Solar energy is produced when sunlight interacts chemically with certain silicon semiconductor cells to generate electricity (AC). Solar cells are devices made of semiconductor material that can absorb energy from the sun.
Solar Panels
Solar panels capture solar energy and convert it to AC electricity that can be used at home. Solar energy is also an important contributor to green energy in that it reduces our dependency on fossil fuels.
Solar panels can be installed on the roof or on the ground for maximum exposure to sunlight. Since the panels need to absorb large amounts of sunlight during the day, they are designed to operate efficiently only when the sun is shining brightly.
Residential and Commercial Solar Electricity
Residential solar electricity systems typically produce enough kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month to power a refrigerator, a small home computer, and a few appliances.
Commercial solar power is more expensive, but the return on investment is much higher because of the energy savings it allows customers. The upfront costs of commercial solar panels are more than residential panels, but the panels last much longer and require less maintenance.
These panels are installed professionally and most have a warranty to give you peace of mind. After the initial installation, there is very little maintenance required. It is not uncommon for commercial solar power systems to run for twenty years or more.
The costs of a solar power system vary widely based on the size and manufacturer of the equipment. If you want to store energy from the sun, then you will need larger solar panels that can cover a bigger portion of your roof. When talking about energy savings, you must include the cost of installation.
Choosing a System
Before you decide on which type of Solar Energy is best for your property, you must consider the location of your property. Your geographical location will determine how much solar energy you can realistically generate. Here are some tips from New Generation Solar.
Costs can quickly add up for those who are placing a greater reliance on solar energy. Fortunately, prices are expected to drop as the popularity of residential and commercial solar energy grows in the coming years.
Another consideration when it comes to solar power systems is conversion of your household electrical energy consumption to usable energy. You must calculate the amount of usable energy that you will need to power your house during the day as well as at night. If you use a larger amount of electricity during the day and less during the night hours, then your cost will be higher.
If you use less electricity at night, then you will save on your monthly utility bill. Residential solar power systems are only useful if you produce more than enough usable energy for your home.
The next consideration is your financial situation. If you plan a power system installation, then you might want to think about whether or not you have the budget to pay back the investment in a few decades.
Many homeowners who choose self-consumption do so because of the available tax credits. It is important to note, though, that although many states provide rebates, there are still some tax credits that must be paid and you should always consult with your local tax assessor before deciding which credits you need to pay for to receive the full amount of rebates.
Installers
The fifth and final consideration is the quality of the installer that you choose. There are companies out there that will charge you a lot of money to install your solar power systems. If you choose to self-consume, then you will probably be able to save money because you will not need any professional help.
However, if you install solar energy systems by yourself, then you might not know what you are doing if you get stuck. It is also important to get quotes from more than one installer, as you may find that the best deal is not available. To get quotes from many different installers, you should visit the websites of several different solar energy system installation companies.