10 Burning Questions About Solar Energy

It seems like everywhere you look these days solar panels are being installed on rooftops around the world. Why do we see t?

It seems like everywhere you look these days solar panels are being installed on rooftops around the world. Why are we seeing recent interest in the creation and generation of solar energy?

Solar energy is becoming more and more affordable, mainly because the cost of generating conventional energy is rising. Tax credits for solar use are increasing across the country. In addition, with the introduction of popular metering programs, solar energy has become profitable for both consumers and utility companies.

If you're one of the many people thinking about going solar this year, you probably have a thousand questions running through your mind. How to clean solar panels? How do solar panels work at night, when it's raining or snowing, and how do solar panels clear snow after a storm? If I have solar panels, can a hurricane kill my electricity? Can solar flares cause blackouts? Well, wonder no more as we have all the answers to your solar energy questions.

1. Will the power outage affect solar consumers?

The short answer to this question depends on the type of solar power system you choose.

When installing a home solar panel system, you have three options: direct connection to the public grid, grid connection with battery backup, or a completely off-grid system. An off-grid system or battery backup will prevent power loss during a lightning storm, even if neighbors are struck. "Connect to public network only" will only shut down when the community network goes down. Let's take a closer look at these options.

Public network connections only. With this setup, the grid-tied solar inverter connects directly to the grid and feeds off the energy generated by your panels. If there is a power outage in your community, the inverter has no way of supplying your home with electricity directly, as it is completely dependent on the public grid. But this arrangement has a positive side. If you have a public grid connection system, you can use local metering with your local utility company. Net metering allows you to get credit for excess solar energy generated by your panel system.

Public network connection with battery backup. in this setup you have two inverters: grid inverter and battery inverter. When the public grid goes out, your system switches to a battery backup system powered by a solar panel-based inverter. However, keep in mind that since all of your home's electricity comes from batteries and not from the utility grid, you will have a limited power reserve that you can use until it returns to the grid.

Completely offline system. direct solar conversion and battery arrays are the only source of energy to power your home in this setup. Your solar panel battery inverter powers a battery bank that is used to power your home when direct solar power is not available (eg at night or in bad weather). Completely off the grid, your home's energy consumption becomes completely independent of the service infrastructure and reduces people's impact on the environment.

2. How do solar panels work at night?

Solar cells absorb the sun's photons and convert them into electricity. When there are no photons to absorb from the sun, such as at night, the panels have no energy to convert. Technically, the panels will absorb moonlight because sunlight reflects off the moon. However, the energy received directly from the moonlight is only 0.3 percent of the energy produced by the panels during the day - not enough to power your home at all.

To supply your home with electricity at night, you need to connect to the public grid or end up collecting solar panels. If your system uses battery backup, your home's energy needs can be met for a limited time by the excess energy the panels draw during the day. When your system returns to direct power consumption during the day, your solar inverter can return to operation the following night by recharging the battery.

3. Does the solar panel work when it rains?

"Can solar panels work in the rain?" This is a common question among potential solar panel owners, especially if you live in an area that receives a lot of rain. As long as the sun's photon energy is able to reach the panel, your solar panel system will absorb the energy and convert it into electricity. However, the amount of energy converted will be significantly less than what your panels can absorb and convert on sunny days - about 80% less to be exact.

4. Can solar flares damage solar panels?

Solar panel technology is becoming increasingly advanced and consumer oriented. One area of progress is the ability to withstand different environmental influences. Solar flares do not damage solar panels, but they can damage major electrical components, especially if the system is connected to the public grid. The best way to protect your system is to use a surge protector or purchase a certified EMP proof inverter.

5. How to clean solar panels?

Solar panels require minimal maintenance, including periodic cleaning depending on the environment. If your home is in an area with moderate rainfall, your panels will need to be cleaned frequently. You'll want to clean the panels yourself periodically to remove accumulated rain that won't wash off. However, if you have a warranty or lease, check the manufacturer's documentation first. If your panels are installed to safely reach, there are a few steps to clean them.

How to clean solar panels

Release the panel before cleaning.
Clean the panel with a soft cloth or brush.
Wash the panels with water (use a low pressure setting if using a hose).
For stubborn stains or buildup, use mild soap and water to clean the specific area, then rinse thoroughly with water.

If you can't reach the panel safely, have it professionally cleaned.

6. Does snow damage solar panels? What is the best way to clear snow from my solar panel?

Normal snow doesn't damage solar panels, so if you're concerned about the physical protection of your panels, you don't need to remove them. If your concern is increased energy production, weigh the risks and energy savings before you start removing snow from your panels. Since it snows in the winter, cleaning can be more trouble than it should be; Due to the lower solar angle and solar exposure hours, the average solar energy production during winter days is much lower than during summer days.

It's important to remember that every panel is affected by even the slightest overlap or shadow. For efficient solar energy generation, the panels must be completely, not partially, free of snow; another reason snow removal from solar panels is rarely useful. Additionally, clearing snow from solar panels can be tiring, physically demanding, and even dangerous.

If you decide to remove snow from your solar panels, make sure you do it safely. Use a snow removal product that is safe for solar panels, such as a snow shovel designed for rooftop solar panels. If you rent panels through a solar company, contact them before removing snow from the panels. They may contain specific requirements that, if not met, may void your warranty or service contract.

If you are worried about snowflakes sliding off the solar panel, you can install a solar panel snow guard. This snow guard will slowly break the snow into small pieces or keep it in panels so it melts naturally.

7. What is solar panel repair and is it expensive?

Solar panels are designed to last 20 years or more with minimal maintenance. The recommended inspection once or twice a year is sufficient to ensure that the panels are in good condition and intact. Most systems have monitoring devices that show the performance and power of each of your panels over time. Use this monitoring system in addition to annual inspections to make sure your panels are working properly. If you bought or leased your panels through a company, your contract should specify maintenance requirements and costs.

8. Will hail damage the solar panels?

Yes, hail can damage solar panels, but it's rare. That's because manufacturers design and test their panels for hail damage by testing them against inches of hail. It took a good storm to remove it.

Most home insurance policies provide replacements if the panels are damaged by hail.

9. Do solar panels increase home value?

Many people want to install solar panels to add value to their home. Solar panels typically increase a home's value by four percent or more, according to data compiled by Zillow. In some states, the impact of solar panels on home values has increased by more than nine percent. However, each area and factor related to home value will be different.

10. Should I rent my solar panels?

Deciding whether to buy or lease solar panels is one of the first things you'll face when considering a home solar system, and your best choice will depend on your preferences. Pre-purchased panels are often a better option, as you can benefit from the system owner's savings on government-funded solar panels. However, it can take up to 10 years from the time the panels are purchased to pay back the investment. If you're more interested in seeing useful monthly savings or don't have the money for a large initial investment, leasing may be a good option for you.