The Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that by reducing your energy load, you could reduce your electricity bills by up to 40%. With that, even if it takes years for every penny of savings to add up, it’s still worth investing time and money in switching out your old heating system or adding solar panels to your roof. Installing solar power in your home requires an initial investment, but that investment will be paid off over time as you save money on electricity.
1. What are Solar Panels, and How do They Work?
A solar panel is a large, flat photovoltaic panel with several small solar cells. These cells are made from semiconductors called silicon and, when exposed to sunlight, convert the sunlight into direct current electricity. The silicon used for making solar cells could be either mono-crystalline or polycrystalline. They’re made from pure silicon because it’s a quickly processed material with high power output and low electrical losses.
Solar panels can be mounted on the roof of your home and will convert the sun’s rays into DC energy. Since these solar panels are designed for civilian use, they are typically more efficient and cost less than those used for other applications such as satellites. The electricity your solar panels produce depends on how much direct sunlight they receive. For example, solar panels would be a great investment for roofing in Round Rock, TX due to the high volume of sunlight in this region. In contrast, solar energy is not as common in Bismarck, North Dakota as the region is known to have more cloudy days throughout the year.
2. The Cost of Installing Solar Panels?
Solar power is free, but the installation process costs money. Your solar panels will take at least a few days to install and can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size and location of your home. The installation will vary with different types of solar panels, so don’t be intimidated by the sticker price. You can shop around and find the best deal for you. Budgeting for the installation is really important to find out the size of the project and even the best location for your panels. These prices vary depending on the components’ quality and your panels’ design. Solar panels are installed in a grid-like system with other modules connected in phases. This way, all your solar energy is converted into DC electricity and does not need to be restored in your home.
3. What Are The Different Types of Solar Systems You Can Get For Your Home?
There are three basic solar systems for your home: rooftop mounted, portable and off-grid. Rooftop-mounted solar systems are usually installed by professionals using hardware to make a custom string just for you. The grid-tied systems are the easiest to set up since they connect with other power sources through your existing power lines. The off-grid systems, on the other hand, use a battery or generator since they are not connected to the primary power grid of your community.
4. Are There Solar Incentives or Tax Credits Available?
If you are installing solar panels for your home, you qualify for a tax credit of up to 30% of the total installed cost. The credit is an incentive to encourage homeowners to install clean, renewable energy and is claimed as a credit on your federal income tax return. You can claim the credit only if you purchase and set up your system so it becomes operational in the same year it was purchased. The installation of panels is also eligible for a solar energy incentive of 30% every year. Solar power systems no longer have to be expensive. Check with your local utility to find out if they offer any solar incentives; this helps lower your costs while protecting the environment simultaneously.
5. Is a DIY Solar Installation a Good Idea?
Installing your solar panels sounds like a noble idea, but it’s not worth doing unless you have the expertise to compare generic parts with brand-name components and can set up the system yourself. There are also building codes for solar panels, so make sure you know what you’re doing. Installing your solar power system requires a lot of time and money, so if you’re willing to do this, make sure you do everything correctly. Let a professional installer do the job for you is highly recommended that you let a professional installer do the job for you. This is not just for your safety but also to save you from spending more money because the installation won’t be done appropriately.
Bottom Line
Solar power comes with a lot of advantages. The fact that it is cost-efficient and renewable makes it suitable for the environment. Also, those who decide to install solar panels of their own will save on energy and the cost of energy. Switching your old heating system or adding solar panels to your roof will help you save money on electricity and make your home more eco-friendly at the same time.