The revolutionary concept of solar power or of reliance on the sun for free electricity was foreseen centuries ago. Over the last two decades, an increasing number of Americans have been tapping into cutting-edge solar technology and powering their homes through the use of residential solar panels. While the U.S. comprises 5% of the global population, it consumes more than 25% of the world's energy. The rising demand for solar power systems can be attributed to several factors: 1) heightened awareness of the adverse environmental impact generated by traditional energy sources; 2) increased interest in conservation, 3) expansion of alternative sources of energy; 3) increasing affordability of home solar panels; 4) volatility of world energy markets; and 5) electric rates increasing at a faster pace than inflation.
The revolutionary concept of solar power or of reliance on the sun for free electricity was foreseen centuries ago. Over the last two decades, an increasing number of Americans have been tapping into cutting-edge solar technology and powering their homes through the use of residential solar panels. While the U.S. comprises 5% of the global population, it consumes more than 25% of the world's energy. The rising demand for solar power systems can be attributed to several factors: 1) heightened awareness of the adverse environmental impact generated by traditional energy sources; 2) increased interest in conservation, 3) expansion of alternative sources of energy; 3) increasing affordability of home solar panels; 4) volatility of world energy markets; and 5) electric rates increasing at a faster pace than inflation.
Solar Power Systems
A solar power system derives energy from the sun for purposes of supplying heating and electricity to run appliances and lights. Through this renewable energy source, devices known as photovoltaics or solar panels convert the sun's rays into electricity. Solar panels, which are composed of crystalline silicon, function as follows:
- Upon making contact with the solar panel and entering the semiconductor, the sun's rays are converted into voltage or electricity. This process is known as the photovoltaic effect.
- A set of solar panels transforms the sunlight into direct current (DC) power, which is then routed to an inverter.
- The inverter converts the DC power into alternative current (AC) voltage, or the electricity required to power home appliances.
- The AC electricity then enters the home's utility panel, which distributes the power to lights and appliances in the residence.
Solar power systems generally consist of a battery, an inverter, a charge controller, solar panels, and a support and wiring component (for help installing these components, refer to a licensed contractor). In order for the solar modules to generate electricity, there must be sunlight. At night, homeowners obtain power from their utility company. In an overcast sky, solar panels usually generate approximately 50% as much electricity as they would under a full sun. While some residential solar energy systems are on-grid or connected to a utility's power grid, others are off-grid or independent of the latter. Although installation of such systems used to be restricted to remote areas lacking access to utility electricity, that is no longer the case as today, homes in the suburbs and cities are also beneficiaries of solar power thanks to many roofing contractors. A solar energy system may also contain a battery backup, whereby surplus solar energy is stored as DC power in a battery for later use in the event of a power outage or in the absence of sunshine. When the battery reaches full capacity, the extra electricity is diverted to the utility grid if the homeowner's system is connected to one.
Solar panels serve multiple purposes such as the following: 1) heat swimming pools 2) power attic fans and vehicles, 3) turn on appliances and calculators, 4) generate lighting for outdoors and indoors, 5) supply residences with electricity in the event of a blackout, and 6) cook food.
Home Solar Panels
Home solar panels offer numerous benefits including the following:
- Short return-on-investment period
- Rebates and financial incentives extended by federal and state governments, as well as utility companies and local agencies, to individuals who install equipment for renewable energy in their homes
- Net-metering or payment by the utility company to homeowners for excess electricity generated through solar panels and returned to the grid
- Significantly reduces your homes electric bills
- Reduction in health costs
- Environmental-friendliness by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions
- Durability (lasting decades)
- Maintenance-free technology
- Absence of recurring costs following installation
Solar panels are available in a wide variety of colors and are usually installed on building tops or rooftops. Homeowners should ensure that their solar panels are installed in such a manner as to obtain direct exposure to sunlight. The number of panels needed to generate sufficient power to run a particular home depends on the area's weather, a household's average consumption of electricity, shading issues, and the roof angle, among other criteria. Installation of a 1-kilowatt solar energy system generally takes a mere 1-2 days. Consumers will find a wide array of solar panel retailers in the marketplace and can safely purchase solar panels on the internet. The cost of solar power systems varies according to 1) existing governmental funding, 2) the amount of sunshine that the homeowner receives in his or her region, 3) the type of system that is selected, 4) the quantity of electricity utilized, and 5) the size of the household. Typically, a 1-kilowatt unit runs for $10,000 and has a 5-year warranty. Solar panels are usually warranted for 20 years.