30 Dec 2024
The benefits of going solar are plentiful, from lower energy bills to a positive environmental impact. Each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar energy generated at home is a step toward a sustainable future.
This guide contains all the information you need about going solar, from energy savings to solar panel installation costs and providers.
Solar energy is renewable. It harnesses the sun's light and heat to generate electricity or thermal power through solar panels or collectors. Solar panels for homes use photovoltaic technology to absorb sunlight, creating an electric field that generates energy. This energy is converted to AC power for distribution throughout the home or storage in a battery.
Solar technology is constantly evolving — recent advancements include:
Analyzing your home is the first step to going solar. Geographic location and room orientation are crucial for solar energy installation. Factors like sun exposure, the state of your roof, nearby shading and local regulations might affect the performance and viability of solar paneling.
To evaluate if your roof is suitable for solar panels, you need to consider:
There are three kinds of solar panels, two of which are crystalline. These two types are made from silicon crystals that absorb energy from the sun and transport it as electric current.
The three types of solar panels include:
Solar panel costs for a home vary by system size, location and public financing options. Although the initial cost of installation can be a larger upfront investment, it offers long-term savings with tax benefits and lower energy bills.
Following regulations and obtaining local permits is crucial to a safe and reliable installation that's compatible with the electrical grid. Before starting, you and your installer must have building permits for solar installations and electrical permits to connect the panels to the local grid. You may also need to check zoning requirements and get homeowners association (HOA) approval if you're part of one.
The entire process usually takes one to three months before your panels can generate electricity. Steps for a typical installation include:
Depending on your location and other factors, incentives can reduce the costs of solar installation. Utilities, cities and states have a wide range of policies to incentivize the use of renewable energies, from cash rebates and net metering to performance-based incentives (PBIs) and solar renewable energy credits (SRECs). The federal residential solar energy tax credit is a wider resource that offers a percentage of the installation cost for solar energy.
Solar panels also offer significant long-term savings via lower energy bills.
Solar panel maintenance is minimal but crucial for the long-term optimal functioning of the energy system. Common issues include dirty solar panels, malfunctioning inverters, and faulty connections and wiring. You can prevent them with occasional cleaning, including removing dirt and debris, and annual inspections by specialists.
You can also ensure your system is functioning properly by using energy production apps, performing visual inspections and monitoring your energy bills.
Solar panels are just one way to use this form of energy. Homeowners can add energy storage to their solar systems to balance electric loads and provide backup power for periods of low sunlight. Another option is installing solar water heaters.
Community solar programs are also a great option for those with property or budget restrictions.
Make the transition to solar energy and enjoy the benefits of this efficient, cost-effective and clean energy resource. Evaluate your home's solar potential with Northeastern Power and get the best solar solutions to fit your energy needs.
