If you live in a sunny region – solar panels might save you money on your electric bill. There is a lot to learn about solar energy, such as types of panels, economic factors, energy storage, and aesthetics.
How To Convert Your Home To Solar
Americans are choosing to use the sun’s energy to power their daily lives as solar panels have popped up across the country since 2008. You may be considering getting on the solar bandwagon and researching options for harnessing the sun’s energy. While the same solution might not work for everyone, this guide can help you figure out what’s best for you.
Types Of Solar Technologies
The sun’s power can be harnessed using two primary technologies. Photovoltaics, or PV, is the most common. Concentrated solar power, or CSP, is the second technique. Power plants use it mostly, and residential use is not recommended.
Are Solar Panels Suitable For My Home?
Despite their reliability, solar panels are not suited for every place due to tree cover or old roofs. It is also vital to consider the roof’s shape, size, and slope. Roofs with slopes between 15 and 40 degrees are typically the best for solar panels. Some other roofs might also be suitable.
Getting Started On The Solar Process
You can even request quotes from prescreened solar providers in your area through mapping services developed by SETO awardees. Additionally, you can search for local solar panel installers on the web. When choosing a solar company, read reviews thoroughly to ensure it’s right for you.
Solar Installation: Can I do it myself?
To install solar panels, it is best to hire a qualified professional with certification and good experience working with solar panels. A North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certificate is the industry standard.
Home Aesthetics With Solar Panels
By integrating solar panels into the building, homeowners can make them blend in with their surroundings. Graphic layers can be added to solar panels to make them blend in with rooftops.
Do I Need Solar Plus Storage?
In most cases, batteries are used to store energy. When energy storage is combined with a solar system, power can be obtained when needed most, regardless of the weather outside. Energy stored in storage can be used later, such as when you run the dishwasher after dinner or when the power goes out at night. Get more information about storing solar energy from your solar installer. Learn more about how solar panels store energy.
Are Solar Panels Cost-Effective?
Solar energy systems save money depending on how much electricity you consume, the size of your system, whether you are buying or leasing it, and what amount of power it is able to produce, based on which direction your roof faces and how much sunlight hits it. Furthermore, the amount of savings you will receive from reselling excess solar energy depends on the electricity rates set by your utility.
Do Solar Panels Affect Home Resale Value?
Your home’s value will likely increase if you install a solar energy system. Home buyers across the country are willing to spend about $15,000 more for a home with an average-sized solar array than one without solar panels, according to a recent study. Solar panels are viewed as upgrades, just like a restored kitchen or finished basement. In addition, solar panels appear to increase the value of homes.
If you are on the fence about going solar, research more on solar power options and some of the most common benefits of using solar energy.
