The rising cost of electricity from traditional sources makes solar installation seem like a no-brainer for many landlords. But, indeed, the cost of solar panels and whether they’ll help you save money depends on a few key factors. On average, installation and the system together can run between $15,000 and $25,000, according to the center for sustainable energy. Learn how your electric bill, location, and incentives can impact your wallet over time. Here are some questions and answers which people commonly face.
How do solar systems work?
Two primary technologies can harness the sun’s power and turn it into electricity. The first is the one you’re likely most familiar with solar panels or PV. These are the panels you’ve seen on rooftops or in fields. Sunrises onto a solar panel, photons from the sunlight are absorbed by the cells in the panel, which create an electric field across the layers and causes electricity to flow. The second best technology is concentrating solar power, or CSP. It is used first in very large power plants and is not appropriate for residential use. This technology uses mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto receivers that collect solar energy and convert it to heat, which can then be used to produce electricity.
What are the environmental benefits of solar?
Using solar power instead of conventional forms of energy reduces the amount of carbon and other pollutants released into the environment. Reducing the amount of carbon in our atmosphere translates into less pollution and cleaner air and water.
How much power can I generate with solar?
The national renewable energy laboratory developed a tool called PVWatts for this purpose. It approximates the energy production and cost of energy of grid-connected PV energy systems for any address in the world. It allows homeowners, small building owners, installers, and manufacturers to develop estimates of the performance of likely PV installations easily and can even compare solar’s costs to utility bills. These tools are great for getting started, but make sure to work with a solar installer for a custom estimate of how much power your solar energy system is likely to generate.
Can I install solar panels by myself?
At present, the best way to install solar is through a qualified or experienced person who holds a certification to do so and works with high-quality solar panels. The industry-standard certification is awarded through the North American board of certified energy practitioners (NABCEP). In the future, however, you will likely be able to install solar yourself.
Will I save money by going solar?
The amount of money you can save with solar depends upon how much electricity you consume, the size of your solar energy system, if you choose to buy or lease your system, and how much power it can generate given the direction your roof faces and how much sunlight hits it. Your savings also depend on the electricity rates set by your utility and how much the utility will reimburse you for the excess solar energy you send back to the grid. It should also be noted that energy efficiency upgrades complement solar energy economically. For example, using energy star appliances and other products in your home, you’ll need less solar energy to power your home.
Source URL: https://ahlecsolar.com.au/
