For those who follow my work, you’ll know that I sometimes talk about alternative energy and how much it benefits our planet. Well, recently, I was given the chance to try something new and exciting with my family and I couldn’t pass it up. So, I bought a large number of solar panels and got to work installing them. In this blog post, I’ll discuss everything you need to know to easily get up and running with solar energy. Better still, you’ll see that it’s considerably cheaper to install solar panels than you’d think.
Why Go Solar?
When you’re reading this, you’ll most likely be thinking about the impact that solar power has had on our planet and how much it benefits us. If you haven’t turned on your solar panels yet, then you’re probably wondering why not, too. Well, here’s a good reason: The cost of solar energy continues to decline, while the benefits to our planet become more apparent.
According to the US government, in 2017 the average price of solar energy was $0.24 per kWh, which is 23% lower than the $0.34 average in 2016. And that’s not all there is to it. Since 2011, the cost of solar power has decreased by 56%, while the efficiency has increased by 15%, meaning that we’re creating less environmental damage and more electricity.
Since 2011, Germany has been leading the way in switching to solar power, with 22.2% of homes now running on renewable energy. And in the UK, the government expects that 100,000 homes will be using solar power by 2020.
But it’s not just about the cost-effectiveness of solar energy. The great thing about going solar is that you’re contributing to a better environment. Plus, you’ll appreciate the comfort that solar provides on a hot day. If you’ve ever turned on your sunniest window and experienced a shock of cool air, then you know how good old-fashioned air conditioning can be. But perhaps the greatest thing is that you can generate your own power and remove the dependence on the electric company. So, if you’ve been putting off switching to solar because it seemed like a big investment, then consider this your green wake-up call.
How Much Does It Cost To Instal Solar?
While we’re all aware of the ongoing costs of living, it’s worth taking a moment to consider just how much roof-mounted solar costs. The price can vary widely, but in general, you can expect to pay between $15,000 and $25,000 for a 5000 W solar system, which is enough power for about 4-5 homes. To put that into perspective, that’s between £6,700 and £10,400, which is a big savings over the cost of traditional electricity.
The great thing about home solar is that, unlike with paying for power on the grid, you won’t be spending thousands on hidden fees and charges. So, if you compare that to the ongoing costs of traditional electricity, there’s no comparison. And if you live in an area where electricity is particularly expensive, then it’s even more of a bargain.
How Long Does It Take To Instal Solar?
The installation of a rooftop solar system is fairly straightforward, though it does require a bit of time. The panels themselves are fairly easy to install, but you’ll need a few days to properly route the cables and connect everything up. Once that’s done, you can get to work enjoying the benefits of renewable power.
If you’re looking to install a solar system for your business, then the process can seem a little more complicated. For a start, you’ll need planning permission, which isn’t always easy to come by. And if you’re looking to install a full solar farm, then that’s a big commitment and not something you want to rush. You want to make sure that everything is planned and taken care of before you start cutting down trees. In short, if you have a lot of space and can afford to take your time, then going solar isn’t a bad idea.
Does Home Solar Work In All Weather?
One of the greatest things about home solar is that you don’t have to think about the weather. You can generate your own power year-round, regardless of the climate. Of course, if your home isn’t built in a way that facilitates rooftop construction, then it can be tricky to take advantage of this feature.
There are a few things you need to check before you go solar. First, ensure that your roof is sturdy and will hold the weight of the solar panels. Second, ensure that there are no exposed electrical wires or pipes that could pose a risk if damaged or tampered with. Third, keep the sun out of sight by positioning your panels in a way that minimizes direct exposure. And finally, make sure that you have the space around you to accommodate for when the sun comes streaming in through your windows. Alternatively, you could install a system that tracks the sun’s path to stay illuminated even on the darkest of days.
What Are The Main Benefits Of Home Solar?
Well, beyond the obvious of generating your own electricity and cutting down on your CO2 footprint, there are a number of benefits to home solar. For a start, it’s good for the environment. By cutting down on our reliance on fossil fuels and generating our own clean energy, we’re helping to preserve our planet. And who knows – if enough of us switch to solar power, perhaps we might be able to avoid some of the more catastrophic climate change ravaging our planet.
As I mentioned before, air conditioning is something we all take for granted. But just think about what would happen if we lost the ability to produce it. Much of the world would become unfit for human habitation and we’d all be forced to make long journeys to work because the atmosphere isn’t breathable.
So, by generating our own renewable energy, we’re helping to keep our planet healthy. And what’s more, with the cost declining and the benefits increasing, it’s a good idea to consider investing in a solar-powered home.
Additional Considerations
If you’re looking to invest in a solar system for your home, then there are a few additional considerations you need to make. First, ensure that you’re not purchasing something that’s not suitable for your area. It’s all well and good purchasing a 5000 W system for your home, but if the region isn’t sunny enough to make it worthwhile, then you’re wasting your time and money. Second, look into the type of batteries used in your system to determine how long they will last. Third, decide whether you want an array that can track the sun’s movement or just stay put and generate power whenever the sun is available. Finally, consider whether you want a standalone system or something that integrates with your existing electric grid.
So, if you’re looking into home solar and haven’t yet decided whether it’s suitable for you, then consider all of its advantages and disadvantages. It’s a renewable resource that can save you money in the long run and protect our environment.