There’s no denying that solar energy seems to be the way of the future. The United States is moving towards embracing solar as a primary energy source, and big changes are underfoot.
Also, the average homeowner is much more likely to switch to solar today than they were twenty years ago. This isn’t only because they are feeling environmentally conscious. Switching to solar can actually come with many huge benefits, some of them financial.
How much can you save with solar panels? Read on, and we’ll walk you through some basic information about solar systems and their many benefits.
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Solar Panel Basics
Solar panels are made up of a large number of what are referred to as cells. These cells are made of conductive material, often out of silicone. They can harness the heat and energy of the sun.
When heat from the sun is collected, electrons move within the cell, and the result is electricity that can be converted and used in the home just like any other form of electricity.
The amount of energy that you can harness and use from a solar system depends on the size of the system. The more cells there are, the more electricity generated over the course of a single day.
It is perfectly possible for a home with an aptly sized system to be completely powered off solar energy. Excess energy that is not used can also be stored and used later, meaning you can balance out any cloudy days that might come along and take the sun away.
If you’re interested in installing solar panels on your home or property, you’ll need to ensure they are installed in a spot that is getting plenty of direct sunlight for a large portion of the day.
Many people install panels on rooftops for this reason. Solar companies in your area will most often be able to come to your property before installation and suggest where the best location might be.
Benefits of Solar Panels
There are a great many reasons why a homeowner might consider making the switch to solar. Often, we think of the switch to solar as an environmentally conscious move.
In a way, it very much is. Solar power is much healthier and better for the planet than other traditional forms of energy creation. When solar energy is harnessed, created, and converted, there are no emissions.
Solar power does not contribute to global warming.
On the other hand, the advantages of solar energy don’t end there. They can also help the average homeowner save a great deal of money over the course of many years.
If you’re sick of getting your electric bill back from the utility company and feeling cheated making, the switch might be for you. Once making the switch to solar, you’ll be able to shrink your monthly energy bill by a huge margin.
Many homeowners can save thousands of dollars over the course of a few years. They can cut down their energy consumption via the national grid by over 50%.
The solar panel cost and the installation cost will require a little bit of investment upfront. However, this investment can pay dividends as the years go by, and you become more reliant on the sun’s free power than you do the utility companies.
Once a solar panel system is installed, it shouldn’t require anything other than simple maintenance for many years. Repairs and upgrades shouldn’t be an issue, and there are no operating costs. You can enjoy the savings rolling in.
How Much Can You Save With Solar Panels?
Just how much can you actually save by making the switch to solar? That will actually depend on several factors. It won’t be the same for one homeowner as it might be for another.
It’s important to take the time to understand the factors related to savings so you can determine what to expect after making the solar switch.
First, you’ll need to determine the amount of sunlight exposure your home gets. An expert can help you to do this. There’s a chance that even the most sun-exposed part of your property still is in the shade for a good portion of the day.
This could greatly limit the amount of energy that you’ll be able to harness. The more sun you’ll get, the easier it will be to make massive savings.
You can then determine the number of solar panels you’ll need based on your current energy bills. A solar company will help figure out how big your system will need to be to create the amount of energy you’ve used to use.
The government also offers incentives and tax credits to homeowners who switch to renewable energy resources. A homeowner who switches to solar before December 2021 receives a federal tax credit and can write off a large percentage of their installation costs. This can make tax time a little more complicated, especially if you decide to do your own taxes for the year. It may be worth your while to seek out the help of an expert if things get too difficult.
There might be further incentives at the state and local levels to save more money during the process. You’ll need to look and see.
Understanding Solar Panel Savings
There are a great many reasons to make the switch to solar energy as a homeowner, including lowering your carbon footprint and saving money.
How much can you save with solar panels? While it is different from home to home, the above information clarifies how much it is possible to save from making the switch.
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