Why then are we not using more solar panels? Until recently the biggest obstacle has been the expense although this has started to change as solar panel prices fall. In this deep dive we critically examine whether installing solar for your home or business is worth it.

Over the course of this short guide, we will cover how solar panels work, what their pros and cons are, and the overall costs involved. By the end of this guide you will have a comprehensive understanding of whether solar is right for you.

Solar Technology Explained

The modern silicon solar cell was invented in 1954. Although there are older non-silicon cells that date as far back as 1883, the silicon cell was the first that could power an electrical device for several hours.

One of the earliest known uses of a solar cell were solar powered watches and calculators. In 1973, the first solar powered building, did not use solar panels but rather used solar roof tiles similar in design to Tesla roofs.

Types Of Solar Panels

Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity in a process known as the photovoltaic effect. Light from the sun carries packets of energy contained in cells called photons. These photons charge the electrons in a solar cell creating the electric current that powers the appliances in a home.

Solar panels come in different sizes. The solar panels used to power a home or large building consist of between 60 to 72 solar cells wired together, each producing between 0.5 to 0.6 volts. Typically, we use the larger solar panels for commercial buildings.

There are three main types of solar panels that dominate the consumer market today. These are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film.

Monocrystalline (Mono-Si)

Monocrystalline solar cells are made from a single crystal of silicon. This gives them their dark black color. Monocrystalline is the most efficient and also most expensive solar panel. Efficiency in a solar panel is a measure of how much solar energy a cell converts to electricity.

The average efficiency of monocrystalline is between 18 to 22 percent.

Polycrystalline (Poly-Si)

Polycrystalline solar cells are also made from silicon. They are different from monocrystalline solar cells in that they are made from multiple pieces of silicon rather than one. This is why polycrystalline solar cells have a speckled blue color. Polycrystalline is slightly less efficient than monocrystalline, but is cheaper.

The average efficiency of polycrystalline is between 18 and 20 percent. Together, polycrystalline and monocrystalline make up 90 percent of the solar panel market.

Thin-film

Thin-film is a broad category of solar cells made from a variety of materials including silicon, cadmium (CdTe) or copper (CIGS). The biggest drawback to thin-film solar cells is they have the lowest efficiency which makes them unsuited for most Northern climates. On the other hand, thin-film solar panels are typically half the price of either monocrystalline or polycrystalline.

The average efficiency of thin-film is between 9 and 13 percent.

Solar System Design

There are two main designs used for solar systems. These are grid-tied and off-grid.

Grid-tied

A grid-tied solar system is one that is connected to a major electricity grid. In this case your system is connected to the power utility. The biggest advantage to this type of system is that it allows you to sell electricity back to your utility provider as a feed-in-tariff.

The disadvantage to this system is it does not work if there is a blackout. As soon as the grid goes down, it shuts down. This is to prevent it from feeding electricity back into the grid which can be a hazard if there are any repairs being carried out on the grid.

Off-grid

An off-grid system as you may have already guessed, is one that is not connected to the grid. In this setup your solar panels and any additional power source you have provide all your electricity needs. The biggest upside to an off-grid system is you do not have to worry about a blackout as this is a self-contained system.

The downside to the system is it is more expensive since it has to be sized large enough to provide all your electricity. In a grid-tied system you can switch between the grid and your solar panels.

Installation Of Solar Panels

Solar panels can be installed on a roof or on the ground.

Roof-mounted

The biggest advantage to roof mounted solar panels is they take up less space on your property. It is also typically cheaper and more secure.

Ground-mounted

Ground-mounted solar panels are easier to maintain. They do however, take up more space on your property so they are not ideal for most installations. They also require more labor and material (mounting platforms) which makes a ground-mount more expensive.

Components of A Solar System

Depending on how it is designed, a solar system requires solar panels, inverters, batteries and charge controllers. Solar panels produce the electricity for you to use. But what are the other components for?

Inverters

Solar panels produce direct current (DC). Direct current is a more efficient way to move electricity from where it is generated to where it is used because it has less voltage loss.

The appliances in your home use alternating current (AC), however. Inverters convert the direct current solar panels produce into alternating current appliances use. There are several types of inverter systems but the most common are grid-tied, off-grid and hybrid.

Grid-tied inverters are used for grid-tied systems. They have an anti-islanding feature that shuts down your system when the grid goes down in a blackout.

Off-grid inverters are used for off-grid systems. They do not connect to the grid so they do not have an anti-islanding feature.

Hybrid inverters are used in both grid-tied and off-grid systems. They can be run even in the event of a blackout. They also allow you to sell electricity back to the grid so they combine the best features of both grid-tied and off-grid inverters.

Batteries

Batteries store the energy produced by a solar panel. They are the single most expensive component of a solar energy system. Fortunately, you do not always need batteries. They only become necessary in an off-grid system or if you want to use your solar energy after dark. There are three main types of batteries used in solar systems.

Lithium batteries are made from the same raw materials your laptop or mobile phone battery has. Lithium batteries are also used to power most of the electric vehicles on the market today. The biggest advantage to lithium for solar is that they hold more usable energy. Their biggest downside is they are the most expensive.

Sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries are the next best alternative to lithium. While they will not give you as much energy as the same size lithium battery, they do have the advantage of being much cheaper.

Flooded lead acid (FLA) batteries are possibly the oldest battery technology. The batteries that run conventional fossil fuel powered cars are lead acid batteries. The difference is solar lead acid batteries have a bigger capacity.

FLA batteries are cheaper than either SLA or lithium. The biggest disadvantage to FLA batteries is they require maintenance where lithium and SLA do not require any.

Charge controllers

Charge controllers regulate the voltage and current produced by a solar panel before sending the electricity to a battery. They protect the battery from overcharging or getting drained by solar panels. Charge controllers are only necessary in a system with batteries.

We have looked at how solar works and what the design and components of a solar energy system are. But what are the reasons for getting solar panels and what are the arguments against?

Why Should You Install Solar?

The main benefits to owning a solar energy system are as follows.

Energy Savings

Depending on the size of your system, solar can help you realize savings of between 20 to a 100 percent on your electricity bill.

For example, a system that provides all your electricity completely offsets your bill. That means you produce and consume all your electricity at no cost to you. One way to make absolutely sure you realize maximum savings from your system is to get efficient solar panels. Take our short quiz and get free solar panel quotes.

Clean Energy

Energy consumption is the second biggest producer of carbon emissions. The energy from your utility is produced from burning fossil fuels which produce greenhouse gases that are harmful to the environment.

Making your home more energy efficient and switching to a renewable energy source like solar helps you reduce your carbon footprint. This has a massive impact on reducing global warming. Solar panels can offset up to 138 metric tons of carbon emissions per year.

Home Value

Solar panels increase the value of your home. According to research, installing solar panels increases the value of a home by up to 4 percent. This can become a bonus if you decide to sell your property. On average, energy efficient homes sell faster than homes less efficient.

Payback Period

Payback period is how long the system takes to pay for itself in terms of savings. Depending on the specifics of a solar panel system (size of the system and the type of solar panels used) you will see a return on your investment at between seven to ten years.

Energy efficient homes and solar systems with a higher power output shorten the payback period. One way to improve your system output is through efficient solar panels. Take our short quiz and get quotes for efficient solar panels.

Easy Set Up

Compared to other renewable energy solutions, solar has the easiest setup. Installation of solar panels is more practical especially in an urban setup. Also, solar has a higher energy yield than most renewable energy deployments at a residential level.

Wind is perhaps the closest alternative, but unless you are in a rural environment, this is not a viable solution for most.

The Main Reasons Not To Install Solar

Solar energy is not without its flaws however. These are the two biggest disadvantages you need to consider.

Unreliable

Solar energy is not as reliable as grid supplied electricity because it depends on the sun shining. In colder climates, solar has a slightly reduced output. While you will still see savings from solar, they will not be the same as those of someone in a warmer climate.

This in turn increases your payback period. There is a significantly longer wait to see your return-on-investment the colder your climate is.

High Upfront Cost

The biggest disadvantage to solar for most people is still the cost. While the cost of solar panels has fallen by 83 percent in the past decade it is still considerably expensive. Fortunately, there are solar panel subsidies, loans and tax breaks you can take advantage of that can reduce the cost by anywhere from 30 to 100 percent.

Renewable energy incentives are finite and time sensitive, however. They get reduced as more people switch to renewables so if you want to capitalize on them you have to move as soon as you can. Take our short quiz to find get free quotes from solar panel installers near you.

Solar FAQs

Do Solar Panels Work At Night?

Solar panels produce convert sunlight into electricity. This happens only during the day. Energy storage in the form of batteries allows for extended use of solar panels at night.

Do Solar Panels Work In Cloudy Conditions?

Solar panels can produce energy even in overcast conditions. While the output is reduced to as little as 10 percent in rain, they will still generate electricity.

What Is The Lifespan Of A Solar Panel?

Most manufacturers guarantee their solar panels for 25 years. In practice, solar panels last longer. They do however, experience a minimal decline and produce less energy as they age. At the 25 year mark, a solar panel produces up to 80 percent of its rated capacity.

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Light from the sun is energy dense. Solar cells absorb and convert this light energy into electricity that can power appliances like your laptop or mobile charger. But did you know you could also use solar for heating as well?

Solar heating is using solar energy to provide heat. It can also be used to cool as well. In this guide, we explore how.

Solar Heating Can Be Passive or Active

Passive heating relies on structural or architectural design to capture as much natural heat from the sun as possible. The simplest way to do this is by designing a building with large windows and skylights then facing the building in the direction where it will capture the most sunlight.

Another simple way to capture passive heat is through the materials we use. Certain materials absorb heat more readily where others are more heat-resistant. A common way of taking advantage of passive heating is painting a hot water tank black. The dark color makes it absorb more heat.

Active heating is the use of a mechanical device to collect and distribute solar energy as heat. This could be to provide space or water heating. The main difference between active and passive solar heating is the latter distributes heat naturally while active heating requires devices like pumps or collectors.

There are a number of active heating devices. Today, however, we want to focus on those commonly used for residential, commercial and industrial applications. These are solar water heating and solar space heating systems.

Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water systems collect thermal energy from the sun which they then use to heat water. They are different from photovoltaicsystems that collect light energy which is converted to produce electricity.

Early solar water heating systems were passive systems. They were simple systems consisting of a tank painted black to better absorb thermal energy. Today solar water heater are a little more complex. A modern solar hot water typically consists of a collector, storage tank and a working fluid.

The working fluid in a solar water heater can be water, antifreeze (propylene glycol) or any heat-absorbing liquid that can act as a heat exchanger. There are two main types of water heaters:

1. Evacuated Tube Collectors have a series of parallel glass tubes that absorb energy from the sun and transfer the heat to the working fluid. These are the most popular type of water heater.
2. Flat Plate Collectors have a flat dark colored plate that absorbs heat and transfers it to a working fluid that circulates in tubes above the plate.

Combining solar hot water heating and solar panels can reduce your electricity bill by up to 40 percent. Take our short quiz and get free solar panel quotes.

Solar Space Heating

Solar space heating circulates heated air through a building. The air can be heated directly or indirectly. Direct heating systems use solar collector panels that absorb thermal energy and heat air. The heated air is then circulated using an HVAC outlet. Direct air space heaters heat to about 37 degrees Celsius on a sunny day.

Indirect systems are more common in colder climates where temperatures can reach freezing. Similar to solar water heaters, space heating systems use a liquid heat exchanger. Thermal energy is collected and heats the liquid exchanger.

The exchanger then circulates through a storage tank heating the water in the tank to temperatures of up to 79 degree Celsius. The hot water or heating liquid will then circulate heat through a building in one of three ways. This could be through a radiant floor, low temperature baseboard or a central hot air system.

Radiant Floor Systems

This system circulates a heated liquid through pipes embedded in the flooring. The heated liquid then radiates heat into the room. The main advantage of the system is that it is simple to implement. The biggest disadvantage to this system is that it takes longer to heat a space from a cold start than other systems.

Low Temperature Baseboards

These systems require a heated liquid of between 48 and 60 degrees Celsius. Low temperature baseboards are installed at the baseboard or at a level close to the ground to allow for heat to rise and distribute through a space more naturally.

Central Forced Hot Air Systems

In a central forced hot air system a heating coil acts as a liquid-to-air heat exchanger. The liquid heat exchanger heats up air as it is pulled through the ducts in a room.

Pros and Cons Of Solar Heating

We’ve looked at the different types of solar heating. But are they worth it and how do they compare against traditional heating and cooling methods like furnaces and HVAC systems?

Pros

1. Water and space heating contribute as much as 40 percent of a domestic electricity bill. On average they take up the biggest piece of most households electricity bill. Switching to solar can provide up to 80 percent of buildings hot water needs and offset your electricity bill. Combined with solar panels, solar heating can completely eliminate your electricity costs. Take our quiz to find out how much you can save by going solar.
2. Energy production is the second biggest contributor to carbon emissions. Solar can drastically reduce the reliance on gas and fossil fuel fueled electricity. Solar is a cleaner alternative energy source that can help you reduce your carbon footprint.

Cons

1. Solar is dependent on the sun shining. In that respect solar energy can be unreliable if it is cloudy.
2. Solar for heating typically produces less heat. It is not as efficient in terms of how much heat it can produce compared to other systems. Very often, you may have to pair your solar heating system with an alternative supplement or backup system like a furnace or heat pump.
3. Solar systems have a high upfront cost. In certain cases, the cost is not justified if the system relies too heavily on a backup system like a furnace.

The post What Is Solar Heating? appeared first on Compare 24 - English.

SunPower

One of the leading solar panel manufacturers in the world. They are based in the United States and have been in business for over 30 years.

 You should know that SunPower offers both residential and commercial solar panels. Their panels are known for their high efficiency and durability.

LG

It is also one of the leading manufacturers of solar panels. Their panels are known for their high quality and efficiency. LG offers a variety of solar panel models, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

 Solar panels of LG are backed by a 25-year warranty, so you can be confident in their quality. They also have a very good power output, with some models reaching up to 400 watts. LG solar panels are a great choice for those who want high-quality, efficient solar panels.

Panasonic

A Japanese electronics company that has been in business for over 100 years. Panasonic is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of solar panels and is some of the most popular in the market. 

Solar Panels by Panasonic are known for their quality, durability, and efficiency. Their solar panels are made with high-quality materials. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and are backed by a 25-year warranty. 

It should be noted that Panasonic solar panels are also one of the most efficient types of solar panels on the market, with an average conversion efficiency of 20%. Panasonic offers a wide range of solar panel products to meet the needs of different customers. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles to suit any home. If you are looking for a high-quality solar panel, Panasonic is a great option to consider. Their products are backed by a long history of quality and innovation.

First Solar

Known for its high efficiency and quality. First Solar panels are made with thin-film technology, which allows them to convert more sunlight into electricity than other types of panels. This makes them perfect for locations that don’t get a lot of direct sunlight.

Panels made by First Solar are also very durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. They are backed by a 25-year warranty, so you can be sure they will last for years to come. Overall, First Solar is a great choice if you are looking for high-quality, efficient solar panels.

Tesla

A solar panel brand that is known for its quality and durability. Tesla solar panels are made with high-quality materials and are designed to withstand the elements. They are also very efficient, meaning that they will produce more power per square foot than other brands of solar panels.

It’s worth knowing that Tesla Solar panels are a great choice for those who want a reliable and durable solar panel. They are also a good choice for those who want an efficient solar panel that will produce more power.

Jinko Solar

Jinko Solar is another leading solar panel brand in the world. They offer a wide range of solar panels, from small panels for home use to large panels for commercial and industrial applications.

Panels made by Jinko Solar are known for their high quality and durability. They are made with high-quality materials and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Jinko Solar panels come with a 25-year warranty, so you can be sure they will last for many years.

It’s also worth knowing that they offer a wide range of solar accessories, such as inverters, batteries, and charge controllers. This makes it easy to find everything you need to set up your own solar power system.

Overall, Jinko Solar is a great choice if you are looking for high-quality solar panels. Their products are reliable and backed by a strong warranty.

Canadian Solar

Canadian Solar is another solar panel manufacturer to consider. They offer a wide range of products, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels. Canadian Solar also offers a variety of solar kits for those who want to install their own panels.

The solar panels of Canadian Solar are known for their high quality and reliability. They offer a 25-year warranty on their products, which is one of the longest warranties in the industry.

Canadian Solar panels are also backed by a strong customer service team. Overall, Canadian Solar is a great choice for those looking for high-quality solar panels. Their products are backed by a strong warranty and customer service team, making them a safe and reliable choice for your home or business.

How to Choose the Right Solar Panel for You

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right solar panel for you. The first is the size of the panel. Solar panels come in a variety of sizes, so you will need to choose one that is appropriate for your needs.

The second is the efficiency of the panel. Solar panels vary in their efficiency, so you will want to choose one that is able to convert the most sunlight into electricity.

Last is the warranty of the panel. Some solar panels come with longer warranties than others, so you will want to choose one that has a warranty that meets your needs.

Once you have considered these factors, you will be able to narrow down your choices and choose the best solar panel brand for you.

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While the investment in some home improvement projects can be quite substantial, in the long run, they can be very cost-effective when it comes to energy savings and lowering your electric bill. And, as a bonus, they’ll increase your property value.

What home improvements reduce energy bills? Here are some tips!

Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances

That old refrigerator that your parents handed down could be costing you big time.

In fact, according to Energy Star, that bill could be as much as $300 a year!

Investing in energy-efficient appliances can save you a lot of money.

These types of appliances use less energy and require less maintenance than traditional ones. They also help reduce your carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Install Ceiling Fans

Investing in ceiling fans can help you save on your energy bills.

Ceiling fans are a great way to keep cool when the weather heats up, but they also have some other benefits. They use less energy than regular air conditioning, and they can reduce allergens by pulling fresh air into your home. Investing in ceiling fans is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of energy you use at home.

Moreover, investing in ceiling fans can reduce wear and tear on your heating system by reducing humidity levels inside your home when all three levels are running simultaneously (which means more efficiency).

At an average cost of $250 for both parts and labor, ceiling fans can be a bit of an upfront investment. Still, with ceiling fans throughout the house, you’re sure to save a bundle on your electricity bills because they spend much less energy than the AC.

If you buy a good brand of fan then it will last longer than a cheap one would; some brands have warranties that cover up to 10 years

Replace Your Old Water Heater

The biggest benefit of replacing an old water heater is that it can help you cut down on your electricity bill by as much as 50%. This is because old water heaters are notorious for being inefficient, which means they use a lot more energy than newer models do.

According to Energy Star, for households that use under 41 gallons of hot water a day, on-demand water heaters can save 24-34% on energy use compared to traditional water heaters.

Another reason to replace your old water heater is that it could be leaking and causing damage to your home. Leaks in this type of equipment can lead to mold growth and other health problems in your home. If you notice a leak, it’s important to get it fixed immediately so that it doesn’t affect the rest of your family’s health.

Finally, because many older homes were built without insulation and mechanical ventilation systems, replacing an old water heater can also help reduce air pollution by reducing the number of chemicals released into the atmosphere through heating up tap water or hot water systems.

Replacing Old Windows

If you’re looking to invest in home improvements that will reduce your energy bills, one of the best places to start is with your windows.

Older windows tend to be much less energy-efficient than newer ones, so installing new windows can make a big difference.

New windows will help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, both of which will save you money on your energy bills. In addition, new windows can also help reduce outside noise, making your home a quieter and more relaxing place to be.

Adding or Replacing Doors

One of the best home improvements that reduce your energy bills is adding or replacing doors in your home. Replacing old, drafty doors with new, energy-efficient doors can help reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 30%.

Not only will you save money on your energy bills, but you’ll also be doing your part to help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.

If you’re not sure which door is best for your home, consult with a professional contractor or energy auditor. They can help you select the right door for your climate and give you tips on how to properly install it.

Upgrading Insulation

If you’re looking for another home improvement that reduces your energy bills, one area you may want to consider is upgrading the insulation in your home.

Doing so can help to keep your home better insulated against heat and cold, which can lead to lower energy consumption and bills.

There are a number of different types of insulation available on the market, so it’s important to do your research to find the right one for your needs. You’ll also want to consider the cost of installation when making your decision.

Upgrading your home’s insulation is a smart investment that can pay off lower energy bills in the long run. If you’re not sure where to start, consult with a professional to get the best advice for your situation.

Adding Solar Panels

There are many home improvements that can help reduce energy bills, but one of the most effective is installing solar panels.

Solar panels provide clean, renewable energy that can help offset your energy costs. They also increase the value of your home, making them a wise investment in the long run.

If you’re considering adding solar panels to your home, it’s important to do your research and find a reputable installer.

Once you’ve decided on an installer, be sure to get multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting the best price. Solar panels are a big investment, but they can save you money in the long run and help protect the environment.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems

If you’re looking to invest in home improvements that will save you money on energy bills, geothermal heating, and cooling systems are a great option. Geothermal systems use the earth’s natural heat to keep your home comfortable all year round and can save you up to 70% on your energy bills.

Geothermal systems are also environmentally friendly, as they don’t release any greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. If you’re interested in doing your part to fight climate change, investing in a geothermal system is a great way to do it.

If you’re thinking about installing a geothermal system, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable contractor. Geothermal systems are a major investment, but if done correctly, they can provide years of comfort and savings.

Final Thoughts

Making energy-efficient improvements to your home is a great way to save money on your energy bills. In addition, these improvements can add value to your home if you ever decide to sell. We hope this article has given you some ideas for home improvements that will reduce energy bills. Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments below!

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