Homeowners and people in business today have many reasons to power their homes or businesses with solar. In addition to the reduced cost of solar panels and rising electricity costs, you receive a significant tax credit for solar panel installation. With that, you can expect to enjoy a return on your investment within a few years of the installation.
Even though solar energy is a leading safe energy technology, people have yet to know everything about solar panel installation. Such details as the cost of going solar, whether or not you require a battery, and how solar power works are still a mystery to most people. We have a team of trained and experienced Monte Rio solar panel installers at Sun Solar Electric who can answer all your questions regarding solar panels and the installation process. The team will also ensure you receive quality and timely solar system installation in your home or business.
How Solar Power Works
Suppose you have been using electricity generated through fossil fuels for a long time and are ready to switch to a safer and more affordable option. In that case, installing solar panels in your home or business is an excellent idea. The truth is that solar power has the same potential as other power sources. It can power everything you have been powering using electricity from other sources. Solar power will give you peace of mind since you no longer have to worry about dirty environmental emissions.
The production of solar power through solar panels is by photovoltaic effect. Solar panels are designed with several small squares known as solar cells, PV cells, or photovoltaic cells. Most solar panels comprise several silicon PV cells. Each of these cells has two layers (a negative and positive layer) and several electrons. They also have a positive layer for the electrons to move through. When the sun's rays land on the negative layer, it knocks the electrons loose, shifting them to the cell’s positive layer. The flow of electrons produces solar electricity.
The electricity the solar panels produce through a photovoltaic effect is the direct current (DC). Most homes and businesses cannot use electricity in that form. They need to convert that power to alternating current (AC). That is why you also need an inverter to easily convert the electricity you produce with your solar power into electricity you can use at home or in business. The energy in AC form can power your home or office appliances, including your TV, refrigerator, lights, computers, and printers.
Types of Solar-Powered Systems
Once you start generating solar power, you can use it in many ways, at home or in business. For example, solar cooking, hot water, and thermal energy sources trap solar power for daily use. When you hear about solar power, the first thought you receive in your mind is solar panels, which are photovoltaic systems that generate electricity from the sun. Most businesses and homes that use solar-powered systems use photovoltaic systems, which mainly fall into these categories:
The Grid-Tied Systems
These are popular today; grid-tied systems are usually connected to your utility grid. Once you start generating solar energy, your home or business will use the power you generate through the solar panels instead of regular electricity. The excess power is sent to that grid if the panels generate more energy than you need in your home or business.
In many states today, you are compensated for sending electrical power back to the utility grid via net metering. The exact amount you receive in compensation depends on the specific utility company you are dealing with. Since your home remains connected to that grid, you can still access utility power when the solar panels produce less energy than you need to power your business or home.
Grid-tied systems are prevalent in residential solar systems. They are also cheaper than the alternatives because you do not incur additional costs associated with the equipment to store excess solar energy. Thus, if you are working on a strict budget, the utility company is offering an attractive net metering program, and the grid in your location is reliable, this could be your best choice.
The Solar-Plus-Storage or Hybrid System
This type of solar system comprises solar panels that you connect to a grid and a power storage system or solar battery. Your solar panel will produce the energy you will use to power your business or home during the day. If you generate more energy than you need, the excess is stored in the battery rather than going back to a grid system. That energy will be available when the panels are not generating enough power to meet your daily needs. Thus, you will not rely on electricity from the utility company if you cannot produce enough solar energy.
Investing in solar panels and batteries is almost necessary for businesspeople and homeowners. However, that does not mean that you must invest in a solar battery. Solar batteries are a luxury rather than a need for people seeking to invest in solar energy. If you are working on a strict budget, you can invest in a grid-tied system instead. However, investing in a solar battery is an excellent idea if you want to enjoy the benefits of storing energy that you can use later.
But there are instances in which investing in solar batteries is inevitable. For example, if the utility grid near your location is unreliable, you need solar batteries to store your excess solar power for later use. In this case, the solar batteries will act as power backup for the days when the panels cannot produce enough power for your business or home needs. You could also consider investing in solar batteries if your state or utility offers attractive incentives for investing in power storage, like batteries.
Off-Grid Power Systems
These are solar systems that do not connect to an electric grid. You do not send your excess power to the grid or rely on the grid when the panels cannot produce enough power for your business or home. Sadly, these are costly systems because you must invest in more panels to produce sufficient power for your needs. You will also need more solar batteries to ensure you have enough power for the days when the panels produce less or nothing. Additionally, you must take adequate measures to ensure you use less electricity daily.
Choosing the right solar system to invest in is more complicated than it sounds. However, an experienced Monte Rio solar panel expert can help you weigh your options for easy decision-making. Since they have been in the market long enough, they can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each system to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Choosing the Right Monte Rio Solar Panels
Switching to solar energy is excellent because of its many benefits, like reduced electricity costs, reliability, and safety. However, choosing the right panels for your needs can be complicated. An experienced solar panel expert can take you through the selection process to ensure you consider all the factors, including your needs and available options. Here are some of the factors you must keep in mind when making this decision:
Your Energy Requirements
When investing in any energy source, it is necessary to think of your energy requirements. Consider how much power you need in your business or home to invest in solar panels that will give you that and more. If you are switching from a regular energy source, you want to make a complete switch and only return to that power source when it is inevitable. Knowing how much power you need will teach you how many panels to invest in. A skilled solar panel installer can help you determine the panels you need.
Types of Panels Available
You must also take time to understand your options when choosing solar panels for your business or home needs. You have three options: polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and half-cut solar panels. Each panel type has benefits and disadvantages, which you must consider to make the right choice. Ensure your choice matches your budget, the sun you expect to receive, and your needs.
Polycrystalline panels are affordable and more suitable for locations with more sunlight. However, they are less efficient than other solar panel types. That makes them less ideal for people with limited spaces on their roofs.
Monocrystalline panels do not occupy more space, which makes them more efficient. They are perfect for smaller roof spaces. They can also do very well in locations that receive less sunlight. But they are costlier than polycrystalline panels.
Half-cut panels are the newest solar panel types on the market. They offer greater efficiency and perform well in areas with more sun. Though they are costlier than polycrystalline panels, they can save on the overall cost due to the increased efficiency.
Invest in Quality Panels
High-quality solar panels will be more efficient and serve you for a long time. Remember that switching to solar energy is an expensive investment. You must make a wise investment to reduce the overall costs, including investing in quality panels. The quality of your solar panels depends on several factors, including the manufacturer. Some manufacturers make good quality products, and others care very little about the quality of their panels. Solar panels with a reasonable warranty period (at least 25 years) are deemed of excellent quality. The manufacturer should be willing to cover the cost of the performance and defect issues you will experience within that period.
You can look at ratings and reviews of different solar panels before choosing. Also, consider buying from a reputable manufacturer.
Consider Your Location
Your location (where you live or your business) matters greatly when investing in solar panels. A Monte Rio solar panel expert can help you understand your kind of location and the right panels for that location. Some panels suit sunny and hot areas, and others work best in cooler climates. You must consider the temperature rating of the solar panels you intend to buy to ensure they work best in your location.
The Cost
Solar panels are costly. You must be willing and ready to make an expensive investment to switch from regular to solar energy. So many costs are involved in this switch, including buying solar panels and other equipment you will need and the installation costs. You must work with a budget to ensure everything you intend to have is included.
Allow a skilled solar panel installer to help determine your needs and approximate cost. That way, you will have the money ready for installation. It will also help you choose solar panels that fit within your budget. Remember that some panels are more expensive than others. You must compare the prices and efficiency to ensure you enjoy the best possible deal.
Choose a Reliable Monte Rio Solar Panel Installer
It is good to work closely with a reliable installer from the beginning to the end. Your installer must have the skills, knowledge, and experience to handle all solar panels. They must have the information you need to decide according to your needs and budget. The installer must be willing and ready to take you through the process to ensure all your needs are met.
Find a Competent Monte Rio Solar Panel Expert Near Me
Are you in Monte Rio and wish to switch to safe, reliable, and efficient solar energy?
The benefits of this switch are profound. That is why solar energy is slowly becoming very popular. But you have much to learn before investing your money in solar panels. You need the help and guidance of a skilled solar panel installer to make the right decision.
We can help you with everything you need to make this switch at Sun Solar Electric. Our team consists of highly trained and experienced solar panel installers. Thus, our services are affordable, reliable, and timely. We handle all kinds of solar panel installations for home and business needs. Call us at 707-658-2157 to learn more about solar panel installation and our services.