Today, residential solar power is on the minds of eco-conscious homeowners across the country. Awareness of global climate change has sparked some people to decrease their carbon footprint.
Others are interested in the financial benefits aspects and want to know how to save money every month.
When opting for a residential solar power system, the more knowledge you have, the better.
Before you start your solar project, here are a few topics to consider:
Solar Energy-
From sunrise to sunset, solar panels soak up the boundless power of the sun and turn it into usable energy. Solar energy is a continuous source of clean energy that is better for the Earth’s environment than fossil fuels.
The Solar Energy Industries Association has compiled a list of statistics illustrating the impact in this field of work. Highlights include:
In 2020, a new solar project was installed every 75 seconds.
Solar PV price decline over the past 5 years - 43%
There is enough solar energy installed in the U.S. to power 18.6 million households.
The number of solar energy systems installed in the U.S. - 2,934,377
Interesting fact - even on gray or overcast days, solar panels generate energy.
About The Property -
Energy production needs vary from customer to customer. Several factors determine the amount of residential solar power panels needed.
Forbes reports that the following are the top three:
Annual Electricity Usage
Solar Panel Wattage
Production Ratios
Professional installers in your area are very familiar with this information. More than likely, they will explain step by step.
A significant consideration is a roof mount or ground mount. This choice depends on how much ground space is available and what is best for the client.
City and suburb homeowners usually have less yard space than rural owners with acres of land. Roof mounts are the most popular residential solar power option.
When opting for a roof mount, the condition is crucial. Missing or deteriorating roofing material are signs that the area needs replaced or repaired.
The good news is that solar panels last twenty-five to thirty years. If a roof does need replacing, the longevity is approximately the same as the residential solar power panels.
Adding solar energy to your property will also boost the value. The Department of Energy states,
"Buying a solar energy system will likely increase your home’s value. A recent study found that solar panels are viewed as upgrades, just like a renovated kitchen or a finished basement, and homebuyers across the country have been willing to pay a premium of about $15,000 for a home with an average-sized solar array."
Tax Credits and Incentives -
When deciding on residential solar power, be aware of the Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is offering a 26% tax credit through the end of the year. Talk with your installer about more deductions or tax credits that may be available through your state.
Solar Batteries -
Solar batteries are the perfect partner for your residential solar power system. They store your extra energy for later use, or you can sell it to the utility company.
According to EnergySage, there are three main types of solar batteries. Lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and flow batteries.
They go on to explain:
Lead-Acid Batteries - These types of batteries are not particularly power-dense (they take up a lot of space), and they’re not designed to be discharged fully all the time.
Lithium-Ion Batteries - These batteries use lithium compounds for an electrode and are called lithium-ion batteries because of the way they utilize the flow of ions away from a lithium compound to store energy.
Flow Batteries - These types of batteries–which are also called redox flow batteries due to their use of reduction/oxidation as a way to pull ions from one liquid and give them to another–are not particularly power-dense (they can be quite big), but can store much more energy than a typical lithium-ion home battery.
Schedule an appointment with your residential solar power system installer to learn about the batteries they carry and which would work best with your setup.
The Process -
As mentioned earlier, the first step is to determine either roof or ground mount and assess roof condition.
Next up is design approval and obtaining city permits. This timing is solely dependent on how long the city waits to grant permission for the project.
Once approval and permits are acquired, installation begins. Believe it or not, your residential solar panels can be installed in as little as two or three days!
After installation, a final inspection is performed.
Lastly connection. Here, the utility company will install a meter and connect your system to the grid. Now you are all set to produce your energy. Let the sunshine!
From start to finish, a residential solar power panel installation usually takes between eight to twelve weeks.
In Conclusion -
The benefits to owning a residential solar system range from the ultra importance of lessening the impact on the environment to saving on monthly utility bills.
Familiarize yourself with as much solar energy information to help make the best decisions.
Consult with more than one local installer to gauge different products and services.
Do they have similar warranties and financing options?
How do they treat their customers? Check search engine reviews and read client testimonials to find out.
Ask the companies if they perform routine maintenance or handle any issues that may arise.
We wish you good luck on your solar journey and many sunny days ahead! Would you like to talk more about residential solar power? Schedule a consultation with Yellowlite. Our team helps homeowners make knowledgeable solar energy decisions every day. Visit www.yellowlite.com or call (888)980-YELO for more information today!
