable speed pool pump as our chosen product in this category for energy efficiency, available for both new pools and retrofits.  As of December 11, 2011, all new pool pumps installed or replaced in Florida need to adhere to certain guidelines so not only are you getting up to code but you are saving yourself a ton of money.

Why install the Hayward EcoStar variable speed pool pump?

It is the most energy efficient pool pump on the market today, Energy Star-rated and backed by one of the best warranties in the industry.

Instead of running continuously like old fashioned single speed pumps, the EcoStar flows at perfectly timed increments customized to that particular pool's needs.

The user interface with its self-contained 24 hour clock is easily accessed and programmable.  The device's service mode makes cleaning the pool simple for you or your cleaning company.

Old pumps burn more energy than all other appliances in the home combined (aside from HVAC).  You will save money and can be assured your pool use is more environmentally friendly.

You can place the controls in a convenient location, even on a wall for ease of use.  Timer and speed functions have many different variations so your pool pump is running optimally.

This highly energy efficient pool pump can be installed by Wayne's Solar along with your solar pool heating system, salt water chlorination, and other pool automation, so your pool is assured the highest level in green technology.

If you live in Clay, Duval, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, Seminole, or Volusia Counties, contact Wayne's Solar today to find out more about variable speed pool pumps and to receive your free energy analysis and estimate on solar for your home or business.

Wayne's Solar Anniversary: What happened 30 years ago?

Wayne Phillips began his long, successful career in solar 30 years ago, when very few others were thinking that far ahead.  These days solar is one of the most popular topics in regards to green energy with the idea of saving money and the environment.  Just to give you an idea of how far back our company goes, here are some major milestones of 1983:  

Ronald Reagan was in the third year of his presidency and in 1983 he proposed the Strategic Defense Initiative, nicknamed by the media as "Star Wars".

M*A*S*H, the popular TV series, ended after 11 years and 251 episodes on CBS.

The U.S. Embassy was bombed in Beirut, killing 63 people.

Sally Ride became the first American woman in space.

Unemployment rose in the U.S. to 12 million, the highest figure since 1941.

Vanessa Williams became the first African-American to be crowned Miss America.

Martin Luther King Day became official when President Ronald Reagan signed the bill creating a federal holiday on the third Monday of every January to honor the American civil rights leader.

The Washington Redskins defeated the Miami Dolphins 27-17 in Super Bowl XVII.

The Balitmore Orioles took the World Series, winning 4 games to 1 over the Philadelphia Phillies.

The New York Islanders won the Stanley Cup.

Time flies and we look forward to the next Wayne's Solar anniversary!  Contact us for your solar power needs in Central and Northeast Florida including Jacksonville, Sanford, Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, Daytona, Port Orange, and St. Augustine.

Patrick Schmidt Keeps Running Green for Great Causes

Wayne's Solar continues its sponsorship of local runner Patrick Schmidt...here's an update from our intrepid athlete:

On October 27th, I ran the Lighthouse Loop half marathon in Port Orange. I thank Wayne's Solar for sponsoring to help support the athletic department for Volusia County Public Schools. This was truly a great cause to help support our local community! There were about 1,300 runners and I placed 52nd overall, 6th place in my division. My finish time was 1:40:38, this is now my fastest half marathon time to date! I beat my previous record by over 7 minutes. 

On November 9th, I ran a 5k in Jacksonville for MADD in the morning with my family then I drove back to Orlando to run the Disney Wine & Dine half marathon that same night to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This hits home for me as I have family and friends who have been killed by drunk drivers and I also have friends that are currently trying to beat Leukemia. There were 12,153 runners to support this cause, I placed 431 overall for the half marathon, 58 in my division. My finish time was 1:49:05. This was another great cause that Wayne's Solar supported! 

I am extremely happy and honored that Wayne's Solar has asked me to run for them so that they/we can help support our local community here at home in the Central Florida area. Many people that I speak with have said that your company's support of the local community is what brought them to your front door. Wayne's Solar then followed that up with a very high level of professionalism. Kudos to all of you at Wayne's Solar! Not only are you saving customers from aggravation, but you are saving them money too!

Moreover, I did run a full marathon (26.2 miles) on November 17th at Alafia River State Park in Hillsborough County by Tampa. This was a off road trail marathon, I finished this monster in 4:38. Needless to say, I was worn out. I came in 21st place overall. 

My next race is a big one, it is a 4 day race from January 9-12 at Walt Disney World. I will be running a "Dopey Challenge" consisting of a 5k (3.1 miles), 10k (6.2 miles), 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles), and a full marathon (26.2 miles). Wayne's Solar will be supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma causes again, very exciting!

Thank you, Patrick, from everyone at Wayne's Solar.

Wayne's Solar Supports Great Causes, Sponsors Patrick Schmidt for Charity Runs

Our company is excited to announce our ongoing sponsorship of a local runner, Patrick Schmidt, in a variety of fundraising runs all over Florida.  We believe support for the community we serve is of utmost importance and what better way than to enable a dynamic individual like Patrick to run for charity.

Patrick Schmidt is also the Hayward Pool Products/Goldline Controls District Field Technical Manager for Eastern Florida, so his accomplishments are clear off the running track as well.  Wayne's Solar offers a full array of Hayward salt chlorination and pool automation products so the partnership is a perfect fit.

The photo shown was a triumphant event for Patrick, who says, "The run was held at Disney and was called the Tower of Terror 10 miler, that benefits Autism Speaks, an organization that is dedicated to funding research into the cause, treatment, and cure for autism. Additionally, this charity helps families and individuals who deal with the hardships from the disorder.

"All runners who finish/complete the run receives a finishers medal (this is what I was holding). I finished 353 out of 9475, 42nd place in my division. I love to run to help support local charities and to be a good role model for children by promoting a healthy lifestyle. I am a father of twins and want to lead them by setting good examples for them as my parents were to me, health is important to me.

"Wayne's Solar has supported charitable causes in other areas and now wants to help support their local community. I am extremely happy and proud that I am able wear their running shirt knowing that they are supporting not only charities, but their community as well.  Be lean and go green!"

Upcoming runs that Patrick will participate in with sponsorship by Wayne's Solar include:

Sunday, Oct. 27th - Light house loop (PONCE INLET)
Saturday, Nov. 9th - Wine and Dine Run (DISNEY)

Our company is dedicated to our customers and the community.  We provide solar pool heating, PV electric systems, solar water heaters, sun tunnel natural lighting, and more to homes and businesses all over Northeast and Central Florida.  Contact us for more information today.

30 Years Later: What were things like in 1983?

As of 2013, Wayne's Solar is celebrating 30 years in the solar business! 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a very remarkable year in many ways including Wayne Phillips' idea to begin a solar thermal pool heating business in Central Florida, which has now grown into a thriving solar energy contractor spanning six counties. Read on to find out what else was happening that year...

What did things cost 30 years ago?

•  Interest Rate Year End Federal Reserve: 11.00%
•  Average cost of new house: $82,600
•  Median price of an existing home: $70,300
•  Average income per year: $21,070
•  Average monthly rent: $335

What were the top five songs on the Billboard chart?

1. Every Breath You Take - Police 
2. Billie Jean - Michael Jackson 
3. Flashdance...What A Feeling - Irene Cara 
4. Down Under - Men At Work 
5. Beat It - Michael Jackson 

Aside from Wayne's Solar, what else made its debut?

• Cabbage Patch Dolls
• Swatch Watches
• Microsoft Word
• Cellular Phones (introduced by Motorola)
• The Internet (Arpanet officially switched to the Internet Protocol)
• Space Shuttle Challenger
• Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)
• McDonald's McNugget

What popular movies hit the theater in 1983?

• "National Lampoon's Vacation"  
• "Return of the Jedi" 
• "Terms of Endearment" 
• "Risky Business" 
• "Flashdance" 
• "Mr. Mom" 
• "Trading Places" 
• "Scarface" 
• "The Big Chill" 
• "Tootsie" 

Happy 30th Birthday Wayne's Solar!  Contact this licensed and trusted company for all your solar needs in Daytona, Ormond, Palm Coast, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, New Smyrna, Port Orange, Palatka, and the surrounding areas of Florida.

Celebrating 30 Years in the Solar Florida Business

In 1983, Wayne Phillips began installing solar thermal systems to heat Volusia County, Florida pools and the Wayne's Solar company was born.  30 years later, Wayne's Solar is serving the solar needs of homes and businesses all over a five county area including Jacksonville, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, Daytona, Palm Coast, and St. Augustine.  Solar installations provided by Wayne's currently include:

• Solar electric systems 
• Solar water heaters 
• Solar pool heating systems 
• Solar pool heat pumps 
• Swimming pool salt/chlorine generation systems 
• Solar attic fans/garage ventilation systems 
• Sun tunnel tubular skylights 
• Service and repair for every solar panel on the market

There have been many developments over the past three decades in regards to solar power, and green energy in general. As the world has recognized its dependence on fossil fuels, alternative energy sources have enjoyed increased popularity.  Many governments and utility companies are offering incentives to go solar, and judging by the interest shown by the media and the public, solar has gone mainstream.

We will be celebrating the past 30 years of solar with related blog posts throughout 2013.  Happy Anniversary Wayne's Solar!

Solar Codes and Regulations for Florida

Solar technology installations have their own set of rules in Florida - some for the whole state, others put forth by counties or cities.  Wayne's Solar has been in the solar energy industry of Florida since 1983 and our staff is trained in all relevant codes and our company is constantly updating its knowledge of new developments and codes pertaining to solar.

Here is what you need to know about the most important current Florida solar regulations:

Florida law forbids ordinances, deed restrictions, covenants, declarations, or similar binding agreements from prohibiting the use of solar collectors, although certain restrictions may be imposed on homeowners. Community associations are specifically prohibited from preventing the installation of solar collectors on residential rooftops. Florida law also allows easements for the purpose of maintaining exposure of a solar energy system to sunlight. Easements must be created in writing and are subject to being recorded and indexed in the same manner as any other instrument affecting the title to real property. Statutes: Fla. Stat. § 704.07, Fla. Stat. § 163.04, HB 697

Under Florida law, improved real property upon which a renewable energy source device is installed and operated is entitled to an exemption in the amount of the original cost of the device, including the installation cost. The exemption does not include the cost of replacing, removing, or improving existing property in the course of the installation. Renewable energy devices must be installed on or after January 1, 2009, to qualify for the exemption, and the exemption will not be authorized for more than 10 years. Florida Statutes: Fla. Stat. § 196.175, HB 7135

Solar energy systems have been exempt from Florida's sales and use tax since July 1, 1997. The term "solar energy system" means the equipment and requisite hardware that provide and are used for collecting, transferring, converting, storing, or using incidental solar energy for water heating, space heating and cooling, or other applications that would otherwise require the use of a conventional source of energy such as petroleum products, natural gas, manufactured gas, or electricity. In May 2005, the exemption was made permanent when HB 805 (2005) was signed into law.

And remember, if you want to take advantage of all the rebates and credits available as incentives to go solar in various parts of Florida, you are usually required to utilize the services of a licensed solar contractor such as Wayne's Solar, otherwise you are not eligible.  When considering solar power it is always advisable to meet with one of our solar consultants first (it's free!) so that we can assist you with your short and long term goals in regards to incentives and energy savings.

Home Energy Management Systems Put You in Control

If you are looking for ways to increase your home's energy efficiency or test the energy savings of your solar systems, you might consider the addition of an energy management device, which can be easy to install and a breeze to access through your computer's internet. Technology like this lets you know where energy is being wasted, enabling you to then make changes that can save you money on your utility bill.

Saving money through monitoring your electricity use is one way to benefit from the installation of a home energy management system. An extra bonus for our solar customers is that it may also monitor how much power is being produced by a photovoltaic solar electric system! This means you will know in both kilowatts and dollars the amount of power you are getting from the sun, as well as how much you are sending back to the grid.

Looking for a way to track your home energy usage and solar power production in Central and Northeast Florida? Wayne's Solar is headquartered in Ormond Beach and serves the sun-powered energy needs of the surrounding areas including Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Port Orange, and Daytona. Inquire with us about home energy management systems and allow us to give you a free estimate when you are ready to put the latest solar green technology to work for you.

Wayne's Solar Relocating to Bigger and Better Space

We are happy to announce that our company has moved to a larger space just down the street from our previous location.  Wayne's Solar has relocated from 287 South Yonge Street in Ormond Beach to 357 Andrews Street, near the Performing Arts Center.  It has taken us quite a while to find the appropriate property to call our new home.  We chose this space because we needed more room but we did not want to move so far away that it would affect our walk in customers' convenience.

Our plans for the new office include state of the art solar installations to power the facility so that we can easily demonstrate these money saving solutions to the public.  We plan a festive grand opening celebration in the near future to say thanks to our community and kick off many more years of success providing solar products and green home upgrades to northeast and central Florida.  There will be walk in specials to encourage visits to the office announced soon as well.

Please contact Wayne's Solar for a free estimate on heating your pool, your hot water, or your whole house with the clean free fuel of the sun!


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Latest Breaking News on Solar Energy

Wayne's Solar has recently added solar window screens and solar window films to its arsenal of energy saving upgrades for your home or business.  We are also preparing to unveil our newest offering, insulation services, so stay tuned.  The latest solar rebates from Florida Power and Light are still active and the utility company will begin accepting applications for next year soon.

If you are interested in news and reports within the world of solar energy, we invite you to follow us on Twitter @solarpowerfl where we share links regarding this exciting and constantly changing renewable energy source, used all over the world.  In addition, the following sites provide frequently updated solar energy news items and opinion pieces that you may find of interest:

CleanTechnica

Solar Energy - Inhabit: Green Design Will Save the World

Mother Nature Network: Solar Energy

The Vote Solar Initiative Blog

Solar Channel: GreenTech Media

Industry News: Solarbuzz - Solar Market Research & Analysis

When you are ready to go solar or investigate other money saving ways to heat your pool, light your home, cool your attic, and more - contact Wayne's Solar.  We provide sustainable energy solutions all over northeast and central Florida including solar for Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna, and Port Orange.

Amazing News and Facts About the Sun and Solar Energy

What is true and what is new under the sun?

- Florida Power and Light (FPL) recently announced some exciting rebate incentives for new solar hot water and PV system installations for its residential and commercial customers.  The application process can begin after information is obtained from an initial consultation with a licensed solar contractor; application submission is online only and begins June 29th, 2011.

- The sun is clearly the largest object in our sky: it contains more than 99.8% of the total mass of the solar system.

- In Greek mythology, the sun was deified as the god Helios; to the Romans it was Sol. Before the Egyptians went on to worship multiple gods, they focused on just one: the sun god called Ra.

- Presently the sun is about 70% hydrogen and 28% helium; the remaining less than 2% is composed of oxygen, carbon, iron, neon, nitrogen, silicon, magnesium, and sulfur.

- The sun is about 4.5 billion years old.  It will continue to radiate for another 5 billion years or so, although its luminosity will approximately double in that time. Eventually it will run out of fuel.

- On August 1, 2010 many interconnected solar activities occurred at once: multiple flares, filament eruptions, long-distance interactions all over the sun, and strong thermal variations.

- Photovoltaic (PV) technologies convert light from the sun into electricity.  The use of solar energy does not cause greenhouse gas emissions.

- During the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci devised plans for solar energy collectors in his notebooks. He conceived of a method using mirrors which would reflect sunlight to heat water.

- In just one hour, the earth receives more energy from the sun than the entire world uses during a whole year.

- About half of worldwide production of solar panels is consumed by the country of Japan, mostly for grid connected residential applications.

- Fannie Mae recently replaced its Energy Efficient Mortgage feature with a new Energy Improvement incentive for the upgrading of an existing home through a purchase or re-finance mortgage. Only single family homes qualify.  Contact Wayne's Solar to take advantage of this energy and cost savings opportunity.

Increasing Property Value the Smart Way: Go Solar

Solar power isn't just for hippies anymore. Case in point: the Daytona Beach News Journal recently published this profile of a Maserati-driving, private jet-owning eye surgeon who retrofitted his entire home with solar installations by Wayne's Solar. This gentleman is the new face of the solar customer: someone who wants to be energy independent because he has an eye on the future. He is also increasing the property value of his home exponentially. Consider this:

According to statistics from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, a property's value rises $20,000 for every $1000 in reduced yearly electricity cost.

When a home goes on the market, it is much more attractive if it has solar power and therefore low (or non-existent) utility bills. Or imagine if your home is the one that actually earns credits from the energy company, basically making it an income-earning property.

Aesthetics have changed with the times. Whereas some people used to think that solar panels actually detracted from the appearance of a home, the new green thinking turns the space age looking glass panels on the roof into a design plus.

Contact Wayne's Solar if you are in Duval, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, Volusia Counties, or the surrounding areas of Florida to make a significant improvement to your home or business with solar energy.

What You Need to Know About Home Energy Audits

A home energy audit can be very helpful in determining the best ways to save money by increasing your home's efficiency in a variety of ways.  Some companies offer free home energy audits but the consumer must be aware that this service is sometimes followed up the same company using the audit as a way to sell their own energy-saving products.  This is not necessarily a bad thing - except that unfortunately quite often these products, such as solar hot water heaters, are extremely overpriced compared to what a solar contractor such as Wayne's Solar can install for you.

Although it is possible to find a free energy audit, you may opt to spend a few hundred dollars to have this valuable service performed with all the possible elements such as a door blower test to determine air flow and leaks, as well as infrared thermography to check the levels of insulation throughout the house.  Your auditor will perform a checklist of tasks and you will be given a written report of their findings.  It is a good idea to be present during the inspection so you can ask questions and point out specific areas of concern.  Be aware that it is almost never worth replacing all your windows for energy efficiency - the savings are just not as measurable as installing a solar hot water heating system.  

Home energy audits are a great way to get started on your road to a green home!  Just remember to shop around when you know what you need - Wayne's Solar provides complete and dependable solar energy solutions to Volusia, Flagler, Duval, St. Johns, and Putnam Counties at affordable prices.