Solar Panels are a great option to use in your home. They offer several advantages such as efficiency, cost and an increase in the value of your home. But you should be aware of some misconceptions and disadvantages of solar energy and solar panels.
Cost
If you’re considering installing solar panels for your home, you’ll want to know how much they will cost. The installation costs will vary depending on the type of system you will install and the location of your home. You may also get tax credits if you install solar energy systems.
The cost of solar panels has dropped a lot in recent years. It’s possible to find a panel for less than $1 per watt, but the prices vary by manufacturer and brand. Solar panels can be made domestically or overseas.
When you install solar panels, you’ll need to buy an inverter. An inverter converts DC electricity into an alternating current. Also, you’ll need to consider the labor costs, which can be quite expensive.
Depending on your location and climate, you might be able to save a lot on your electric bill. However, the savings will depend on how much sunlight your home gets and how many appliances you have.
Efficiency
The efficiency of solar panels is measured by the amount of energy that a specific area of the solar panel can produce. The higher the efficiency, the more energy can be produced. Usually, panels that have a high efficiency are more expensive. Several factors can affect the efficiency of solar panels. One factor is the angle of the panels. This can vary depending on the time of year. Another factor is the slope of the roof. A solar panel’s efficiency is also impacted by its design. Typically, a monocrystalline panel is more efficient than a polycrystalline one. However, both types are capable of producing power. An increase in temperature can reduce the efficiency of a solar panel. For example, a panel’s performance will drop when the surface temperature exceeds 149 degF.
Snow Coverage
If you live in a cold climate, you may believe that snow blocks your solar panels from producing electricity. However, the colder the weather, the more efficiently your solar system will function. Generally, a solar panel is placed on the north or south side of your roof to maximize the amount of sun it receives. Snow can help increase the efficiency of your panel by reflecting the sun’s light. Fortunately, the best solar panels are designed to withstand cold and hot temperatures. To remove the snow from your panels, you can either try a little manual labor or hire a professional. The latter option is generally cheaper, safer and more effective.
Some solar manufacturers will include snow removal in the calculations of how much energy their panels can produce. During winter, this small amount can have a big impact.
Grid Outages
It’s no secret that the number of people turning to solar power continues to increase. However, there are still several misconceptions about technology. One of the most common is that going “off the grid” means shutting off the utility company’s electrical supply. This is not the case, as most utility customers can use net metering. There is more to solar energy than just producing electricity. For solar to be a true power source, it also needs storage. Without a battery, your system will not continue to produce power during a blackout. Solar power systems with batteries can keep your home operating during a power outage. But only if the batteries are properly charged. A battery bank can provide enough energy to sustain your home’s operation for several hours or even days. The battery in your solar system can also serve as a backup power source during a blackout. This is especially important if your home’s power is tied to the grid.
Increase In Home Value
The fact is that installing solar panels in your home is a great idea. It can save you money, improve the quality of your life, and add value to your property. If you’re considering making the switch, there are many ways to go about it. As you may have guessed, the best way to go about it is to talk to a professional. S&H Solar can help you safely install, maintain, and remove your solar panels. You can even check out our solar panel financing solutions. Adding a solar panel to your home is the most efficient and cheapest way to get the most out of your investment. For instance, a five KW system would give you $20,000 in extra property value when you sell your home. That’s not to mention the savings you’ll accrue from reduced utility bills. There are numerous solar energy systems on the market today. As more and more people start to recognize the benefits of a clean and green home, it’s only natural that more homeowners will want to take advantage of the energy source of the future.
Increase In Demand For Fossil Fuels
As the global population continues to grow, an increase in fossil fuel demand has been predicted for the next two decades. The demand for oil and natural gas will continue to meet the demand for petrochemicals. This is compounded by the refining crunch that has caused a rise in energy prices. Using clean energy to replace fossil fuels could reduce emissions and mitigate climate change. Cheap electricity from renewable sources could supply 65 percent of the world’s total electricity by 2030. It also offers a way out of import dependency. Retiring coal power plants could reduce energy-related CO2 emissions by as much as 9 percent, saving USD 32.3 billion annually. A further reduction of 20 percent would help to avoid up to three gigatonnes of CO2 every year.
