More and more US homeowners are opting to make the switch to solar, and because of this, the costs associated with going solar are coming down every year. If you’re seeing the money others are saving on their utility bills, and want to help do your bit for the planet by having solar panels installed, you might have a few questions about the process:
How exactly do solar systems work?
For residential properties and smaller industries, photovoltaics or PV is used, and this is when the sun shines onto solar panels, and photons from the sun’s rays are then absorbed by the cells in the panels. This goes on to create an electric field across the layers, causing electricity to flow.
Is my home suitable for a solar system?
A rooftop that is old or shaded by trees may not be suitable for a solar system, despite the fact that the panels are built to work in all climates, and you may be able to benefit from community solar (we’ll talk about this in more detail shortly.) The dimensions and slope of your roof may also determine whether it’s suitable for a solar system. In most instances, solar panels work best on south-facing roofs that have a slope of between 15 and 40 degrees, and if you need to have your roof replaced anytime soon, having a solar system installed may not be such a smart move.
Ultimately, a solar technician can assess your roof based upon photographs, or an in-person assessment, and better advise you as to whether the roof is suitable for solar panels to be installed.
What is community solar?
Community solar is a scheme in which multiple individuals can benefit from a single, shared solar array that can be either be installed on site, or off site. The costs associated with this are split among the participants, who can buy into the shared system according to their own budget.
How much power can I generate with a solar system?
Working with a solar technician is the best way to get a customized estimate of the amount of energy your solar system is likely to generate, but you can also get a rough idea using a tool called PVWatts, that estimates the energy production and cost for PV energy systems connected to the grid all over the world.
Am I guaranteed to save money on my energy bills?
There are several factors that will influence how much money you save on your energy bills, such as your energy consumption, how big the system is, whether you’re buying or leasing it, and how much power it can generate according to the position of the roof and availability of sunlight. How much you save may also depend on the electricity rates that your utility provider set, and how much they will compensate you for excess solar energy sent back to the grid. You can check the National Utility Rate Database to see what the current electricity rates are in your area, and talk to a solar specialist about just how much money you’re likely to save.
Many US homeowners make significant savings on their energy bills by having solar panels installed on their roof, and if you’d like to join them, why not schedule a non-obligatory consultation with a local solar panel supplier to find out more?
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