The last few years have witnessed more people across the United States investing in solar power systems. You have probably noticed many roofs outfitted with solar panels as you walk down the street. But this isn't surprising considering the many benefits that accompany solar energy. If you're thinking about installing solar panels on your property, here are some things you need to know.
Solar Energy Is Free
Once you have spent the initial costs of solar power installation, you don't need to spend on electricity ever again. This is because the sun provides more energy than you ever need, and no one has a monopoly over sunlight. Therefore, the solar system will save you so much in utility costs over time.
On top of that, there's little to do in solar panel maintenance. You only need to regularly clean the solar panel and keep it free from shade. If your roof is tilted, cleaning becomes even easier, as the rain will remove all the dirt. Also, considering solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, you won't have to worry about electricity bills for a long time.
Solar Panels Can Work Without Direct Sunlight
There's a common misconception that solar panels cannot produce electricity unless the sun is up. Nothing could be further from the truth. While the sun helps the solar panel achieve maximum efficiency, electric power is still produced even on cloudy days.
It's only at night when electricity isn't produced, but this can be solved by investing in a storage system. You can then sell off the excess energy produced to a national grid to cover the cost of your solar battery storage unit.
All Solar Panels Aren't the Same
You have different options when buying solar panels. First, you can choose between photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and solar thermal systems. PV solar cells directly convert the sun's energy into electricity and are more common because of their versatility and durability.
Solar thermal panels, on the other hand, use mirrors to trap sunlight, and the energy generated is used to heat a fluid, such as water, air, or oil in a storage tank. Since solar energy isn't directly converted into electricity, it makes it possible to store energy.
Solar panels also vary in other things like performance, warranty, and durability. Your particular needs will determine which solar panel type is suited for your home or commercial property. To ensure you make the right decision from the start, you should involve a solar panel expert right from the buying stage to the actual installation.
Okay, we'll admit it. Not every article on this blog will be shocking. We just thought that title was fitting, being that this is a blog about electricity. We can promise this, though: every article you read will be informative. You might read about outlets, circuits, or even light switches. You might read about electrical fires or electrical safety. It won't all be shocking, but it will all be helpful. The next time you find yourself in a conversation with an electrician, we expect you'll have a much better idea of what they are talking about — and all because you read this blog.