In 2022, the cost of solar energy has come down so much that it’s now cheaper than buying fossil fuels to produce the same amount of energy. This has made it much easier for more and more people to invest in solar power and have a home run by the sun. If you’re looking to invest in a home energy system that can generate cheaper and more reliable power than the traditional methods, solar energy is something to consider.
It’s estimated that over 1 million homes in the U.S. have invested in solar energy, with California leading the way with over 459,000 installations. This represents a 225% increase from the last year and a 300% increase from the year before. If you’re wondering what all the buzz is about, read on.
Pros & Cons Of Going Solar
There are many advantages to going solar, but before you say goodbye to fossil fuels and hello to solar energy, it’s worth noting a few cons.
You will need to purchase several solar panels to produce enough energy to meet your needs. The price per watt is still high compared to traditional means of generating power, so you’ll need to invest in enough wattage to begin with. Even then, you’ll need to keep increasing your purchase as the sun doesn’t shine 24/7. In some places, such as California, the sun doesn’t even shine in the winter, which means you’re going to be wasting energy even when you need it the most. In very cold climates, you can’t store energy generated by the solar panels, so you’ll need to keep buying more as the days get shorter.
Also, when the sun is shining, it usually isn’t at the same intensity, which means your solar panel won’t be able to capture all the energy it could. It’s also worth noting that some panels operate differently than others and you may need a specialist to install them correctly.
How Solar Energy Worked-Before & After
Before you start seeing solar energy as a panacea for all of your home energy needs, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t work exactly like that. As a general rule of thumb, solar energy only generates electricity during the day when the sun is shining, which means you’ll need to start maintaining a generator or invest in one that can store energy for later use.
When the sun isn’t shining, your solar energy doesn’t do anything and will cost you money even if you’ve invested in a quality panel. It’s also worth noting that some people have had trouble generating energy in the winter due to frozen pipes and deteriorating equipment caused by the cold weather. If you live in a place where seasons change and you don’t have an unbreakable ice fortress protecting your power plant, you’re probably going to have a hard time producing consistent energy throughout the year.
With all these caveats out of the way, let’s take a look at how solar energy works and how much you’ll need to invest to get started.
The Basics
Solar energy is the ability of the sun to supply enough radiant energy to perform chemical reactions, which in turn produce electricity.
It has been proven that the more sunlight a solar cell receives, the more electrical energy it will produce. However, this energy is mostly wasted unless it’s stored in some form. Fortunately, this can be easily be done with batteries or a system of flashlights which are powered by the sun during the day and charge up during the night when the sun isn’t shining.
If you’re unsure about where to start, EasyRoof has you covered with an easy to use guide that will help you choose the right system for your home.
Cost Vs. ROI
One of the major selling points of solar energy is how much cheaper it is versus traditional methods of generating power. It is commonly held that for every $1 you spend on solar energy, you’ll earn $7 back in energy savings and it grows more expensive as you add additional panels.
However, this assumes that you’re adding value to the system by increasing the size of the array. The reality is that once you reach a certain point, it becomes more expensive to add additional solar panels due to the higher cost of the material and greater installation attention needed. A 10kW system with 5 panels will become more expensive than a 5kW system with one panel once you reach 10+ panels.
Warranty
Just like with any other type of home appliance, when it comes to solar energy, you’ll need to decide how much you’re willing to spend on a warranty. It is generally accepted that the longer the warranty, the better, as this will make it easier for you to receive help if anything goes wrong with the equipment. Most home solar energy systems come with a 1-year parts and labor warranty that covers everything, including the panels and the wiring. For additional peace of mind, some companies offer a 2-year parts and labor warranty for their products.
Durability
Your solar energy system is going to be subjected to more wear and tear than your average home appliance, which places it at greater risk of failure. This is why it’s important to invest in a system that is built to last and can handle the extra stress that comes with frequent use. While newer models are more efficient and have fewer issues than older ones, it’s all about the money you’re willing to spend and how much you’re willing to risk on a piece of equipment that could break down at anytime.
A good solar energy system will last for years without any problems and provide a dependable source of power, which is why it’s becoming a popular choice for people who want to go green.
Radiative Energy
Another important factor to consider when comparing solar energy to traditional energy sources is the quantity of energy radiated by the sun versus the amount of energy needed to create it. While it’s true that the sun shines on all parts of the planet, not all regions have the same capacity to produce energy as others. If you live in a place where it doesn’t get dark at night or if it gets dark but the sun isn’t bright, then you’re going to have a hard time generating enough energy to keep your home powered. This is why it’s important to check the energy rating of the solar panels you’re planning to purchase before making any purchase decisions. The more you know, the easier it will be to make the right choice.
The Growing Popularity Of Going Solar
For those who want to invest in a home energy system but don’t have the financial backing, the ability to generate their own electricity using the sun is a great option. The cost of solar energy has come down to the point where anyone can join the renewable energy movement and start producing their own energy.
Over 3.2 million homes in the U.S. have invested in solar energy, which represents a 1.8% increase from the last year and a 3% increase from the year before. These are just figures from the American Solar Energy Association (ASERA) and they don’t even account for all the home solar energy systems in operation, which would bring the total to over 11 million. While these figures don’t lie, they don’t tell the whole story.
If you’re wondering if going green is a good idea, start by looking at your energy bill and how much you’re spending on traditional sources of power. If this exceeds what you’re paying for gas and electricity, then the shift to renewable energy might be worth it.