Whether to take the solar panels home is a big decision. Another question is whether energy saving will offset the cost. You may be wondering whether you need a new roof first or how long the solar panels will last. There are many factors to consider before buying solar panels for home use. Below we will introduce the basics of solar panels and answer all your pressing questions so that you can make the right choices for your family, budget and energy goals.
First of all, how do solar panels work? Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells. The sun emits solar radiation, and when the sun shines directly on the photovoltaic cell, these radiation will be absorbed by the photovoltaic cell. The energy from the sun generates electric charges, and the electric charges move according to the electric field in the cell to guide the flow of electric energy. Part of the solar panel can also convert energy from direct current to alternating current, so it can be used in the home. Even if the sun does not rise, some solar panel array components will store energy for later use. You can learn more about the working principle of solar panels in our guide.
Many companies specialize in selling and installing solar panels for homes. Search online to find solar panel suppliers and installers in your area.
You can even buy solar panels at major household goods stores such as Home Depot. Stores like this can even provide you with professional installations to help you install residential solar panels.
Many of these services can also help you obtain financing for house solar panels. It is common for people to rent solar panels and pay monthly. Many plans offer a $0 down payment, and you can even get a rebate through your local utility company in your area. You can also ask about any valid tax credits, such as the 26% solar tax credit as part of the Comprehensive Appropriations Act 2021, which may help pay a large portion of the array.
If it is convenient for you, you can choose professional installation or install the array yourself. Choose the option that best suits the comfort of your solar installation. If you choose a professional installation, be sure to talk to your solar panel supplier. Some vendors offer special prices for installation, or subcontractors who know they can afford it.
A common question is whether a new roof is needed before installing solar panels on the house. If your roof is older, you may need to replace the roof before installing residential solar panels. Otherwise, the panel may not have the necessary structure to support the weight, and it may also be necessary to remove the panel to replace the roof.
Many solar panels are guaranteed to last 20 to 30 years, usually estimated to be 25 years. Most importantly, they are quite maintenance-free, you just need to keep them away from obstacles such as dirt, leaves, and snow. Warranty also often helps professional repairs.
Solar panels have a so-called “service life” period. This means that with age, the energy produced by the panel gradually decreases. You may notice that about 25 years after installation, the energy you get from the panel drops significantly. For example, many warranties guarantee 90% of panel production in the first ten years and 80% of the remaining time in 25-30 years. But this does not mean that they are immediately useless, they can still generate energy for a long time.
Considering the lifespan of residential solar panels, one usually wonders when to start making money. Many factors affect when and how you start making money from solar panels, including how many solar panels you own, how much energy you use, and whether you choose to rent or buy solar panels for your home.
Sometimes you may want to reduce your dependence on the power grid, but you are not looking for major house additions or renovations. Smaller solar gadgets can help you save on electricity bills. Let’s take a look at the small method of solar energy today.