A Professional Guide to Clearing Up Solar Energy and Its Benefits

Solar energy has been steadily increasing in popularity for several years now. But how does solar energy measure up for homes and businesses, and what benefits does it offer? Find out everything about solar energy, from solar panel design to the various applications available and financial incentives to make the upgrade more affordable.

What Are Solar Panels, and How Do They Work?

Solar panels transform sunlight into electricity. The panels are made up of small photovoltaic cells made from silicon, a mineral ideal for use as a semiconductor. The panels’ cells absorb the photons within the sunlight and generate electricity by way of the photovoltaic effect. This is how it works:

1. The PV cells take in photons, the basic particles of light emitted by the sun.
2. The photons’ energy activates electrons in the silicon material, causing the electrons to detach and move around.
3. The now-agitated electrons start moving more uniformly, creating a flow of direct current (DC) electric power.
4. The inverter changes the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity to safely power appliances and electronics.

The Versatility of Solar

Solar energy can benefit your utilities in numerous ways, including:

• Private residences: Solar panels are a great investment for homeowners, with panels installed on residential roofs, where they capture sunlight and create electricity for the family below. Similarly, solar water heaters can provide hot water for daily use.
• Commercial properties: Large solar arrays can be installed on flat rooftops and even the facades of tall buildings to lower a commercial building’s heating, cooling and other electricity costs. Such a large drop in monthly expenses frees up resources that business owners can reallocate in the property.
• The EV industry: Solar-powered EV chargers for electric vehicles are becoming more common. Solar energy is known as the cleanest option for making these cars a truly zero-emission form of transportation.
• Solar farms: Large-scale solar farms create significant amounts of electricity, supplying enough power to the municipal electrical grid to meet a community’s energy needs. Compact community solar projects are another option that allows multiple households to enjoy the benefits of a single solar installation.

How Solar Panels Work with the Grid

Solar panels often produce more electricity than is used by the property. But thanks to a process called net metering, any excess energy returns to the electrical grid. Homeowners gain credits from their current utility company for this excess power, which offsets future electric bills. If you stay grid-tied, your home can still access power from there in situations where your solar panels cannot produce sufficient electricity, especially overnight or on days with lots of cloud cover, ensuring a reliable supply of electricity.

Solar-Powered Backup Battery Systems

Adding backup solar batteries allows you to continue using solar energy whenever the sunlight is poor. Rather than delivering extra electricity to the grid, batteries hold onto it for your individual use later on. If you’ve always wanted to be energy independent, solar panels are a great solution.

The Advantages of Installing Solar Panels

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

• Environmental benefits: Solar energy is highly efficient and eco-friendly. Adding solar panels lowers dependence on fossil fuels and even cuts your greenhouse gas emissions for fresher air and a healthier planet.
• More savings: Both residential and commercial properties are eligible for utility rebates and tax credits that help reduce solar installation costs. PV panels also substantially decrease or even eliminate your electricity bills, especially if you utilize 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 look forward to dependable energy production with very little upkeep.
• Increased home value: Homes with solar energy systems usually sell quicker and at a higher overall price than those that don’t. Many of today’s buyers are interested in the energy independence and environmental benefits of solar power. What’s more, you may be eligible for a property tax exemption on the value the installed solar panels add to your home.

Financing Solar Panel Installation

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

• Solar loans permit homeowners to pay for their solar panel costs including installation. Affordable installments are offset by the energy savings the system will create.
• Solar leases are another alternative to purchasing. Homeowners pay a fixed monthly fee to lease solar panels. The installation company retains control and responsibility for the system.
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) entail an agreement to buy the electricity produced by solar panels for a set cost beneath market utility rates.

Go Solar with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If you think solar energy will be the ideal solution for your home, choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help with installation. Our ACE-certified technicians deliver Expert advice, fast installation times and affordable financing options all supported by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. For even more on the potential benefits of solar energy or to ask about an estimate, contact us at 866-397-3787 today!