Solar Energy For A Greener Tomorrow: Steps You Can Take Today
Solar energy is energy from the sun that is harnessed using solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate electricity. Solar energy is an extremely promising renewable energy source that can help reduce fossil fuel reliance, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change.
Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight and converting it into direct current (DC) electricity. This DC electricity is then converted into the alternating current (AC) electricity that powers homes and businesses. Solar energy can be used to supplement grid electricity or operate off-grid entirely.
Widespread solar adoption would support a transition to clean, renewable power generation while reducing environmental impacts. Solar has great potential to help mitigate climate change and build a sustainable energy future.
Current State of Solar Energy
Solar energy has seen impressive growth worldwide in recent years. Total global solar photovoltaic capacity reached over 580 gigawatts in 2019, an increase of over 100 gigawatts from the previous year. Solar now provides 3% of global electricity demand. Certain countries lead the way, with solar supplying over 7% of electricity generation in Italy, Greece, Germany, Australia, and Japan.
Here in the United States, over 3 million homes and businesses have installed solar panels as of 2019. The U.S. now has over 75 gigawatts of total installed solar capacity, enough to power 14 million American homes. California leads the nation with over 30 gigawatts of solar capacity. Other states like Florida, Arizona, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts are also seeing rapid growth in solar adoption. While solar still only accounts for 3% of U.S. electricity generation, analysts expect that share to rise substantially in the coming decade as costs continue to fall.
The outlook for solar is very promising both globally and domestically. With the right policies and decreasing costs, solar has the potential to supply 20-50% of global electricity by 2050. By going solar, homeowners can take part in the global clean energy transition while also reaping financial rewards.
Why Go Solar
Installing solar panels on your home provides numerous benefits that make it an attractive option for homeowners looking to be more eco-friendly. Here are some of the top reasons to go solar:
Reduced Electricity Bills
One of the biggest perks of switching to solar power is saving money on your energy bills. Solar panels will generate electricity from sunlight during the day to power your home’s needs. This clean energy from the sun is free once the system is installed. You’ll rely much less on electricity from the grid, which will significantly lower your utility bills each month.
Energy Independence
With your own solar panel system, you can take control of your energy supply. You’ll gain energy independence by harnessing the sun’s unlimited power rather than being dependent on your electrical utility. Having your own solar power system shelters you from potential rate hikes and grid blackouts. It provides energy security and stability for your home.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Going solar allows you to generate clean, renewable energy and reduce your home’s environmental impact. Unlike fossil fuel-based power plants, solar panels produce emissions-free electricity. By decreasing your reliance on the grid, you lower your carbon footprint and support a greener, more sustainable future.
Assessing Your Home’s Solar Potential
Installing solar panels starts with determining if your home is suitable. The key factors to consider are roof space, sun exposure, and energy usage.
First, examine your roof to see if you have adequate unshaded area. South-facing roofs are ideal, but east/west orientations can work too. At minimum, you’ll need 100-200 square feet of roof space for a small residential system.
Next, evaluate how much direct sunlight your roof gets throughout the day. Solar panels need at least 5 hours of strong sun exposure, especially during peak daytime hours. Use a solar shading tool or on-site solar survey to identify obstructions that could cause issues.
Finally, analyze your electricity bills to estimate your home’s energy usage. This determines the solar system size you’ll need. Focus on your highest energy months and size your system to cover at least 60-80% of your usage, while accounting for future needs.
With information on available roof space, sunlight exposure, and energy demands, you can get an initial read on whether solar power is feasible for your home. Consult with installers for further analysis.
Solar Panel Options
When going solar, you’ll need to choose what type of solar panels to install. The three main options for residential solar panels are:
Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single crystal of silicon and have a black color. The cells are cut from a single cylindrical silicon ingot, giving monocrystalline panels their distinctive look with visible silicon edges. These panels have the highest efficiency rates, usually around 15-20%. However, they are more expensive than other types.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are made from melted silicon fragments that are poured into molds and cooled into bars. The bars are cut into perfectly square wafers. Polycrystalline panels have a speckled blue color and lower efficiency than monocrystalline, around 13-17%. But they tend to be a bit cheaper.
Thin-Film Solar Panels
Thin-film solar panels use a super-thin layer of photosensitive material deposited on glass or flexible backing. Thin-film panels can be flexible and integrated into building materials. They have lower efficiencies of 7-13% but significantly cheaper costs. The thin-film material types include cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), and amorphous silicon (a-Si).
When deciding on solar panels, consider your budget, roof space, local weather, and desired aesthetics. Your solar installer can help determine the optimal panel type for your home.
Incentives and Rebates
Going solar can be a significant upfront investment for homeowners, but there are a variety of incentives and rebate programs available from federal, state, and local governments that can help offset costs. Taking advantage of incentives is one of the best ways to maximize your solar energy savings.
On the federal level, homeowners can claim a 26% tax credit for installing solar energy systems on their homes. This credit applies to both the cost of solar panels and installation. There are no limits to the amount that can be claimed.
Many states offer additional incentives beyond the federal tax credit. For example, California has the Solar Initiative Rebate Program which provides cash rebates up to $4,370 for installing solar. Other states like Massachusetts and New York also offer generous rebates. Contact your state energy office to learn about solar incentives in your area.
Additionally, some utilities and municipalities provide rebates or other solar incentives. For instance, San Diego Gas & Electric offers a rebate of $0.85 per watt up to $38,250. New York City provides property tax abatements for solar projects. Check with your local utility and city government to see what solar incentives may be available.
Taking full advantage of federal, state, and local solar incentives and rebates can reduce your upfront installation costs by 50% or more in some cases. Be sure to research all the incentives available for your area to maximize your solar savings.
Estimating System Size and Cost
The size of the solar system you need depends on your location and electricity usage. The optimal system size will offset your home’s annual kilowatt hours of electricity usage. Areas that receive more sun exposure require fewer solar panels to produce the same amount of electricity.
To properly size your system, examine your monthly electric bills to understand your average electricity consumption. Identify the months where your consumption is highest to determine your peak production needs. Your solar installer will take into account your electricity usage, utility rates, solar resource in your area, and desired production to design the right system.
In general, you can expect to pay $2.87 per watt for a residential solar system. However, system costs vary significantly depending on your location. Areas with higher electricity rates and more sunshine will yield faster payback times and better return on investment. Tax credits, rebates, and incentives can offset 30% or more of the system cost.
A system sized to offset 100% of your electricity usage could range from 5-10kW with a cost of $15,000-$30,000. Your solar installer will provide a detailed proposal outlining the system size, production estimate, and pricing tailored for your home.
Installation Process
The installation process typically takes 2-4 days to complete. Here are the key steps you can expect:
Permitting: Your solar installer will pull all necessary permits with your local building department. Make sure your installer is licensed and has vast experience navigating the permitting process.
Contractor Selection: It’s important to select a reputable, experienced solar contractor. Look for a company that has been in business for 5+ years, has strong reviews, offers guarantees on their workmanship, and has experience installing systems similar to yours. Ask for 3-5 references from past customers.
System Delivery: Your solar panels, inverters, racking and other system components will be delivered onsite. Your installer will lay out all the materials and safety gear needed.
Installation: The solar array will be securely mounted on your roof or ground area. Wiring will connect the panels to your electrical panel via the inverters. Your installer may need to upgrade your panel depending on your system size.
Inspections: Your local building department will inspect the system during the installation process. This ensures your system is properly permitted and safely installed to code.
Approval: Once approved, your system can be switched on and connected to the utility grid. Your installer will monitor the system to ensure it’s functioning as expected.
The entire process usually takes about 1-2 weeks from contractor selection to system approval. With a reputable installer, you can expect a smooth and headache-free installation.
Ongoing Maintenance
Once your solar panels are installed, some routine maintenance is required to keep them operating efficiently. Here are some maintenance tips to consider:
Cleaning Solar Panels
Dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris can accumulate on solar panels over time, reducing their productivity. It’s recommended to clean panels 2-4 times per year. Use a soft brush and mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive brushes or cleaners. Be careful not to damage the panels while cleaning.
Monitoring Production
Keep an eye on your solar energy production to make sure your system is performing as expected. Your installer can provide monitoring software to track daily, monthly, and annual output. Watch for any drops in production that could indicate an issue.
Equipment Lifetime
Solar panels can last 25-30 years or more. Inverters, which convert the solar energy to usable electricity, may need replacement after 10-15 years. Make sure you budget for potential inverter replacement or repairs down the road. Other system components are generally designed to last the lifetime of the solar panels.
Additional Steps to Go Green
While solar panels can significantly reduce your home’s carbon footprint, there are other steps you can take to make your lifestyle more eco-friendly and sustainable:
Improve energy efficiency – Conduct an energy audit to pinpoint areas for efficiency upgrades like air sealing or better insulation. Replace old appliances with energy efficient models. Switch to LED lightbulbs. Use power strips to cut phantom load from electronics. Monitor energy use with a smart meter app.
Consider an electric vehicle – Transportation generates nearly 30% of U.S. greenhouse gases. Switching to an EV powered by renewable energy can greatly reduce your carbon footprint. EVs also have lower maintenance costs than gas vehicles. As charging infrastructure expands, EVs provide a practical green transportation solution.
Choose green power options – Most electricity still comes from fossil fuels, but you may be able to opt for a renewable energy provider through your utility. Installing a small wind turbine or solar array can let you generate your own green power. Supporting community solar projects also helps expand renewable energy.
Every sustainable step makes a difference. Combining solar panels with lifestyle changes creates a greener tomorrow for the environment and future generations.
