Solar on the Rise
Residential solar power has been on the rise for many years now, that much is clear. Just as hybrid and electric cars have caught fire in the market place, so have residential solar panels. With this new and ever-evolving technology, comes a whole host of questions, both complex and more straightforward. Because of this, many homeowners still have questions about the effectiveness and value of installing a rooftop solar array.
Further, there are also questions related to installation itself as well as long-term effectiveness of solar panels. Homeowners are interested in recouping their solar panel investments via savings on their monthly bill, and they want their homes to maintain, or increase, their value over time. In this post, we’ll address these and other common concerns so you can purchase residential solar power with confidence.
How Will Cloudy Days Impact My Solar Power Production? Do I Lose Money When It’s Overcast?
A cloudy day will tend to result in lower power production, but you will still generate electricity with your solar panels. Generally speaking, cloudy-day power generation will fall short of a sunny day by approximately 10-25% depending on cloud thickness, etc. However, some panels are designed to work better with diffuse light and are a better choice if you live in the Pacific Northwest, for example.
My House Is Next To A Tall Stand Of Trees. Is There A Solution?
When trees or other structures block the sun, residential solar panels aren’t very effective. In fact, they aren’t very effective at all. However, you might consider installing panels on a stand-alone structure in a sunny patch of your yard instead. Installers set a concrete pad in the yard, onto which they mount a pole that holds your panels aloft. If the panels are low enough, you will also create a shady spot for summertime recreation.
How Long Will My Solar Panels Last?
Solar panels, like many other forms of energy technology, eventually wear out. Your solar panels will begin to lose efficiency after approximately 25 years. Along the way, you may also have to replace your solar power system’s micro and central inverters.
Will I Need To Install a Large Battery To Use My Solar Panels?
In a word, the answer is no. Your solar array will connect to the existing power grid and send energy out for use elsewhere. The power you generate will offset what you use, and thus save you on your monthly energy bill. Check with your local utility to see how they reimburse for power that’s returned to the grid, as not all states have the same kind of net metering program available. Some will match your power based on the consumer price, while others reimburse a percentage of the retail, matching their wholesale cost.
Why Is It Important To Install Solar Panels?
The first reason to install solar for many homeowners if a financial one: in most cases, you will save on your monthly power bill. The second reason is typically that you will be part of an energy revolution.
Old-fashioned coal-powered plants pollute the environment far too much to be considered sustainable. Emerging technologies, including electric vehicles, are sure to over-tax that dated infrastructure. Thus, we need to start producing electrical energy using more efficient, cleaner technology, and solar already has a leading edge.
The Future of Residential Solar Power
Solar cell and solar panel technology continues to advance all the time. In fact, Toyota has recently even unveiled prototype electric cars that integrate solar collection into their exterior body construction. In other developments, there are now translucent solar films that turn ordinary windows into small power plants.
The truth is – there’s really no telling what advances will arise next in the world of solar power. In its own way, each residential solar power investment propels us a little bit further into the future. And perhaps most importantly, the energy savings you reap today will enable you to keep up with tomorrow’s advances, in solar and beyond.