The sun is one of the most ubiquitous things in many people's lives. It's there whether you think about it or not, it sparkles and shines effortlessly. Unsurprisingly, more and more homeowners are turning to solar power to generate electricity for their homes. The appeal is undeniable: who doesn't want to control their energy consumption, especially when winter and summer become increasingly unpredictable?
But is solar power right for your home?
[ See: 10 Ways to Save Energy and Lower Your Bills ]
How do internal solar systems work?
You've probably seen solar panels installed on houses in your neighborhood or standing together in large fields like flat cattle on super smooth solar farms. If you want to invest in technology, it is important to know more about them than what they are like. Solar panels are very simple devices that take energy from the sun to perform some pretty complex processes.
"Solar panels are arrays of solar or photovoltaic (PV) cells that are used to generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect," says Jay Radcliffe, president of Renu Energy Solutions in Charlotte, North Carolina. "The light particles allow electrons to break away from atoms, creating an electrical current. A solar panel is made up of a pattern of grid cells that form a larger unit.
When connected together, a group of solar panels generates electricity and feeds it to an inverter that converts solar energy from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Once inside your home, the energy is consumed by devices that actively use electricity. Unused electricity continues to flow from it to the meter and into the larger power grid. You usually have an agreement with your utility company to purchase excess power for a fixed rate.
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Advantages and disadvantages of the indoor solar system.
The choice of solar power is a very personal decision for homeowners and should not be taken lightly. The solar panels you buy today can last 20-25 years on your home and can earn you a higher score.
For example, many home buyers find a solar system to be an interesting and useful upgrade to a potential home, but only if the system is purchased, not rented.
“A 10-kilowatt solar system will increase the value of your home by about $60,000 or more in today's market. For every kilowatt, the national average is $5,911, which is 4.1% of the gross resale value of each home,” says Pamer Tricoli. Beach County, Fla. Intermediary associated with the real estate group. But of course there are downsides for both buyers and sellers. Some people may not like the aesthetics or think the solar system is just another maintenance headache. They require constant maintenance to function at their best.
"Solar panels need to be cleaned every few years," says Hubert Miles, owner of HomeInspectionInsider.com in Boston, Massachusetts. "Over time, dirt and other buildup on the panels can reduce their effectiveness."
When deciding whether or not to get sun exposure in the first place, cost can be a big issue. Many people opt for DIY home projects to save labor costs, but DIY solar systems are not easy.
Although a limited number of systems can be installed as a DIY kit, it is recommended, and in some cases required by the company, that the entire home system be installed by a licensed general contractor and electrician. ”, explains Radcliffe.
What is the real cost of a solar installation?
Indoor solar systems are custom designed for the home and can vary in price based on the structure of the roof, the amount of energy used in the home, the orientation of the roof, and many other factors. There are different incentives available depending on where you live and when you purchase your system.
“Our average PV contract amount in 2021 was $30,945, which is true year-to-date, and will continue to rise due to material costs,” Radcliffe said.
Once you have purchased a solar system, you may have to incur additional costs from your insurance company. Although these are usually covered by homeowners insurance, you should tell your insurance company that you have a system that increases the replacement value of your home. Be sure to check with your agent before you buy.
“Solar panels can be included in home insurance once they are installed to include them in the home coverage plan,” says Radcliffe. “This is one more step a homeowner should take to inform their homeowners about adding a solar system.
"Coverage options vary by insurance company, so if what's included in your policy is important to you, it's important to know your options before installing a system." of God, such as a fire or a hurricane, that is outside the manufacturer's or installer's warranty coverage.
Where does the solar system make sense?
Solar systems can be installed anywhere the sun shines, but that doesn't mean where the sun shines you'll get the best return on your solar investment. According to Miles, even the most remote northern regions, including Alaska, could benefit from solar panel systems as long as additional power sources are available for the long, dark winters.
Aside from Alaska, there are few parts of America where sunlight is included. Regions with good sun exposure, as well as states with good incentives and no sun exposure.
"The southwestern United States is the best place for solar panels because they get more sunlight," Radcliffe said. "However, my state, North Carolina, for example, ranks fourth in solar production according to the Solar Energy Industry Association. The combination of high solar exposure, net metering, and many consumer and environmental incentives make Carolina North a very good state for solar energy.
Need to replace your roof before you head out into the sun?
Since most traditional solar systems are installed on roofing materials to maximize sunlight, an important roof question often arises: should you replace it first?
[ Read : What to consider before fixing your roof.]
"There's no rule about replacing the roof before installing solar panels," Miles says. "It depends on the condition of your roof and the durability of your solar panels. If your roof is in good condition and you expect your solar panels to last 20 years or more, you may not need to replace the roof. However, if your roof is old or weak, replace it before you install solar panels." It might be reasonable. Removing and reinstalling solar panels can cost $10,000 or more, depending on the number of panels and the complexity of the system.
The good news is that if you need a new roof before your solar system goes live, many solar panels can help. A federal tax incentive is available to help pay for part of your new roof if it is considered part of a solar panel installation.
“Most solar installers provide a roof or have a partner company that can repair or replace the roof prior to installation,” says John Harper, director of marketing for Green Home Systems in Northridge, California. A tax credit can be used, so that's a great thing. When using the sun it is time to replenish it. A new roof."
Going to the sun is a personal choice.
While there are many compelling reasons to switch to solar power, from lowering your carbon footprint to lowering your home electricity bill to reducing reliance on local utility companies, solar panel systems aren't for everyone either. homes.
For example, if you don't have a big house and don't use a lot of energy, you don't want to buy something else that requires care and maintenance. Or, if you anticipate that your usage will change significantly in the short term, you may want to wait until that change occurs to determine long-term energy consumption before designing your system.
Regardless of your family's situation, choosing solar should be a carefully considered decision because you'll be committed to it for the long haul.
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