Increases The Home Value And Curb Appeal
The value of your home goes up multifold when you install solar panels. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that for every single dollar saved in utility bills the home value goes up by $20.
Moreover, a solar roof offers homes a modern appearance that appeals to most young homebuyers. The curb appeal of your home goes up by a few notches.
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A Renewable Source Of Energy
Not like other sources of energy, this source will not vanish for at least in 5 billion years. Users can harness energy as long as they have the sun. Thats good news for you and me. Right?
In 2022, solar and wind are expected to add more than 60% of the utility-scale generating capacity to the U.S. power grid . Says Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy Generates about 20% of all U.S. Electricity source US Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Solar Energy Can Be Inconsistent
Another disadvantage of solar energy is that it is entirely reliant on the sun to shine. During night time and low irradiance periods, there is typically low to no production of energy, so the grid or batteries are needed as back up, explained Ramon Rosquete, senior project manager at CREADIS.
During these low-production times, consumers either have to rely on the traditional power grid for supplemental electricity or invest in solar batteries to store excess energy. The potential for inconsistent power generation remains a major con of solar for many consumers.
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Begin The Permitting Process
You are now prepared to get your hands dirty and install some solar panels. But hold on, dont forget about those pesky laws and ordinances that we discussed in the first step. Before we can get started on any of the work, we need to go back and look at those.
To start, make a list of all of the permission processes that are necessary by the state, your utility, and your authority having jurisdiction over the matter . Before beginning any work, you need probably to submit an application for a building permit as well as permission for the utilities. In most cases, this will call for an inspection to be carried out by either an electrician or a structural engineer, or both.
Be sure to adhere to all of the requirements to guarantee that your installation complies with the code and is legal.
They Take Up A Lot Of Space
Solar panels are rather sizable pieces of kit, averaging around 2 m2 per panel and the more electricity you want to generate, the more panels youll need to install. So, the bigger the roof, the better.
If you find yourself running out of room, you can opt for premium, high-efficiency models. Although more expensive, a small number of high-efficiency panels can do the same job as a larger number of standard panels.
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Big Size For Big Power
Solar power generators meant for light use are more lightweight than inverter generators and conventional generators. However, if you want to match the power of a solar generator to that of a conventional fuel-powered generator then the solar generator will be the heavier one.
In other words, how lightweight the generator is is directly related to how much power it holds. For light use, a solar power generator is the more portable option but as soon as you go for 1500 watts or more, inverter generators are the more lightweight option.
Do Solar Panels Work In The Rain
Yes, solar panels will continue to work in the rain, but production may not be as high as on sunny days. Solar panels can still produce at least 30 to 50% of maximum output during cloudy weather and about 10-20% of maximum output if its raining heavily. The use of solar batteries can provide backup power during rainy days for those relying completely on solar.
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Power Can Be Stored In Solar Batteries
Any power that is generated by solar panels can also be stored using solar batteries.
These can work for both homeowners and businesses and can be scaled up. Storing power can allow complete independence from the grid, meaning you solely create and use your own power.
Solar batteries are also becoming more affordable, as well as more popular for people or businesses who use most of their power at night. Also more and more solar battery rebates are becoming available as well.
Solar Energy Was Announced The Cheapest Form Of Electricity In History
Wooo! Go solar. Thats right, solar energy was in history. There has never been a cheaper way to produce high quality, green energy. This was found by the International Energy Agency back in October 2020.
It was highlighted that solar energy is significantly cheaper than coal and gas. Its safe to say, solar panels have a very bright future ahead being the cheapest form of energy in the world right now.
Dont miss out on the rush, become a part of the community and take advantage of the cheapest form of electricity. That means its cheaper than your energy supplier
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The Bottom Line: Which Solar Payment Option Is Right For You
Whether youre investing in high-end or cheap solar panels, your selected financing option plays a major role in your total cost. Take the time to consider your budget and long-term financial plans.
If youre looking for maximum savings and the highest ROI, consider a cash payment with SunPower. Youll get the best energy efficiency and highest potential savings. Homeowners interested in a solar loan should consider Blue Raven Solar, which offers 18 months of free solar energy plus a low, fixed monthly rate. If youre not ready to own a system, consider a lease from Sunrun to receive comprehensive system care and maintenance. Choose Momentum Solar if you only want to pay for the energy you use and dont want to be responsible for the system.
We recommend comparing at least three providers to find the best lease or loan.
Solar Installation Isn’t Immediate
A lot of people think that when you decide to go solar, youll have panels on your roof and be generating your own power in just a couple days. Unfortunately the process of designing, permitting, installing, and getting a solar power system approved by local jurisdictions can take some time, so its important to understand that your solar power installation wont happen overnight.
The advantage of working with an established solar company like Palmetto is that our experts can streamline the process to ensure you can tap into solar energy as soon as possible. We also work hard to communicate whats happening during your installation, so there are no surprises or unexpected hiccups.
Barring the time it can take to get the necessary permits, which varies by city and state, you could be enjoying solar benefits in as little as a month.
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The Pros And Cons Of Solar Panel Installation
There are many benefits to installing solar panels, but be sure to consider all the possible costs and options. Before making the move, it is important to understand the pros and cons of each installation type.
Pros of Solar Panel Installation
- Solar panels can reduce your carbon footprint.
- Solar panel installation is an environmentally friendly way to generate power.
- Installation is relatively simple and quick when you work with a skilled professional.
Cons of Solar Panel Installation
- Solar panels require regular cleaning, monitoring, and repairs, which can be expensive.
- Solar panels can produce more heat than necessary in hot weather, requiring fans or air conditioning to operate properly.
- Solar panels may not produce as much power as expected, especially if the location is shady or dark.
Be sure to take into account all your budget constraints, energy needs, and maintenance before committing.
What To Consider Before Making A Decision
Before making a decision about installing solar panels, be sure to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each option. When considering solar panel installation, its important to understand how solar panels work. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, so understanding how they work is key to making the best decision for your home.
The main pro of solar panel installation are that they offer many environmental benefits. Solar panels reduce your carbon footprint by generating your own electricity. Additionally, solar panels can save you money on your energy bills since they can provide supplemental power when the grid is unavailable or almost completely eliminate your reliance on public utility power if theyre running efficiently.
However, there are some cons of solar panel installation to consider. One common con is that solar panels can be costly to install. Additionally, not all areas have good sunlight for solar panel installation, so be sure to research your area before making a decision. A skilled installer can advise you about whether or not your desired location will be appropriate for the panels.
If youre looking to reduce your carbon footprint, a solar panel installation may be a great option. However, make sure you fully understand the pros and cons of this option before making a decision.
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Wanna Go Solar Consider These Advantages And Disadvantages
As a solar-powered electricity provider, Chariot Energy often hears all sorts of claims and questions about solar energy:
- Solar energy is great for the environment!
- wait, now people are saying solar energy is bad for the environment?
- Well, the news told me you dont actually save money with solar energy
- Ah, what youre actually saving is the planet right?
With this article, we want to settle this squabble and finally clear the air about solar energy. Yes, there are many advantages to solar power, such as its ability to lower your carbon footprint and lessen the strain on the electrical grid. But, admittedly, solar also has its limitations, such as the inability to generate electricity at night and the difficulty of relocating solar panels once theyre installed.
Lets explain the principal pros and cons of this clean energy resource. We can help you decipher whether its worth the investment or simply educate you about this awesome power source!
Advantages Of Solar Energy
1. Renewable Energy Source
Among all the benefits of solar panels, the most important thing is that solar energy is a truly renewable energy source. It can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is available every day. We cannot run out of solar energy, unlike some of the other sources of energy.
Solar energy will be accessible as long as we have the sun, therefore sunlight will be available to us for at least 5 billion years when according to scientists the sun is going to die.
2. Reduces Electricity Bills
Since you will be meeting some of your energy needs with the electricity your solar system has generated, your energy bills will drop. How much you save on your bill will be dependent on the size of the solar system and your electricity or heat usage.
For example, if you are a business using commercial solar panels this switch can have huge benefits because the large system size can cover large chunks of your energy bills.
Moreover, not only will you be saving on the electricity bill, but there is also a possibility to receive payments for the surplus energy that you export back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee . If you generate more electricity than you use .
3. Diverse Applications
Solar energy can be used for diverse purposes. You can generate electricity or heat . Solar energy can be used to produce electricity in areas without access to the energy grid, to distil water in regions with limited clean water supplies and to power satellites in space.
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What Makes Solar Panels Worth It
- In places like Australia & America the sun is shining more often than not. This means we can capitalise on harvesting the suns rays to generate our own power. Having this endless supply of UV light definitely makes getting solar panels worth it.
- Government loans and rebates help with the upfront cost, and make solar extremely affordable for homeowners on any income.
- Latest technology in solar panel efficiency means that solar panels are designed to get the most out of the sun. This means you can really take advantage of producing your own energy knowing that you are getting the best performance. It also makes solar more affordable because you can produce more energy for a longer period of time. Brands like SolarEdge are leading in technology of solar panels.
How Does Solar Roofing Affect The Roofs Longevity
The durability of a roof is dependent on the material used. This concise list will give you a rough idea.
- Asphalt shingles: 15-25 years
- Clay tiles: 50-150 years
- Copper roofs: 90-150 years
How will solar panels affect the lifespan of roofs? The short answer is it extends the life of the roof considerably if installed and maintained well. A little bit of explanation is needed here.
Typically roofs are exposed to the elements day in and day out, be it harsh sunlight or heavy rains, or snow. As rooftop solar panels take on the brunt of the weather conditions and wont allow them to reach the rooftops, the roofs stay protected.
Moreover, the gap between the roof and the solar panels prevents the roofs from getting too hot. Not only can this help extend the life of roofs, but it also keeps the interior of the home cooler. The panels also prevent damage to the roof from falling tree branches and other debris.
Falling snow, hail, or ice can also damage roofs if they are exposed to them but the rooftop solar panels act as a protective shield, keeping them from harm.
To conclude and answer the question, rooftop solar panels increase the lifespan of roofs.
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Solar Panels Are Difficult To Move Once Installed
Technically speaking, you could transfer your solar panels to your new home. But realistically, this almost never happens. Why? Because solar panels are custom-tailored to fit your roof, so moving them to a new location doesnt make sense.
In most cases of people moving to a new home, the value of solar panels they had installed is tacked onto the home price. One study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory revealed that an average solar array increases home value by $15,000.12 So, even though you would have to break up with your beloved solar panels, theyll practically pay for the next set you install on your new home.
Con Can Be Impacted By British Weather
We all know that the British weather isnt the best. While solar panels can generate energy without direct sunlight, they arent as efficient. They can struggle with overcast days and wont generate much energy at all on dark and rainy days.
This can be overcome by over specifying your solar panels but that comes at a cost.
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Tough To Find Quality Solar Companies
Unfortunately, many local solar companies havent been in business for very long, and they might not stick with solar in the future if they decide theres money to be made selling another product. Because solar is a quickly growing industry, many solar companies are out there with pushy sales reps and aggressive sales tactics as they try to capture a slice of the market.
It can also be hard to compare solar companies by looking at reviews, because most people only work with a single solar company, so they cant offer a review that compares different options and helps find the best one.
Before deciding on a solar company, you should perform some due diligence to find out if its products and services are reliable, by considering factors such as:
- Number of years in the industry
- Customer reviews and ratings
Solar Equipment Has Low Maintenance Cost
Compared to other home-related equipment such as furnaces, generators, or HVAC systems, solar panels are primarily non-mechanized. Once put in position, they absorb solar energy and transmit it to your house in the form of electricity without any moving parts. Thus, your panels experience little risk of wear and tear, so maintenance requirements are low.
In the right environment, a solar power system can function for 25 years or more without requiring significant maintenance. For example, if you live in a dry and dusty area, you may only need to wash your solar panels from time to time to keep them in top condition.
To ensure your panels remain in the best possible shape, your system should get an annual checkup from a solar maintenance professional, such as the one offered with Palmetto Protect. For everything you need to know about solar power upkeep, check out our Solar Power Maintenance And Service Guide.
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Solar Energy Lessens The Strain On The Electric Grid
The power grid is really complex, but underpinning the entire system is the simple economic principle of supply and demand. Supply must always meet the demand, but there are times when demand is greater than the amount of electricity the grid has to give. If demand overtakes supply, long-term damage and widespread blackouts can occur.
Thats why solar energy is so important to diversifying the energy grid. If any one energy source fails, as was seen in the , having a wide variety of energy sources is one answer to preventing power failures like we saw.
The U.S. has enough solar capacity to power 17.1 million homes,7 approximately 2.3% of the total U.S. share of utility-scale electricity.8 We clearly still have a long way to go. However, over the coming years, its only going to get bigger. The U.S. Environmental Investigation Agency reported that solar rose by 16.1 GW in 2021 and an estimated 5.8 GW in 2022.9
