Solar 101
Understanding basic solar power, and how it is used to power residences and businesses, is an important first step when considering an investment in solar. Solar has become an increasingly good investment and grown exponentially over the past several decades. This trend will certainly continue, so it’s a great time to familiarize yourself with solar power and its many benefits. And solar 101 is a good place to understand the basics!
At Wayne’s Solar, we offer installation on new solar systems, maintenance, and repair of existing solar systems, as well as pool products and more. Aside from providing exceptional service to our clients, we also make sure that you are well informed. We love to educate our clients to ensure you are the most well-informed in the market.
How Solar Power Works
Solar power is simply defined as energy or power that comes from the sun. It is the most abundant energy source on earth because even if the sun sets at night, we’re all very sure that the sun will rise again tomorrow and the day after that. So it’s a source of energy that is 100% dependable, forever.
To get unlimited and free energy that comes from the sun, you need to have solar panels installed, or several other solar systems that capture and harness the sun’s power. Solar panels absorb sunlight, or photovoltaic (PV) energy. Through a system that’s connected to your solar panels, this power is converted to DC (direct current) power. An inverter is used to convert the DV to AC (alternating current) power. Your household uses AC to power up appliances and other electronics in your home. So this process of transition takes the sun’s energy, and converts into a source of power that can be full utilized by your home or business.
What Are Solar Panels Made Of?
Solar panels are composed of solar cells. A solar cell is a small square, generally 6in by 6in, and is made of silicon. The small squares have an electric plate on their face. The silicon has conductive properties, meaning that it is ideal for generating and conducting electricity.
When the sun’s rays strike the solar cells within each panel, and change the silicon’s electrical characteristics, and this is what generates the electricity.
Solar panels vary in size, but they generally come with 72 cells in a panel. The panels in your solar system is known as array of panels. And the horizontal chain of panels is called a string. So depending on the size of your system and your power requirements, you’ll likely need an array of panels.
Solar Panels and the Grid
The most common solar panel systems found in homes is the grid-interconnected PV system. This simply means your solar panels are connected to the grid. The system you have at home absorbs and produces energy, but it is still dependent on the grid. In the event of power outages or grid shutdowns, your solar panels won’t work.
A solar battery backup allows you to store the energy absorbed by your solar panels. Your solar panel system wouldn’t work at night. On cloudy days, you can only expect about 20% of the power it can usually produce on sunny days. This won’t be a problem when you have a solar battery backup.
The solar power absorbed by the solar panels is stored on the solar battery for later use. This means you can still use solar energy even after sunset.
Net Metering and Net-Zero
Net metering happens when the meter spins backward as much as it spins forward over a year’s period. There are times when your solar panels can produce more energy than you actually consume. If this happens, the energy is fed to the grid and in return, you may receive credits.
When you have a large solar panel system that produces more energy than you consume and you do not have enough storage in your solar battery or no solar battery at all, the excess power is fed back to the grid. When this happens all the time, then your system becomes net-zero. This means you will only get about 10% of your usual electric bill. This includes government fees, taxes, and your utility company’s base rate.
Whether or not you have a net-zero solar panel system or if you receive just a certain percentage of credits towards your energy bill, your solar panel investment is still worth it. A solar panel system is expected to last at least a couple of decades so that’s over 20 years of energy savings!
The Benefits of Switching to Solar Power
Solar panel installation is not cheap. However, it is worth every dollar spent because of the many benefits solar power offers. The most important benefit of all – with solar, you are using power from a renewable energy source. You are effectively reducing your household’s carbon footprint. This is a huge favor you’re doing for Mother Nature.
Other benefits you can expect from solar power are the following:
- Cheaper Energy Costs – Depending on the size of your solar panel system, you can save as much as 50 to 90% from your energy bill.
- Increased Real Estate Value – In the event that you resell your property, the cost of your solar panel system goes toward the total value of your real estate. It is also great to know that many real estate buyers give more consideration to solar-powered homes compared to those without any solar panel system yet.
- Incentives from the Government – Florida, the Sunshine State, gives incentives to property owners that use solar power.
The Solar Installation Process
At Wayne’s Solar, we make the process of installing solar panel systems convenient for our clients. We will keep you involved so that you would know and understand how the system works. However, we will make sure that everything is smooth and hassle-free on your end.
We can begin with a free consultation session. Ask our expert staff anything and everything you want and need to know about the products and services we offer or solar power in general. We can visit your location so we can evaluate your property and give recommendations on what type of system would work best for you.
After the evaluation process, the following steps are followed:
- Together, we will review the layout, design, and all requirements of your solar panel system.
- Applications for permits are now sent for approval. This may take a couple of weeks or so.
- We will give you the contract that indicates all the aspects involved in your solar panel system.
- When all permits are approved and contracts are signed, we will begin with the installation of your solar panel system.
- To ensure the efficiency and safety of your solar panel system, everything will be inspected by our engineers and the representative of the city government.
- Your electric meter is now replaced with a new one that is designed to track all power sources including your solar energy consumption.
- You can now start using your solar panel system.
Of course, the Wayne’s Solar team will always be around should you have any concerns or questions about how your solar panel system. We also offer solar repairs, maintenance, and other solar products and services.
Hassle-Free Payment Programs for Solar Panel Installation
As mentioned earlier, it is not cheap to install solar panels on your property especially if you’re planning to get a large one to power up your home. Apart from the incentives and energy savings you can get, you may also ask for assistance from certain financial institutions.
It is understandable that not everyone can pay for their solar panel system with upfront cash. This doesn’t mean you don’t have any opportunity at all to switch to solar. Learn more about financing requirements and flexible payment terms for solar panel installation.
From the U.S. Department of Energy | Solar Panels
Dependable Solar Panel Installation
Wayne’s Solar is committed to providing top quality solar products and services to all our clients. When installing a solar panel system on your property, it is very important to work with a licensed and trusted contractor. With over 30 years of solar excellence, we can give you the assurance that we will work and provide services that will exceed your expectations.
We are available in Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Palm Coast, and other areas in Volusia County, Flagler County, Duval County, St. John’s County, and Putnam County, Florida. You may reach Wayne’s Solar at (386) 673-9720 to schedule a free consultation session and to get a free quote!
FREE SOLAR CONSULTATIONS
Wayne’s Solar offers free solar consultations to determine the very best solar investments for your unique situation. This will help you to determine the cost savings that you can realize from a solar investment for your home or business. We can also show you how you can monitor the performance of your solar product in real-time! Schedule your consultation today, and take the first step to a green energy future today!