What is Solar Power and How Does it Work?
Solar power harnesses energy from the sun and converts it into electricity. This is done through solar panels, which contain photovoltaic cells made from materials like silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, the absorbed energy knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow and produce an electric current.
This direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels then connects to an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity that can power your home's appliances and devices. Any excess electricity produced is fed back into the grid.
Benefits of Going Solar
-
Save money on electricity bills - Once your solar panel system is installed, you can greatly reduce or even eliminate your monthly electricity expenses.
-
Lock in lower energy rates - Electricity rates from utilities often rise over time. But with solar you essentially lock in your rate for 20-30 years by purchasing or leasing a system.
-
Increase your home's value - Solar panels can increase your home's resale value by 3-4% on average. They show you have lower energy costs.
-
Lower your carbon footprint - Solar energy does not produce greenhouse gas emissions, helping you reduce your environmental impact.
How Much Can Solar Reduce Electric Bills?
Most residential solar panel systems reduce homeowners' monthly energy bills by 40-60% on average. However, this depends on several factors:
- Your electricity usage and rates
- How much sun your area receives
- The size of the solar system you install
- Net metering and incentive policies in your state
With an optimally designed and positioned system, savings of 75% or more on monthly bills is possible in sunnier climates. But solar alone usually doesn't eliminate bills completely due to grid connection fees, remaining energy usage at night, etc.
Tips to Maximize Solar Savings
Here are some tips to slash your energy costs as much as possible with solar:
-
Evaluate your energy usage - Analyze your utility bills to understand your electricity consumption. This helps properly size your solar system.
-
Install energy efficient appliances - Reducing energy use will mean needing fewer solar panels. Upgrade items like AC units, refrigerators and lights.
-
Use solar tax credits and incentives - Take advantage of federal and local solar incentives like the ITC to reduce installation costs.
-
Choose the best panels - More efficient solar panels will harvest more energy with less space. Mono-PERC and bifacial panels are good options.
-
Get optimal positioning - Face panels south if possible and avoid shading. Tilt panels according to your latitude for best year-round production.
-
Consider battery storage - Storing excess solar energy in batteries lets you increase savings by using the self-generated power at night.
-
Sign up for net metering - Net metering programs give you credit for surplus energy fed into the grid, further reducing costs.
Overcoming Challenges to Going Solar
There are some challenges with solar, but solutions exist:
-
High upfront costs - Take advantage of financing options like loans, leases and PPAs to affordably go solar.
-
Limited space - Get vertical with wall-mounted panels or install them over parking areas. High efficiency panels can help too.
-
Not enough sun - Look for tilting or tracking systems to boost production. Lower savings expectations though.
-
Home shading - Thoughtfully prune trees or reposition panels to minimize shade obstructions.
Conclusion
While solar panels alone may not reduce energy bills by 75% for most homes as exaggerated marketing claims suggest, they still provide an excellent return on investment through significant long-term savings. With energy efficiency improvements and proper solar system design, reductions of 50% or more are very achievable.