A Thorough Guide to Understanding Solar Energy and Its Benefits

Solar energy has been steadily increasing in popularity for a number of years now. But how exactly do solar panels supply power for homes and commercial properties, and what perks does it offer? Learn all the key details about solar energy, from how solar panels generate power to the various applications available and financial incentives that make the switch more affordable.

What Is a Solar Panel, and How Are They Designed?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. They contain PV cells made of silicon, a material that acts as a semiconductor. The PV cells absorb sunlight and produce electricity by way of the photovoltaic effect. Here’s how it works:

1. The PV cells capture photons, the particles of light produced by the sun.
2. Latent kinetic energy from the photons stimulates electrons within the silicon material, causing the electrons to break loose and circulate more freely.
3. The now-agitated electrons begin flowing in a single direction, creating a flow of direct current (DC) electric power.
4. The inverter changes the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity to use for appliances and electronics.

The Versatility of Solar

Solar energy can be used in numerous ways, including:

• Private residences: Solar panels are often installed on residential roofs, where they capture sunlight and generate electricity for the family below. As a specific example, solar water heaters can provide hot water for you and your family to use.
• Commercial properties: Larger solar arrays can be installed on flat rooftops and high-rise facades to reduce a commercial building’s HVAC and other electric costs. Reduced overhead frees up resources that business owners can reinvest into the property.
• The EV industry: Solar-powered battery charge stations for electric vehicles have become much more widespread. Solar energy is known as the most eco-friendly option for making these cars a truly emission-free form of transportation.
• Solar farms: Industrial-scaled solar farms generate substantial amounts of electricity, feeding enough power into the electrical grid to fulfill a community’s energy needs. Smaller-scale community solar projects are another option that allows multiple households to share the benefits of a single solar installation.

How Solar Panels Integrate with the Grid

Solar panels can be efficient enough to produce more electricity than needed. But due to a process called net metering, any surplus energy can be sent back to the electrical grid. Homeowners gain credits from their utility company for any excess power, which is used for future electric bills. If you are grid-tied, your home can still access power from there in situations where your solar panels cannot produce sufficient electricity, like at night or on days with lots of cloud cover, for peace of mind you always have a constant supply of electricity.

Solar Panels and Backup Batteries

Installing solar batteries allows you to still use solar energy whenever the sunlight is poor. Rather than transferring extra electricity to the grid, batteries hold onto it for your individual use at a later time. If you’ve always wanted to be energy independent, solar panels are key to achieving that.

Benefits of Solar Panel Installation

Solar energy is a desirable option for residential and commercial properties alike. Here’s why:

• Eco-friendly: Solar energy is renewable and environmentally friendly. Investing in solar panels reduces your reliance on fossil fuels and even cuts your total environmental impact for purer air and a healthier planet.
• Saving more on energy use: Many homeowners and businesses are eligible for utility rebates and tax credits that help mitigate solar installation costs. PV panels also significantly lower or even remove your electricity bills, especially if you use net metering.
• Long-lasting and easy care: Solar panels have a life span of between 25 to 30 years on average. These systems require minimal maintenance, so you can anticipate steady energy production with minimal upkeep.
• Increased home value: Homes boasting solar energy systems usually sell quicker and at a higher overall price than those without. Efficiency-minded buyers are attracted to the long-term savings and environmental sustainability of solar power. Additionally, you may obtain a property tax exemption on the value the installed solar panels provide for your home.

Financing a Solar Energy System

If there isn’t enough on-hand cash to buy solar panels up front, you can try one of these financing options:

• Solar loans allow homeowners to pay for their solar panel expense as well as labor costs for installation. Small monthly fees are offset by the energy savings the system will produce.
• Solar leases offer another alternative to purchasing. Homeowners pay a fixed monthly fee to lease solar panels. The installation company keeps ownership and responsibility for the system.
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) entail an agreement to buy the electricity produced by solar panels for a predetermined cost less than market utility rates.

Go Solar with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If you’re ready to find out if solar energy could be the ideal solution for your home, choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help with installation. Our ACE-certified professionals offer Expert advice, fast installation times and cost-effective financing options all backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. For even more on the potential benefits of solar energy or to ask for an estimate, contact us at 866-397-3787 today!