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The second technology is concentrating solar power, or CSP. It is used primarily in very large power plants and is not appropriate for residential use. This technology uses mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto receivers that collect solar energy and convert it to heat, which can then be used to produce electricity. Learn more about how CSP works.
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Solar panels are built to work in all climates, but in some cases, rooftops may not be suitable for solar systems due to age or tree cover. If there are trees near your home that create excessive shade on your roof, rooftop panels may not be the most ideal option. The size, shape, and slope of your roof are also important factors to consider. Typically, solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees, though other roofs may be suitable too. You should also consider the age of your roof and how long until it will need replacement.
Those interested in community solar can take advantage of a tool from SETO awardee EnergySage. The company's Community Solar Marketplace aggregates the many available options in one place and standardizes project information, allowing interested consumers to easily locate and compare multiple community solar projects in their area.
Solar co-ops and Solarize campaigns can also help you start the process of going solar. These programs work by allowing groups of homeowners to work together to collectively negotiate rates, select an installer, and create additional community interest in solar through a limited-time offer to join the campaign. Ultimately, as the number of residents who participate in the program increase, the cost of the installations will decrease.
Right now, the best way to install solar is through a qualified professional who holds a certification to do so and works with high-quality solar panels. The industry-standard certification is awarded through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
The amount of money you can save with solar depends upon how much electricity you consume, the size of your solar energy system, if you choose to buy or lease your system, and how much power it is able to generate given the direction your roof faces and how much sunlight hits it. Your savings also depend on the electricity rates set by your utility and how much the utility will compensate you for the excess solar energy you send back to the grid. Check the National Utility Rate Database to see current electricity rates in your area.
Consumers have different financial options to select from when deciding to go solar. In general, a purchased solar system can be installed at a lower total cost than system installed using a solar loan, lease, or power purchase agreement (PPA).
Navigating the landscape of solar financing can be difficult. The Clean Energy States Alliance released a guide to help homeowners understand their options, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each. Download the guide.
DOE created the Homeowner's Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics to provide an overview of the federal investment tax credit for those interested in residential solar photovoltaics, or PV. It does not constitute professional tax advice or other professional financial guidance. And it should not be used as the only source of information when making purchasing decisions, investment decisions, or tax decisions, or when executing other binding agreements.
DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewable energy in the United States. It is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University and was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. By entering your zip code, DSIRE provides you with a comprehensive list of financial incentives and regulatory policies that apply to your home. Additionally, an experienced local installer should be able to assist you in claiming any state and local incentives, as well as the ITC.
Net metering is an arrangement between solar energy system owners and utilities in which the system owners are compensated for any solar power generation that is exported to the electricity grid. The name derives from the 1990s, when the electric meter simply ran backwards when power was being exported, but it is rarely that simple today. Whether or not your solar system qualifies for net metering payments depends on policies and practices in your state and electric utility. Your local electric utility would be a good place to source information on net metering in your service area. When researching net metering policies and practices in your service area, there are some basic questions to consider, such as availability in your service area, eligible system size and customer type, rates, and design of bill credits.
Yes! Building-integrated photovoltaics, or BIPV, allows homeowners to alter the appearance of their solar panels so they match their surroundings. SETO has funded projects that commercialized technology enabling homeowners to add a graphical layer to their solar panels so they blend in with the roof. Learn more about BIPV.
Absolutely! All solar panels meet international inspection and testing standards, and a qualified installer will install them to meet local building, fire, and electrical codes. Also, your solar energy system will undergo a thorough inspection from a certified electrician as part of the installation process.
Using solar power instead of conventional forms of energy reduces the amount of carbon and other pollutants that are emitted into the environment. Reducing the amount of carbon in our atmosphere translates into less pollution and cleaner air and water.
No one should feel they are being taken advantage of while pursuing clean energy. At the federal level, you can contact the Federal Trade Commission to report fraud, scams, and bad business practices. At the state level, laws vary depending on where you live. You can contact one of the consumer protection offices within your state or territory to see how they can help, too.
Solar panels convert sunshine into renewable electricity. They come in all shapes and sizes, from durable thin-film solar panels to rigid aluminium-framed crystalline solar panels. Most solar panels for sale come with a 25 year power output warranty so you can be sure your investment will last well into the future. We carry solar panels from major manufacturers including Canadian Solar, SolarWorld USA, Silfab, Panasonic and LG Solar Panels.
An investment in solar power today for your home or business protects you from rate hikes by utility companies and locks in your electricity rates. The right type of solar array can also provide you power during a power outage. Costs for going solar keep dropping, and with available financing options, home solar arrays have become something every home owner can afford.
Solar is relatively straightforward, but it can be overwhelming at first. If you're thinking about buying solar panels but aren't sure where to start, give our solar experts a call at 888-899-3509 x1. They will walk you through the process of sizing a solar array and ensure you have all the right bits and pieces for your home. If you're a Southern California resident, they can even help you find a local installer. We also offer pre-sized solar panel kits for common applications.
We are an online retailer of solar panels, solar accessories, and energy efficiency products located in north San Diego County. If you are in the Southern California area and are interested in picking up an order or just coming in to say hello, please give us a call at 888-899-3509.
First, how do solar panels work? Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells. The sun emits solar radiation, which is absorbed by the PV cells when the sun shines directly on them. The energy from the sun creates electric charges, which move according to the electrical field in the cell, directing the flow of electrical energy. Parts of the solar panel also convert energy from direct current to alternating current so it can be used in homes. Certain solar panel array components also store the energy for later use even when the sun is not up. You can learn more about how solar panels work in our guide.
Many of these services also help you access financing for your solar panels for your house. It's common for people to lease solar panels and pay monthly. Many programs offer $0 down and rebates might even be available in your area through local utility companies. You might also inquire about any active tax credits, such as the 26% solar tax credit as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which might help pay for a substantial part of the array.
You can either choose professional installation or self-install the arrays if you're handy. Pick the option that best matches your level of comfort with solar installation. If you opt for professional installation, make sure to talk to your solar panel supplier. Some suppliers offer special pricing on installation or know a subcontractor that can do it affordably.
A common concern is also whether you need a new roof before you install solar panels for your house. If your roof is older, you may need to change out your roof before you put on residential solar panels. Otherwise, the panels might not have the necessary structure in place to support the weight and may also have to remove the panels to replace the roof.
Many solar panels are guaranteed to last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, with 25 years being a common estimate. On top of that, they're fairly maintenance free, just requiring that you keep them free of obstructions like dirt, leaves and snow. Warranties also tend to help with professional repairs.
Solar panels have what is known as a "useful life" period. What that means is that the panels produce less energy gradually as they age. You might notice a significant drop-off in how much energy you are getting from the panels roughly 25 years after the installation. For instance, many warranties guarantee 90% of panel production for the first ten years, and 80% for the remainder of the 25-30 years. But that doesn't mean they're immediately useless, and they can still produce energy for a long time. 041b061a72