Have you been considering upgrading to solar energy for your home? Then it is likely that you have a few questions about using and storing solar energy. As a professional solar energy contractor company, let us answer some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. Starting with the basic questions of what solar energy is and is it really the right choice for my home.
Solar energy is radiant energy from the sun, the light, and heat from the sun that is. And if you live in an area with a decent amount of sunlight, yes, solar energy is a fantastic option for powering your home. This is a clean energy source that is beneficial to both the environment and your home while saving you money on your energy bills. These are the first questions people often have about solar energy and you have likely heard the answers before. But now let’s dive past the common knowledge around solar energy and answer some of the more complicated questions you may have. This information is presented by our professional solar energy contractor at Alliance Solar.
A Solar Energy Contractor’s Guide to Your Biggest Questions
Wondering how solar energy is stored and how long can that stored energy be used? While we won’t bore you or waste your time with the high-level scientific jargon, we can provide you with the basic knowledge every homeowner should know to make an informed decision. Choosing to upgrade your home to solar energy is a big decision and you will want to know that solar is as efficient as everyone says.
Can You Store Solar Energy Long-Term?
A great benefit of solar energy is that it can be stored and used later. A great deal of innovation has been developed in this area over the past ten years. Yes, depending on the type of solar panel and battery combo, you can store varying amounts of energy for different lengths of time.
If you arrange a meeting with a solar energy contractor, they will be able to walk you through your options. They will explain the right panel and battery combo to help you get the most out of your solar energy experience.
Can Solar Energy Be Stored and Used at Night?
Concerned about your energy needs after the sun goes down? While solar panels cannot collect or produce energy when the sun is down, the energy can be stored throughout the day to be used in your home at night, as long as you have a battery with your solar panel set up. Adding a battery to your solar panel system will give a lot of possibilities for long-term energy storage.
How Long Can A Solar Battery Hold A Charge?
The length of time your solar energy set up can store energy is dependent on the battery you have installed. Depending on the battery or batteries you decide on for your solar panel system, you can expect the battery to last anywhere from as little as one day and as many as five days before needing to be recharged.
The Cost of Solar Panels
In the long run, solar energy is a more cost-effective option for most home and business owners. The cost of the initial installation can vary depending on your location, the type of system you are wanting, the size of the system, and the type of batteries and other materials and add-ons you select. But for an estimated cost, a national average for a resident will be somewhere between $3 to $5 per watt. This will usually add up to them paying a range between $15,000 to $25,000 to install the solar panels.
While the initial costs of installing a solar panel system may seem a little high, the system will provide long-term savings. And as an added bonus, many states and cities offer rebates or incentives to switch to solar energy. Additionally, there may be more rebates to take advantage of from your local energy company or tax benefits available. Your solar energy contractor will be able to explain these rebates and other known benefits available. Plus, be sure to ask about financing options if you do not want to pay the full cost of a solar panel system all upfront.
Where Does Solar Energy Go When the Batteries Are Full?
What happens to excess solar power when the storage batteries are full? When your batteries are completely charged, the system triggers the charge controller that maintains only a tiny trickle charge to ensure the batteries remain fully charged. You will not waste energy or money with this method. Plus, you will have a fully charged battery or batteries when the sun goes down or if an emergency arises.
Unused Solar Energy: What Happens to it?
Obviously, there will be times when your solar panel will collect more energy than you can use or your battery system can store at one time. So, when this situation arises, what happens with the excess energy?
Here is another major benefit of switching to solar power. Any unused solar power will automatically be exported back to the electrical grid. Other homeowners will have access to this power, making you a helpful neighbor, and of course when they have unused power it will help you. But the real benefit of this system is that you will receive a homeowner credit you can use against any future electrical use on those days lacking in sun or your batteries run out of their stored energy. These are bill credits that are used with your utility company to save you money down the road.
Do You Have More Questions You’d Like to Ask About Solar Energy?
Getting onto the path using a solar energy contractor is an important decision for anyone. If you still have unanswered questions about using and storing solar power a solar energy contractor in your area will be more than happy to answer these questions for you. They are experts in their fields, and they love helping homeowners with solar energy concerns.
