Your Guide to Understanding Solar Energy and the Benefits

Solar energy has been steadily increasing in popularity for a number of years now. But how does solar energy power homes and commercial properties, and what perks does it offer? Find out everything about solar energy, from how solar panels generate power to the various applications available and financial incentives that make the switch more accessible.

What Is a Solar Panel, and How Are They Designed?

Solar panels absorb and redirect photons, turning sunlight into electricity. The panels are made up of small PV cells made of silicon, a type of semiconductor. These cells take in sunlight and create electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Here’s how it works:

  1. The PV cells capture photons, the particles of light emitted by the sun.
  2. The energy from the photons excites electrons within the silicon material, causing the electrons to detach and move freely.
  3. The excited electrons begin moving in one direction, creating a flow of direct current (DC) electricity.
  4. A panel’s inverter changes the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity to to provide power for appliances and electronics.

Solar Energy Can Be Applied in Many Ways

Solar energy can be used in numerous ways, including:

  • Residential use: Solar panels are increasingly common on residential roofs, where they soak up sunlight and generate electricity for the family below. Similarly, solar water heaters can provide hot water for daily use.
  • Commercial properties: Large solar arrays can be installed on flat rooftops and even the facades of tall buildings to cut a commercial building’s HVAC and other monthly energy costs. Reduced overhead helps free up more money that business owners can put back in the property.
  • The EV industry: Solar-powered battery charge stations for electric vehicles are becoming more prevalent. Solar energy is regarded as the greenest way to make these cars a truly emission-free form of transportation.
  • Solar farms: Large-scale solar farms create significant amounts of electricity, contributing large quantities of energy to the municipal electrical grid to support a community’s energy needs. Compact community solar projects are also feasible, allowing numerous families to enjoy the benefits of a single solar installation.

How Solar Panels Work with the Grid

Solar panels are easily capable of and regularly produce more electricity than needed. But due to a process called net metering, any additional energy is fed back to the electrical grid. Homeowners earn credits from a local utility company for your solar panels’ surplus power, which is used for future electric bills. Provided you remain grid-tied, your home can draw power from there if the solar panels don’t create adequate electricity, such as overnight or on days with lots of cloud cover, guaranteeing a consistent energy supply.

Solar-Powered Backup Battery Systems

Installing solar batteries is another way to still use solar energy on days when the sun isn’t shining. Instead of delivering excess electricity to the grid, batteries store it for your personal use later on. If you’ve always wanted to be energy independent, solar panels are the answer.

Benefits of Solar Panel Installation

Solar energy is an attractive option for residential and commercial properties alike. Here’s why:

  • Sustainable source or energy: Solar energy is highly efficient and environmentally friendly. Adding solar panels sharply decreases dependence on fossil fuels and even slashes your total environmental impact for cleaner air and a more sustainable planet.
  • More savings: Many homeowners and businesses are eligible for utility rebates and tax credits that help reduce solar installation costs. PV panels also substantially decrease or even remove your electricity bills, particularly when you participate in net metering.
  • Longevity and low maintenance: Solar panels remain functional for between 25 to 30 years on average. These systems have few maintenance needs, so you’ll have reliable energy production with minimal upkeep.
  • Increased home value: Homes featuring solar energy systems typically sell faster and at a higher overall price than those that don’t. Potential buyers are drawn to the long-term energy savings and environmental footprint of solar power. At the same time, you may obtain a property tax exemption on the value the installed solar panels add to your home.

Solar Financing Options

If there isn’t enough on-hand cash to cover the solar panels outright, you could take advantage of one of these financing options:

  • Solar loans enable homeowners to pay for their solar panel costs including installation. Affordable installments are further mitigated by the energy savings the finished solar system will create.
  • Solar leases offer another alternative to purchasing. Homeowners pay a fixed monthly fee to lease solar panels. The installation company retains control and responsibility for the system.
  • Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) consist of an agreement to purchase the electricity produced by solar panels for a set cost below market utility rates.

Go Solar with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

If you’ve decided solar energy will be the best solution for your home, choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to help with installation. Our ACE-certified professionals deliver Expert advice, quicker installation times and affordable financing options all guaranteed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about the benefits of solar energy or to request an estimate, contact us at 954-736-4314 today!

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