What is solar? Is it expensive to install? Can I get a tax break for installing solar panels on my home or business property? How much sun do you need to generate power with solar panels? These are some of the most common questions people ask about using this renewable energy resource. Luckily, we can answer all these questions and more!
Q: What is solar?
A: Solar is a clean, renewable energy source that runs on the sun’s rays. The sunlight creates electricity using either photovoltaic (PV) cells or thermal panels.
Q: Is it expensive to install solar panels?
A: Installation costs for solar can vary depending on your geographical location and how much of the home you want to be covered with PV cells. You can contact a solar energy installer to get an accurate quote for your specific situation and location.
Q: Can I get a tax break for installing solar panels on my home or business property?
A: Yes, several government incentives are available to help offset the costs of purchasing and installing PV cells and other solar energy equipment.
Q: How much sun do you need to generate power with solar panels?
A: Solar can work in most areas but requires direct sunlight for optimal performance. The amount of available sunshine determines how large a system should be and where it is located on your property. It’s essential to consult an installer for your specific situation.
Q: What are the financial benefits of solar energy?
A: There are many benefits to using this renewable resource, including the following:
– Solar saves money on your electric bills. It also helps keep energy costs low during peak hours when rates usually increase. This is especially helpful for homeowners and businesses that use a lot of electricity during certain parts of the day, such as early in the morning and late afternoon.
– Solar energy systems give you more control over your electricity supply and costs than conventional methods do. You can be part of a community or cooperative solar grid to share power with neighbors who opt for this resource. This is especially helpful for people who live in areas that don’t have a lot of sun or are not conducive to solar installations.
– Solar energy offers an investment opportunity as the price per watt continues to drop, making it more affordable for consumers and businesses. The cost has been reduced by over 90% since 2008 from around $40/watt down to just $0.65/watt in 2016!
– Using solar energy helps reduce your carbon footprint by using a clean, renewable resource instead of fossil fuels like coal and natural gas. This is especially great for the environment as our reliance on these resources increases with an increasing population that requires more power sources worldwide.
Q: How does solar impact my property values?
A: Using solar panels can increase your home or business’ value, as more and more people look for eco-friendly amenities in their properties.
Q: What is the difference between solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and thermal panels?
A: Solar PV creates electricity by using semiconducting materials that release electrons when they absorb sunlight. These individual cells are connected to form a panel, which generates power for your property.
Solar Thermal energy uses high-temperature solar cells to create steam from sunlight. This is then used in a turbine generator for power production, much like conventional energy sources do.
Q: How does solar equipment work?
A: Solar PV uses semiconducting materials that release electrons when they absorb the sun’s rays, generating electricity. The panels also have a diode junction that prevents the current from flowing back and damaging cells. The power generated is direct current (DC), which needs to be converted into alternating current (AC) for use in your home or business, usually via an inverter.
Solar Thermal works by using high-temperature solar panels that create steam from sunlight. This then powers a turbine generator much as conventional power sources do.
Q: How does solar energy help the environment?
A: Solar can provide a clean, renewable resource for your home or business instead of fossil fuels like coal and natural gas that release harmful chemicals into our air supply. This reduces pollution in local communities and worldwide by decreasing greenhouse gases responsible for global warming and climate change.
Q: How much does solar cost?
A: The price per watt of a solar system has decreased by over 90% since the first cells were introduced in 2008, down from around $40/watt to just $0.65/watt as of 2016! This makes it more affordable for consumers and businesses.
Q: Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?
A: Yes! Solar panels produce power even when it is cloudy and during the winter months. This helps keep your energy costs low throughout the entire year.
Q: What is net metering?
A: Net metering allows you to receive a credit for any excess energy that your system produces. If solar panels have more power than you use, they get sent back into the grid and earn credits towards future electricity bills! This also works vice versa when there isn’t enough sunlight, and you need to pull from the grid.
Q: What is the FIT policy?
A: The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) policy directly pays for any renewable energy you generate, which is fed back into the grid. This helps offset your initial investment, making it even more affordable to use solar panels!
Q: How long do my solar panels typically last?
A: Solar panels have a warranty of up to 25 years before needing replacement.
Q: How long does it take for solar panels to produce electricity?
A: After installing your system and turning on the power switch (or flip that breaker), expect production within seconds!
Q: How much do solar panels cost to install?
A: The price of a system will depend on the size and type you choose, but expect anywhere from $18,000 – $30,000. This covers all materials, including equipment installation fees as well. Some incentives can be applied depending on where your property is located.
Q: How much electricity will I produce?
A: This can vary depending on the size of your system, available sunlight at your location, and other factors like temperature or snow cover. A typical home should average around 900 kWh per month, while small businesses could generate up to 50% more – enough energy for an entire office!
Q: How many solar panels do I need?
A: This can depend on the size of your home or business and typically requires an array that will cover 25% – 40% of your roof. There is also a limit to how much power you can produce, which may affect the number depending on what works best for your needs.
Q: What kind of maintenance do solar panels require?
A: Solar systems typically last decades, but a few things to keep an eye on. It would be best to wash the cells every year or two and periodically check for any loose connections or damage that may have occurred from weather conditions like wind and hail storms.
Q: Will solar panels help me save money?
A: Absolutely! By generating your clean energy, you are reducing costs associated with electricity bills and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This will ultimately lead to long-term savings while increasing the value of your home or business!
Q: Are solar panels safe?
A: Solar systems are designed to be safe and have been around for decades. They’ve become a popular choice among homeowners because of their low maintenance requirements and being aesthetically pleasing on the outside! This makes them an ideal option for any building style or design preference.