Sustainable, renewable, and clean, solar power is an excellent source of energy. It’s no wonder that more and more homeowners are considering installing solar panels in their homes. However, many people are unsure about the installation process or whether it’s even worth it. Analyzing your property’s solar potential is the first step before installing solar panels. During this assessment, your roofing’s amount of sunlight and any obstructions that may block the sun’s rays are analyzed. You can use online tools like Google Project Sunroof to estimate your roof’s solar potential. These tools use satellite imagery to calculate how much sunlight hits your roof year-round. After evaluating your home’s potential for solar power, it’s time to choose the right solar panels. The two main types of panels available in the market are:
- Monocrystalline panels are single silicon crystals and are known for their high-efficiency levels but come at a higher cost than polycrystalline panels.
- Polycrystalline panels consist of multiple silicon crystals and offer slightly lower efficiency levels than monocrystalline cells but come at a lower cost.
Calculate how many kilowatt-hours of electricity you consume each month from utility bills or past consumption reports determining how many solar panels you will need to generate enough electricity. Calculate your power requirements using the average amount of sunlight in your area. Solar panel installation is a complex process that requires expertise and experience. It’s important to find a licensed and experienced solar contractor to install your panels. The contractor should be able to provide references, warranties, and certifications for their work. Before committing, compare quotes from multiple contractors and ensure they are transparent about any additional costs or fees. Installing solar panels on your roof begins after you have chosen your panels and found an experienced contractor. The process takes three days depending on the size of your system. Mount the racking system onto your roof securely. Electrical wiring needs to be connected between each module and secured correctly along with grounding wires for safety purposes. Once all wiring and connections are complete; attach micro inverters and string inverters (depending on what type of equipment you chose), which convert DC energy into AC energy usable by household appliances.
- Financial Savings – By generating electricity through solar power rather than purchasing from utility companies can result in significant savings over time as electricity rates continue increasing year after year by roughly 2%. On average homeowners save around $100 per month on utility bills ($1200 annually) after switching over completely or partially being dependent on renewable sources like Solar Energy.
- Environmental Benefits – Solar power significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions contributing towards climate change and making our planet more sustainable for future generations.
- Home Value – Homes with solar panels have been shown to sell at a premium compared to those without, adding value to your home should you choose to sell in the future.
- Rebates and Incentives – You may be eligible for state or federal incentives for installing solar panels to reduce overall costs and provide an economic benefit over time.
