Solar power is becoming an increasingly popular option for powering homes and businesses; however, numerous questions and concerns are associated with making the switch to solar power. Some of the questions include; why solar? Is solar power a good investment? Here we explain some of the reasons you should consider when making the switch to solar power.
Carefully evaluate important issues to guarantee it’s the perfect choice for you.
Here are 6 common questions about solar power answered:
Question #1: How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels are arranged on rooftops or large outdoor areas and constructed of silicon cells, a metal frame, a glass casing, special film, and wiring.
During the daylight, photovoltaic cells, otherwise referred to as solar cells, absorb sunlight. Each cell contains a semiconductor, which energizes the cell and creates an electrical current when affected by light. Once the energy is converted into usable electricity using an inverter, power is distributed to the electrical panel and throughout a home or business.
A proper solar panel system can efficiently power a home using the sun’s free energy and advanced photovoltaic technology.
Question #2: How Do I Install Solar Panels?
Determine the number of solar panels necessary for your home or business by calculating the kilowatt-hours of power needed to fulfill your energy consumption. Typically, a homeowner needs 28-34 solar panels to completely cover energy usage.
Once you select the number and type of solar panels, choose an installation method for mounting and wiring the solar power system.
If you possess basic construction and electrical skills, consider a DIY approach to save money on labor. Otherwise, hire a specialty contractor to properly and easily install the system.
Question #3: Do I Have to Go Off-Grid?
Going off-grid isn’t required for installing solar panels.
Living off-grid involves utilizing batteries to store collected electricity. Unfortunately, batteries for solar panels are incredibly expensive, inefficient, and underdeveloped.
Staying connected to the grid is a more convenient and cost-effective method for harnessing solar power. Electricity generated through your solar panels is transferred to the local power grid, meaning if you overproduce or underproduce electricity, you’ll be benefitted or covered by the utility company.
Enjoy reliable solar power by staying on the grid.
Question #4: What is the Billing Process?
Billing for solar power involves a practice known as net metering. Net metering is a system designed to compensate solar power system owners for distributing energy to the utility grid.
Electricity generated by your solar panels and consumed by your home is measured using an electric meter. Excess electricity produced is accounted for and delivered to the power grid and local utility. The electricity you provide to the utility company is deducted from your electric bill through credits.
Understand the billing process to learn about the money-saving advantages.
Question #5: What are the Benefits of Solar Power Compared to Traditional Electricity?
Solar power provides numerous benefits compared to traditional forms of electricity.
Solar power offers many advantages including:
- Cleaner environment: Avoids emitting harmful gases into the atmosphere during production to combat global warming
- Improves public health: Reduces the number of pollutants reduced in the air and water to limit sickness
- Immense savings: Receive monthly savings by offsetting your electric bills by 70-90% for utilizing solar power
- Tax incentives: Earn 25-30% of the installation costs back on federal taxes through supportive policies
- Renewable resource: Offers a sustainable and inexhaustible alternative to traditional, finite energy sources
Reap the environmental and financial benefits of solar power by installing solar panels at your home or business.
Question #6: What is Community Solar?
Community solar refers to a group of people sharing energy generated through collective solar panels. Community solar is also known as shared solar, energy sharing, and solar farms or gardens.
Shared solar works by a third party installing numerous solar panels in a certain area. Energy is converted into electricity and delivered to the local power grid. The utility company then distributes the electricity to homes and businesses.
Joining a community solar project is as simple as finding a local option and subscribing to the service. Becoming a solar farm member is a perfect alternative to personal solar panels for people unable to afford or install the system.
Locate a New York community solar project to benefit the environment and earn guaranteed savings.
Before switching to solar power, review these 6 commonly asked questions to discover if it’s the right option for your home or business.
