--- title: The Power of Solar Panels, how they've Helped Service Ideas and the Environment description: Service Ideas has been using solar panels since 2015 to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. image: https://blog.serviceideas.com/hubfs/solar%20panels.jpeg --- - [NEW](https://serviceideas.com/new-products.html) - [PRODUCTS](https://serviceideas.com/products.html) - PRODUCTS - [BEVERAGE SERVICEWARE](https://serviceideas.com/products/beverage-serviceware.html) - [Gravity Pots & Urns](https://serviceideas.com/products/beverage-serviceware/gravity-pots-urns.html) - [Cold Beverage Dispensers](https://serviceideas.com/products/beverage-serviceware/cold-beverage-dispensers.html) - [Airpots](https://serviceideas.com/products/beverage-serviceware/airpots.html) - [Insulated Airpots](https://serviceideas.com/products/beverage-serviceware/airpots/insulated-airpots.html) - [Airpot Stands and Displays](https://serviceideas.com/products/beverage-serviceware/airpots/airpot-stands-and-displays.html) - 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[Replacement Bases](https://serviceideas.com/parts/replacement-bases.html) - [Replacement Containers](https://serviceideas.com/parts/replacement-containers.html) - [Replacement Handles](https://serviceideas.com/parts/replacement-handles.html) - SHOP BY CATEGORY - [Tools And Hardware](https://serviceideas.com/parts/tools-hardware.html) - [First Aid Kit](https://serviceideas.com/parts/first-aid-kit.html) - [Server Parts](https://serviceideas.com/parts/server-parts.html) - [Tabletop Parts](https://serviceideas.com/parts/tabletop-parts.html) - [Airpot Parts](https://serviceideas.com/parts/airpot-parts.html) - [Accessories](https://serviceideas.com/parts/accessories.html) - [SHOP ALL](https://serviceideas.com/parts.html) **Search** Search [Advanced Search](https://2d609ee179.nxcli.net/catalogsearch/advanced/) Search - [![Account icon](https://blog.serviceideas.com/hubfs/account_icon_white.png)](https://serviceideas.com/customer/account/login/) - [Navigation](https://serviceideas.com/find-locally/) ![](https://blog.serviceideas.com/hubfs/solar%20panels.jpeg) # The Power of Solar Panels, how they've Helped Service Ideas and the Environment Published by [Payton DeMaster](https://blog.serviceideas.com/author/payton-demaster) on Apr 22, 2019 8:38:00 AM Since May of 2015, Service Ideas has been using solar panels to generate energy. Our solar panels cover approximately 1868 square ft. We made the decision to use solar panels to create energy, reduce CO2 emission, and save money. The solar panels have exceeded our expectations on how much power is accumulated, and how much money is saved each year.  *Now, let's break it down a little bit...* ##### ![solar panels](https://blog.serviceideas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/solar%20panels.jpeg?width=4032&name=solar%20panels.jpeg) ##### What type of solar panels are we using? We use a TenKsolar Solar Array system. These solar panels are a photovoltaic (PV) solar system. This solar system produces energy for appliances, electricity, and other utilities. Generally speaking, this type of solar system takes energy from the sun and converts it into electricity. Learn more about this system and how it works [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcKnWquCJo0).  ##### How do the solar panels work with different seasons? Solar panels work throughout all seasons. However, since we are located in Minnesota, otherwise known as the "frigid north," we don't see as much benefit in the winter as we do in the summer. Often times, snow covers the solar panels which makes it difficult for sunlight to pass. Even though we may not always see the benefit in the winter, the summer months make up for it.  ##### ![solarpanel_2](https://blog.serviceideas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/solarpanel_2.jpeg?width=4032&name=solarpanel_2.jpeg) ##### Where are Service Ideas' solar panels? The solar panels are located on one of our warehouse buildings. The solar panels cover 1868 square feet, and the system includes 48 panels and 3 inverters.  ##### What are the main benefits to using solar panels? There are many benefits to using solar panels. When thinking about saving money, we save on average about $12.50 daily, which makes up about $444.00 monthly, and about $4,167.00 annually. The energy made up in a year from our system could power 170 single-family homes for seven days. These numbers do reflect the couple months lost in the winter.   When thinking about the environment, using solar panels helps reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). In a given year, we have a CO2 offset that makes up for about 80,220 car miles, as well as helps 750 trees grow.   All in all, we are very happy we made the decision to try the TenKsolar Solar Array System. Not only do we enjoy saving money on our electricity bills, but we also feel good about reducing our carbon footprint.  ![EarthDay_Solar Graphic_3-01](https://blog.serviceideas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EarthDay_Solar%20Graphic_3-01.jpg?width=2000&name=EarthDay_Solar%20Graphic_3-01.jpg) [Back to Blog](https://blog.serviceideas.com) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## Related Articles ## [Sustainability at Service Ideas](https://blog.serviceideas.com/sustainability-at-service-ideas) In 2015 we made the decision to use solar panels to create energy, reduce CO2 emission, and save... [Read More](https://blog.serviceideas.com/sustainability-at-service-ideas) ## [What's the Big Deal About BPA-Free Plastic?](https://blog.serviceideas.com/whats-the-big-deal-about-bpa-free-plastic) The term "BPA-free plastic" is used all over nowadays, and as great as it sounds, do you actually... [Read More](https://blog.serviceideas.com/whats-the-big-deal-about-bpa-free-plastic) ## [Case Study: How the Flame Free™ Thermo-Urns™ Improved Coffee Service for a Las Vegas Casino](https://blog.serviceideas.com/case-study-how-the-flame-free-thermo-urns-improved-coffee-service-for-a-las-vegas-casino) Executive Summary When SLS Las Vegas moved in to replace the Sahara Hotel and Casino on the Las... 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