Global warming has completely changed our environment for the worse. With the ice caps melting, habitat destruction, and air pollution growing worse and worse every year, there have been mass attempts to reverse the damage. One way people have tried to relieve the crisis is by switching to more sustainable energy sources, such as solar panels.
Solar panels are one of the best ways to generate 100% clean and renewable energy. They don’t require intensive resources to deliver power, nor does running them produce toxic waste. While they’re an upfront investment, they can end up saving you money over the years by keeping energy costs at a constant rate.
In short, they are the energy source of the future that you will not regret installing.However, before contacting your local solar provider, you may want to consider some logistics first—how the panels work, how to maintain them, and what time of the year is the best time to install solar panels?
Solar Panels 101
Since solar panels are an excellent way to save money, many people are rushing to make a switch. Sadly, in their rush, they don’t always take the time to properly inform themselves about the basics of solar, how it works, and the kind of work required to maintain the panels.
For starters, solar panels are a type of solar architecture that absorbs sunlight and converts it into electrical or thermal energy. The panels themselves are outfitted with a layer of photovoltaic cells.
These cells react when coming into contact with UV rays to generate power. The panels work all year round regardless of weather conditions. Consequently, there is no risk that your panels will shut down on overcast days.
However, it’s important to flag that a lack of direct sunlight can make the panels work at a reduced capacity. Therefore, it’s very important to regularly clean any dirt or debris that accumulates on the panels. Opt for a gentle cloth and low-pressure hoses to avoid damaging the surface.
Likewise, to get the most out of the panels, it’s best to install solar panels in areas that get the most sunlight. These include rooftops or backyards. It’s also recommended not to install panels near any trees. This will help you avoid the risk of a shadow falling on the panels and blocking the sunrays.
What Time of the Year is the Best Time to Install Solar Panels?
Apart from worrying about where you’re going to install the panels, it’s also important to consider when you’re going to install them. Overall, most people choose to get their panels installed during the summer. The sun is at its strongest in the summer. So you’re likely to generate the most power and the biggest savings if you opt for a summertime installation.
However, since everybody will be rushing to install their panels in the summer, the cost to get your set will likely be higher. Therefore, it’s better to install your panels in the winter. Since it’s the coldest season, you may think you won’t be getting as many advantages from your panels. However, there are many benefits to going solar during the coldest season.
1. More Budget-Friendly
As mentioned, summer is the most popular time for solar panel installations. Therefore, to keep up with the increased demand, solar companies will likely charge you more for the installation. In contrast, few people actually choose to get their panels in the winter. So the overall cost of installation will be less.
However, it’s important to note that the exact price will largely depend on the type of home you have and the size of your system. But overall, chances are you’ll save on money if you choose to get your panels in the winter.
2. Minimal Wait Time
Homeowners don’t usually install panels in the wintertime. Therefore you won’t have to wait nearly as long to get your own set. Before you get solar panels, you’ll have to get various government grants and permission slips. The requests can sometimes take weeks to process if there is high demand. However, because there isn’t a lot of traffic during winter, you’ll be able to quickly sort out the paperwork.
3. Bigger Savings
It’s well known that panels generate the most energy in the summer. But, you can end up saving just as much money during the winter too.
Snow has the ability to absorb and reflect sunlight and project it onto the panels. As a result, the panels end up absorbing more sunlight. This, in turn, will help you build up more energy in your battery. Then, when summer rolls around, you’ll have saved up the energy to cut back on your AC bills!
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