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Solar Panels - What You Need to Know Before Going Solar

Installing solar panels can be a great way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. But there are some things you should know before going solar.

First, determine how much energy is necessary to run your home or business. This will depend on factors like your roof's size and angle, local electricity rates, and how much direct sunlight you receive.

1. Lower Energy Bills

Solar panels can be a great solution in areas with high energy prices. In New Hampshire, electricity rates have shot up 40% year-over-year, according to CNET's sister site SaveOnEnergy.

Residential solar panels offer an easy solution to lower your energy bill. They generate their own power and can even send the excess back into the grid - where you may be eligible for credit).

Your solar system's energy production depends on several factors, including the number and orientation of panels and the roof type it's mounted. Your home's climate and any nearby trees or objects blocking sunlight also impact how much solar energy can be captured by your roof.

Another factor that may influence your savings is the size of your system. Larger installations are better at collecting sunlight, but their upfront cost is higher and takes longer to pay off.

Many homeowners discover that the savings from their solar panel system far outweigh any upfront expense. Most systems become financially self-sustainable within a few years, although this timeline may differ depending on your location, the size of your system, and usage patterns.

Beyond the financial gains of going solar, you'll also reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to environmental protection. Studies have demonstrated that a single home with solar panels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of planting 150 trees over its lifetime.

Solar energy is also completely sustainable and clean, capable of providing electricity, heat, and distilled water. It may even be used to generate power for homes and businesses in remote places without access to the electric grid and power satellites in space.

Solar panels not only promote environmental sustainability, but they can also add value to your home. Studies have indicated that each $1 in annual energy bill savings resulting from solar panels adds between $10 and $25 in additional value to a property.

2. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Solar power is a clean, renewable energy source that is becoming more prevalent in the United States. It produces no emissions during production, and life-cycle assessments have shown it has a lower carbon footprint than other forms of electricity generation, such as fossil fuels.

Solar still leaves a carbon footprint due to the production processes it requires. These include mining raw materials and rare earth metals, transporting them to a factory, and fabricating panels.

These steps have a considerable effect on the carbon footprint of solar panels, as they require non-renewable resources and require polluting mining operations that destroy habitat and biodiversity. Furthermore, extracting minerals and metals also causes toxic runoff that damages and scars land.

Additionally, solar power must be stored for later use. To do this, infrastructure such as transmission lines and substations must be constructed - all with a carbon footprint.

Though this might seem like an issue, there are ways to minimize a solar panel's carbon footprint. One solution is selecting a company that offers carbon offset programs that help make the panels more eco-friendly.

Another essential factor to consider is the carbon footprint of the factory that manufactures solar panel equipment. This can be difficult to calculate due to all of the variables involved in the production, such as energy usage.

Solar panels have a relatively small carbon footprint compared to other energy sources, as they don't generate electricity themselves. However, the manufacturing process itself leaves an impactful carbon footprint since producing one panel requires significant energy inputs.

Fortunately, most of the manufacturing process can be accomplished using renewable or alternative energies such as biomass and waste heat. These fuels have lower emissions than coal, making them an excellent option for reducing solar panel's overall carbon footprint.

3. Lower Maintenance Costs

Solar panels are an excellent way to power your home but they need regular upkeep. Though this may seem like a hassle, regular maintenance will extend the life of your solar panel and reduce how much energy you use.

Solar panel maintenance costs tend to be lower than traditional home energy systems. Generally, your system only needs periodic cleaning and inspections, which can be done on-site or through a professional service provider.

Furthermore, solar panels come with warranties from their manufacturer that your energy bill may cover if something goes awry. Generally, these warranties last 10 to 20 years; however, some even extend up to 25 years.

One advantage of these warranties is that they cover repair costs if your solar panels become damaged or don't produce as much energy as expected. This could save you thousands of dollars in the long run, especially if your panels aren't producing enough electricity to meet all your household's demands.

Maintain the optimal performance of your solar panels by scheduling an annual inspection and two to four panel cleanings. Most solar companies usually recommend these visits to detect any issues before they cause your panel to work less efficiently.

Consider adding a critter guard to your system in order to protect it from local wildlife chewing on wires and panels, potentially leading to costly damage. You can also buy an app that monitors solar panel performance and notifies you if it is producing less energy than expected.

The annual maintenance costs for solar panels can differ depending on your system type and whether it's flat or tilted. For instance, roof-mounted systems tend to be costlier to upkeep due to additional safety precautions needed when accessing them than ground-mounted ones do.

Fortunately, most solar companies include the cost of an annual inspection and twice-yearly panel cleanings in their installation price. So if you're a homeowner who wants to maximize the performance of your system, be sure to inquire with your solar provider about these prices so that you get the most from it.

4. Increased Home Value

Homeowners make improvements to their homes for many reasons: to enhance the quality of life, reduce utility expenses or boost resale value. They typically view solar panels as an upgrade and are willing to pay a premium for them.

Residential solar systems are becoming more and more commonplace among homeowners in many real estate markets, helping homes stand out in a competitive space. Studies suggest they could increase home value too - with some estimates indicating an additional $20,000 on top of the purchase price of a property.

Regarding solar panel systems, location, age, and size matter. Newer ones typically have higher values than older ones as they are more efficient and require fewer repairs or upkeep.

Another factor that may influence the value of a solar system is the amount of electricity it produces. Some states offer performance-based incentives that reimburse homeowners for producing energy, particularly in places with high energy rates and abundant sunshine. These rewards may be particularly advantageous to homeowners in these high-sunny climates.

When assessing the value of your solar system, other important factors to consider include its condition and whether its manufacturer provides adequate warranty protection. A quality system should be long-lasting and dependable, with minimal upkeep required to remain functional.

Solar systems range in cost depending on size and type, but homeowners often see a return on their investment through reduced energy bills. On average, homeowners save between $120-$180 per month per kilowatt of generated electricity produced.

Some states and localities provide property tax exemptions for residential solar systems. Currently, 36 states provide this benefit to homeowners and their properties.

Studies have indicated that installing a rooftop solar system can increase the value of a home by about 10%, which is higher than most other common home improvements. However, the exact amounts added depend on individual circumstances and local real estate markets. Regardless, installing a residential solar system is an advantageous endeavor.