Your Guide to Clearing Up Solar Energy and Its Benefits

Solar energy has been slowly rising 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 you need to about solar energy, from how solar panels generate power to the many applications available and financial incentives that make installation more affordable.

What Are Solar Panels, and How Do They Turn Sunlight into Electricity?

Solar panels transform sunlight into electricity. This is possible through PV cells made from silicon, a type of semiconductor. The panels’ cells absorb the photons within the sunlight and generate electricity by way of the photovoltaic effect. This is how it works:

1. The PV cells absorb photons, the basic particles of light emitted by the sun.
2. The energy from the photons activates electrons inside the silicon semiconductor, causing the electrons to dislodge and move freely.
3. The energized electrons start moving more uniformly, creating a flow of direct current (DC) electricity.
4. The inverter converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity to safely power appliances and electronics.

The Versatility of Solar

Solar energy can be used in several ways, including:

• Residential use: Solar panels are increasingly common on residential roofs, where they absorb sunlight and produce electricity for the household below. Similarly, solar water heaters can quickly generate ample hot water for daily use.
• Commercial properties: Larger solar arrays can be installed on flat rooftops and even the facades of tall buildings to cut a commercial building’s HVAC and other electricity costs. Such a large drop in monthly expenses helps free up more money that the company’s owners can reinvest into the property.
• Transportation: Solar-powered battery charge stations for electric vehicles are becoming more widespread. Solar energy is known as the cleanest option for making these cars a truly emission-free form of transportation.
• Solar farms: Large-scale solar farms generate significant amounts of electricity, supplying enough power to the municipal electrical grid to fulfill a community’s energy needs. Smaller community solar projects are another option that allows numerous families to enjoy the benefits of a single solar installation.

How Solar Panels Interact with the Grid

Solar panels are easily capable of and regularly produce more electricity than is used by the property. But because of a process called net metering, any extra energy is fed back to the electrical grid. Homeowners gain credits from a local utility company for your solar panels’ surplus power, which offsets future electric bills. If you remain grid-tied, your home can still access power from there when the solar panels do not produce adequate electricity, such as overnight or on days with lots of cloud cover, guaranteeing a reliable supply of electricity.

Solar-Powered Backup Battery Systems

Integrating home backup solar batteries allows you to keep utilizing solar energy on days when the sunlight is poor. Rather than delivering extra electricity to the grid, batteries retain it for your personal use later on. If you’ve always dreamed of energy independence, solar panels are a great solution.

Benefits of Solar Panel Systems

Solar energy is a desirable option for residential and commercial properties alike. Here’s the most common reasons why:

• Sustainable source or energy: Solar energy is virtually inexhaustible and eco-friendly. Investing in solar panels lowers dependence on fossil fuels and even lowers your total environmental impact for cleaner air and a healthier planet.
• Saving more on energy use: Many homeowners and businesses are eligible for utility rebates and tax credits that help offset solar installation costs. PV panels also greatly reduce or even remove your electricity bills, particularly when you use net metering.
• A long-lasting system with minimal maintenance needs: Solar panels have a life span of about 25 to 30 years with expected use. They have few maintenance needs, so you can anticipate reliable energy production with hardly any upkeep.
• Higher property value: Homes with solar energy systems usually sell faster and at better prices than those without. Many of today’s buyers are attracted to the long-term energy savings and environmental footprint of solar power. At the same time, you may be eligible for a property tax exemption on the increased value solar panels add to your home.

Financing Solar Panel Installation

If you don’t have enough cash to cover the solar panels outright, you could try one of these financing options:

• Solar loans permit homeowners to fund their solar panel expense as well as labor costs for installation. Small monthly fees are further mitigated by the energy savings your panels create.
• Solar leases provide another alternative to purchasing. Homeowners will instead pay a regular fee to lease solar panels. The installation company maintains ownership and responsibility for the system.
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) consist of an agreement to acquire the electricity generated by solar panels for a set cost beneath market utility rates.

Go Solar with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

If you think solar energy is the right solution for your home, choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to help with installation. Our ACE-certified professionals provide Expert advice, faster installation times and affordable financing options all guaranteed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about the benefits of solar energy or to ask for an estimate, contact us at 954-736-4314 today!