A Thorough Guide to Demystifying Solar Energy and the Advantages

Solar energy has been steadily increasing in popularity for several years now. But how exactly do solar panels power homes and commercial properties, and what benefits does it provide? Learn all the key details about solar energy, from how solar panels generate power to the different applications available and financial incentives that make installation more affordable.

What Is a Solar Panel, and How Do They Work?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. They contain PV cells made with silicon, a material that acts as a semiconductor. The panels’ cells absorb the photons within the sunlight and produce electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Here’s how it works:

1. The PV cells take in photons, the basic particles of light produced by the sun.
2. Latent kinetic energy from the photons activates electrons inside the silicon semiconductor, causing the electrons to dislodge and circulate more freely.
3. The now-agitated electrons start moving in one direction, creating a flow of direct current (DC) electricity.
4. The inverter converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity to use for appliances and electronics.

Applications of Solar Energy

Solar energy can be used in several ways, including:

• Private residences: Solar panels are often installed on residential roofs, where they capture sunlight and produce electricity for the household below. Likewise, solar water heaters can supply hot water for day to day use.
• Commercial properties: Large solar arrays can be installed on flat roofs and even high-rises to cut a commercial building’s HVAC and other monthly energy costs. Such a large drop in monthly expenses frees up resources that the company’s owners can reallocate in the property.
• The transport sector: Solar-powered battery charge stations for electric vehicles have become much more common. Solar energy is considered the cleanest option for making these cars a truly zero-emission form of transportation.
• Solar farms: Industrial-scaled solar farms produce substantial amounts of electricity, contributing large quantities of energy to the municipal electrical grid to meet a community’s energy needs. Smaller-scale community solar projects are another option that allows numerous families to utilize the benefits of a single solar installation.

How Solar Panels Integrate with the Grid

Solar panels are easily capable of and regularly produce more electricity than needed. But due to a process called net metering, any extra energy is fed back to the electrical grid. Homeowners receive credits from their utility company for any extra power, which applies toward future electric bills. As long as you stay grid-tied, your home can still access power from there when the solar panels don’t produce sufficient electricity, like at night or on days with lots of cloud cover, ensuring a constant energy supply.

Solar-Powered Backup Battery Systems

Installing solar batteries allows you to continue using solar energy on days when the sun isn’t out. Rather than sending excess electricity to the grid, batteries hold onto it for your own use later on. If you’ve always hoped for more energy independence, solar panels are key to achieving that.

The Advantages of Solar Panels

Solar energy is a desirable option for homeowners and commercial properties alike. Here’s a few reasons why:

• Environmental benefits: Solar energy is virtually inexhaustible and sustainable. Investing in solar panels lowers dependence on fossil fuels and even slashes your carbon footprint for fresher air and a more sustainable planet.
• More savings: 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 eliminate 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 as a general rule of thumb. Solar panels require minimal maintenance, so you’ll have steady energy production with hardly any upkeep.
• A boost to the property’s value: Homes boasting solar energy systems generally sell faster and at higher prices than those that don’t. Efficiency-minded buyers are interested in the energy independence and environmental benefits of solar power. Additionally, you may be eligible for a property tax exemption on the extra value solar panels add to your home.

Financing a Solar Energy System

If you’re in a situation where you don’t have enough cash to buy solar panels outright, you can use one of these financing options:

• Solar loans allow homeowners to pay for their solar panel costs including installation. Low monthly payments are further mitigated by the energy savings the system will produce.
• Solar leases provide another alternative to purchasing. Homeowners will instead pay a regular fee to lease solar panels. The installation company retains control and responsibility for the system.
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) consist of an agreement to purchase the electricity generated by solar panels for a fixed cost beneath market utility rates.

Go Solar with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If you’ve decided solar energy is the right solution for your home, choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help with installation. Our ACE-certified electricians offer Expert advice, quicker installation times and cost-effective financing options all guaranteed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about the benefits of solar energy or to ask about an estimate, contact us at 866-397-3787 today!