How Reliable is Solar Power?
Last updated on January 11th, 2022
How Does Solar Power Help Consumers Nowadays? How reliable are solar panels? How reliable is solar power? People have been questioning how reliable solar power providers in Shreveport are and all of these concerns and questions are insanely valid since it is not really common knowledge. Throughout the years, these issues have been solved through advancements in technology and policy. So, how reliable is solar power?
Solar Power: is it safe?
The only by-product of a home solar energy system is cheap, clean electricity, and the way that a solar panel would work is completely safe and does not create any hazardous or toxic fumes, gases, or waste. It is completely safe.
The only difference between electricity sources is that electricity that is coming from your utility company comes from a power pole or underground line and is hooked to your home through a breaker box while electricity that is coming from your home solar system is produced by roof-top solar panels (or wherever your solar panels are) and tied into the same breaker box.
How to guarantee a safe home solar installation:
- Never attempt to install your solar system yourself
- Never attempt to repair a home solar system yourself
- Have your roof structure fully inspected to insure proper structural support for your home solar panels
- Have regular inspections of your system by a qualified solar installer
- Only use professional licensed solar installation companies
How can I maximize the output of my solar panels?
1. Up to efficiency
Higher efficiency panels are great when available roof space is limited although they are more expensive, at the end of the day it would be worth it,
2. Face south
You have to make sure that your panels face as close to directly south as possible because it could help produce about 30 percent more energy.
3. Mount on the ground
Ground-mount solar is not dictated by the characteristics of your roof and would only cost you about 15 percent more.
4. Keep your solar panels clean
The dust on your solar panels is not good and dust that is turned into hardened mud through prolonged moisture is even worse because it would block sunlight from reaching your solar cells. If you are not comfortable with ladders, you can contact a panel cleaning service in your area but a simple spray and light brushing is all it takes to keep your panels clean.
5. Let your solar panels breathe
Extreme heat can impede solar panels’ performance since there are some states where there are extreme temperatures so a way to fix this is having plenty of airflow beneath the panels. You have to clear debris and add burd guards if nesting is a problem in your area.
6. Monitor system performance
If you are monitoring the health of your entire system regularly, that is one of the best ways to be sure that your solar panels are performing at their peak. There are a ton of agencies that offer options for active monitoring if you would prefer to leave the monitoring to the experts but there are also some solar energy systems that offer remote monitoring through smartphones or through a customer portal on the manufacturer’s website. Home and business owners in Utah turn to SunPower by Custom Energy, the state’s only master dealer of SunPower products, to help with their monitoring questions and needs.
7. Keeps trees trimmed to avoid shade
If you want to produce more energy, you have to make sure that the sun strikes the surface of your solar panels. Trees and shrubs are always growing so you have to check every few months and think about the path of the sun throughout the day and swallow the shadows as they move from dawn until dusk.
How much do solar panels cost?
You would be able to expect to pay around $15,000 to $18,000 for an average-sized residential solar system depending on your location and the installer.
System Size System Cost System Cost (after ITC)
3 kW $9,000 $6,660
4 kW $12,000 $8,880
5 kW $15,000 $11,100
6 kW $18,000 $13,320
7 kW $21,000 $15,540
8 kW $24,000 $17,760
9 kW $27,000 $19,980
10 kW $30,000 $22,200
What solar incentives am I eligible for?
● Net metering
The energy that is exported to the grid and net metering requires your utility to pay you at the same rate that you purchase power because your solar system would produce too much power for your home often.
● The federal solar tax credit
There is a deduction to your federal income taxes for 26 percent of your solar system’s price and it is available anywhere in the United States.
Solar panels and purchasing a solar system is a long-term investment and choosing the right company to partner up with for this huge project is important. Make sure that you choose a solar installer that is reliable.
- About the Author
Alex Grigoryan is a Professional Home Improvement and Lifestyle Writer. He has been in the industry for over 6 years and has been writing for Chique Home Living since 2019. His work has been featured in prestigious blogs such as Spruce Home, Better Homes & Garden, and more.