Being a city blessed with natural resources, Jenner is the ideal place to harness solar energy, and we at Sun Solar Electric have the experience and skill to assist you in having it done the right way. As expert Jenner solar panel installers, we know you require support and must protect your investment against environmental factors such as rain, corrosion, and rain.
The point is that we are highly equipped to navigate the challenges of installing and servicing solar equipment and to assist you in tapping the energy from the sun, regardless of what part of Jenner you live in. Do not hesitate to call us for help.
What Is a Solar Panel?
A solar panel is a mechanism that assists in turning solar power into electrical power. All solar panels contain tiny cells that enable the generation of photovoltaic (PV) power. Additionally, the panels convert the light the sun produces, which contains photons (energy particles).
This clean energy travels via the cells and generates electrical loads. The panels’ surface is flat with a black or dark blue color to help absorb sunlight. A solar panel’s surface is generally covered by glass, which helps develop renewable energy.
Many panels have these features in their structure: glass frames, anti-reflective layers, metal backing, conducting strips, and silicon layers. When solar panel manufacturers merge these components, they provide a PV module. Solar panels are a combination of cells mounted on a structure for maximum efficiency.
Whenever the sun shines on the solar panel, it absorbs the energy and converts it to direct electrical currents. By combining solar panels, you will have a system of PV panels known as an array. If you want a solar panel to be efficient, install it where the sun will directly shine on it.
Residential vs. Commercial Solar Panel Systems
Commercial and residential solar panel systems have notable differences. Before deciding to go solar, understand what elements differentiate these two solar products and how your business or home can benefit. These are the major differences between commercial and residential solar systems:
Size
Residential solar panel systems need sixteen to twenty panels with a capacity ranging between 1 and 10 KW. On the other hand, commercial solar systems require approximately 400 panels. If you anticipate the system to produce 10 to 100 KW, you could categorize it as a medium commercial. And should it exceed 100 KW, it is a large-scale commercial solar panel system.
Residential solar panel systems are less efficient compared to commercial systems. Residential properties may have insufficient space to install larger commercial solar panels since they are heavier and larger. However, if you have a large backyard or roof, you might have to install commercial solar panels to increase efficiency.
The Installation Process
For commercial solar panel installation, engineers must first assess the premises to design the solar panel layout. The premises manager, business owner, landlord, and government must approve the design. Because commercial solar panel installations are big investments, business owners are after the long-term benefits. They expect a return on investment (ROI) after many years. To maximize profits, engineers should ensure the installed solar panels work efficiently.
Residential solar installation is more straightforward. The contractor will only require the approval of the house owner. The installation period is also shorter than that of commercial construction.
Color
Generally, commercial solar panels are white, while residential units are white or black. Black panels are usually less efficient than white ones. Even though black solar panels absorb much thermal radiation from the sun, their dark color bars the sun from shining on the backside.
White solar panels permit the utilization of solar power on two sides, but dark or black panels look better on a building than white ones, which is why homes install black solar panels instead of white.
Power Production
The energy production of a panel is the amount of energy it can generate as it relates to the energy it receives from the sun. Residential and commercial solar panels generate different amounts of energy.
A commercial solar panel system will likely produce more electrical power than a residential system because of its many cells and larger size. The physical characteristics of commercial cells enable them to produce more power. On the other hand, residential cells are smaller, and only a few are required to supply power to the entire house. Installing commercial cells occurs in large numbers to generate sufficient electricity for commercial power complexes.
Commercial units are more efficient than residential solar panel systems—up to 19.6% efficient, while residential units are up to 18.1% efficient.
Options
In most cases, solar companies install panels on a building’s roof. However, with technological advancements, you can mount panels in various creative places. You could install them in a commercial parking lot. These complexes have adequate space to install solar panels in whichever area you prefer. This cannot happen with residential solar panel systems. Since only a few spaces exist to install these panels, you usually have to install them on the roof.
The Jenner Solar Panel Installation Process
Transitioning to solar energy is exciting for homeowners and businesses. There are various steps involved to ensure homeowners and businesses receive reliable and safe installation. The installation process described below starts with selecting the installer. You want to look for a professional and experienced Jenner solar panel installer to do the job. You want to look around and gather several quotes to ensure you acquire an affordable offer. Once you choose an installer, the actual process starts.
Site Assessment
The initial step of the solar panel installation process is to evaluate the site. This entails evaluating the ground or roof for sustainability, determining sun exposure, and ensuring no obstacles can block the sunshine from reaching the solar panels.
Engineering and Design Approval
After assessing the site, the engineers will start to design the system. Doing this entails determining the number of panels required, the suitable panels, and how the solar system will be connected to the home's electrical system.
Permit Approval
In most cases, you must obtain a permit from the local government before starting your Jenner solar panel installation process. This assists in ensuring the installation satisfies all the local regulations and codes.
Actual Installation
The real installation process varies based on the system you are installing. However, generally, it entails mounting the solar panels to the ground or roof, connecting them to the home's electrical system, and testing the system to ensure it functions properly.
Ultimate City Inspection
After installation, the Jenner solar panel inspector would visit to ensure the installers did everything following the permitted scope of work.
Connection to Utility
The last step in powering the solar system is approval from the utility company for connection to their grid. You will apply for a utility connection, indicating the scope of work done and the contract. A utility company representative will inspect the installation to ensure it aligns with the utility guidelines. They could also upgrade the meter if required for net metering. Once you receive Permission to Operate (PTO) or approval, you can turn on your system and start producing your energy.
The Jenner Solar Panel Installation Cost
The cost of purchasing and installing solar panels varies based on the state and city. At first, the prices were exceptionally high, making it difficult for most people to afford. However, the increase in demand and production has substantially lowered solar panel costs in recent years. You will receive federal incentives and tax credits once you have installed your solar panel system.
As of Jan. 2024, the average price of solar panels in Sonoma County is $3.02 per watt, including installation. Should you mount a system of 5 kW, you will pay between $12,821 and $17,347, with $15,084 being the average cost before incentives. After receiving federal tax credits or incentives, the federal cost will drop by 30 percent.
The costs provided above are averages. The price of a solar panel system is based on several factors unique to you and your home or business. These include the system size, solar panel type, configuration options, equipment model and make, installer, home, interconnection, components used, installation cost, and permitting. However, note that the higher the cost, the more you will receive a credit towards your federal tax bill.
How Much Will a Solar Panel System Save?
Solar panel systems are susceptible to fluctuations since their workability is based on:
- The quantity of sunlight they absorb.
- The solar panel size.
- The electricity rate in your locality.
- The price angle of the solar panel installation.
These factors determine how effective solar panels are at saving costs.
On average, one household spends $1,500 annually on typical electricity costs. Although a Jenner solar panel installation project will cost three times that value, the charges will be lower in the long run. Additionally, solar power can satisfy all your energy needs and be 100 percent effective. This means a possible savings of one hundred dollars monthly. As a result, if your utility bill is approximately the same as this average charge, the solar panel system will bring you an ROI in under 10 years.
Solar power production is not impacted even if there are fluctuations in energy rates. You will access singular electricity from a solar panel system without contributing to fossil fuel consumption. Additionally, good maintenance for solar panels can make them last a maximum of twenty-five years, bringing your ROI tenfold. That means you will receive free power for fifteen years without paying for it monthly or affecting the environment.
Jenner Solar Panel Financing Options
There are several ways to enjoy the advantages of clean, renewable power. As a home or business owner, you can purchase a solar panel system at once or finance it if you lack cash. The following are the various Jenner solar panel financing options:
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Leases
Because of the many financing options available, PPAs and leases are not the appropriate options for most people. However, a lease or PPA may be ideal if you cannot benefit from tax credits or place a higher value on system insurance and guaranteed production. With a lease or PPA, you will not own the solar panel system. Rather, a third party will own it and will be in charge of ensuring the system functions as advertised. Eligibility for these loans generally depends on FICO scores.
Solar Financing Loans
Several solar energy financing loan products are also available. These are mainly FICO-based. The charges are generally higher than PACE or credit union loans, though they have meager interest rates.
A solar loan can be an ideal solution, particularly if you wish to keep the loan. Most solar loans will also permit you to pay down the loan to a lower payment once you receive your tax credit benefit.
Credit Unions
Most credit unions provide residential solar loans. Credit union loans can come with favorable interest rates and minimal to zero charges. The solar panel system secures the loan. Interest payments might be deductible. Eligibility factors are like those of a standard loan, and loan-to-value calculations, debt-to-income ratios, and FICO scores are all qualifying factors.
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)
Sonoma County has solar panel system financing programs that enable business owners and homeowners to finance solar panel systems via a property tax lien. If you live in Jenner, you could finance up to one hundred percent of the cost of the solar panel system cost and pay twice a year when you pay property taxes.
Usually, qualification is easy, and interest on the payments is deductible. Most solar panel program options in Sonoma County necessitate that the building or home value be above the PACE loan amount on the existing loan balance.
Additionally, you must not have filed for bankruptcy recently and be up-to-date on your property taxes. Debt-to-income ratios and FICO scores are usually not deciding elements. Your solar advisor could advise you on the PACE solar panel financing program, which is ideal for your business or home.
Find a Reliable Jenner Solar Panel Installer Near Me
At Sun Solar Electric, we boast reputable solar panel installers specializing in custom solar systems for residential and commercial properties. We are devoted to assisting homeowners and business owners like you to enjoy the full advantages of solar energy.
We will work with you to assess your energy needs, create a customized solar and battery backup system, and ensure it is installed carefully and precisely. We offer competitive prices and strive to meet our clients' expectations on every project we handle. If you are looking for a Jenner solar panel installer, call us today at 707-658-2157 for a consultation and free estimates.