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6 Common Questions About Rooftop Solar Panels

Although solar panels are increasingly popular, many American homeowners find it difficult to understand the complexities and responsibilities that come with owning solar panels. However, without knowing the ins and outs, you may make an investment you’re not ready for. Read on to review the six most common questions homeowners ask about rooftop solar panels and understand whether residential solar is right for you.

How Does Solar Work?

Solar radiation is light the sun emits in the form of photons, also known as electromagnetic radiation. A photon is a quantity of light or electromagnetic radiation that carries energy. These photons are the critical catalyst that begins the process of turning light into energy.

Every solar panel contains multiple cells, and within these cells are two layers of semiconductors. The top semiconductor contains negative electrodes and is known as the n-type semiconductor. The bottom layer of the cell contains positive electrodes and is known as the p-type semiconductor. Because of the layered structure of these semiconductors, some of the electrons bond, forming an electric field. However, the photons that the sun emits break up these electrons, causing them to roam freely in their respective layer.

When the electrons loosen and connect with a circuit, the attractive force between these negative and positive components causes them to go from one layer to the other. This transfer of electrons is what creates an electrical current! These solar cells create direct current electricity, but because most home appliances run on alternating current electricity, the solar panels push out the energy to the regulator. This direct energy goes through an inverter, turning it into the alternating current electricity that powers your home.

But why is this process important? For one simple reason: the number of photons available for solar cells to absorb varies greatly depending on where your panels are in relation to the sun.

Why Should I Go Solar and What Are the Benefits?

If your home is fit to go solar, it can reduce your energy bill significantly. The amount of electricity that solar panels produce can offset your overall electricity usage, cutting down your electric bill. That said, how much you can save depends on where you live and how much you currently pay.

For example, if you live in an area that doesn’t receive much sunlight throughout the year and your energy bills are consistently high, solar may not be right for you. In this situation, your solar panels will likely not make enough to cover your energy bill or the cost of installation. However, many homes that experience a consistent amount of sun spend a lot of money keeping their homes cool, making them prime candidates for solar.

Electricity is a secondary energy source, with its primary source mainly stemming from natural gas. The more the population continues to invest in solar, the more overall carbon emissions lower. After all, the primary source of solar power is renewable. Additionally, solar energy has done wonders for creating thousands of jobs in America, helping to promote the economy and the future of our country.

How Do I Know if My Home Is a Good Fit for Solar?

The amount of energy your panels produce and the money you can save vary greatly depending on your location. You need to consider three major questions if you want to determine whether your home is right for solar.

  • How much sunlight does your roof get?
  • Is your roof in the right position?
  • How high is your average energy bill?

Heat isn’t necessary for solar panels to function, and solar panels will still work despite cloud cover, rain, and fog. However, if you live in an area with snow, snow will fall on your solar panels and block out the light entirely. Additionally, you must consider how much shade your roof receives, where your roof is facing, and if your roof is large enough to store the panels. Lastly, if your energy bill is lower than 70 to 80 dollars a month, installing and maintaining solar panels may not be worth your investment. The more you pay per month now, the faster your return on investment (ROI) will increase with the panels, which is an essential factor for deciding if this investment makes fiscal sense.

Will My Solar Panels Come With a Warranty?

While it’s not guaranteed, a good solar company will offer you a warranty, as maintenance can be tricky and pricey. However, it is important to note that you must contact licensed solar professionals to maintain and fix your solar panels; unlicensed professionals run the risk of voiding your warranty.

Unfortunately, accidentally voiding a solar panel warranty is very common, as anyone who works on your roof can accidentally damage the panels or wiring. You can either work with the contractor or hire a third party to fix and maintain your panels. The good news is that most panel manufacturers provide a 25-year warranty on their panels and will replace defective panels.

What Type of Solar Panels Are Right for My Home?

Luckily, choosing the right type of solar panel for your home is straightforward, as there are three main types of solar panels used for residential solar. There are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film solar panels.

Thin-film panels are the most affordable solar panels, but they’re ultimately the least efficient, while monocrystalline solar panels are the most expensive but the most efficient. The best middle ground in terms of price is the polycrystalline panels. However, the biggest downside of these panels is their short lifespan. When deciding which panel is right for you, consider the overall installation charge and the ROI factors when comparing prices.

How Can I Finance My Solar Panels?

Ultimately, there are four ways you can finance your solar panels: contractor financing, personal loans, home equity financing, and FHA 203(k) loans. With contractor financing, the contractor that installs your solar panels can help you finance the panels using third-party lenders. While the contractor may offer low rates, the long-term interest will add up, and the contractor may not approve your credit. Personal loans, however, typically receive approval much faster and have shorter long-term payments. Just be aware that the rates will likely be much higher.

With home equity financing, your home is the collateral, and these loans often see the longest repayment period. However, the rates are generally much lower, and you can usually deduct the installation from the interest on your taxes. Finally, FHA 203(k) loans allow you to roll the cost into a refinanced mortgage and offer low-interest rates. However, this requires FHA mortgage insurance, and the contractor must start within the first 30 days after the first payment.

Knowing the answers to these six common questions about rooftop solar panels can help you make an overall more informed financial decision. And here at Solar Restore, we know just how much of an investment solar panels can be. This is why we’re a solar energy company dedicated to protecting your warranty, maintaining your panels, and helping you get the most out of your investment.

6 Common Questions About Rooftop Solar Panels

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