Solar panels and other renewable energy sources are likely going to be in demand soon.
As time passes, more people are turning to more environmentally friendly energy sources, such as solar energy.
When it comes to installing solar panels and shifting to a more environmentally friendly energy source, however, there are a few things to consider to see if your home or business is a good candidate for this setup.
While CNET, energysage.com and greenmatch.com listed some information about solar energy and solar panels, we specifically focused on what you should consider when deciding whether or not to install solar panels.
Here's what you have know:
How Do Solar Panels Work
The most popular method to capture solar energy is using a photovoltaic solar panel system, or PV system, which turns the sun's rays into useful electricity.
Benefits of Solar Panels/Energy
Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source that can be used almost anywhere on the planet. Any area where sunlight strikes the earth's surface can generate solar energy. In line with this, if your area is often affected by power interruption, installing solar panels is highly recommended because the sun is an endless source of power (meaning you can definitely harness solar energy). This is also true to those who live on vehicles or people who are camping. Small solar panel arrays can be mounted on the roof of your vehicles.
In addition, installing solar panels will also help improve the value of your property as it can be a huge selling point for potential buyers. Did I mention that using this technology can help you save money on your electricity bills? (In certain circumstances, some people don't even pay a penny for their electricity!)
What Are the Things To Consider When Installing Solar Panels?
When deciding to go solar, you should at least be asking questions:
-
How much do I spend on electricity? - You need to determine how much power you need to harness. If you only intend to harness 5kW, you should only install an adequate number and size of solar panels that are intended for 5kW power.
-
What type of home do I live in? - There will be less to no problem if you're residing in your own house. However, installing solar panels to a rental property will depend on your contract with your landlord.
-
Is my roof suitable for solar? - If your roof is older, you might need to replace it before installing home solar panels. Another factor to consider is the roof's angle. The solar panel must be installed at an angle where the sun's rays will hit the most.
-
Do I need permission to install solar panels? - When installing solar panels, different locales may require authorizations.
Are Solar Panels Expensive?
Solar panels have become significantly less expensive as solar efficiency has improved. Solar panel installation costs have dropped by over 60% in the previous decade, and many industry experts believe that prices will continue to reduce in the next few years. One kilowatt of solar energy would have cost $76.67 in 1977. That kilowatt costs $0.30 today.
What Is the Lifespan of Solar Panels?
Many solar panels are guaranteed to last between 20 and 30 years, with a 25-year lifespan being the most common estimate. Furthermore, they are low-maintenance, requiring only the removal of blockages such as dirt, leaves, and snow. Warranties are also useful for professional repairs.