Since the photovoltaic effect was discovered in the 1950s, millions of North American homeowners have benefitted from solar energy to power their lives. By now, you have likely seen solar panels on neighbors houses, but have you considered the advantages for yourself? Read on to find out what you need to do to get solar power for your home, and the many benefits you will get by doing so.
It’s not just the panels
Although they are by far the most well-known part, home solar panel systems are about much more than simply the panels. When planning an installation, you will need to seek the services of a trusted solar panels company to guide you through what is a technical process.
In addition to the panels on your roof, you will also need to plan space throughout your home for other equipment such as an inverter, and racking for the batteries and other system components.
The good thing about getting solar panels installed when living withing San Diego County is that there are a lot of expert solar companies in San Diego that are proficient on the different grades of system of solar panels. Depending on your roof size and layout, you can consider different sizes of panel to generate as much electricity as possible.
Storing the power
Although hidden away and less fashionable than solar panels, batteries are a vital part of your solar installation. They store the power your panels capture, and provide a repository for when your system is unable to generate new energy. This can be at darker times of the year, during periods of bad weather, or overnight.
Your solar company can ensure that this part of the system with all its complex cables, controllers and other equipment are installed safely.
What are the pros and cons of going solar?
The benefits of solar power are well documented. In simple terms, if you currently spend anything more than $1000 a year on your home’s electricity, then solar panels are likely to be a valuable investment for you.
With them installed, you can expect to reduce your electricity bills to zero from approximately years 4 to 25 of your investment.
On the downside, the initial investment can be sizeable. Depending on the quality and configuration of your system, you can expect to pay thousands of dollars, perhaps even five figures to get your project up and running.
Find Money To Install Solar Panels
You can work around this by looking for localized grants, loans and leasing schemes to take the sting out of the upfront outlay. Search for programs in your area, or ask your specialist about tax credits and other ways of funding.
The weather can also be the enemy of solar power. Where your home is situated will determine how successful your solar installation will be. That is not to say that you have to live in Florida, but you need to plan your energy generation around the sunlight hours in your region.
There are additional tools you can integrate into your system to maximize your energy yield, but these will incur additional costs to your installation. You should also factor in any repairs you may need to make to the structure of your roof to ensure it can safely hold the weight of your solar panels.
Read more on solar energy from Eighty Mph Mom!
