Residential solar has progressed at a remarkable rate. If you have considered joining the growing number of homeowners embracing the technology, this guide will help you understand the basics of bringing inexpensive, clean energy to your home with solar panels North Carolina.
Understanding Solar Energy
The sun produces millions of watts of usable energy every day. Homeowners can take advantage of this free, clean power by installing rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels.
Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy which generates an electric current. Electricity produced by the panels can be converted to a usable form and fed directly into your home for use, or you can store it in batteries for later use.
Types of Panels
There are two main types of residential solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Poly panels are slightly less efficient in partially shaded conditions and typically have a blue appearance. Mono panels are generally more efficient and have a uniform black appearance. For those reasons, they are more popular for residential systems.
Other Equipment
A complete system also requires some additional equipment. An inverter is always necessary to convert the DC power produced in PV panels to AC current for U.S. homes. This is often combined with the components that tie your solar power into the utility grid. Your system may also have a charge controller and batteries if you decide to include those.
Assessing Your Home Suitability
Before you make a decision to adopt solar, you should evaluate your home’s suitability for PV panels. This includes your location, the orientation of your home, and how much power you plan to generate. For example, planning solar panels Virginia is slightly different than planning for those in a more southern state like Florida.
Peak Sun Hours
Peak sun hours is a measurement used to test and rate solar panels. It is equivalent to an hour where sunlight intensity reaches 1,000 watts of energy per square meter. Peak sun hours carry by location, with places like Michigan getting closer to four peak sun hours per day compared to Florida’s almost six hours.
Roof Orientation
The direction your roof faces plays a big role in its suitability for solar. A south-facing roof is generally the most suitable. You may be able to install panels on the east and west-facing portions of your roof, but it will probably not be as efficient as a more south-facing setup.
Maximizing the Financial Benefits of Solar
Cost can be a big factor in choosing a system. If you want to maximize your savings with solar, then it’s a good idea to research available incentives, rebates, and tax credits. These can substantially lower the total cost of your solar panels Florida. Additionally, many solar installers have financing packages that allow you to pay a small percentage of the system cost upfront and the rest over time. Most panels typically pay for themselves in 10 years or less, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy completely free energy.
Solar panels can help you harness free, clean energy from the sun. Speaking to a knowledgeable solar installer is a great way to learn more about panel types, costs, and the most suitable setup for your location.
