Why Do People Install Solar Panels In Their Homes?
Solar panels are a popular choice for those looking to reduce their dependence on traditional forms of energy.
Solar panels rely on photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity, which can then be used to power your home. In addition to being environmentally friendly, solar panels can also save you money on your energy bill. The initial cost of installing solar panels can be significant, but the long-term savings can make it a worthwhile investment.
Solar panel systems also have the advantage of being relatively maintenance-free, unlike other forms of renewable energy, such as wind turbines.
Residential homes are not the only ones benefiting from solar panels: businesses and public buildings can also install them.
What’s Impressive About Solar Power?
Solar power is the most abundant energy resource on Earth. 173,000 terawatts of solar energy hits the Earth’s surface every single second. That’s 10,000 times more power than the world uses in a day!
Solar energy is also sustainable and renewable. It can be used over and over again without damaging the environment. And, it’s getting cheaper to capture and convert every year.
How Exactly Does Solar Power Work?
Solar power is created when the solar panels absorb the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity.
Solar panels are composed of many small solar cells that are connected. When the sun’s rays hit the solar cells, they knock electrons loose from their atoms. This process, called the photovoltaic effect, generates a flow of electricity.
The electricity can then be used to power homes and businesses or stored in batteries for later use.
Because it requires no fuel and emits no pollution, solar power is a desirable option for those looking to reduce their energy use impact on the environment.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Solar panels are designed to last for many years, with most manufacturers offering a warranty of 20 to 25 years.
However, the lifespan of a solar panel depends on several factors, including the type of panel, the quality of the materials used, and the environment in which it is installed.
In general, however, solar panels will continue to produce electricity for many years after their warranty expires. While the exact lifespan of a solar panel is hard to predict, it is safe to say that it will provide many years of clean, renewable energy.
What Are Some Advantages Of Using Solar Power?
As mentioned above, one of the main advantages of solar power is that it is environmentally friendly. Solar panels have a minimal carbon footprint and do not produce greenhouse gasses.
Unlike fossil fuels, solar power is a renewable resource that will never run out. In addition, solar panels are relatively maintenance-free. Their long lifespan means they do not contribute to significant landfill, and most of the materials used to create them are recyclable.
- Other benefits of solar power include:
- Increases the value of your home
- Can provide energy security in case of a power outage
- Create jobs in the solar industry
- Significant reduction of your energy bill
How Much Space Does A Solar Panel System Need?
It depends on the size of your solar panel system. A typical residential solar panel system consists of several panels, each about the size of a sheet of plywood.
Generally, the standard size of solar panel is between 65 inches by 35 inches. The size of your overall system will depend on how much space you have to install panels and how much money you want to invest.
The average cost of a residential solar power system is between $15,000-$25,000, but it truly is dependent on your specific configuration and the amount of space you have available for installation.
Do Solar Panels Need A Lot Of Maintenance?
This is what makes solar panels so attractive to people. They do not need a lot of maintenance. You might have to clean the panels occasionally, but that is about it.
Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to maintain your solar panels correctly.
In addition, it is also a good idea to dust off your solar panels every few months to prevent dirt and grime from building up on them.
What Should I Know Before Installing Solar Panels In My Home?
Skymark makes sure to educate our customers on what they need to know before they install solar panels.
We usually inspect the roof to see if it is strong enough to hold the solar panels. If not, we will recommend reinforcement before proceeding with the installation.
In addition, we also help our customers determine how many solar panels they need and how to position them best for maximum sun exposure. We consider the amount of shade, the angle of the sun, and other factors to ensure that our customers get the most solar energy out of their solar panels.
Do Solar Panels Work Well In Overcast Seasons And Climates?
One common concern about solar panels is whether they are effective in overcast weather or colder climates.
The short answer is yes: solar panels can still produce electricity in these conditions. However, the output will be lower than in sunny weather. This is because solar panels rely on sunlight to generate electricity, and cloudy weather reduces the amount of sun that hits the panels.
Despite these challenges, solar panels are still viable for generating electricity in all types of weather and climates.
How Long Does It Take To Install A Solar Energy System?
The time it takes to install a solar energy system truly depends on the size and complexity of the system.
A trained team of professionals can install a typical residential solar panel system in one to three days. Skymark tries to make the process as quick and easy as possible for our customers, while ensuring high quality work.
What Is To Be Expected With A Free Home Assessment?
The team at Skymark makes it a priority to understand each customer’s unique needs and goals. We will come to your home and assess your energy usage, sunlight exposure, and roofing material to develop a customized solar plan for your home.
We also check out the attic, electrical panel, and any potential shading issues that could affect the performance of your solar panels. After the assessment, we will sit down with you and go over our findings and recommendations.
Our team also takes photos during the assessment to document the current condition of your home. These photos are used for our records and to help design your solar system.
How Long Does A Free Home Assessment Typically Take?
You can expect the home assessment to take about one hour to three hours. Our team will need access to your roof and attic so we can understand your home’s energy needs.
We also recommend that you be present during the assessment so that we can answer any questions you may have.