WHAT IS

THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR POWER 

Getting Started with Solar Energy: The Benefits of Solar Power Systems

Renewable energy is the way of the future. The cost of fossil fuels continues to rise as supply dwindles. The use of fossil fuels faces increasing scrutiny in light of pollution, climate change, and health issues. Many local utilities have already begun to use alternative, renewable energy sources including wind, water, and solar power. You don’t have to wait for your utility company to get on board: solar power is ready and available to home and business owners today — and there’s practically no end to the list of benefits.

Solar power makes it possible for home owners to use the sun to power everyday life: running your air conditioner, washing clothes, watching TV, cooking dinner (All without burning fossil fuels or putting a strain on the electrical grid – thereby reducing your carbon footprint). While the environmental benefits of solar power are significant, many home owners find the convenience and cost savings of owning a solar power system more enticing.

How Solar Powered Homes Work

We all know that solar powered homes use solar panels, typically on the roof, to generate power using the sun. But how exactly does solar power turn into energy for your home? It’s a relatively simple process:

1. The sun’s photons are collected by solar panels.
2. The photons create a direct current (DC) electric field.
3. An inverter converts DC to alternating current (AC) – the form of power used by appliances and home systems.
4. The AC is routed through the home’s switchboard to supply electricity
5. If there is excess electricity produced, it is exported to the electrical grid, or stored in batteries connected to the system for future use.
6. If there isn’t enough solar energy being produced to power the home, electricity is imported from the electrical grid, or the solar system pulls stored power from batteries.

THE POWER OF SOLAR ENERGY

You may not pay much attention to the sun in your daily life, other than when it’s gotten too hot, or you need to protect yourself with sunscreen. However, the sun certainly has the power to fuel your lifestyle tomorrow. The sun has the potential to generate significant amounts of energy for your home.

• Even cloudy locations typically receive more than two hours of sunlight per day: Cloudy locations receive an average of 2.5 hours per day of sunlight, while sunny locations receive an average of 5.5 hours of sunlight per day.
• Solar panels can work even on a cloudy day: While sunny days will produce more solar energy, solar panels will continue to draw energy even when the weather is cloudy. Indirect, or diffused sunlight will still help to power your home on cloudy days. Cloudy days usually produce around 10% to 20% of the amount produced on sunny days.
• Batteries can make solar energy systems a 24×7 power source: When combined with an integrated battery, solar energy systems can provide electricity even when it’s dark outside, potentially offering around the clock power for your home and enabling you to live an off grid lifestyle.
• The sun gives off thousands of watts of energy: Per each square meter of the Earth’s surface, the sun gives off about 1,000 watts of energy per day.
• Solar power is a reliable energy source: When power plants and electrical grids fail, hundreds or thousands of homes can be left without power. In severe natural disasters, that could mean homes are left powerless for several days, even weeks. Solar power systems are distributed and modular, meaning they are spread out over a large geographical area and are composed of numerous solar arrays. If some of the system is damaged, the rest of the system can continue to generate power.

HOW SOLAR POWER SAVES YOU MONEY

Solar power is a good investment, not just for the future of the environment, but for your financial health. With a good return on investment, long term benefits, and significant options for cost reduction, a solar power system for your home could be one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Financial experts consider solar power systems to be a good long term investment, as it not only offers an energy cost savings, but can protect against energy cost fluctuations and add value to your home.

• Solar power offers long term savings: After the initial investment, it costs practically nothing to harness the power of the sun, but oil continues to get more expensive by the day. Most owners of solar systems will see a savings of at least $1,000 per year — that’s about $20,000 over 20 years!
• Many households significantly reduce or eliminate their electricity bill: Depending on your electricity needs and the size of the solar system you choose to install, you may be able to completely eliminate your electricity bill. Even if you do still need some traditional electricity, solar power will enable you to significantly reduce your electric costs.
• Solar panels significantly improve your resale value: Home buyers understand what a home with solar power means to them — especially because the system is already in place and they didn’t have to make the initial installation investment.
• The cost of solar energy continues to drop: While the cost of fossil fuel energy can vary depending on the day, even the hour, solar power costs continue to fall.  As more solar power systems are installed, the cost of solar power technology will continue to decrease.
• Solar power can generate income: If you’re able to produce more solar power than your home can use, you can export power to the grid. This can cause your electrical meter to run backward — and in some cases, utility providers may pay you for electricity. This is what’s known as a feed in tariff.

UNIQUE FEATURES OF SOLAR ENERGY

In addition to major environmental and energy cost benefits, solar energy offers several unique features that make it an extremely attractive option for many home owners, especially those concerned with energy security and independence. Unique benefits of solar power include:

• Low maintenance: Solar energy panels require very little maintenance. After solar panels are installed, there is only basic yearly maintenance and cleaning to keep them in good working order. Solar cells have no moving parts, and they stand up well against inclement weather.
• Consistent and constant power source: We know that every day the sun will rise and set — and we even know when it will happen. We can predict the weather and seasonal sunlight projections, so it’s easy to forecast when solar power will be plentiful. The sun often shines when we are most in need of power.
• Energy security: For homes on the electricity grid, electricity costs are tied to energy prices, which may fluctuate due to market, supply, and even political influences. Homes relying on the grid for their electricity may also be subject to blackouts and power failures. However, the sun answers to no one and it is available with no limits, offering superior energy security to those who harness its power.
• Energy independence: The sun shines whether we’re at war or in peace. This offers energy independence. While oil reserves may run out, the sun never will.
• Silent operation: Unlike noisy generators and power plants, solar panels make no noise as they create electricity from the sun.
• Low space requirements: Solar panels do not require much space, and they can be mounted almost anywhere. Most homeowners decide to mount on rooftops, where space is often wasted and it’s easy to get sunshine.
• Roof protection: It’s important that your roof is in good condition when your solar panels are installed, but keep in mind that your solar panels may offer a level of protection. Panels will cover the roof from weather, heat, and sunlight, and some homes may find that areas directly below the installed solar panels have better insulation and remain cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
• Off grid living options: In some remote areas, it is extremely expensive (and potentially cost prohibitive) to tap into the electrical power grid. With solar power systems that use a battery backup, home owners can get power off grid, saving money and eliminating the need for local electrical utilities.
• Solar panels are built to last: Most solar panels should last for about 25 years — and may even outlast your roof!
• Solar energy system inverters often last 10 years or more: While solar inverters don’t last as long as the panels themselves, they typically have a usable life span of about 10 years or more.

IS SOLAR POWER RIGHT FOR YOU?

Solar powered electrical systems are a feature that every home owner should consider. The benefits are incredible, particularly the cost savings and impact on the environment. However, there are certain factors that can make homes ideal (or not) for installing a solar power system. Consider these factors when deciding whether or not you should have a solar power system installed on your roof:

• You own your home: It’s best if you own your home, as renters are not likely to be able to install solar panels.
• Your roof has a face without too much shade: It’s best if you have one or more facing options without a lot of shade covering. We now know there is no longer the need for your panels to face true north on your home, you can achieve excellent results regardless of the direction your roof faces.
• Your roof is in good condition: Solar panels often last 25 years or more. Roofs can last that long as well, but aged roofs may need to be accessed before the solar panels are ready to be replaced as well. This can make repairing or replacing an old roof more difficult. If you’re planning to install a solar panel system and it’s time to update your roof, consider getting a new roof at the same time.
• You have significant energy bills: Home owners that have high energy usage will often see the most benefits from investing in a solar power system.