24 Top Solar Energy Questions to Ask - Get the Answers You Need › wp-content › uploads › 2020...

transcript

24 TOP SOLAR ENERGY QUESTIONS TO ASK - GET THE ANSWERS YOU NEED

24 Top Solar Energy Questions to Ask -Get the Answers You Need

Solar energy is a renewable type of energy, and that more and more people are

coming to embrace. There is more use of solar energy, unlike in the previous years due

to the continued campaigns about environment preservation. However, there are

several solar energy questions to ask before you go ahead and install that solar

system in your home or business.

You don’t want to venture into this new endeavor without having the proper set of

information. As they say, knowledge is power and, if you have the right information,

you can know if you are making the right decision. Therefore, without delaying you any

further, I have compiled a comprehensive list of the most crucial solar energy

questions to ask, just for you.

So, which are these questions, and what are their answers?

Do you intend to install a solar system? Here is a complete list of the most important solar energy questions to ask, to get a better understanding of what you are getting in to.

Questions to Ask A Solar

Panel Salesman

These are the first set of questions we will

handle and answer for you. Before you

purchase a solar panel, you will most probably

engage with a solar panel salesperson.

Therefore, these are the questions you should

24 TOP SOLAR ENERGY QUESTIONS TO ASK - GET THE ANSWERS YOU NEED 3

If you are new to this type of energy or don’t have much knowledge about it, this should be the first

question. A solar system is made up of connected solar panels that absorb rays from the sun and

convert it to electricity.

The panels are made in such a way that when the sun rays come into contact with the surface of the

panels, the solar cells convert them into DC (Direct Current) electricity. Since this form of electricity is not

usable in most homes or businesses, an inverter transforms this direct current, into alternating current

(AC). The AC electricity is now ready for use in our businesses or our homes.

How Does The Solar Panel System Work?

Although solar panels need sunlight to create electricity, it doesn’t necessarily have to be direct sunlight.

For example, the solar panels can still absorb the UV rays even on cloudy, snowy, and rainy days.

However, its good to note that the production of electricity will be lower during these days as compared

to when there is sunshine. The panels will generate electricity optimally on clear-sky days.

Also, the panels won’t generate any energy at night. This is because there is no sunlight at night.

Therefore, you should have proper power storage or connect to the grid.

Do Solar Panels Work In Any Weather?

Different solar panel systems will have different prices, as well as different installation costs. However,

inclusive of labor, equipment, and permits, the solar panels cost something between $15,000 and

$30,000. The prices will vary depending on the type of panels, quality, size, and installing company,

among many other factors.

For example, the average cost of a 2kW system ranges between $6,000 and $7,500 countywide.

Therefore, you must first know what your power needs are before you purchase any system.

What is The Cost of Installation?

The average life expectancy of most solar panels falls between 25 and 30 years. This is a long period

that is great to cover the initial set up price. However, some other solar panels do have a shorter life

span, while others have a longer one.

For instance, the thin-film solar panels come with a lifespan of between 14 and 17 years. Other more

expensive models can have a life expectancy that can go up to 50 years. Therefore, it all depends on

the type of panel.

How Durable Are The Solar Panels?

As long as there is sunlight, your panels will continue to generate electricity. The only time there is no

generation of power, is during the night or if there is an eclipse. Therefore, we can say that solar power

is reliable.

However, the amount of electricity they produce depends on various factors like the quality of sunshine,

and the size of the panels, among others. This source of electricity is more predictable than power

plants.

Is Solar Power Reliable Enough to Power My Home Or Business?

Different solar panel systems will have different prices, as well as different installation costs. However,

inclusive of labor, equipment, and permits, the solar panels cost something between $15,000 and

$30,000. The prices will vary depending on the type of panels, quality, size, and installing company,

among many other factors.

For example, the average cost of a 2kW system ranges between $6,000 and $7,500 countywide.

Therefore, you must first know what your power needs are before you purchase any system.

What is The Cost of Installation?

The average life expectancy of most solar panels falls between 25 and 30 years. This is a long period

that is great to cover the initial set up price. However, some other solar panels do have a shorter life

span, while others have a longer one.

For instance, the thin-film solar panels come with a lifespan of between 14 and 17 years. Other more

expensive models can have a life expectancy that can go up to 50 years. Therefore, it all depends on

the type of panel.

How Durable Are The Solar Panels?

Apart from being a renewable source of energy that helps preserve the environment, solar panels have

other benefits like:

Saves on energy costs – Solar energy significantly reduces your power bills by almost 50%.

This can amount to around $30,000 for a period of 20 years.

Reliable – You will have power at your home or place of work always, as long as there is

sunlight.

Carbon Footprint – with solar power, we are able to shrink the carbon footprint in our

homes, by reducing the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. They help us to go green and

take care of the environment.

What Are Some Benefits of Solar Panels?

Questions to Ask Before

You Install A Solar System

Before the installation is done, you should look

for more answers to ensure that you are doing

the right thing. Also, you don’t want to install

something that will affect you negatively, or

that will not meet your needs. Here are the

questions to ask before you install solar panels

on your property.

When you want to purchase a solar system, numerous offers will be put on your table. Depending on

the company or the type of solar panels you want, the payment structures may vary significantly.

For example, you can decide to make an outright purchase by paying everything upfront or look for

other options. There are various options, including loans, lease/PPA, or even hire purchase. Some of

these options will require you to pay a part of the amount upfront and pay the rest later.

Also, some of them might require $0 as a down payment to have a solar system installed for you.

Therefore, you have a choice to decide which option best suits you.

How Much Will You Pay Up-front?

Well, the answer to this question is definitely No. The panels are easy to maintain. Much easier than your

HVAC, or other appliances in your house.

Since the solar panels do not have any moving parts, they don’t break easily and therefore do not need

much maintenance. The only requirement is to keep the panels clean. They ought to be free of any

debris like pollen, dust, leaves, or even snow if you live in cold areas.

Is It Difficult to Maintain The Solar Panels?

Various studies that have been done on property values show that installing a solar system on your

property will certainly increase its price. However, the value will only rise if you purchased the solar

panel system. If, on the other hand, the installation was through a solar lease or a PPA agreement, the

value doesn’t change.

Will The Value of My Property Rise After The Installation?

If done right, and by a professional, no harm will come upon your roof. On the contrary, solar panels

can act as shields to protect your roof against damage.

Some other panels will even make your roof look more beautiful and cooler. There are various solar

panels’mounting options that you can consider, depending on your roof’s design.

Will The Installation of The Solar Panels Damage My Roof?

Although it is possible to be a DIY (do it yourself) process, it is advisable to seek the services of an expert

in this sector. A professional can easily identify where on your roof to install the panels without causing

any damage to the roof. Also, the placement of the panels is crucial to ensure they are exposed to

maximum sunlight.

Can The Installation Be A DIY Process?

Depending on the solar panel’s lifespan, the duration before you can purchase another system can

vary. For instance, some panels will take 15 years, others, 30, and others even 50 years.

Therefore, with the right solar panels, you can continue enjoying free-cost power, for a very long time.

Will I Ever Need to Replace My Solar Panels?

Questions to Ask During Installation

During the installation stage, there are still some

questions you may have in your mind. Here are

the most common solar energy questions to ask

at this stage.

In the solar power industry, there is much more equipment to benefit from apart from the solar panels.

These may include solar water heaters, solar fences, and solar screens, among others. All these things

aim to improve the energy efficiency at your property

The solar heaters can help heat your swimming pool, while the solar fence is to guard your property

against intruders. As for the solar screens, they help to block thermal energy.

Is There Any Other Solar Equipment Available For My Property?

The duration of this process may vary due to various factors such as your solar array’s size, the

mounting as well as how your property is.

Nevertheless, it will only take around two to several hours. Not an entire day. The good thing is that the

same wiring that exists in your house is the one you will use.

You don’t have to change the wiring.

How Long Does The Installation Process Take?

The answer is yes. For those who install solar panels on their property, they qualify for a 30% federal ITC

(investment tax credit). In addition, various municipalities and states offer different incentives and

rebates, which will increase your savings.

Some utility companies also offer some credits and incentives to homeowners who install solar panels

on their properties. If you want to learn more about various incentives available in your area, visit the

“Databaseof State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.”

Are There Any Rebates Or Incentives Available?

The solar panels start creating electricity immediately after installation. Therefore, you might even see

the changes in the next bill you receive.

How Long Before I Notice The Change In My Power Bills?

As soon as the installation process is over, your solar panels are ready for use. You will start to enjoy the

free power as soon as the installer is through with the process.

How Soon Can I Start Using The Solar System?

Questions to Ask After Installing

Solar Panels

After the installation is over, what are the

questions that might still be bothering you?

Here are some more solar energy questions to

This is the process through which you supply the extra power your panels produce, to the utility grid.

Through this, during the night when your panels are not functional, you can use electricity from the grid

to power your property.

What is Net Metering?

If you want to enjoy full-time availability of solar electricity, having reliable and ample battery storage is

advisable. This will help ensure that you have enough power to use, even when the sun is down.

However, you can also connect to the utility grid to ensure you have a continuous supply of power. By

joining the grid, you will be selling the extra energy you produce during day time, and when the sun

goes down, you can use the grid power.

Is It Necessary to Have A Backup Storage?

Although the type of battery you need will depend on multiple factors, research shows that lithium-ion

batteries are the best for solar systems. However, if you need cheaper models, lead-acid, and saltwater

batteries are much cheaper.

Although they are more expensive, lithium-ion batteries have a longer lifespan and a higher DoD, than

the lead-acid batteries. Also, they are more compact and lighter than their counterparts.

Which Solar Battery is The Best?

After the installation, if you ever want to upgrade your solar system in the future, it is very much

possible. If in case your energy needs have gone up, all you need is to find a good solar company to

help you with the upgrade process. This way, they can help you determine how much more power you

need, and which is the best solar panel system to upgrade to.

Is It Possible to Upgrade My Solar Array If Need Be?

Questions to Ask When

Buying A House With Solar

PanelsBefore you purchase a house, there are various

things to look at, such as the location of the

house, the value, the conditions, and other things.

If the house you want to buy has been installed

with a solar system, here are some questions

you ought to ask before you purchase it.

After the installation, if you ever want to upgrade your solar system in the future, it is very much

possible. If in case your energy needs have gone up, all you need is to find a good solar company to

help you with the upgrade process. This way, they can help you determine how much more power you

need, and which is the best solar panel system to upgrade to.

Was The Solar System Purchased Or Installed Through Lease?

If you can know how old the solar system on the house is, you can determine how long it will take

before you upgrade. The less old it is, the longer it might take you before you install a new one.

How Old Are The Solar Panels?

It is advisable to ask this question so that you can know how much the solar system will help you save

on power bills. If they weren’t eligible, then you can know what to do to start enjoying those incentives.

Was The Previous Owner Eligible to Rebates And Incentives?

Conclusion On Solar Energy Questions to

AskIf you are about to install a solar panel system,

either at your house or business, it is important

that you remove all the doubts you may have.

With this article on solar energy questions to ask, I

believe you will find all the questions you may need

to ask, as well as some of their answers. Through

this, your transition to solar power will be a bliss.

24 Top Solar Energy Questions to Ask - Get the Answers You Need › wp-content › uploads › 2020...

Documents