The movement towards renewable energy is not only a trend, but also a natural evolution in how we power our lives, and in the systems we use to move electricity. Out of all the myriad systems available, solar energy has the biggest potential, which is why we’re going to focus on it. Because of its widespread accessibility and effectiveness, enough solar energy production could have a massive impact on our country. This article will help you learn more about installing solar, and hopefully guide you towards a better understanding of its benefits and how to implement them at home. Whether you’re a homeowner who wants to make the switch or someone wondering about solar energy, this piece is for you.
Table of Contents:
– Understanding the basics of solar installation
– The cost and incentives of going solar
– The environmental impact of solar energy
– Maintenance and longevity of solar panels
– Choosing the right solar installation provider
Understanding the basics of solar installation
Solar installation means more than just sticking a few panels on your roof. It’s a process that includes an evaluation of your energy needs, the design of a system to meet your requirements, and connecting it to your existing electrical infrastructure. The first step is a site visit, where an expert will evaluate your property to see if it’s a good fit for solar power. Roof condition, orientation, and shading from trees are the most important factors in determining your system’s potential efficiencies.
A system design is proposed at the end of the assessment, including how many panels are needed, and where best to place them. This is an important step. It will determine, to a great extent, how efficient the system will be and how much energy you actually end up saving. After this assessment, comes the physical installation of the panels, inverters and all other pieces of equipment, before we can connect it to the grid.
The cost and incentives of going solar
The cost of installing solar can be quite high upfront. However, when we look at it over time as a way to save on our energy bills, this initial cost is drastically mitigated. The cost is also offset by lots of incentives and rebates that governments and local utilities roll out to encourage people to use renewable energy. These financial incentives make solar energy economically viable for many homeowners because they bring the payback period down so much.
Also, the price of solar technology is dropping because of manufacturing improvements and market competition. Rising electricity prices are making the price of a solar installation all the more appealing. Solar loans and leasing also make it more viable for more households to sunshine their way to lower electric bills.
The environmental impact of solar energy
It is a fiscally responsible thing to select solar energy but it is also a noble service to the planet. Putting solar panels on your roof, allows you to generate your own electricity and reduces your household’s carbon footprint. You can better serve the environmental battle to curb the effects of global warming by relying on solar to make electricity.
Aside from carbon reduction, then, solar energy can save water. Power generation from food crops or coal requires gigantic cooling ponds and emits a great deal of water during the process – a solar panel, by contrast, uses none. And because solar power is easily generated at a small scale, it doesn’t require huge transmission grids, thus saving critical habitat and land.
Maintenance and longevity of solar panels
One appealing aspect of solar panels is their robustness and their long-term low maintenance needs. Most systems are manufactured to withstand all but the most extreme weather conditions: snow, ice, hail and high winds are very rarely a problem. The only routine maintenance required is to keep the panels clean so that they will function with maximum efficiency. In areas where there is little dust or pollution, rain itself will wash the panels without additional input.
Another plus is their longevity. Solar panels have warranties of up to 25 years and more, while their efficiencies are likely to remain high for most or even all of that period. In a system that requires virtually no maintenance, the savings will continue to accumulate for decades to come.
Choosing the right solar installation provider
Choosing a reputable solar installation provider and a reliable system that is optimised with inverters, intelligent NEXTracker mounts and other technologies can ensure that you get the benefits that you are looking for from your solar project. An ideal provider will handle every stage of the process, from the initial assessment and design to the installation and follow-up service. The company should be clear about the costs, deadlines and the output of the system.
To help set your mind at ease, and to make sure you’re getting a great installation, be sure to ask about their certifications, experience, and check past customer reviews before settling on a provider. Request detailed quotes from multiple companies, so you know what type of service you’re getting, and what you should expect to pay. A good provider will help you feel confident that you’re making the right choice, and will be there to guide and support you throughout the process, and beyond.
Conclusion:
Photo by Benjamin Graham-White/WattshopA solar installation represents a bold step towards a green lifestyle and an opportunity to achieve greater energy independence. If you’re considering installing solar at your house, you might wonder where to begin. What are the basics? How much will it cost? How much will it help the environment? How long will it last? How do you choose a system and a provider? The good news is that solar energy holds the potential for a sustainable energy future for our entire planet, and it can be a win/win for your house too. With the right approach, solar makes a lot of sense – and getting started is within reach.
