Lets write about Grid-tied solar panel systems. The majority of today’s solar power systems do not required a lot of maintenance. Residential solar panels usually only require cleaning a couple of times a year. Serious solar manufacturers ship 20- or 25-year warranties with their solar panels. Technological advancements are constantly being made in the solar power industry. Innovation in nanotechnology and quantum physics has the potential to triple the electrical output of solar panels.
Is solar power really expensive? This is probably the most debatable aspect on the entire solar energy pros and cons list. The driving forces behind the development of solar energy are rooted in politics. Solar power is incentivized to compete against other energy sources on the market. On the other hand, the U.S. government, similarly to the rest of the world, provides incentives to every major energy production market – not just solar.
Installing a solar power system on your home means you can lock in a price of energy for at least the 25 year life of the solar panels. You know how much energy the solar panels will produce so that once you get an accurate price quote you know exactly how much each kilowatt-hour of energy will cost you over the next 25 years. Many consumers are now able to get a levelized cost of energy of $0.10 per kilowatt hour. When you compare this to the average amount you will pay to your utility for power over the next 25 years, the average consumer with a $150 per month power bill can see savings in the range $30,000 over the life of a solar system. The monthly savings don’t start out being huge, perhaps only $50 per month but in the 25th year it can reach savings of $300 per month. You can use this solar savings calculator to check what your savings will be based on usage and utility rates.
Solar panels (also known as photovoltaic panels) are installed on your home. The solar panels convert light (photons) into electricity (voltage). Each panel is connected to a microinverter that changes the electric current from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current). Each microinverter operates independently of the others so that if one stops working your system is still generating maximum power. The microinverters are also connected to a communication hub that is connected to the internet. Information is sent to our monitoring system that allows us, and you, to know when one of your microinverters is not working properly. The software allows you to see how much energy you are generating and how much you are using.
During the solar installation process, your conduit and inverter will be set in place prior to mounting the solar panels. We will then fit the roof anchors and attach the frame to securely hold the solar panels in place. After wiring the panels, the inverter, and finally your home, final inspection will be performed. After the inspection, you’ll have solar energy powering your home with a simple flip of a switch.
At SunKey Energy we stay on top of all of the solar energy rebates and incentives available. When we prepare a price quote for you, we will also advise you of the rebates and incentives to which you are entitled including the 30% Federal Tax Credit and any incentives offered by your local utility company. Read more info on Solar energy switch advices.