If you’ve ever done a search for “solar companies in my area”, chances are you already have a bit of background on why converting to solar is a big decision, but almost always a good one. Although the benefits are undeniable, there are a few factors to consider before committing to an installation, not least of which is the often prohibitive cost involved. Other factors to consider are the current condition of your roof, and whether that will need any repairs before being used as a substrate for your new installation.
Why should I consider solar power over traditional options?
It is a renewable source of clean energy. Because it relies chiefly on sunlight, its fuel never runs out. Compared to oil, which depletes the earth’s resources and causes major carbon footprint issues, solar energy is clean and sustainable. It costs nothing to harness sunlight – it is simply there. Once the initial outlay of the installation has been taken care of, the gains are there for the taking!
Another benefit to look forward to is lower electricity bills. Solar power for your home costs a fraction of what electricity would cost you through a conventional utility provider. If your system is large enough to cover all your electricity needs, your usage can drop down to zero!
How do solar panels function?
Photovoltaic cells make up the bulk of what we know as solar panels. These cells absorb solar radiation and convert it into energy. Certain systems can directly convert the solar power into alternating current, for use in homes. This will require an inverter. If you are planning to go off-grid, you will need to also have a battery pack (or several) installed to store the energy that is generated by the sun.
Wires, fuses, and other peripheral components will also form part of the overall installation. You have the option of adding monitoring equipment, to track your usage. The costs of solar panels can be high, but the offset is worth it.
Your own power: worth its weight in gold
Having control over your own home energy generation and usage is a huge benefit, Not only can you power your house individually, you can even claim some of the power you generate back from the power supply company if you generate enough! It has been shown that just an hour of the midday sun is enough to account for the average electricity demand. Do the math, and you’ll see that it is far easier to save on your electricity bill than it might have seemed upfront, even taking the high initial layout costs into account.
A solar installation is also a foolproof way of adding value to your home, as it is a huge drawcard for potential buyers, who are likely to be drawn by its money-saving potential. It is green, efficient, and cost-effective. If you live in an area that is prone to power failures, having even partial access to solar-powered electricity is a great way of safeguarding yourself against power failures and outages. What’s not to love?
Solar power can even be roped in during camping trips. There are small packs available that are made to fit directly onto the RV, and even smaller ones that allow you to power items like your phone or tablet are useful during hiking trips.