Even though you likely know all about the advantages of switching to solar at home, such as reduced energy bills and causing less harm to the environment, you may still have some unanswered questions.
Here are answers to 8 of the most commonly asked solar panel questions:
Q1: Do solar panels still work when it’s raining and/or cloudy?
A: even when it’s dull, wet and cloudy outside, solar panels still capture sunlight, and in some instances, can even produce as much as 10% of their regular input. During a storm or power outage, your panels can draw on stored energy to enable you to power your home until the sun starts shining again.
Q2: can solar panels overheat?
A:most solar panels are at their optimum efficiency at around 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and they will lose a certain amount of efficiency for every degree they go over that. For homes situated in the desert, for example, you may want to choose panels that can work more efficiently in higher temperatures, such as thin-film panels. If your panels are exposed to high temperatures, they’ll still work, but may take longer to generate the same amount of electricity as on cooler days.
Q3: how many solar panels does a home need?
A: the efficiency of the panels you choose, the amount of power you use every month, and the direction of your roof will all have a direct influence over the number of panels your home will need. To know for sure, schedule a consultation with a local solar panel installer.
Q4: can you recycle solar panels?
A: while quality solar panels typically last for as long as 30 years, should you need or want to change or upgrade your panels, you should find you’re able to recycle the old ones quite easily, as much of the glass and wiring can be recycled.
Q5: will it cost a lot to maintain solar panels?
A: aside from cleaning them when rain, wind and dust begin to cover them, solar panels that have been professionally installed require minimal maintenance.
Q6: how much money will solar panels save me?
A: while the amount of money your particular household can save will vary, there are certain online tools, such as Google’s Project Sunroof, that can help you estimate how much money you’re likely to save on your electric bill when you switch to solar.
Q7: can I take my solar panels with me when I move?
A: for many homeowners selling up and moving to a new property, it doesn’t make sense to take the panels with them, since they may sell their home for more with the installation intact. Leave them where they are, sell your home for more, buy a bigger, better home, and install a new, money saving system for the clean, green energy you’ve become accustomed to.
Q8: what is net metering?
A: in many cities throughout the U.S., grids have programs in place that enable homeowners to sell them the excess energy produced by their solar system, which they’ll use to offset the load for your neighbors. Anything that goes beyond your personal ‘net’ use, is then used to power your community.
To begin your journey towards reducing your carbon footprint, gaining cleaner energy and making significant savings on your energy bill, or to find answers to any other questions you might have, schedule a non-obligatory consultation with a local solar panel installer, today.
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