Solar energy refers to all forms of energy produced from the sun. You have to use solar panels to convert solar energy into usable electricity. Solar panels comprise of photovoltaic (PV) cells. The cells consist of silicon, and when the light touches the surface of the cell, electrons dislodge and flow. This gives rise to electricity, which, in the real sense, is flowing electrons. The electrons flow into a solar inverter. Upon the conversion of DC electricity from the panels into AC electricity, you can use the electricity in your home. Sun Solar Electric offers reliable solar panels in Northern California and the Bay Area.
Most people often wonder about the reliability of solar panels. In considering the reliability of solar panels, you have to understand the pros and cons of solar panels. If the pros outweigh the cons, it is an indication that solar panels are reliable. Many people are seeking to limit the use of fossil fuels. Policymakers are encouraging people to use solar energy by offering subsidies and giving mandates for solar-generated electricity. Below, we will look at different ways in which solar panels are reliable.
Durability
Solar panels are reliable because they are long-lasting. Once you invest in a solar panel, the panel will serve you for many years to come. Only less than 5% of solar panels are likely to experience failure per year during their lifetime. The durability of your solar panel will depend on various factors, including where you live and the type of solar panel you install. Solar panels are more prone to failure in very hot and humid areas. Solar panels in more temperate dry areas are likely to last longer. If you live in a cooler place, your solar panel may last many years.
Your solar panel is likely to serve you longer if you invest in solar panels made from high-quality materials. Solar panels from well-trusted producers are less likely to experience failure. Even if your solar panel fails at some point, most manufacturers offer a warranty for their products.
Warranties for most solar panels extend 25 to 30 years. The majority of solar panels come with a product warranty and a performance warranty. The product warranty covers all forms of defects in workmanship or materials of the solar panel. The performance warranty will guarantee that the performance of the solar panel is above the specified degradation rate.
For the warranty of solar panels to hold, it must be evident that you did not do anything to void the warranty. The warranty may be void if you mishandle the solar panel. You may mishandle the solar panel by using a power washer to clean the panel. As long as the warranty holds, you will get a replacement for the solar panel. However, the replacement may not include the labor of removing the faulty solar panels and installing the new one. You may have to meet the labor costs.
Efficient Components
For you to turn sunlight into electricity, you have to use other components alongside the solar panel. Solar systems comprise various components, which include solar panels, inverters, distribution panels, electric meter, and racking.
The inverters play a vital role in converting the DC electricity from the solar panels into usable AC/electricity. Inverters also come with reliable warranties, often ranging between 10 years and 25 years. The inverters are the most susceptible to damage. However, if you acquire a quality model of solar panels from a trusted brand, the inverter may last for many years. You may require necessary add-ons like batteries to help store solar energy. Batteries typically come with a warranty of five to ten years. The batteries tend to have a shorter lifespan than other components of the solar panel. How long the batteries are likely to last will depend on the frequency of charging and discharging the batteries.
The racking is also an essential component of the solar system. The racking allows you to mount the solar panel on the roof or in any other location you desire. The racking often comes with a warranty of ten to twenty years. The warranty covers workmanship and material defects.
Great Return on Investment
Many people prefer solar-energy to other forms of energy because it is a safe investment and does not involve many risks. Investing in solar panels is a stable investment. Few predictable factors influence the reliability of the system. The factors include the price of electricity and the efficiency of your solar system. With the increase in the cost of conventional electricity, solar panels will help you make significant savings on energy costs.
The cost of electricity and the weather will have a substantial impact on the solar system's payback. During cloudy and snowy periods, your solar system is likely to produce less electricity, and this may lead to a more extended payback period. During the bright and sunny periods, your solar system will provide immense power, and this would leave to an above-average payback.
When installing the solar system, it is essential to consider the typical local weather patterns. This will help you in sizing your solar system and determining the production of the system. Proper installation of the solar panels may stabilize the production of electricity even in varying weather conditions. Proper installation helps you get the best out of your solar panel. You can be able to get paybacks that match your expectations.
Investing in solar panels is a significant investment that can help to transform your monthly expenses through the generation of free electricity. If you are tired of overpaying for electricity from the utility company, solar panels may be an excellent option for you.
The marginal cost of generating solar energy is zero. Most American homeowners prefer solar energy because once you pay the cost of installation, the power is free. When installing solar energy, most homeowners are more interested in the financial benefits of the system than the environmental benefits of solar energy.
Renewable
Solar energy offers immense benefits because it is a renewable source of energy. The sun continues to shine every day and will remain shining forever. Therefore, no matter how much electricity you use, you can never deplete solar energy. On the other hand, solar energy is abundant because the sun generates immense amounts of energy. The earth's surface receives a total of 120,000 terawatts of sunlight or solar radiation. This energy far exceeds the amount of energy required to supply the whole world. Therefore, if every homestead in the world invested in solar panels to tap from solar energy, solar energy would still be adequate to power the world.
Environmentally Friendly
Solar panels are reliable because they help to generate environmentally friendly energy that does not degrade the environment. Some sources of energy, like fossils, emit harmful gases into the environment. Some minimal emissions result from the production and the installation of solar panels and other solar energy equipment. However, compared to the generation of electricity from fossil fuels, solar energy is environmentally friendly. The world is shifting towards the conservation of the environment. People are favoring environmentally friendly sources of energy. Solar panels are in line with the global shift to conserve the environment.
Geographical Flexibility
Solar panels are reliable because geographically, they are readily available. Using solar panels, you can tap on solar energy regardless of your location. Solar energy is available in every part of the world. The closer you are to the equator, the more access you have to solar energy. Most people fail to realize that they can use solar energy anywhere. In some of the sunniest parts of the United States, people can generate up to 4.7 kWh of power per 1kilowatt of solar panels. In areas that do not receive as much sunlight, it is possible to generate up to 2.9kilowatts hours per kilowatt of solar panels per day. Some areas have an added advantage when it comes to solar energy. However, even in areas that do not receive as much sunshine, solar panels remain a viable option.
Shared Solar Panels
Some homeowners may experience challenges while using solar panels because of shading, ownership, and insufficient space. These issues may make solar panels unfit for many homes in America. With the coming up of shared solar, homeowners can take advantage of community solar systems. This arrangement makes it possible to generate solar electricity without having to mount solar panels on your rooftops.
The installation costs of solar panels installation may be lower if several homeowners come together and install solar panels. It is possible to have numerous solar panels installed on vacant land. There are some rules concerning community solar panels, and the rules may vary from one state to the other. The concept of shared solar systems has been in existence in some smaller states. However, in primary states like California, the idea of shared solar systems is relatively new.
Little to no Maintenance
When you install solar panels, the panels may serve you for many years without requiring any form of maintenance. There is no movement associated with solar panels. Therefore, you will enjoy calm in your home because there is no noise associated with photovoltaic. This aspect gives solar panels an advantage over other forms of renewable energy like wind turbines that usually produce noise. Solar panels will not create noise pollution. You do not have to keep replacing components of the solar energy systems. Maintenance costs are low because solar panels have warranties. In case the panels malfunction before the warranty expires, you do not have to incur repair costs. Instead, the solar panels manufacturer will replace your solar panels with new ones.
Government Incentives
Many governments in different states, including California, advocate the use of renewable solar energy. For this reason, homeowners can take advantage of attractive incentives from the government concerning solar panels. You will enjoy incentives like renewable tax credits and some rebates. The rebates, tax credits, and other incentives you are entitled to will depend on the location of your home and the utility company you are dealing with. The incentives will also depend on the total number of solar panels you require to power your home.
Enhanced Technology
With the advancement of technology, solar panels continue to get better. There is a constant improvement in the design and manufacture of solar panel equipment. More efficient solar panels that easily convert sunlight into electricity are coming up. The efficiency of the solar panels also reduces the amount of space needed to generate a specific amount of solar power.
Even with the immense benefits of solar panels, there are several disadvantages of solar panels:
For instance, some people argue that solar does not move house. Therefore, if you install solar panels in your house, you cannot move with the solar panels in case you decide to change houses. However, installing solar panels elevates the value of your home. Therefore, even if you do not move with the solar, you can compensate for the increase in the value of your home. You can be sure of getting a good return on your investment.
Many people also argue that solar panels occupy space and may not be beneficial if you do not have ample space. However, with the advancement in technology, smaller but more efficient solar panels are coming up. The solar panels do not occupy much space but generate adequate energy.
Although solar panels are less polluting than fossil fuels, they still degrade the environment. Some of the processes of manufacturing solar panels may lead to the emission of harmful greenhouse gases. Some of the greenhouse gases associated with the manufacturing of solar panels include sulfur hexafluoride and Nitrogen trifluoride. These gases may have a great impact on global warming. The process of transporting and installing solar panels may also lead to pollution.
However, even if solar panels have some disadvantages, the advantages of solar panels outweigh the disadvantages. Therefore, it is evident that solar panels are reliable and can greatly transform and enhance the value of your home.
Find Reliable Solar Panel Installation Services Near Me
Solar panels allow you to tap from solar energy, which is a reliable and affordable source of energy. If you are in Northern California and the Bay Area and you require reliable solar panels, Sun Solar Electric can assist. Contact us at 707-658-2157 and speak to one of our experts.