Sunlight is a clean, plentiful, and renewable energy source that can be used to produce electricity. It can also be used to heat or cool buildings and vehicles.
Solar cost varies by the installer, but your total system costs include installation, equipment, and loan interest, as well as any available tax credits and incentives. To find out your break-even point, calculate your annual electricity savings compared to your net system cost.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are the heart of any photovoltaic (PV) system. They are arranged to convert the sun’s energy into electricity using a process called the photovoltaic effect, which creates an electric field across layers of semiconductor material like silicon and phosphorus. When the sunlight hits the cells, electrons move in response to this electric field, which produces electricity and powers household appliances.
Solar panel technology has advanced in recent years, with many new options available to consumers. Several mapping services have been developed by SETO awardees that help homeowners determine whether their roof is suitable for solar and provide quotes from pre-screened solar providers in their area.
Choosing the right solar panels for your home or business depends on many factors, including your electricity usage, roof size, location, and the system size you are looking to install. There is a Costco-esque relationship between system size and price, as larger systems generally produce more electricity for a lower average per-watt cost.
Some solar panel technologies require a certain amount of maintenance, such as cleaning and the periodic replacement of components. These processes can involve toxic chemicals that need careful handling and proper disposal when the panels reach the end of their useful lives. In addition to this, solar monitoring systems can be a great way to track your performance and optimize your energy usage.
Solar Batteries
Solar batteries allow you to save energy produced by your home solar panels and use it at night, or during times of low sunlight. Solar batteries are also used to power your home during an outage. When selecting a battery, consider how much of your house you want to back up during an outage and how often, as well as your home’s energy consumption patterns. Also, keep in mind that adding a battery to your system increases upfront costs and shortens your solar payback period. Lastly, understand how your local electricity pricing plan and net metering policy will impact any additional savings you may achieve with a solar battery.
When selecting a battery, it’s important to know the rated capacity, power rating, and depth of discharge (DoD). A battery’s rated capacity is how much energy it can store in an hour, and its power rating determines how many appliances it can run at once. A battery with a high DoD rating can hold more energy for longer, and a lower DoD means the battery can be drained less often to maintain its lifespan.
We recommend choosing a battery with an industry-leading warranty from a reliable manufacturer. Look for a brand that has been tested to rigorous safety standards above and beyond market requirements, and check if they have an online portal where you can see the results of their testing.
Solar Panel Installation
When choosing a solar installer, ask them to provide you with references from previous customers. Also, check their reputation online and read customer reviews to get a sense of how they treat their customers. Ultimately, the best way to assess an installer is to visit their showroom and speak with them directly.
Roof Preparation: The first step is to make sure the roof receives adequate sunlight and is structurally sound enough to support the weight of the panels. In some cases, the installer may have to remove shingles or other roofing materials and/or prune or trim tree branches that interfere with your panels.
Mounting System Installation: Next, a mounting system is installed, usually consisting of metal brackets or rails that are secured to the roof using specialized clamps. The solar panels are then installed on top of the mounting system, positioned or tilted correctly to maximize sun exposure. After the panels are attached, they’re connected to each other and to the inverter, which converts the direct current generated by the solar panels into usable alternating current.
Finally, the inverter and solar panels are connected to your home’s electrical system, and a utility interconnection is set up (if applicable). At this point, the utility company will send an inspector to perform a final evaluation, and you can begin enjoying the benefits of solar power!
Solar Panel Maintenance
As with any electrical system, solar panels require regular maintenance. This includes cleaning the panels to remove dust, debris and moss. The frequency of cleaning will depend on where your panels are located and the environment. Solar panel maintenance will help ensure optimal performance and energy generation. Keeping the system in good working order will avoid expensive repairs and maintenance costs and lower your reliance on grid electricity, helping you save money.
It is important to turn off the power to the solar panel before you start to clean it, to avoid electrocution. It is also important to wear safety gear such as gloves, and work on a sunny day when there is no rain. You can use a brush with a soft-bristled head or a non-abrasive sponge to clean the panels. You should not use harsh chemicals as they can damage the surface of the solar panel.
Generally, the solar panels should self-clean by themselves, but they may need to be cleaned more frequently depending on the location and surrounding environment. For example, solar panels near construction sites may need to be cleaned more often, or panels that are shaded by nearby buildings, trees, and vegetation might accumulate waste more rapidly. You might want to consider a solar provider that offers monitoring systems or apps, as these will keep track of your energy output and tell you if the panel is dirty or needs cleaning.