SOLAR 101: THE ULTIMATE SOLAR GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS

A solar energy system is made up of a few essential components:

• Solar panels, which collect the energy from sunlight
• An inverter to convert the energy into a usable format (electricity)
• Racking, which is the foundation used to mount/secure the system

There will also need to be a way to store the energy being generated by the solar panels. In most cases, homes/businesses are “on the grid” and can use that as a method of storage. For “off the grid” locations, batteries and a charge controller (including connective components) are a must.

Understandably, one of the most common questions about solar power is: what are the benefits of solar energy? Like any energy solution, solar power has both pros and cons – but for most people, the advantages far outweigh any minimal drawbacks.

Some of the many reasons that solar energy has become such a popular option include:

• Solar power relies on a 100% renewable energy source, which means that the energy (from the sun) will never run out. This differs from oil, which is not an infinite resource.
• Many people are able to dramatically reduce their electric bills, which adds up to significant savings very quickly. For some solar energy users, their electric bill ends up being $0 monthly.
• Being able to achieve freedom from utility companies can be a major plus, especially because you won’t have to worry about rate increases and other unexpected changes.
• In most cases, solar panels equate to increased property values, because they are considered an asset to the home/business.

There are a few cons to be aware of as well, like:

• The initial cost of setting up solar can seem expensive, although it typically pays for itself over time.
• Not every property is an ideal site for solar panels. For example, a property that doesn’t receive enough sun might not be able to produce enough energy to meet specific needs. However, in many situations, installation can be adapted as needed.