Since the start of this year, homeowners have been able to take advantage of a new renewable energy resource called solar energy. This form of energy is abundant and can be collected directly from the sun using free solar panels installed on the roof of your home. Once solar energy is stored in a battery, it can be used to power everything in your home directly from the sun itself – even when the sun isn’t shining!
Though solar energy is gaining popularity as an eco-friendly, cost-effective way to power your home, it’s certainly not without its challenges. Chief among them is the limited number of companies that provide installations – making it difficult for even experienced homeowners to find the right contractor to help with their solar power system.
Consider These Factors Before Installing Solar Panels
Before you commit to installing solar panels on your home, it’s important to consider a number of factors. These include things such as cost, benefits, and time commitments. We’ll discuss each of them below.
Cost
The cost of having solar panels installed is usually between $15,000 and $25,000. Price depends on a variety of factors, including the size of your roof and how many years you want the system to last. The initial cost is certainly high, but it can quickly be recouped through energy savings alone, making it a worthwhile investment in terms of eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) website.
Benefits
When the sun shines directly on a solar panel, it produces electricity which can be used to power your home directly. This is obviously a very beneficial feature and can save you hundreds of dollars a year compared to your normal energy costs. Not only will this benefit you financially, but it will also reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment. Though the panels aren’t environmentally sound by themselves, they can be part of a larger carbon footprint if used incorrectly or in excess.
Time Commitments
The amount of time it will take to have solar panels installed and operating at their maximum potential is between 4 and 6 weeks. The installation process itself takes between 2 and 3 days, and depending on the size of your roof, it can take anywhere from 5 to 7 days to set up the electrical circuits. Once this is complete, it will take a few more days to calibrate the system and begin generating electricity. During this time, you will have to monitor the system and ensure the batteries are recharged when necessary.
Hopefully, these details about solar energy have piqued your interest and made you consider installing these wonderful devices on your home. Do your research, read reviews, and be sure to factor the costs and benefits before committing. With careful planning and strategizing, you can easily enjoy all the wonderful benefits that solar energy has to offer while avoiding the pitfalls that come with inexperience.