An Expert Guide to Demystifying Solar Energy and the Benefits

Solar energy has been steadily increasing in popularity for years now. But how does solar energy power homes and commercial properties, and what benefits does it offer? Learn everything about solar energy, from how solar panels work to the various applications available and financial incentives that make installation more affordable.

What Is a Solar Panel, and How Do They Work?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. This is possible through photovoltaic cells made from silicon, a mineral ideal for use as a semiconductor. The PV cells take in sunlight and generate electricity by way of the photovoltaic effect. This is how it works:

1. The PV cells absorb photons, the particles of light produced by the sun.
2. The photons’ energy excites electrons inside the silicon semiconductor, causing the electrons to break loose and move around.
3. The energized electrons begin moving in one direction, creating a flow of direct current (DC) electric power.
4. The inverter changes the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity to to provide power for appliances and electronics.

Applications of Solar Energy

Solar energy is useful in several ways, including:

• Residential use: Solar panels are increasingly common on residential rooftops, where they soak up sunlight and generate electricity for the house below. Likewise, solar water heaters can provide hot water for daily use.
• Commercial properties: Larger solar arrays can be installed on flat rooftops and high-rise facades to lower a commercial building’s HVAC and other electric costs. Reduced overhead frees up resources that the company’s owners can reinvest into the property.
• Transportation: Solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles have become much more common. Solar energy is known as the cleanest option for making these cars a truly zero-emission form of transportation.
• Solar farms: Industrial-scaled solar farms generate substantial amounts of electricity, feeding enough power into the municipal electrical grid to support a community’s energy needs. Smaller community solar projects are also feasible, allowing multiple households to share the benefits of a single solar installation.

How Solar Panels Interact with the Grid

Solar panels are easily capable of and regularly produce more electricity than is used by the property. But thanks to a process called net metering, any excess energy goes back to the electrical grid. Homeowners receive credits from a local utility company for any excess power, which applies toward future electric bills. As long as you remain grid-tied, your home can draw power from there in situations where the solar panels don’t generate sufficient electricity, like over the night or on cloudy days, ensuring a constant supply of electricity.

Backup Battery Systems

Installing solar batteries allows you to continue using solar energy even when the sun isn’t shining. Instead of sending extra electricity to the grid, batteries store it for your personal use at a later time. If you’ve always dreamed of energy independence, solar panels are the answer.

The Advantages of Solar Panel Systems

Solar energy is an attractive option for homeowners and commercial properties alike. Here’s a few reasons why:

• Environmental benefits: Solar energy is renewable and sustainable. Installing solar panels reduces dependence on fossil fuels and even slashes your carbon footprint for cleaner air and a healthier planet.
• Financial benefits: Homes and businesses with solar panel systems are eligible for utility rebates and tax credits that help offset solar installation costs. PV panels also greatly reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills, particularly when you participate in net metering.
• Longevity and low maintenance: Solar panels last about 25 to 30 years as a general rule of thumb. These systems require minimal maintenance, so expect steady energy production with very little upkeep.
• Increased home value: Homes featuring solar energy systems typically sell faster and at higher prices than those that don’t. Efficiency-minded buyers are attracted to the long-term energy savings and environmental sustainability of solar power. Additionally, you may qualify for a property tax exemption on the increased value solar panels provide for your home.

Financing a Solar Energy System

If you don’t have enough cash to cover the solar panels outright, you could try one of these financing options:

• Solar loans enable homeowners to finance their solar panel costs including installation. Low monthly payments are further mitigated by the energy efficiency the system will generate.
• Solar leases offer another alternative to purchasing. Homeowners pay a fixed monthly fee to lease solar panels. The contractor maintains ownership and responsibility for the system.
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are an agreement to purchase the electricity produced by solar panels for a predetermined cost below market utility rates.

Go Solar with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If you’ve decided solar energy is the right solution for your home, choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to help you navigate the process. Our ACE-certified professionals offer Expert advice, faster installation times and affordable financing options all backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. For even more on the potential benefits of solar energy or to request an estimate, contact us at 866-397-3787 today!