So you’re considering going solar but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Arizona solar companies, including how to choose the right one for your needs. Keep reading for more information.
The Growth Of The Industry
The growth of the solar energy industry is something to behold. In 2015, annual worldwide sales were valued at $16.9 billion. This figure is expected to more than double by 2024, hitting $37.9 billion. This growth is largely thanks to the decline in solar cell prices, which dropped by 41% in 2016 alone.
The demand for solar cells is driven by several factors. For one, people are becoming more and more environmentally conscious. According to a report published by the Global Market Insights (GMI) group, over the next 10 years, the market for solar energy systems will grow by leaps and bounds in developing countries such as India and China.
Additionally, there’s been a rise in extreme weather events, which makes solar power more appealing. The report authors state:
“These events tend to put a strain on traditional energy sources, prompting people to seek alternatives and raise awareness about environmental issues. The aftermath of these events sometimes leads to an increase in demand for sustainable energy sources, such as solar power.”
Types Of Solar Energy Systems
There are two types of solar energy systems – monocrystalline and polycrystalline. The first, monocrystalline solar cells, are highly efficient at converting light into electricity but are expensive to manufacture. The second, polycrystalline solar cells, are much cheaper to produce but only achieve around 15% to 20% of the efficiency of a monocrystalline system.
The choice of solar cell type will largely depend on your budget and the amount of energy you need to generate. While cheaper and more efficient, monocrystalline solar cells are most suited to larger-scale projects such as factories and multi-family dwellings.
Which One To Choose
A major consideration for anyone considering going solar is determining which solar energy system to purchase. The two primary ways of generating electricity are through photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP). While both have their perks, choosing one over the other depends on your situation.
If you’re looking for a short-term solution that will only produce a small amount of power, then PV might be the way to go. It’s a cheaper option and doesn’t require any sort of infrastructure, aside from your solar cell itself. The main downside is that the output is rather unpredictable and dependent on the weather. As mentioned by Forestsearch.org, depending on where you live, the amount of sunlight, and the time of day, you might not get any electricity at all.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a long-term solution that will produce a steady supply of power, then CSP is what you need. This option involves collecting and concentrating sunlight using lenses or mirrors to heat up a fluid, which is then used to generate power. The major drawback to this option is the initial cost of purchasing the system itself. Not only do you need to purchase the components, but you’ll also need to pay a specialized company to install it for you.
How To Install It Yourself
While it’s not recommended to install solar panels yourself without the help of a professional installer, you can install them yourself with a little bit of guidance. For one, you’ll need to acquire the proper permits from your local government to do so. Additionally, you’ll need to consider how much sunlight you’ll get in your area and how much space you have for the equipment.
The key is to ensure there’s enough sunlight to provide enough energy for your home. If you think that’s not going to be the case, then you might want to consider an alternative energy source.
Final Takeaway
Going solar is a trend that’s here to stay. The benefits are too great to ignore. The key to choosing the right company for your needs is to do your research and find one that provides the service you need at a price that fits within your budget. If you have any additional questions about going solar or the right company to do it for you, please feel free to contact us. We’re here to help.