Solar energy has become somewhat of a hot topic these days. Everyone’s finally starting to recognize its benefits — it’s clean, renewable, and inexpensive. Still, before you decide if you want to start using it too, it might be wise to look up what I need to know about solar energy. That way, you’ll avoid any potential surprises.
Luckily, you don’t need to look any further to find an answer. We made sure to address some of the most frequent questions here, so keep reading to learn more.
How Does Solar Energy Work?
Of course, you know that harvesting solar energy has something to do with solar panels. But how exactly do sun rays turn into electricity that powers your home? The answer lies in the design of the solar panel and its layer of silicon cells.
Silicon is a conductive material that has the ability to absorb sunlight and convert it into power. Basically, when sunlight hits silicone cells, the electrons in them start moving, creating a current. This phenomenon is called the photovoltaic effect, and it’s the main mechanism in all solar panels.
Once the current starts moving, wires capture and transfer it to a solar inverter. There, this electricity turns into the kind we use on a daily basis.
Sounds pretty simple, right? But in reality, solar panel technology is quite complex and impressive. And the best part is that, as time goes by, we’ll keep refining it!
Is Solar Power Expensive?
Many people are hesitant about installing solar panels because they’ve heard it’s expensive. But as solar power becomes more widespread, the cost of solar panels will drop too. In fact, in the last decade alone, it saw a 60 percent decrease!
And if you still think it’s too much, try looking at things from a different angle. Initially, solar panels might be expensive, but they could even bring you a profit over time. Solar energy will, at the very least, lower your electricity bills. And if you sell excess power your panels make to the grid, you can even make a profit!
On top of that, several federal programs encourage the use of solar panels. The best-known one is Investment Tax Credit (ITC) that allows you to deduct 26 percent of the solar panels cost from your federal taxes. In essence, the state will help you pay for the panels!
Can You Store Solar Energy?
Solar energy sounds good, you may be thinking. But it would be even better if you could somehow store it and use it during blackouts or in emergencies.
Well, we have good news. You actually can store solar energy. All you need is a solar battery, and those have become quite common. Solar batteries work much like regular ones, too — you charge them when it’s sunny and then use them later. The energy you stored can also be sold to the grid, which is how you make money from the panels.
How Durable Are Solar Panels?
If you live in a stormy area, you might be worried that your panels won’t hold out. After all, they are quite exposed, sitting up there on the roof. So, how durable are they, really?
The answer is extremely durable. Solar panels can withstand rain, storms, hail, and snow and still work perfectly well. Of course, that doesn’t mean they are indestructible, but they will survive most of the elements.
In Conclusion
If you searched what I need to know about solar energy and found this article, most of your questions should be answered now. But if you still have a few, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to help in any way we can.
You Might Also Be Interested In These Solar Related Topics
Can I Go Solar in My HOA in Florida?
What to Know About Solar Companies in the Area
Are You Looking to Buy a New Solar System?
