It's time to switch to a clean, efficient, and affordable source of energy! Solar power has increased in popularity over the last several years, providing a cost-efficient and earth-friendly way to provide electricity for homes and businesses. Solar panels convert the sun's energy into electricity. Mounted primarily to the rooftops of homes, these panels detect light and change it into a direct current. This type of current is then changed into alternating current that can handle all of the electricity needs of a home or business. There are two types of solar panel systems: grid-tied systems and off-grid systems. A grid-tied system allows homeowners to reduce their electricity bills and use solar power in emergencies. The off-grid systems provides electricity in homes and businesses where utility power is not available or is expensive. Key factors for figuring out if solar power is right for your home include energy consumption, the type of solar panel system used, and the amount of sunlight a home gets each day. The top three solar panel companies include SolarCity, Sungevity, and Verengo Solar. Read on to find out what you need to know about solar power.
Dozens of solar energy companies serve homeowners throughout the United States. However, some companies have risen above the competition. Our top three solar energy companies for ordering home solar panels are Verengo Solar, SolarCity and Sungevity. Verengo Solar and SolarCity both offer systems for business and commercial accounts, and Sungevity offers a unique solar power leasing program.
It's important for homeowners to collect information about their energy consumption over the course of a year. Electric bills differ as the seasons change, so homeowners should collect energy bills from at least a year of use and figure out the average amount of energy used each month.
Sun-hours indicate the amount of sun that the surfaces of the house and roof receive during each day. The more sun-hours received, the more energy is collected and stored. Professionals have maps that show the amount of sun-hours that homes get in order to determine if solar panels would be an efficient choice for generating electricity.
Many customers prefer that 100 percent of their electricity is provided by solar panels, and this is certainly possible. For new customers, however, it might be advisable to start with a smaller system that can be expanded over time. This will help gauge the satisfaction with the smaller system and help balance the costs out over time.
The average cost of solar panels before tax credits is $18,840, and after tax credits that cost falls to around $10,000. However, solar panel costs are constantly getting cheaper, which means that there are good deals to be had on solar panel installation.
Getting an estimate requires contacting a company that specializes in install solar panels in residential areas. Meeting with representatives from these companies can help determine how much energy is consumed, how many sun-hours your home gets each day, and what kind of solar panel systems are right for your needs.
There are helpful resources online to help homeowners figure out if installing solar panels is right for them. There are tax credits available, and information on the can be found at energystar.com. The Solar Power Authority offers a free solar calculator and quote tool, along with information about the top solar companies.
Whatever electricity is not used is stored in a public grid, allowing others to use it as needed. If a home produces more energy that is used, this type of system often rewards customers with credits that reduce the cost of using solar power each month.