Is It Good To Get Solar Panels

Which Inverter Should I Choose

Its the job of the inverter in your solar energy system to convert the solar energy into something you can use. Solar panels take solar energy and make it into direct current power. The inverters job is to convert that DC power into the alternating current electricity that can be used in your home.

There are two general types of inverters: string inverters and module-level power electronics . Both microinverters and power optimizers are both MLPEs.

String inverters are the lowest-cost option for a solar energy system. If your system has optimal conditions for production, they are usually a good choice for your home. When your solar panel system has a string inverter, all of your panels feed all of the DC power they produce to a single inverter. The inverter then changes the DC energy to AC power, at which point your solar energy is ready to use.

MLPEs are generally more expensive, but they can also be more efficient. MLPEs are a good choice if your solar energy system may be slightly shaded or cant be installed at the best angle. When you use microinverters, each panel has its own inverter to transform the power it creates and feed it to your house. Power optimizers, like microinverters, are also installed on every panel, but power optimizers are paired with a string inverter. The power optimizer conditions the energy, making it easier to convert from DC to AC, at which point it is sent to the main inverter.

Using Solar Energy At Home: 6 Pros & Cons You Need To Know

We all know that the climate of our Earth has been changing in a very rapid manner. The temperatures are rising that cause heat waves in multiple regions. Some regions in the third world countries have been battling with the epidemic of the shortage of water.

All of these factors point to one solution that we all must focus on before it is too late. That solution is to conserve our natural resources and not let them go to waste!

The concept of solar energy is not new and has been around for years. It is something that makes sure that none of the energy is wasted, but in fact, conserved.

The sun rays reach our Earth every day without any cost. It is wise to use that energy for the betterment of our own environment.

Solar energy works by converting the energy from the sun into electricity for homes/offices. Consider our sun to be as powerful as a nuclear reactor. Only in this, the entire process is natural.

A nuclear reactor contains an immense amount of energy, so we can only imagine how much energy the sun radiates. The sun releases tiny packets of energy that travel from the sun to Earth in every hour of the day, there is energy in those tiny packets that can satisfy the global energy needs of electricity for a year at least.

We already know how many underdeveloped nations are still fighting to provide electricity to their towns and cities. Solar energy can be the answer to that crisis. It doesnt take much of our resources and provides us with enough electricity.

How Long Do Solar Panels Take To Pay For Themselves

How long it will take for your solar panels to pay for themselves, and whether you can make money from them, will depend on:

• the cost of your solar PV system
• how much of the electricity generated you are able to use
• whether, and how much, you are paid for electricity exported.

A more expensive system upfront will need to be balanced with how much money you can save by using the renewable electricity it generates , plus how much you can earn from selling any excess.

Which? members can log in to see examples of how long it can take for solar panels to pay for themselves. if you’re not a member, join Which? to see our calculations.

You can cut the time your solar system takes to pay for itself by several years by finding the best SEG tariff rate, so you get paid more for electricity you produce. Find out how much you could earn with the Smart Export Guarantee.

If you’ve had your solar panels for a while and get Feed-In Tariff payments, you also get paid for how much electricity you generate. See tips to make the most of your Feed-In Tariff.

Read Also: How Much To Install Solar Panels On A House

What Rebates And Incentives Are Available

Rebates and incentives significantly reduce your cost of solar and can actually put money into your pocket each month, translating to substantial long-term savings. The best solar incentive is the investment tax credit , which allows you to deduct 26 percent of your solar installation cost from your federal taxes theres no cap on its value, but your individual tax liability will determine whether youre able to take full advantage of this incentive.

Depending on where you live, you may also qualify for other various incentives that help you save more: in addition to the ITC, local incentives like state tax credits, cash rebates, solar renewable energy certificates , and performance-based incentives can increase your solar savings up to 50 percent!

They Require The Right Roof

Solar panels require your roof to be south-facing, at a 30-45 degree angle, and unobstructed by shade. If your roof doesnt fit the criteria, then you might struggle to set up an effective solar PV system.

Theres a lot you can do to optimise your roof conditions, including buying high-efficiency solar panels , cutting back trees , and using tilted racks .

Also Check: How Many Amps Does A 300 Watt Solar Panel Produce

Solar Panels: Worth The Investment

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Electric bills can be a strain on your budget, especially during periods of heavy usage. One easy way to lower your electricity costs is to install solar panels on your home. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity so you’re not beholden to a utility company to power your home. But are solar panels a good choice for you?

With Solar Panels You Maximize Your Grid Security

When you purchase and install solar panels on your roof, and as a result, no power that is lost when the solar panels are converting the sunlight to energy.

However, some power sources like electricity are produced from a massive power plant and then transported to other small plants for distribution.

While carrying the power from the sources, there is a loss of power during this process, and hence the power that the consumers require is not enough for them issues like fewer power results to blackouts at any time of the day or night.

In case there is a blackout at night, there are high possibilities of external attack by enemies or even natural disasters like fire.

However, with solar energy, there are no blackouts since the solar panel stores its excess energy in batteries or even in power banks and is applicable at any given time.

Maximizing grid security is one of the reasons why many individuals have installed electric, solar panels in their homes even if they have electricity.

When there are blackouts, the solar panels automatically produce their power.

Schools and also hospitals also have improvised solar panels that are installed on the roofs to ensure that there is electricity throughout the day or night.

Also Check: Do Solar Panels Ruin Your Roof

Paying For Your Solar Panels

The most cost-effective way to pay for the installation of solar PV panels is upfront and in full.

If you don’t have the cash to pay upfront, you could consider a loan or remortgaging. You’ll have to pay interest on any money you borrow and loan repayments could exceed the returns you make from the solar PV system, so make sure you do your calculations carefully.

Entering into a ‘Free solar panels and solar buyback‘ or ‘rent-a-roof’ scheme is another option, but we advise caution here.

Can Be Expensive When You Install Solar Panels

While solar panels definitely provide you with a cheaper alternative, at the time of installation they can cost you a lot of money. The more you need energy, the more will be the installation cost.

The cost of the entire installation process will include paying for solar panels, solar powered batteries, wiring, inverter, and lastly, for the installation.

On the bright side, the government can give you credits for adding the solar panels, and there are some providers that aim to fund your installation. However, these options are not available to everyone. For some, reducing the costs of solar panels is not an option.

The installation procedure and funding depends on where you live and what your payment plan is. In a way, your energy savings could be equal to your monthly payment.

However, because solar technology is constantly growing, there are chances that the costs may come down in the coming years.

See Related: How Community Solar Works to Save You Money

Read Also: How Many Watts Solar Panels To Run A House

Waiting Means Missing Out On Thousands Of Dollars In Potential Savings

Waiting to install solar panels means waiting to save on your energy bill, and continuing to pay more for that energy as prices rise.

Consider:

• Over the last decade, electricity prices have increased about 2.2% per year in the U.S. .

• In 2016, the average American households energy bill was $112.59 per month, or about $1,350 annually .

• If you were to install a solar photovoltaic system that generated enough power to offset this bill entirely, you would be saving $1,350 in year one. With a 2.2% increase each year, your savings in year two grow to $1,380 and would reach $1,500 in annual savings in less than 5 years.

Remember, the total cost savings from waiting three years to go solar came out to $900. This figure would be eclipsed in year one by getting solar panels for your house now. Savings would more than triple by year three and would only continue to grow with time, as you are avoiding paying for the rising cost of energy. And that is a good reason to get solar panels for your home right now.

Utility Bill Rate Design

Good electricity rate design allows you to save money when you save energy. This might sound intuitive but not all provinces are same. Superior designs have low fixed monthly fees and tiered electricity rates. Inferior designs have high fixed fees and flat electricity rates.

Ontario scores near the front of the pack when it comes to these factors having time-of-use rates and fixed monthly fees of $26 .

For example, reducing your electricity bill from 1,500 to 750 kWh per month will save you 54% on your electricity bill in British Columbia, 48% in , but only 43% in Ontario!

Note that fixed monthly fees dont disappear even if you switch to solar youll pay them as long as you remain connected to the grid. But this isnt a bad thing $26/mo is a small price to pay for using the grid as your back-up energy source!

The only way to completely remove your fixed costs is to go off the grid, something most homeowners in Ontario dont do because of high battery costs.

Disconnecting from the grid also means that you wont be able to participate in your utilitys net metering program.

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The Pollution Can Affect Your Solar Panels Productivity

Just like the weather, the pollution in your area can also hinder the conversation of solar energy. When there is air pollution, your solar cells will be less effective. This can prove to be a major con for organizations that want to introduce solar panels in areas that have a high level of air pollution.

See how to clean your solar panels to ensure you get maximum production.

Solar Power For The Home: Benefits

A significant benefit to PV installation is a lower energy bill, but the magnitude of this benefit depends on the amount of solar energy that can be produced given the available conditions and the way in which utilities charge for electricity.

The first consideration is the solar irradiation levels available in the home’s geographical location. When it comes to using solar panels, being closer to the equator is generally better, but other factors must be considered. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory produces maps for the U.S. showing solar irradiation levels the tools on its website provide detailed solar information for specific locations within the U.S.

Similar maps and data are available in other countries as well, often from government environmental agencies or renewable energy organizations. Equally important is the home’s orientation for rooftop arrays, a south-facing roof without trees or other objects obstructing sunlight maximizes the available solar energy. If this is not available, panels can be mounted on external supports and installed away from the house, incurring additional costs for the extra hardware and cables.

The final benefit is the potential effect on a home’s value due to the addition of a solar array. In general, it is reasonable to assume that solar panels would raise the value of most homes.

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The Downsides Of Free Solar Panels

The appeal of free solar panels is that you dont need to have thousands of dollars on hand to switch to solar. This was great 10 years ago when the prices of solar panels were much higher than they are now. In fact, solar leases and solar PPAs helped drive the solar industry forward.

Now, however, the cost of solar is cheaper than ever, so making cash purchases or taking out a solar loan is a realistic option for homeowners. Free solar panels just dont offer as much of a benefit as they once did.

Actually, they tend to come with more downsides.

Find Out If Home Solar Panels Make Sense For You

The time to go solar is now, and we are open for business. Freedom Solar is compliant with all health-related requirements and best practices from consultation to installation.

We offer virtual consultations and maintain social distancing and health protocols during the installation process at your home or business. Our personnel also perform daily health screenings.

For more information on who we are and what we offer, contact us today by calling +1 397-9344 or completing our online inquiry form.

My system has been up and running for 1 year and has produced 5% more power than expected. Our highest electricity bill has been $9.21 and we havent had any issues, from the installation through our first year of energy independence.

Jay M., Texas homeowner

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Solar Panel Buying Guide

All solar panels may all look like flat waffle-like sheets. But dont be fooled by their similar appearance because there is a significant difference in performance.

Our solar panel buying guide will give you an inside look into the panels, explaining the basic concepts of how they work and what to look for in choosing amongst the most efficient solar panels.

Storing Solar Energy Can Also Be Expensive

Something you need to know about solar energy is that it has to be used right away. If it is not used, the energy can be stored in large batteries. You can charge these batteries during the day so that you can use the energy at night.

This is a viable option for those who want to use solar energy the entire day. However, it comes with its own disadvantage.

Storing energy is quite expensive, and not everyone can afford it. In the case where the user cannot spend so much money on energy storage, he can use solar energy during the day, and during the night, take energy from the grid. That is only possible if the system is connected to the grid.

Normally, for people, their energy demand is higher during the day. That means you can meet the needs of your solar energy. Consider using these batteries for solar to dispatch your energy at night or any time of the day.

See Related: Are Solar Panels a Fire Risk?

Also Check: Does California Require Solar Panels On New Homes

Get Free Quotes On Solar Power

We are here to help you and best match your needs! Whether youre interested in solar energy or solar thermal or simply not sure which option is the best for you. Let us know your needs and preferences on the top of this page. We will then contact you to ask some further questions and connect you with our professional suppliers. You will get up to 4 non-binding quotes for free!

How Much Does A Solar Panel Cost

Prices have been coming down steadily over the years. The total cost will depend on how many kilowatts of power your array will generate. According to consumer reports, after solar tax credits are accounted for, the cost for a solar panel system on an average-sized house in the U.S. in 2021 ranges from $11,000 to $15,000.

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