An Expert Guide to Understanding Solar Energy and the Advantages

Solar energy has been consistently growing in popularity for a number of years now. But how exactly do solar panels power homes and businesses, and what advantages does it provide? Shine a light on all the key details about solar energy, from solar panel design to the many applications available and financial incentives that make installation more affordable.

What Are Solar Panels, and How Are They Designed?

Solar panels transform sunlight into electricity. The panels are made up of small PV cells made of silicon, a mineral ideal for use as a semiconductor. The PV cells take in sunlight and create electricity through a process known as the photovoltaic effect. Here’s how it works:

1. The PV cells capture photons, the particles of light created by the sun.
2. The photons’ energy stimulates electrons inside the silicon material, causing the electrons to detach and circulate more freely.
3. The excited 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 safely power appliances and electronics.

Solar Energy Can Be Applied in Many Ways

Solar energy can benefit your utilities in a variety of ways, including:

• Private residences: Solar panels are often installed on residential roofs, where they capture sunlight and generate electricity for the house below. Likewise, solar water heaters can provide hot water for daily use.
• Commercial properties: Commercial-grade solar arrays can be installed on flat rooftops and high-rise facades to lower a commercial building’s heating, cooling and other electricity costs. Reduced overhead frees up resources that business owners can reallocate into the property.
• The EV industry: Solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles have become much more common. Solar energy is considered the most eco-friendly option for making these cars a truly zero-emission form of transportation.
• Solar farms: Industrial-scaled solar farms create enormous amounts of electricity, feeding enough power into the municipal electrical grid to support a community’s energy needs. Compact community solar projects are another option that allows various households to utilize the benefits of a single solar installation.

How Solar Panels Work with the Grid

Solar panels are easily capable of and regularly create more electricity than used by fixtures and appliances. But because of a process called net metering, any surplus energy returns to the electrical grid. Homeowners receive credits from their utility company for any surplus power, which applies toward future electric bills. If you stay grid-tied, your home can still access power from there when your solar panels do not generate adequate electricity, such as at night or on overcast days, for peace of mind you always have a consistent energy supply.

Solar-Powered Backup Battery Systems

Installing solar batteries is another way to continue using solar energy whenever the sun isn’t out. Instead of delivering extra electricity to the grid, batteries store it for your individual use at a later time. If you’ve always hoped for more energy independence, solar panels are a great solution.

The Advantages of Solar Panel Installation

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

• Environmental benefits: Solar energy is renewable and sustainable. Installing solar panels sharply decreases the need to rely on fossil fuels and even lowers your greenhouse gas emissions for cleaner air and a better planet.
• Financial benefits: Many homeowners and businesses are eligible for utility rebates and tax credits that help offset solar installation costs. PV panels also significantly lower or even remove your electricity bills, especially if you utilize net metering.
• Longevity and low maintenance: Solar panels have a life span of between 25 to 30 years on average. These systems are fairly low maintenance, so you’ll have dependable energy production with very little upkeep.
• A boost to the property’s value: Homes boasting solar energy systems typically sell sooner 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. At the same time, you may obtain a property tax exemption on the increased value solar panels add to your home.

Options for Financing Solar Energy

If you’re in a situation where you don’t have enough cash to cover the solar panels up front, you can try one of these financing options:

• Solar loans allow homeowners to fund their solar panel purchase and installation. Small monthly fees are offset by the energy efficiency the finished solar system will produce.
• Solar leases provide another alternative to purchasing. Homeowners will instead pay a regular fee to lease solar panels. The contractor retains control and responsibility for the system.
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) consist of an agreement to buy the electricity generated by solar panels for a fixed cost below market utility rates.

Go Solar with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

If you think solar energy is the ideal solution for your home, trust Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to help with the upgrade. Our ACE-certified technicians provide Expert advice, faster installation times and budget-friendly financing options all backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. For even more on the potential benefits of solar energy or to request an estimate, contact us at 954-736-4314 today!