A Thorough Guide to Understanding Solar Energy and Its Benefits

Solar energy has been steadily increasing in popularity for several years now. But how does solar energy supply power for homes and businesses, and what advantages does it offer? Learn all you need to about solar energy, from how solar panels generate power to the different applications available and financial incentives that make installation more affordable.

What Are Solar Panels, and How Are They Designed?

Solar panels transform sunlight into electricity. This is possible through photovoltaic cells made from silicon, a mineral ideal for use as a semiconductor. The panels’ cells absorb sunlight and create electricity through a process known as the photovoltaic effect. This is how it works:

1. The PV cells capture photons, the particles of light emitted by the sun.
2. The photons’ energy activates electrons inside the silicon semiconductor, causing the electrons to break loose and circulate more freely.
3. The excited electrons begin flowing in a single direction, creating a flow of direct current (DC) electric power.
4. A panel’s inverter converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity to use for appliances and electronics.

Solar Energy Applications

Solar energy can benefit your utilities in a variety of ways, including:

• Private residences: Solar panels are increasingly common on residential roofs, where they capture sunlight and produce electricity for the household below. Similarly, solar water heaters can supply hot water for you and your family to use.
• Commercial properties: Large solar arrays can be installed on flat rooftops and even high-rises to reduce a commercial building’s heating, cooling and other electric costs. Such a large drop in monthly expenses helps free up more money that business owners can put back into the property.
• The transport sector: Solar-powered battery charge stations for electric vehicles are becoming more widespread. Solar energy is regarded as the most eco-friendly option for making these cars a truly clean form of transportation.
• Solar farms: Industrial-scaled solar farms create enormous amounts of electricity, contributing large quantities of energy to the electrical grid to fulfill a community’s energy needs. Smaller-scale community solar projects are also feasible, allowing various households to utilize the benefits of a single solar installation.

How Solar Panels Interact with the Grid

Solar panels can be efficient enough to produce more electricity than needed. But because of a process called net metering, any extra energy can be sent back to the electrical grid. Homeowners sending extra power can receive credits from their current utility company for any surplus power, which offsets future electric bills. As long as you remain grid-tied, your home can pull power from there when the solar panels cannot generate adequate electricity, such as at night or on days with lots of cloud cover, for peace of mind you always have a constant supply of electricity.

Solar Panels and Backup Batteries

Installing solar batteries allows you to continue using solar energy on days when the sunlight is poor. Instead of sending extra electricity to the grid, batteries hold onto it for your individual use later on. If you’ve always wanted to be energy independent, solar panels are the answer.

Benefits of Solar Panel Systems

Solar energy is an attractive option for homeowners and commercial properties alike. Here’s the most common reasons why:

• Sustainable source or energy: Solar energy is virtually inexhaustible and sustainable. Installing solar panels reduces the need to rely on fossil fuels and even slashes your total environmental impact for fresher air and a more sustainable planet.
• Financial benefits: Homes and businesses with solar panel systems are eligible for utility rebates and tax credits that help mitigate solar installation costs. PV panels also greatly reduce or even remove your electricity bills, especially if you participate in net metering.
• A long-lasting system with minimal maintenance needs: Solar panels remain functional for between 25 to 30 years as a general rule of thumb. These systems are fairly low maintenance, so you can anticipate dependable energy production with very little upkeep.
• A boost to the property’s value: Homes with solar energy systems generally sell quicker and at higher prices than those that don’t. Many of today’s buyers are interested in the energy independence and environmental sustainability of solar power. What’s more, you may qualify for a property tax exemption on the increased value solar panels provide for your home.

Solar Financing Options

If you’re in a situation where you don’t have enough cash to cover the solar panels up front, you could use one of these financing options:

• Solar loans enable homeowners to pay for their solar panel costs including installation. Affordable installments are further mitigated by the energy savings your panels create.
• Solar leases provide another alternative to purchasing. Homeowners instead make consistent payments to lease solar panels. The contractor retains control and responsibility for the system.
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) consist of an agreement to acquire the electricity generated by solar panels for a predetermined cost under market utility rates.

Go Solar with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

If you’ve decided solar energy is the best solution for your home, trust Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to help with installation. Our ACE-certified professionals offer Expert advice, quicker installation times and affordable financing options all supported by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about the benefits of solar energy or to request an estimate, contact us at 954-736-4314 today!