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 .
Solar Power Works In Many Climates
If you live in a relatively cold area or one with harsh winters, electricity is essential for heating the home. You may be skeptical of solar panels’ efficacy in such environments, as shorter days, increased cloud cover, and snow can reduce sun exposure, and thus, electricity production.
However, modern solar panel companies go the extra mile to ensure that solar panels can meet your energy needs, regardless of the conditions. The panels can endure bad weather, and the technology is designed to produce the maximum amount of electricity with a minimal amount of sun exposure.
Solar power professionals use complex modeling strategies to determine the amount of solar energy your roof receives based on local climate conditions. The goal is to deliver a custom solar power solution that addresses your specific needs.
While solar panels cannot produce electricity when covered with snow, its less of a hindrance than youd imagine. Since panels absorb heat from the sun, the snow melts faster than it does on the ground and considering the panels are mounted in a slanting position, it slides off easily.
Despite those supposed obstacles to producing electricity in winter, solar panels are actually more effective when it’s cold. When temperatures are low, the photovoltaic components in the solar panel convert sunlight to electricity more efficiently. In addition, they also catch the sunlight reflecting from snow, offsetting some of the reduced sun exposure.
How Long Is The Timeline To Go Solar
The process of going solar typically takes 3-5 months, but can depend on a variety of factors. These include:
- The time it takes to select a bid and sign a contract
- When the installer can schedule your project
- Product availability
- Additional projects
- The project is altered after a contract is signed
Keep in mind that everyones project is different, and each project moves at its own pace.
Recommended Reading: Does A Sole Proprietor Need A Business License In Washington
Calculating Your Energy Production
The second factor you’ll need to consider in your calculations is the amount of energy your system will produce and when it will do that. This can be a very complicated calculation to make, even for experienced solar engineers. However, let’s run through the basics.
One of the most important considerations is the solar irradiation levels available in the home’s geographical location in other words, how sunny it is where you live. 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 and the tools on its website provide detailed solar information for specific locations within the U.S.
Equally important is your 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.
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.
Also Check: How Efficient Can Solar Panels Get
Why Should My Company Invest In Commercial Solar
Most companies biggest motivation to go solar is the money theyll save by reducing monthly power bills and freeing up capital that can be diverted elsewhere or added to their bottom line.
Some companies are also looking to improve employee and customer amenities by adding covered parking. Solar shade structures are a great way to turn a shaded parking addition into a savings generator for your business.
Finally, going solar also has a positive community impact as well. Solar will reduce your operations carbon footprint at a time when many employees and customers list environmental stewardship as a critical motivator for where they chose to work or do business.
Taking the time to prioritize these goals at the beginning of your solar research will help streamline the proposal and ROI analysis when it comes time to engage a solar design team.
Are There Government Grants For Solar Panels
The UK government is trying to incentivise households to utilise solar power and one way they have done this is by cutting VAT on all solar panel products. On Wednesday 23 March, in Rishi’s mini budget, he announced the measure. The zero VAT policy will also apply to heat pumps and other energy efficiency products.
REVEALED: 28 easy tricks to make your home sell fast without spending a penny
Read Also: When Is Tesla Solar Roof Available
Faqs About Solar Panels
Do solar panels mess up your roof?
Although homeowners may worry that solar panels will mess up their roofs, the installation will not lead to roof damage unless done improperly. If your installation professional is licensed, qualified, and familiar with your roof type and condition, theyll know how to take the proper steps to prevent any damage.
Do solar panels cause leaks?
Solar panels should not cause leaks to your roof. Installation often involves drilling holes into the roof to attach and secure solar panels with lag bolts. Although the idea of holes in the roof can sound alarming, a solar installation professional will ensure that each bolt fixture is encompassed by flashing or shields that slide under your homes current roof tiles or shingles. Tar or a similar substance is then used to prevent water from leaking through your roof and into your home.
Some homeowners use solar roof tiles or solar shingles instead of installing traditional solar panels. These substitutes allow installation without the need to drill holes in the roof.
How long does it take solar panels to pay for themselves?
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels typically last from 25 to 30 years. However, a solar panel doesnt immediately stop working after its productive lifetime. Instead, its output decreases by enough that it no longer meets industry standards.
Do solar panels affect your house insurance?
How big of a solar system do I need to go off-grid?
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.
Don’t Miss: How To Become A Solar Farm
Pro : Lock In The Price That You Pay For Electricity
So while the upfront cost of a system is certainly a large financial hit, it means that you are pre-paying for your electricity for the next couple of decades. This protects you from utility rate increases, which nationally averages out to around a 2% increase every year.
While your electricity bill usually wonât be zero due to minimum service charges, your average monthly bill might be as little as $20 or so. This can make your family budgeting easier going forward.
Solar Doesnt Generate Power At Night
Obviously, solar power relies on the sun to generate power. As such, one of the chief problems with solar energy is that the panels dont work at night. Fortunately, there are different solutions to this challenge.
To begin with, many companies offer batteries capable of storing surplus electricity created during the day. Therefore, even though your panels dont generate electricity at night, you can store enough power to meet your needs.
Alternatively, in some areas, you can capitalize on net metering, which allows you to get credit for surplus power generated during the day. You can then use that credit to offset your electricity costs in the evening.
Recommended Reading: How To Make A Solar Panel With Cd
Pro : Solar Panels Are Low Maintenance
Compared to other equipment that you might have in your home, like a furnace or generator, solar panels require little or no maintenance.
Unless you live in a particularly dusty area , your home solar panels could easily work for 25 years or more with no work from you or cost of maintenance. Solar panels just sit on top of your roof and silently generate electricity for years.
The only exception is if you live in a dusty area with little rain, in which case you may want to periodically wash your solar panels, which is something you can do yourself with inexpensive equipment.
Solar Panels Reduce Emissions
Going solar is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Theres no denying that solar energy is the cleanest and greenest form of energy on the planet. It creates no emissions, utilizes renewable sources, and can be replenished. The solar industry is also creating jobs at an incredible rate. By going solar, you can tip the scales in your favor and set yourself up for job security in the 21st century.
In fact, solar panels are mainly silicon, so dont need coal as a raw material. It can be made from sand and has an almost limitless supply.
You May Like: Do It Yourself Solar Panel
Solar Panel Installations Can Be Expensive
As weve mentioned in a previous blog, investing in home solar panels is a bit like buying a car. Rooftop solar panels are a sizable investment. But, if you do your research, test drive a few, and make a smart and informed decision, your investment will provide great returns for many years.
However, for some, the end result might not be worth the investment of time and money, which is totally understandable. Even with the reduced 26% investment tax credit credit, the average price a solar installer charged $20,00010 for a 10 kWh system in 2021.
This is why we offer solar electricity plans for people who still want to benefit from going solar but cant afford the initial cost of installing panels.
They Contain Toxic Materials
Despite their air-cleaning qualities, solar panels are made with a concoction of toxic materials. Although these chemicals wont affect your home, the manufacture and waste stages of a panels life can release a lot of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
However, a study published by Nature Energy showed that the global environmental impact of creating solar panels is vastly outweighed by the environmental benefits of using them. Only 4% of the energy generated by a solar panel is offset by the energy required to create it making solar power one of the worlds cleanest renewable energies.
Recommended Reading: How Are Solar Panels Paid For
Install A Solar Inverter And Battery Then Connect To Your Main Electrical Board
After you have fully installed your panel and system, be sure to schedule an inspection with the local construction authority closest to you. This will ensure that your system is in compliance with local ordinances. Once you pass this inspection, you can apply to connect to the grid. The local utility will give you a meter to record your power exports.
Trust The Professionals At L Patten
Whether youre considering a remodel or new build, trust the professionals at L. Patten to help you make your decision.
Case-by-case we evaluate what the best solution is for you. As experts, we can help you make an educated decision.
Contact us today to find out what the best option is for you.
“As an interior designer I have great respect for a company with the construction and management skills to build a home on time and in budget while meeting a client’s vision. Through every stage of construction the Patten team took our design and turned it into reality. We have our dream home.”– Maria Cumming
You May Like: Is Solar Worth It In California
Reasons To Not Get Solar Panels
The most common reason people do not get solar panels is that they believe their home is not a good candidate for solar energy. Positioning in relation to the sun, the amount of shade in the backyard created by trees, and other factors can create a less-than-profitable situation for some homes.
If youre planning to move, and therefore wont be present to realize the long-term cost savings, this can also be a good reason not to go through with a solar panel installation. Some homeowners already have low costs and dont use much electricity. If your electric bill doesnt exceed $50, it may not be worth undergoing this process.
Were happy to help discuss how a solar system would affect your home. If youre interested in having one of our solar professionals walk you through the advantages and disadvantages for your unique setting, .
Solar Power Is A Long
Even if you have the finances ready and your house is suitable for a solar power system, it’s important to evaluate your future plans, because a solar power system is a long-term commitment. If you are planning to move in the near future, you may want to reconsider the decision as you will not have time to enjoy the savings the solar panels offer.
Additionally, unlike a refrigerator or car, you cant simply return your solar panels to the store if you decide you dont like them. This is especially true if youre locked into a financing agreement for the cost of the panels.
You May Like: Where Can I See The Solar Eclipse
Solar Panels Are Often Covered Under A Solar Panel Company Warranty
Most solar panel companies provide warranties that encompass both product and performance, meaning that you can feel confident that the panels themselves and the job theyre meant to do will stack up. Typical warranties last 25 years and cover repairs or replacements of defective parts. With a warranty, you can have peace of mind that your investment will be protected.
Increased Complexity Of Your Solar System
Designing and installing an energy storage system increases the complexity of the solar PV system. This also means more things can go wrong, in both the design, installation and operation of the battery system. During the design phase, its crucial that the battery system is sized correctly for the requirements, and the right size cables and switches are installed. Solar battery systems also need to be located in a cool environment with adequate ventilation as they dont like heat. The right type of environment or enough space might not always be available.
Also Check: Solar Panels For Home Reviews
How Much Will You Save
Once you know how much a solar power system will cost upfront, and how much energy it will produce, you can predict how much you can save in energy costs per year.
This is another tricky calculation, however, because a lot depends on how you pay for electricity at the moment. Utilities often charge residential consumers a flat rate for electricity, regardless of the time of consumption. This means that instead of offsetting the expensive cost of peak electricity production, homeowners’ solar power systems merely offset the price they are charged for electricity, which is much closer to the average cost of power production.
However, many utility companies in the U.S. have introduced pricing schemes that allow homeowners to be charged at different rates throughout the day in an attempt to mirror the actual cost of electricity production at different times: This means higher rates in the afternoon and lower rates at night. A PV solar array may be very beneficial in areas where this sort of time-varying rate is used since the solar power produced would offset the most costly electricity.
Exactly how beneficial this is for a given homeowner depends on the exact timing and magnitude of the rate changes under such a plan. Similarly, utilities in some locations have pricing schemes that vary over different times of the year due to regular seasonal demand fluctuations. Those with higher rates during the summer make solar power more valuable.
Hidden Costs Of Buying
Wondering what else youll have to pay for when you purchase solar panels? Here are some potential hidden costs:
- Expiring tax incentives: Solar tax credits may not last forever.13 As residential solar becomes cheaper and more popular, its probable many states and possibly the federal government will reduce or eliminate incentives for going solar.
- Installation: Dont forget to calculate installation charges into your up-front solar energy system costs. Grid-tie and off-grid systems have different installation costs,14 so you need to understand what youre buying and how much you can expect to pay.
As with leased systems, additional hidden costs include the potential for roof damage and higher insurance premiums.
Recommended Reading: Where Are Rec Solar Panels Manufactured
