Embrace the Future when you Install Solar Panels
Solar panels are an investment, but you can recoup the initial cost – and more – in the years
to come.
Going off the energy grid
is becoming an increasingly popular option, with about 600,000 U.S. homeowners
enjoying solar panel energy, according to the Solar Energy Industries
Association (SEIA), and many more solar systems operating worldwide.
You can feel good about
helping this planet move toward sustainable energy sources. Nonrenewable
energy-produced electricity sources pollute the earth, but solar energy ensures
clean renewable energy.
Because solar panels have
become more popular and technologically advanced, the manufacturing price has
dropped, so it’s not just for wealthy homeowners anymore.
Is solar energy the right
choice for you? Consider things like your home’s location, how long you’ll
remain in your home, whether you want to own or lease your panels, your present
electric bill, and financial incentives that may be available.
What are Solar Panels and How Do They
Work?
Solar panels are made
from tempered glass. They’re installed on a rack system on your roof and an
inverter system generates electricity for your home, potentially eliminating dependence on your local electricity
company. Your system may include a bi-directional meter that measures the power
produced and the amount you use. You may be able to sell any excess power if
your local electric company participates.
The monitoring system lets you see the amount of energy your panels produce daily (and over time) and also notifies you if there’s a problem with a panel.
Pros of Solar Panels
There are a plethora of
reasons to go solar, including reducing your carbon footprint and saving money.
Many countries rely on fossil-fuel-produced energy, including coal and fuel.
Producing electricity from those fuels is expensive. So is the cost of building
new nuclear-powered plants. Those increasing costs are passed on to you.
Solar
Saves Money
If you dread paying your
massive monthly electricity bill, solar is definitely an option. Solar could drastically reduce
your dependency on your present electric supplier. Installing a solar-powered electric system now could mean your future electric bills could shrink,
especially once you’re no longer paying for the cost of the panel system.
You may even be able to
make some money from your solar panels. Check with your government and your
electric company to see if they have a buy-back energy metering program and
solar renewable energy credits. These kinds of programs let you bank money (or
receive credit on your electric bill) while your system generates electricity.
You could be paid for extra electricity your panels produce.
Low
Maintenance Costs
Solar rooftop panels
require little maintenance, especially if they’re tilted. They may need a light
cleaning every few months to remove dirt, leaves, and other debris using a leaf
blower or garden hose, and you may also need to clear panels after a heavy
snowfall. Panels installed on the ground are even easier to keep clean because
they’re on your level.
Solar panels are sturdy
so they can weather storms and even hail, but you’ll still want to have a
warranty or homeowner’s insurance in case you need to repair or replace any
storm-damaged panels.
Reduce
your Carbon Footprint
Solar energy is clean and renewable, the perfect way to reduce the atmosphere-damaging carbon
dioxide emissions coming from your property. Producing solar electricity
doesn’t create pollutants and is even more earth-friendly than nuclear energy.
Your choice to transition
your home to solar energy also helps lessen the need for – and the dependency
on – fossil fuels.
Solar Considerations
There are some things to
consider before you jump on the solar bandwagon. For instance, how long do you
plan to stay in your home? How long will the panels last, and how much should
you budget for buying or leasing?
Solar energy isn’t a
get-reimbursed-quickly system. Instead, it’s a long-term
investment so consider how
long you’ll live in your home. It could take seven or more years for you to
recoup the purchase cost through energy savings.
Another thing to consider
is the condition of your present roof. You’ll have to remove the panels and put
them back when you replace shingles on your roof. Therefore, if you’re
considering getting panels, take a good look at your roof. If it has seen
better days, you may want to replace it before you install solar panels.
How
Long do Panels Last?
Panels are made to give
you years of dependable electric service and can last from 25 to 35 years. You
can enjoy energy-saving benefits for quite a while before you need to replace
them.
Installation
costs
Look for a professional
company to install your panels. The cost of both panels and installation vary
according to your system, region, and the location of the panels (on a roof or
on the ground).
Can
Your Roof Hold Solar Panels?
Before signing up, do
some homework on your own roof’s age and materials. Installing solar panels
consists of mounting a connected racking system directly onto your roof, and
not all roofs are suitable. Roofs on homes that are historical (or are older),
those with slate or cedar tile roofs, or homes with skylights or roof decks are
difficult to fit with racking systems. There could also be concerns with roof leaks
because the racking is screwed directly onto your roof.
If your roof isn’t a
candidate for panels but you have the room in your yard, you can have panels
installed on the ground. If neither of those locations is an option, you can
research whether there’s a local community “solar garden” that you can
participate in.
Climate
and Weather
The amount of sun that
hits your roof and its orientation to the sun can impact how much energy your
solar panel system generates each day. The more sun (and less shade) your roof
has, the more energy those panels can produce. This is great news for
homeowners in high-sun regions.
Solar panels can lose a
small amount of their efficiency in climates whose heat rises above about 90
degrees, though. You can keep track of how weather affects your panels through
the monitoring panel.
Don’t
Forget Insurance
Installing solar panels
on your roof may increase – or decrease – the cost of your homeowner’s
insurance. This is something to discuss with your insurance company before you
have panels secured onto your roof.
Cost of Solar Panels
The cost of installing
solar panels will depend upon the location, the number of panels, the size of
the system, and other factors. Remember that the more electricity you normally
use, the sooner you can recoup your investment by going solar. If you know your
current energy usage, you can calculate how much you’ll need to budget monthly
for solar panels.
Leasing
vs. Buying
There are a couple of
ways to start taking advantage of this earth-friendly “off the grid” energy
source: you can buy your solar panel system outright or you can lease it. Both
ways have pros and cons.
Why
Lease?
Some homeowners choose to
lease their solar electric systems. Leasing lets you go solar without the big
up-front costs. If you don’t have thousands of dollars for a down payment, you
can lease while still helping the environment and lowering your electrical
bills.
Leasing lets you install
solar panels and start saving right away. You may have numerous finance options
when leasing. For instance, you can pay the leasing company for the equipment
and use as much energy as you want, or you can pay the solar company based on the monthly kilowatt-hours used. Some leasing companies also offer the option of
buying the panel system at the end of your lease. Financing and leasing options
will vary depending on where you live.
Another advantage of
leasing solar panels: you won’t have to fix them if there’s an issue. The
company you lease them from should do the maintenance and repairs, depending on
the terms of your lease.
Down
Sides to Leasing
While there are definite
pluses to leasing your solar electric system, there also are some drawbacks to
ponder.
Solar leasing contracts
can last up to 20 years or longer. Also, you probably won’t get any tax
benefits or rebates (if wherever you reside offers those) by leasing versus
owning. In addition, you’re locked into having equipment on your roof that
belongs to a company, not you.
All in all, you still
should save money by leasing while doing your part for the planet.
Advantages
of Owning
There are definite
advantages to owning your solar panel system rather than leasing. One of the
biggest pluses is that many governments or electric companies offer incentives
for installing this green energy source.
Owning your own system
also means you’re not tied to a year-long contract. You own the panels instead
of someone else owning the panels. Also, if you decide to sell your home,
having a solar energy system can be a great selling point and increase the
home’s value.
Disadvantages
of Owning
There are some negatives
to buying your own system. The most obvious disadvantage is the up-front
investment required. If you buy, it may take some years before you break even,
depending on how much your electricity bill is now. If you normally don’t have
a hefty bill, it will take longer to recoup your costs. If your normal
electricity bills are high it could be less time, depending on the cost of your
system.
If you own your solar
panels and monitoring system, you’ll be responsible for maintaining and
repairing (or replacing) when parts fail or need work.
Solar is the Future
Installing solar panels is an enticing, Earth-friendly option, but it’s wise to consider all factors before taking the plunge. Solar energy system installation and material costs are decreasing as technology and production methods improve, so it’s becoming an appealing alternative to expensive electricity. It is definitely an investment, but worth adding value to your home as you help make this a greener planet.
This article was originally posted on Porch.com.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
No matter what level of understanding you have, it is important to remember that there are many things that can affect the average life of your solar panels. Anyone new to solar energy does not have to know everything. Solar can teach you everything you need to know about how a solar system works, how to connect it to the public grid, and how much it costs. Contact us to learn more about our repair and maintenance services for solar panels and other related issues.
Assuming that the end of the life of a solar panel means that it stops producing electricity, how long will the life of your solar panel be? The industry term "solar panel lifetime" is a degradation rate that describes the performance that a solar panel experiences over time.
At this point, it is fair to estimate that your solar panel will still produce energy after the warranty expires. If you have a 0.5% deterioration, the solar panels in your system should continue to run for a long time, which means that you should still operate your solar system even after the warranty has expired. Also, here are some tips to follow to ensure you keep solar panels for the longest period of time.
If you understand how long you can expect to benefit your solar panels, you will put your initial investment in context. Typically, guarantees guarantee that your panels will work for the 25 years they are considered efficient, but in reality, they can last quite long. Depending on the manufacturer, the performance of the solar panels cannot be guaranteed and it is very possible that the modules will produce electricity for more than 25-30 years. The fact that some panels, such as those with a 25-year warranty and those that last 25 + years, can give you an idea of how much solar power you should expect over time from a solar-powered system.
There is already plenty of evidence that solar panels can last up to 30 years, but real-world experiments will tell you more about the long-term impact of solar energy on your home and energy consumption.
There is already plenty of evidence that solar panels can last up to 30 years, but real-world experiments will tell you more about the long-term impact of solar energy on your home's energy consumption. If you ask yourself how long a solar panel lasts in the real world, you ask yourself: "How is this possible"?
In 2012, a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that the average life of a solar panel is between 20 and 30 years. Let's take a moment to explore why solar cells degrade over their lifetime and what impact solar energy has on your home's energy consumption. The Solar Energy Industries Association is a group of companies responsible for the production of more than 80 percent of the world's solar panels, so let's look at their research and learn more about the long-term impact of these panels on energy consumption.
Generally, solar panels will last between 25 and 30 years, but a number of factors complicate this estimate. The question arises: What makes a solar module last so long and why does it last so long? The expected life of a panel varies from year to year, and the estimate of the average life of each panel changes.
Solar panels are the power plant of the future, and like any other device you use in your home, you want to know how long it will last. As a homeowner, you can take steps to extend the life of your solar panels. Let's take a closer look at how long solar panels last on your roof so you're prepared and know how best to keep them waiting as long as possible.
If you have considered a major investment like this, it is also an obvious concern that you can expect it to last until the end: How long do solar panels last? When we consider a large investment as a home plan or as an investment in a new home, the question of how long we can expect our solar panel to last is always a direct concern for us, especially when we consider large investments like this.
Does Your Roof Need to Face South for Solar?
East- and West-Facing Roofs are Great for Solar
We all know south-facing roofs are the best
option for installing solar, but what if your roof does not face south? What if
the south side of your roof is shaded or at a bad angle?
Don’t worry. A southern orientation is not
crucial for a solar installation. East- or west-facing roofs are also great
candidates for solar.
Even though the sun shines from the south, the
east and west sides of a roof are exposed to significant amounts of sunlight
throughout the day. In fact, east- and west-facing solar panels can produce 80%
as much electricity as south-facing solar panels.
What this means is that with a small increase
in the number of solar panels on your roof, your
east- or west-facing solar panels can produce just as much electricity as a
south-facing solar panels.
When is
East-Facing Solar a Better Option?
The best strategy for solar production is to
produce electricity when you need it. This means that sometimes a south-facing roof
is not the best option for solar panels. This can be the case for households or
businesses that see high electricity use early in the day.
As businesses or households start flipping
switches to turn on lights and equipment and start powering up computers and
other machinery, their energy consumption can quickly ramp up. This is the time
when solar could help cover their energy demands.
For these consumers, early-morning energy
production from the east or southeast-facing solar panels is a good option. East-facing
solar panels can take advantage of the early-morning sun and start producing
electricity earlier than south-facing solar panels.
When is
West-Facing Solar a Better Option?
As stated above, the best strategy for solar
is to produce energy when you need it most. For many households, their highest
energy demands come in the evening. As families get home from work and school,
they start turning on lights, televisions, microwaves, washers, and dryers, and
their energy consumption skyrockets.
To meet these late-evening energy demands, it
can sometimes be a good strategy to have solar panels that face west or
southwest to take advantage of the evening sun.
Designing your solar system to produce
electricity in the evening can also help avoid Time-Of-Use (TOU) utility rates.
TOU rates charge more for energy used during peak demand periods, often in the
evening when households are ramping up their energy usage.
With west and southwest-facing solar
installations, solar panels can produce electricity when TOU rates are highest
and help reduce energy bills.
Click on the map of solar farms in Texas and solar farms in California to search for locations.
Author: Tim Deters
Bio: Tim Deters is a content manager for Green Ridge Solar. Tim’s background is in journalism and
renewable energy, which he uses to convey important facts and information
about solar and renewable energy. Tim is known for his silent nature and owning
more plants than he has space.
Energy-Saving Apps and Gadgets Perfect for Holiday Gifts
Not all gifts have to be power-guzzling game consoles, They do send quite the mixed message. On the one hand, you care about saving energy and saving the planet. On the other hand, you consume industrial-level watts per hour blasting fake enemies in 4K splendor. Something seems a little off about that.
Perhaps this is the year we all do a little better at giving gifts that are consistent with our values. If you are a low-calorie guru, you wouldn’t give everyone on your list a box of chocolates. You want to give people things they will enjoy, but that also reflects who you are as the giver.
Sometimes, your gift is a statement of intent or even a call for a certain kind of action. Rather than another video game, you could give your child a basketball and membership at the local Y. You might give a less athletic child nice chess set to encourage their analytical thinking. So what do you give your friends and family to help them save energy, and show your commitment to conservation? Here are a few suggestions:
An Electric Vehicle
Why not go big? Get your family the gift of green. Put a new electric car in the garage and provide an app or website for all the drivers so they can easily search for “charging stations near me”. Don’t just talk about how bad fossil fuels are. Take a big step away from using them. Breaking dependency on fossil fuels starts at home.
While you’re at it, go big and go home. Add solar to your home and get completely off the grid. If you are the kind of person who likes to keep up with all the solar locations worldwide, why not become a solar location? Make your home the model of what you believe homes should be. Why have a white Christmas when you can have a green one instead?
Lights That Turn Themselves Off
A great energy-saving gift is a motion sensor that turns off the lights when you leave the room. If you have kids, you know it is useless to keep telling them to turn the lights out when they leave a room. Come to think of it, the problem isn’t just the children. Perhaps there is something in human nature that causes us to leave the lights on even when we don’t need them.
With motion sensors, you don’t have to worry about it. You can set things up so that the lights always go off even if everyone forgets to check. You will save money from all the lights you are not burning. When you need light, go for energy-efficient bulbs. These are fun and inexpensive gifts that can save money and the planet.
Thermal Leak Detector
Do you know where your heat is leaking? It is almost certain that you have heat leaking somewhere in your home. Those leaks are costing you a ton of money. The problem is that it is almost impossible to know where the leaks are just by eyeballing it.
This is where a good thermal leak detector comes in. It is a handheld tool that reads the ambient temperature. From there, you can point at places you think heat and air might be escaping. The device indicates hot spots and cool spots. This allows you to seal those areas that are costing you money. With a device like this, you can use less heat in the winter and less air in the summer. Save money year-round.
While you’re at it, you might want to pick up one of those smart thermostats that only heat the areas of the home that are needed at any given time. You can control the heating and cool it from your smartphone. Better yet, you can let the smart unit make those decisions. Again, the end result is that you save money.
There are a lot of ways to save money, and just as many ways to give the gift of green. You can go big and go home by investing in an electric vehicle and powering your home with the sun. You can go for stocking stuffers like motion sensors and energy-efficient bulbs. And you can use gadgets to find those expensive energy leaks and allow your smart gadgets to be the brains of the whole energy-saving operation.
Maps of Active Fires & Solar Farms in California
A fire burned six acres at the Topaz Solar Farm near California Valley in June
Map of Active Fires in California
Search Map for California Solar Farms
Are Solar Panels Worth it?
One of the most
interesting energy technologies at this time is solar power. Yes, wind energy
and thermal power are both experiencing a surge in interest, but it feels like solar power will be the strongest contender on the global market.
There are many reasons for this, but one overpowers the rest.
That reason is the
continually decreasing cost of the product. It was not too long ago that
people’s main argument against solar energy systems was the exuberant cost. But
now, solar contractors around the world are offering 0% financing and other
incentives to entice new users. Similarly, governments and energy regulators
are also offering buyback programs for excess energy production from
residential and commercial systems.
These two trends are
causing many people to rethink the pivotal question, “Are solar panels worth
it?” This question demands a lot of attention in the current climate, and to
discuss it from a purely monetary perspective seems to be an injustice. There
are many other avenues worth referencing in regards to solar power, such as the environmental impact and longevity.
The environmental impact
is perhaps of the greatest concern. Solar energy is capable of producing
renewable energy, and the production of the materials is not terribly
detrimental either. As well, when you compare the environmental impact of
producing solar panels to that of running a coal plant, there is quite a stark
difference.
Additionally, the
renewable aspect of solar energy is an essential distinction. Indeed, after a
couple of decades, there is a small amount of energy loss, but this negligible
problem has almost no bearing on the renewable energy facet. Even with a
reduction in power, once enough systems are contributing to the production of
solar energy, there will be enough power for all people to use.
As well, the longevity
of the product is worth its own weight in the debate. Solar panels typically
last 25 years or so, and in that time, they only require minimal upkeep, such
as cleaning and regular wiping. Furthermore, replacing parts of the system is
relatively easy and often is as simple as swapping out a defective panel or
inverter for a new model.
In conclusion, you may
wish to imagine the following future. In this theoretical time, everyone has
solar systems in their home, and they collectively contribute to the energy
needs of the rest of society. Energy consumption is no longer a market, but
instead a right available for all humanity. Furthermore, the construction of
homes includes solar panels in the planning stage, much like a roof or garage.
In this future, people
work together to provide a cleaner and brighter future for the next generation
because they understand the value of future generations. This future is
possible, and it can even be probable with the adoption of solar panels as a
path forward. Ultimately, the question of whether or not solar panels are worth
it is equivalent to asking whether or not our children’s children are worth it,
and the answer to that question should be easy for you to answer.
Click on the map of solar farms in Texas and solar farms in California to search for locations.
How to Choose a Solar Power Company
Most scientists and climate activists agree on
one thing more than any other: Solar power is the way of the future. Millions
of people envision a world where burning coal and building nuclear facilities
is a thing of the past. Instead, humanity will harness the power of the sun to
power our everyday lives. The sun has more than enough energy to offer us.
Until which point it burns out, the sun could provide enough electricity for
every single person on earth a million times over, if only it was harnessed and
converted correctly.
There have been a lot of significant advances
over the past few years with solar panels and different kits that people have
installed in their homes. More people than ever are getting their energy
through solar means, and some people are even getting so much of it that they
end up profiting when selling power back to the grid. Though, to be clear,
solar panels are products, so the system you get is only as good as the solar power company with which you choose to do business. So, how will you
find the best one? Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re exploring
your options for solar companies.
Tips for Choosing the Right Business for Your Solar Power
Needs
Make Sure They Match Your Needs
The first tip here is to only go with a
company that matches your needs. Some of those needs, which you need to
consider, are expediency and pricing. To help you get a system installed much
faster, and for a more affordable rate, you should consider looking locally.
Not having to travel far to install your system means saving a ton on shipping
costs and also getting it installed quicker. Though another thing of which you
want to be aware here is the fact that not every system is one size fits all.
You want a company that’s going to offer you a system that matches the exact
requirements of your home. You want something that works well, not something
that barely supplements your existing methods.
Find Professionals to Install the System
Another thing you’re looking for with a
quality solar power
company is the
ability to install the system for you as a professional. If you were to study
the topic a bit and have a relatively good understanding of electronics and
carpentry, then you could undoubtedly install the panels yourself. Though, by
that same token, most people could study and train and build their own houses
themselves. Who has the time or energy or expertise to do that, however? This problem
is why it’s so important that you shop only with a quality company that’s going
to show up and professionally installs your system for you. This way, you know
it’s going to work, above all.
Get an Estimate
The next thing you want to look for in the
right company selling solar goods is their willingness to be upfront with you
about how much things are going to cost. Some sites will refer to this as a
free quote or an estimate. Whatever name they give it, it’s important that you
receive an estimate. This result means that the company is looking at the size
of your property, calculating your exact energy needs. Then they’re going to
estimate the package you’re getting, the costs of installation, and give you a
quote for how much you can expect to spend. This way is far better than merely
having people spring surprise charges on you.
Check Out User Ratings
Lastly, you should make an effort to look at
the ratings of the company you’re considering. The thing about online reviews
is that you never know which can be trusted. However, if you visit various
blogs and forums, you will find people giving their real opinions about real
companies. This organic knowledge is what you want to have. For instance, find
someone’s Facebook or blog in your immediate area who has solar power now and
are thrilled with the package they received, and find out who they chose.
It’s easy to get solar power these days. There
are all sorts of companies offering these services. Just make sure you use the
tips above so that you can find the absolute best company with which to do
business.
Click on the map of solar farms in Texas and solar farms in California to search for locations.
How Does Solar Power Work?
Throughout the entire universe, scientists
agree that there is no better example of energy than nuclear fission. We don’t
have to look farther than our own solar system’s sun to see this process in
action. Every single second within the giant ball of burning gas that is our
sun, 600 million tons of helium convert into hydrogen, which then converts 4
million tons of matter into pure energy. The energy generated remains at the
core of the gas giant for 10,000 to 170,000 years. Needless to say, people for
all of history have been looking for ways to copy this process for limitless
energy on Earth.
To date, the best we have at mimicking the
sun’s energy is actually to use the sun’s energy through solar power. Though it’s not quite as simple as holding an appliance
under direct sunlight, the energy that the sun puts out isn’t just freeform
energy we can use. It has to be absorbed and converted into usable electricity
for appliances, lights, etc. How does that process work? Here is a quick
rundown on how we harness the power of the sun and convert it into usable
energy.
The Steps to Converting Sunlight into Energy
The first step in this process is to absorb
the sunlight through what are called photovoltaic cells. Most people know them
merely as solar panels. These aren’t just pieces of glass that you hold under
the sun. There is a lot of intricacy going on with these panels, which feature
multiple layers of PV cells that have a photovoltaic effect and actually absorb
the sun’s energy. It doesn’t absorb the light per se; it absorbs the UV rays,
which act as energy when it hits the PV cells, and this works the best when
it’s a direct line with the sun’s energy. The sun’s energy output remains relatively
constant, so the effects of the power from the sun in this regard has much more
to do with the quality and functionality of the PV cells set up to absorb that
energy.
Solar Converters
So, with the right PV cells, solar power is ready to be used as electricity, right? There’s
another step here not to overlook. Once we harness the power of the sun, we
have to convert it into actual electricity for use. This typically happens once
a solar inverter, as part of a solar panel system, converts the power from DC
(direct current) electricity from the solar modules into AC (alternating
current) electricity. This conversion means we can use the energy to charge up
a series of batteries, which are wired throughout the home like basic
electrical components, thus used to provide the electricity people use in their
day to day lives. It has to be converted and stored before use.
Flowing Electricity
After this point, the electricity is flowing
through the home, but it’s finite. For most solar panel setups, the power is
only going to flow for as long as the batteries have a charge. The PV cells
absorb the energy, the PV cells convert and charge batteries, and we use the
battery power to charge electrical appliances. You can think of it in many
respects, like a laptop or cell phone battery. It will give you plenty of power
but need regular recharging. Some appliances go straight from the PV cells to
the appliance, like some water heaters, but most systems charge up batteries to
use to deliver the electricity.
Tracking and Sun-Facing Mechanics
The better aligned solar panels are with the
sun, the more power they can absorb and put out. This reason is why a lot of
sophisticated systems will actually track the sun, though even these are
basically useless at night. This requirement is also why many people who want
solar setups in their home have to get themselves a lot of different batteries
for their rigs, as they will need to rely on that battery power at night when the
sun sets, while the next day the sun’s energy will recharge them.
The good news for people interested in solar
energy is that there are companies out there who have a great handle on this
and can come in and give you a solar panel rig that will get the job done for
you and your family. Though it never hurts to learn a little about the process.
10 Benefits of Having a Solar Energy System
Nowadays, we can't live without our mobile phones and our computers. Of course, advances in technology have already radically changed how we live our lives. Did you know that there is a very important aspect of our life that is still using 140 years of technology? And that is our main source of energy, which is coal power. Yes, there are improvements in the technology for extracting energy from coal, but there is a limit to this, because the coal we use is still the same as it was first used 140 years ago. Burning coal can also disrupt our planet's natural carbon cycle by releasing the carbon content of coal into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide. This increases the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, which traps the heat from the sun and warms the entire planet.
Fortunately, we now have new, clean, and efficient energy sources in the form of solar energy. Here are the benefits of having a solar panel system in your home:
1) Clean - Solar energy does not produce any harmful greenhouse gases in its operation. Also, by using the solar energy system, you can reduce the energy you buy from your electric grid, so reduce our total emissions. With our collective efforts, we can make a difference, even if the amount of solar energy you generate on your roof is very small compared to our total energy consumption.
2) Renewable - Renewable energy source means from energy that won't run out. Examples include sunshine, rain, wind, waves, tides, and geothermal heat. This is important for energy sources because we don't have to worry about running out of fuel. For traditional fossil fuel sources such as coal, most of the costs come from mining, refining, and transporting fuel. Since it is not a problem for renewable energy sources, they are likely to be much cheaper.
As we already know that we can never rely on fossil fuel sources like coal, it is inevitable to replace it with cleaner and better energy sources. Since solar power is the only energy source that single homes can use, it has become one of the top options for coal replacement.
3) Increase the value of the property - See Solar Roofs Map for neighborhoods with solar density and you will see an increase in values.
4) Cooling effect - Providing shade for your roof which helps reduce hear.
5) Net Metering - Our electric grid is designed for one-way power transmission, from the electric grid to our homes. However, with renewable energy, such as solar energy systems, homeowners are given the ability to generate electricity in their homes. This opens up the possibility for electricity to flow back into the electrical grid. In line with this change, a net metering scheme was created.
Net metering is a policy that allows homeowners to re-export or re-sell the grid and get credit for their monthly electricity bills. Since the solar energy system generates energy when there is sunlight, there may be times when it generates a lot of energy but the overall energy consumption of your home is low. In these cases, the excess energy is exported back to the electric grid. Your electricity provider credits you with an amount equal to the total export power multiplied by the feed-in-tariff at your location.
When your solar power system generates energy, the priority of your home appliances is to use that energy first. If this is not enough, this is the only time you can buy power from the grid. When your solar power system generates more power, the excess is exported and sold back to the grid.
6) Exporting Excess Power Back to the Utility Grid?
Export power, on the other hand, refers to excess energy from your solar PV system, which you export or resell to the electric grid.
This means that the energy that goes into your self-consumption is equal to the cost of kW electricity from the grid. Because instead of buying electricity from the grid at this price, you get energy from your solar PV system.
On the other hand, for some countries, including the Philippines and Australia, exported energy is worth less than your self-consumption. When you export or sell energy back to the grid, you get credit for your monthly electricity bills. The problem is that you are credited at a price per kilowatt which is less than the total cost of electricity.
For example, In the Philippines, the cost of electricity is 10 pesos per kilowatt. However, you will be credited with only 5 pesos per kilowatt. There are other countries, such as the US, where the exported energy is deposited from the grid at a price equal to the cost of electricity.
That is why it is important to consider in detail your hourly use system to measure your home's solar PV system in terms of size, self-consumption, and exported energy caused by your solar PV system.
7) Monthly savings - As they say: "Money Makes The World Go Round" For this reason, being a clean energy source is still not enough to solve our energy problems. It should also be economically feasible. Fortunately, solar panel costs have fallen continuously due to improvements in solar panel technology and manufacturing techniques and processes. For this reason, grid equality for solar energy has already been achieved in most countries of the world. This means that solar power is officially already cheaper than electricity coming from the grid.
Currently, solar energy systems have become an option for homeowners who want to save on their monthly electricity bills. Because the sun is basically shining anywhere in the world, there is no limit to the efficient use of solar energy systems in homes.
To understand how you can save on your monthly electricity bills, you need to understand some aspects of solar energy systems:
How much you can save?
How much you can save depends on whether the value of electricity from your exported energy grid is less than or equal to the actual cost of electricity. If it's the equivalent of electricity from the grid, you can easily save 100% of your monthly electricity bill by having a solar PV system that generates more energy per month for your monthly electricity usage.
In another case, determining how much you can save can be tricky. To get started, you first need to evaluate your usage patterns. Think about how many tools you use from morning to afternoon. From this point in the day, your energy consumption is part of your total energy consumption, which you can offset with your solar PV system.
However, to get a more accurate estimate that considers both self-consumption and exported energy, you should contact a solar company to do this for you. They only need a copy of your electricity bills and a description of your hourly usage policy. From that data, a good solar company can already create a 25-year financial analysis that shows not only your monthly savings, but also other financial parameters:
- Recommended System Size and Options - A good solar company should be able to recommend the perfect solar PV system size for your use and uphold this recommendation. However, they should also offer you other options in terms of system size considering your size and the desired monthly savings. Note that some solar companies recommend system size greater than optimum to increase their sales.
- Brand and Model of Solar Panels and Solar Inverters - There are many cheap, low-quality solar panels and solar
- 25 Years of Economic Analysis - From there, it will show you how much energy is generated and estimate the amount that will go into your self-use and re-exported to the grid. It can be used to create a financial analysis for the entire life of the solar PV system (25 years), showing all months of the year, ROI, payback period, energy level, or monthly savings expected for LCOE. Others.
- Service Package - A good solar company should be able to detail their service package in detail, especially after installation.
- Improving self-utilization - To further maximize the benefits you can get from a solar PV system, you can adjust your usage pattern to better match the product of your solar PV system. For example, you can choose to use your washing machine, flat iron, and any other tools during the afternoon. This reduces your export power (which is less valuable for solar PV systems in some countries)
8) Independent Power Producer - The best thing about having your own solar PV system is an independent power generator. This means that you have your own solar power plant on top of your roof.
9) It feels good to do something good for your neighborhood and community.
10) It looks cool and people will think more highly of you.
What Type of Solar Panel System Is Best For My Home?
As solar panels become cheaper and cheaper, solar power is growing to unprecedented heights and is the future power of beating coal and other fossil fuels. It is imperative to take advantage of this opportunity to switch to solar power to save on your monthly electricity bills. Follow the steps below for your first step to go solar, which determines the type and size of the solar energy system for your home. How do solar panels work?
You first need to know that a typical solar-powered home has 3 types of solar power system options, each with its own level of complexity, cost, and benefits. That is why the first step to going solar is deciding what type of home you want. Here are those 3 types, their description and advantages and disadvantages.
1) On-grid system is connected to the electric grid. Your home will then have 2 sources of energy: your solar energy system and the electrical grid. In the morning, your home will power your devices with the energy generated by solar. If this is not enough, your home will get a deficit from the electric grid. In the afternoon, your solar generates more energy than your home's energy demands at that time. When this happens, the excess energy is exported back to the electric grid. If you have a net metering system, you will be credited a certain amount for all the energy you export and this credit will be deducted from your next electricity bill. At night, you usually get energy from the electric grid without solar.
The disadvantage of on-grid systems is that you still rely on the electric grid. Therefore, on-grid systems cannot be installed in remote locations. Also, when there is a power outage, the on-grid systems are automatically shut down as they are connected to the electric grid, making them useless in these situations.
2) Off-Grid - As its name suggests, off-grid systems allow homes to move off the grid or disconnect to the electrical grid and operate on their own. To do this, this type of system requires the use of batteries or a Tesla Power Wall. Solar panels are sized so that in the daytime, it produces more energy than your daylight consumption. The extra power is used to charge your batteries, and then used for your night time use.The advantage of off-grid systems is that you are completely independent of the electric grid. Since you are already generating energy for your home, you will never have to pay for electric bills again. Also, you are not affected by power outages.
However, in spite of all those advantages, off-grid systems are complex to operate and maintain. This aside, it can be quite expensive as the system needs to be heavy to replace the extra batteries and low-radiation months (winter and rainy season).
3) Hybrid Systems - This type of system is a combination of on-grid and off-grid systems and allows the homeowner to enjoy the benefits of both systems. It is connected to an electric grid, such as an on-grid system, and also has batteries to serve as backup during power outages. Unlike off-grid systems, batteries of hybrid systems are usually reserved for these cases.The advantage of hybrid systems is that you get the best of both worlds. Because you are still connected to the grid, you have the reliability of on-grid systems. With this, you will still have no problems supplying energy to your home when your solar generates enough power. Also, because you have batteries, you still have a power supply when there are power outages.
If set aside, you can use hybrid systems to take advantage of the tariff time. The tariff of consumption refers to having different power rates depending on the time of day. The rate at pre-defined times is called "off-peak hours" and is highest during "peak hours". Using the hybrid system, you can charge your batteries with electricity from the grid during off-peak time for your own consumption. Doing so will increase the savings you get from using solar energy.
As with off-grid systems, hybrid systems are difficult to operate and maintain as you also have batteries. Although not as expensive as off-grid systems, they are also expensive.
By knowing the different types of solar power systems and their associated advantages and disadvantages, you will be able to give you information on what you want in your home. However, you also need to consider the specific cost of each system and for that, you should get a quote from various solar entrepreneurs.
What Are Solar Panels & How Do They Work?
Solar Panels
What are Solar Panels?
Solar panels
are devices that are used to convert light energy into electricity. They are
made from semiconductors and they accomplish this through the photoelectric
effect. Today, solar energy is one of the fastest-growing energy sources in the
last few years in terms of global capacity and most of it is due to
advancements in solar panel technology and continuous reductions in its cost.
How do They Work?
Solar panels are made from
semiconductors and this gives them their distinct characteristic of being able
to convert light into electricity. Semiconductors are a class of substances
that are in between conductors and insulators. This means that they have a
conductivity that is in between the two.
Semiconductors
also have a property of being able to make use of the photoelectric
effect. This phenomenon was first observed in 1887 by Heinrich
Hertz. He had a device that is called the spark gap generator where you have
two small metal spheres working as a transmitter and another two small metal
spheres that work as a receiver. The transmitter can induce sparks between the
metal spheres of the receiver. The two metal spheres of the receiver are
separated by a small air gap and this air gap must be made to be very little to
be able to for it to be effective. Hertz saw that he could increase the capacity
of the receiver to faithfully reproduce the sparks from the transmitter by
illuminating it with visible or ultraviolet light. He and all the other
physicists at that time, however, we're unable to understand why and how it
happens.
It was only more than 100 years
later when the photoelectric effect was explained by none other than Albert
Einstein. To understand it, we must first understand the basic model of an
atom. Electrons inside the atom are arranged into shells with the nucleus in
the center. These shells can be thought of as concentric spheres with larger
spheres corresponding to higher energy levels. Electrons with the highest
energy level are located in the outermost shell which is called the valence
shell. Einstein proposed that light behaves as discrete particles when it hits
the atom. It is then absorbed by the electron, allowing it to have a higher
energy and escape its parent atom. This “free” electron can then be conducted
throughout the material as electricity.
This is the exact same phenomenon
that solar panels use to convert light into electricity. When solar panels are
exposed to light, it creates a large number of free electrons in the
semiconductor material. These free electrons are then collected at the solar
panel terminals to create voltage and current.
Types of Solar Panels: Mono, Poly & Thin Film
There are 3 types
of solar panels that are available in the market today and these are: 1.)
Monocrystalline, 2.) Polycrystalline and 3.) Thin-film solar panels. The first
two types are both made from crystalline silicon. Inside a crystalline silicon,
the silicon molecules form themselves into a neat crystal arrangement all
throughout the material. The only difference between the two being the purity
of the crystalline silicon used. This simply means the absence of other types
of atoms inside the material. The purity of the used silicon material is
important as a higher purity also corresponds to a higher efficiency.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline
solar panels can easily be distinguished from their black color. If you will
also take a closer look, you will see that it has an even coloring and uniform
look. This is because monocrystalline solar panels are made from silicon of that
only has one crystal structure throughout the material, hence, the name
monocrystalline.
Because they
are made from a higher grade of silicon, they also have a higher efficiency.
They also have a lower temperature coefficient, which means that they perform
better at higher temperatures. They are also more expensive, however, since the
processes that are used to enhance the purity of silicon are expensive.
For actual
solar PV installations, the added cost of using monocrystalline solar panels
can be worth it as they let you conserve space. Because of its higher
efficiency, you will need to install less solar panels to produce the same
amount of energy. This is very important when installing for buildings or
houses with a limited roof space.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline
solar panels usually come in color blue. It also has an uneven coloring which
shows the different crystal structures inside the material. Polycrystalline
silicon is also simpler to manufacture and therefore, costs less.
This type of
solar panel tends to have a lower efficiency because of the lower silicon
purity. They also have a higher temperature coefficient compared to
monocrystalline solar panels. This means that they perform worse than
monocrystalline solar panels at higher temperatures. However, in actual solar
PV installations, the difference between the two is minor and there are more
important things that homeowners need to take into account like brand, model,
logistics, etc.
Thin film
solar panels are made by depositing one or several thin layers of semiconductor
material onto a substrate. They have the lowest efficiency compared to the
first two types and because of this, they are not commonly used in residential,
commercial or utility-scale applications. But they have a distinct advantage of
being flexible, allowing them to be used in applications where the first two
types can’t be used.
Types of Solar Panels: 60-cell & 72-cell
There are generally two types of
monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels available in the market today.
These are 60-cell and 72-cell solar panels. These numbers correspond to the
number of solar cells connected in series inside the solar panel. Solar panels
are composed of smaller units connected in series, which are called solar
cells. Solar cells typically produce a very low voltage and they are connected
in series to produce a useable voltage level.
60-cell solar panels usually have
power ratings of 230W-270 while 72-cell solar panels are usually in the range
of 280W-320W. Because of having more cells in series, 72-cell solar panels are
bigger in size, but most manufacturers just offer them at the same price per
Watt. The choice on which type of solar panels to use, therefore, lies solely
on the design of the solar PV system to be installed.
Solar Module Properties: IV Curve
The IV
curve is the set of all points where the solar panels can operate
on. These points correspond to the current and voltage values that they can
produce at any given input values. The IV curve is very important as it
describes how the solar panel will operate at any given input irradiance and
temperature.
The IV curve is where we derive
the most important operating parameters of the solar panels which are the:
open-circuit voltage (Voc), the voltage at maximum power point (Vmp), short-circuit
voltage (Isc) and current at maximum power point (Imp). These are the main
parameters used in the design of solar PV systems. The IV curve of a solar
panel is given by the equation:
This equation is used in some solar PV simulation software
to determine the output parameters of the solar panels at any given point in
time.
Solar
Module Properties: Power Curve & Maximum Power Point
From the IV
curve, we can derive another curve that tells us the power
output of the solar panel at any given input parameters. We can see
that the power output of a solar panel is 0 at both the open-circuit voltage
and the short circuit current. We also see the power output be at its peak at a
point called the maximum power point. The voltage and current values at this
point are called voltage at maximum power point and current at the maximum power
point, respectively.
On a PV array, each solar panel
is “forced” by the inverter to operate at its maximum power point because this
is where the solar panel is at its highest efficiency. This is the main reason
why different brands and models of solar panels are never mixed together in a
PV array. They may have different maximum power points which means that they
must operate at different voltages and currents to produce maximum power. The
inverter, however, can only choose one operating point for all solar panels and
it chooses the point where PV array production is at its maximum. This means
that each solar panel will have to operate outside of its maximum operating
point and will, therefore, be less efficient.
Even in a PV array with a uniform
brand and model of solar panels, imperfections in the manufacturing process may
also introduce differences in the maximum power points in each solar panel. And
similar to the situation explained in the above paragraph, each solar panel will
operate at a slightly different point that its maximum power point. Because of
this, the total maximum output of the PV array is effectively reduced. This is
called mismatch loss and it is also considered by the top PV simulation
programs when calculating energy yield.
Solar Module Properties: Efficiency
The efficiencies of commercially
available solar panels are usually in the range of 15-20%. As with any other
energy source, it is the ratio of input energy to its output. For solar panels,
the input is the insolation that the solar panel receives.
Compared to other energy sources,
solar energy has the lowest efficiency. But comparing energy sources through
their efficiencies is comparing apples and oranges because each energy source
has a different input. To make an accurate comparison, it makes sense to use
LCOE instead. LCOE stands for levelized cost of
energy. It simply means the cost of power produced by any energy source over
its lifetime. The simple way to calculate the LCOE is to divide the total cost
of constructing the power plant with the total amount of energy that it will
produce over its lifetime.
The main reason why this is the
case is because solar energy is technology-based rather than fuel-based like
other fossil fuel sources. For fuel-based sources, improvements can only come
through how efficiently we can extract energy from our fuel source. For a
technology-based energy source like solar, however, its improvement is
exponential This is similar to Moore’s Law for integrated circuits (IC). Not
only that, with improvements in the manufacturing processes used, the total
cost is also continuously going down.
Solar Module Properties: Temperature Characteristic
Semiconductors have a negative temperature coefficient which
means that its resistance increases with an increase in temperature. For solar
panels, this corresponds to a decrease in total power
output. If we look at the IV curve at different operating
temperatures, we can see that the curve moves slightly to the left with
increases in temperature. This means that the solar panel’s operating voltage
decreases slightly as the cell temperature increases. This is contrary to
popular belief that solar panels convert heat to electricity and therefore,
will produce more energy during hotter ambient temperatures.
There are basically only two
input parameters that affect the solar panel’s output, and these are irradiance
and cell temperature. This is why for solar farms and some commercial solar PV
systems, they install weather sensors like pyranometers (measures irradiance)
and module temperature sensors. The data collected from these sensors can then
be used to get the expected energy production and compared to its actual
production to measure its performance.
Effect of Shading / Solar Module String Characteristics
Solar panels
are connected in series to form a string to increase its voltage to a level
that is compatible with the inverter input. And since they are in series, they
can only produce a single value of current. If one solar panel in the string is
subjected to shading,
it effectively reduces the amount of irradiance on its input. The IV curve of
that solar panel is moved downward, corresponding to a decrease in output
current. When this happens, all other solar panels in the string are also
forced to decrease their output current to match the shaded solar panel’s
output.
Effect of Shading / Solar Module String Characteristics
Therefore, solar panels that are
connected in a string only perform as well as the least performing solar panel
on the string. In short, shading on one solar panel effectively affects every
other solar panel on the string.
The same thing happens for the
solar cells that are also connected in series to form the solar panel. Even
when only one portion of the solar panel is subjected to shading, it also
affects all the other solar cells. And because of this, shading on a small area
on a solar panel results to a disproportionate amount of reduction in power
output.
Solar Module Physical Characteristics
Solar Module Physical Characteristics
Solar modules are exposed to the
sun, which means that it has to withstand extreme weather conditions like hot
and cold ambient temperatures, rain, snow and hail for its lifetime of 25
years. To be able to do this, the solar
cells inside the solar panels come with several layers
of protection against the outside elements. These are:
· Aluminum Frame – The aluminum frame protects the
edge of the laminate section containing the solar cells while also providing a
solid structure to mount the solar cells. The frame is made from aluminum
because of its lightweight characteristic. The solar modules are mounted in
position by clamps installed on the frame. The frame is also grounded in the
installation for protection.
· EVA film – EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a
highly transparent plastic used to encapsulate the solar cells. It has 2
functions, as shock absorption from external impact and as another layer of
protection from temperature and moisture and dirt ingress.
· Backsheet – the back sheet is located on the rearmost part of the solar module for mechanical protection and electrical insulation.
· Backsheet – the back sheet is located on the rearmost part of the solar module for mechanical protection and electrical insulation.