In recent years, we have witnessed a tremendous rise in the consumption of sustainable energy sources. For example, people want to use energy-efficient sources of electricity, like solar, hydrothermal, and wind energy. One such product is a solar system for house. Many people are turning to solar panels for home to generate power without harming the ecosystem.
These devices serve various benefits which will be discussed later in this blog. A few instances include decreased electricity bills, reduced carbon footprints, and potentially greater income. However, the question is, are solar panels worth it? Yes, you should get a home solar power system immediately as these can help you harness solar energy in shocking ways! Let’s move ahead to discuss the topic further!
Understanding Solar Panels for Home Use
- What is a solar panel?
- A solar for your home is a device that harnesses solar power from the sun to generate power or electricity.
- In short, this gadget works by converting sunlight into renewable energy through heat or electricity.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
- Solar panels for home use Photovoltaics (PV), a mechanism used to convert sunlight into electricity.
- Its components include boards, batteries, and an inverter. The inverter is a conductive wire that attracts the electricity generated from the panels. Ultimately, it converts the DC (Direct Current) to useful AC (Alternating Current) electricity that we can use for running electrical appliances, lighting, turning on a water geyser, etc.
- Solar panels comprise photovoltaic cells usually made of silicon elements and grouped into larger sequences or modules.
- When light from the sun falls on these cells, the electrons start moving and electricity starts flowing.
- Other parts of solar power for home help tackle and control this electricity to make it only serve basic home purposes.
Types of Residential Solar Panels
Below are the various types of solar panels for home that are available readily:
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels, also known as mono panels, are made from a single crystal. These are the best and most generic types of solar panels for home because they’re the most energy-efficient devices and suitable for roofs with restricted spaces. Their higher efficiency is perfect for homes with higher energy needs.
There are two types of monocrystalline panels:
Passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) panels:
PERC panels are most commonly used for rooftop attachments. They have an extra conductive layer on the posterior of their PV cells to increase energy absorption.
Bifacial panels:
Bifacial panels can absorb light on both sides and at a higher rate than PERC solar boards. These solar panels for house are typically set aside for ground-staged systems that expose both faces of the panels. Bifacial panels are also used on shades, shelters, and highly reflective white merchant roofs.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline panels are made using previous solar mechanisms. Thus, they’re cheaper than the modern monocrystalline variant. However, because the technology is obsolete, polycrystalline panels are less efficient than their modern counterpart.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin-film solar cells are less effective than monocrystalline and polycrystalline variants. Because of their lower efficiency, they are more often used in large industrial solar attachments in which space is not a barrier. Thin-film panels can also be good for small solar projects, such as fueling a boat, and small commercial buildings with thin metal roofs, such as a warehouse.
Benefits of Installing Solar Panels at Home
- One of the greatest benefits of solar panels is their low maintenance needs and upfront costs. You need to pay only once when installing a solar for your home.
- Furthermore, these come with a high lifespan of more than 20 years and offer a great ROI when maintained well.
- These are some of the safest forms of solar energy generation that save money on utility bills. It means you will never get higher electricity bills once you start using them!
- Many regions have net metering programs that allow you to benefit from unused energy. That means homeowners get credits for the electricity they add to the grille from their panels.
- Every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar power generated by your panels can help discourage greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2, and toxic pollutants like sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and impure matter.
- As per the latest reports, consumers will get a 30% allied tax credit just for installing solar panels in their homes! Many states also offer discounts for the same.
Factors to Consider Before Investing in Solar Panels
Wondering if getting solar panels for home is worth it? Continue reading:
Crystal-Clear View of the Southern Sky
A solar panel will need a direct view of the sun in a clear sky. If your house is located in a clustered residential society or is surrounded by trees that block sunlight, you shouldn’t get a panel!
Regional Electricity Rates
Electricity rates are different in distinct countries. Knowing your local pricing will help you get a better home solar power system for yourself.
Solar System Size
Do you have a large house and wish to nullify 100% of your electrical power usage? Then, you’d need more solar panels! These will ultimately increase your electricity bills.
Frequency of Power Fluctuation
If you witness frequent power failure due to stormy weather, you’d need an extra power backup to utilize electricity during the power downtime. It is, again, an extra expense!
Leasing or Purchasing
People who buy solar panels will avail of tax benefits since they own the system. However, leasing the system would though result in lower upfront expenses but you won’t be eligible for those tax incentives.
Case Studies and Success Stories
Still confused if you should get solar for your home? Here are some real-life examples and expectations of homeowners who successfully installed solar panels for house:
- Keabetswe: “I never thought I'd be able to afford solar, but after seeing the savings on my electricity bill, I'm a believer. Thanks for making it so easy to switch to solar!”
- Greenville community in Massachusetts: Facing frequent power cuts and restricted access to electricity, the society united to implement solar panel kits on public buildings. The venture not only provided a trusted source of energy but also induced community development.
With enough energy generated, the community was able to power streetlamps and offer billing stations for electric vehicles, instilling a sustainable and resilient environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, there are several benefits of installing solar panels for home, such as reducing electricity bills, availing of tax benefits, etc. Many homeowners know this and also want to turn to renewable sources of power to stop exploiting fossil fuels. These panels are of different types, each working on distinct principles.
Need solar power for home? Apexmart is here at your service! We’re leading providers of solar panels in Botswana and have catered to millions of homeowners already at deadly discounts. Hurry, visit us now!