With the beginning of the new year, the collection of tax incentives and the Depreciation Law are already available. So if you're thinking about making your home more energy efficient, there's a real incentive to start saving money right now. This includes a 30 percent tax credit for solar systems.
More and more homeowners are choosing solar panels to supplement or replace their grid energy needs. Whether you want to be energy independent, opt for a backup plan in case of power outages, or just want to save some money on your monthly energy bill, the benefits of solar panels are numerous.
What is a solar panel?
Solar panels capture the sun's energy and convert it into electricity for your home. You can store excess energy in batteries or return it to the grid, resulting in a credit on your utility bill. Most residential solar panels are installed on rooftops, although they can be installed in the field or other areas that receive direct sunlight.
Panels come in different sizes and performance levels. Most residential rooftop solar panels measure about 3-1/2 feet by 5-1/2 feet and produce 250 to 300 watts of sunlight per hour. A 300-watt panel exposed to sunlight for five hours produces 1,500 watts, or 1.5 kilowatts (kW). Solar panel systems are defined by their total output per hour, so a set of ten 300-watt panels is known as 3 kilowatts.
How do solar panels work?
Residential solar power typically consists of a series of solar panels. This rectangular luminaire rests on a support frame and points in the best direction to capture sunlight.
Solar panels are photovoltaic (photo means light, galvanic means electricity). When light hits a solar cell in a panel, it excites the electrons in the cell, creating direct current (DC). The inverter converts direct current into alternating current (AC), so it can be used at home.
Most residential systems don't have a battery system big enough to run the house through the night, so your electricity bill will reflect the net power received/delivered from the mains. Known as "net metering", this technology makes solar energy more cost-effective for homeowners.
Do solar panels save money?
In the long run, solar panels will undoubtedly save most homeowners money. For other investments, such as Energy Star appliances, how long will it take for the savings to outweigh the additional upfront cost?
Most professionally installed solar systems pay for themselves in eight years, while do-it-yourself systems are much faster.
This period is due to several reasons:
- The amount of sunlight in your area.
- The cost of electricity in your area.
- Energy tax or preferential incentive.
- Is your home pre-connected to solar power?
- Roof condition before installation.
As you can see, most of these factors depend on the climate and politics of where you live. Net accounting is not available in all locations. In a region with high electricity costs and clean meters, investments in solar power will pay off quickly, even if cloudiness is higher than in the rest of the country.
Advantages and disadvantages of solar panels.
Like any technology, solar panels have their advantages and disadvantages.
Professional
Change
- High initial costs.
- Difficult to maintain and replace the roof.
- As panels and technologies age, efficiency declines.
The last point is interesting. If you are interested in the latest and greatest technology, you should be aware that your solar panels will become obsolete in a year or two after installation. Thus, the latest models may be less visible and more efficient.
Installation of solar panels.
© Mint Images/Tim Pannell/Getty ImagesConsider these factors to determine if installing solar panels is the right option for your home.
DIY vs Professional Installation
Installation of racks and solar panels is really very simple. Most home craftsmen who enjoy working on the roof can do the job. Panels can be installed independently. But depending on the size and nature of the roof, this is very easy to do with one or two helpers.
Many places require a licensed electrician to connect panels to your home. Even if you don't need a technician where you live, it's a good idea to bring an electrician with you.
When you choose a solar panel installer, you will have an experienced eye to oversee your project from start to finish. You don't have to worry about small usage calculation errors that will result in incorrect bids.
How much does a solar energy system cost?
Residential solar systems consist of three main components: panels; the shelves that hold them; And electrical cables and inverters that lead them from the panels to your home.
Each of these blocks is very different (board size and thickness, fixed or adjustable shelves, ropes or micro inverters), so you can find the one that best suits your needs and budget. All of these parts can be purchased individually, but most often you buy a kit that includes everything you need.
Installation costs vary, but expect to pay between $14,000 and $20,000 for professional installation (labor and materials) for a two-story, 5kW panel array home. A 5 kW DIY kit costs between $7,000 and $10,000 for materials alone. These figures do not include taxes or incentives to consume.
The new Depreciation Act tax credit in fall 2022 will cover 30 percent of the cost of installing a solar system in your home.
Depending on your tax situation and local incentives, your DIY savings may be less than meets the eye.
Where do we buy?
Purchase DIY kits online from specialist retailers. Look for a manufacturer that offers multiple video tutorials and support options. If you prefer to work professionally, most home improvement stores offer solar panels. Or you can go directly to the installer and request a customized package.
Solar panel repair
©terra24/Getty ImagesSince there are no moving parts, the only real maintenance of solar panels is cleaning and inspecting them.
Clear
Of course, any obstruction that blocks sunlight reduces the efficiency of the panel. Pine leaves or needles are often lost within a few days due to wind or rain. However, if you notice a persistent buildup of dirt or grime, schedule periodic cleanings. And if you live in an area with a lot of snow, you may need to clear the snow, although most homeowners expect it to melt easily.
Professional cleaning costs between $150 and $500, depending on the height, width, and number of panels. But if you're good at roofing, you can easily do it yourself. Cleaning done by you or a professional is the right time to inspect panels and ceilings.
Test
Solar panels should be checked annually to ensure there is no damage from falling branches or snow, and that the roof underneath the panels remains intact. You probably won't have any problems; Solar panels are very durable. But if you do, it's best to find out about it as soon as possible.
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