At Advisor Solar, we understand that switching to solar energy is more than an escape from high electric bills. It is also a step toward a greener future. Suppose you have been looking forward to availing yourself of residential solar system power services. In that case, you are on the right track to saving your pocket, contributing to preserving the environment, and, most importantly, getting an independent energy supply.

However, what does it take to install a solar system? What are the realistic gains that one can expect? It’s time to answer all the questions you may have.

What is a Residential Solar System?

A residential solar system is a unique system widely used to harness the sun’s energy and turn it into electricity to supply your house. These systems allow homeowners to generate power from solar energy, decrease dependency on fossil-generated power, and aid in the well-being of nature.

• Solar panel costs have dropped over 70% over the last decade, making it relatively cheap for most people to install. (Source: SEIA)

Key Components of a Residential Solar System

Here, we are enlisting key components of a residential solar panel system:

1. Solar Panels
2. Inverter
3. Battery Storage (Optional)
4. Monitoring System

1. Solar Panels

• These are the system’s most prominent parts, often mounted on your roof or property.
• They consist of photovoltaic (PV) panels to capture sunlight and convert it to direct current (DC) electricity.
• The efficiency of the new silicon-based solar cell layers ranges from 15 to 22 percent, depending on whether the cell is a monosilicon, polysilicon, or thin-film cell (ScienceDirect).

2. Inverter

• The DC electrical energy from the panels is transformed into AC needed to run home devices.
• It also provides real-time energy monitoring for the optimal performance capability of smart inverters.

3. Battery Storage (Optional)

• It stores energy for use at night or in cases of power failure when production is low.
• Lithium-ion battery technology offers more effective storage and more extended durability than previous generations of battery systems.

4. Monitoring System

• This component examines the system’s energy production and use to guarantee efficiency.
• Connection to the Grid (Net Metering): Excess power can be fed into the utility grid in exchange for credits that offset future energy demands.

How Does a Residential Solar System Work?

1. Sunlight Absorption: Solar panels can capture light throughout the day, including on cloudy days, since UV rays are still present.
2. Electricity Generation: The PV cells in the panels transform the sun’s light energy into direct current electricity.
3. Energy Conversion: The inverter converts the direct current of electricity to an alternating current, which is suitable for use in homes.
4. Energy Storage or Grid Connection: Extra power produced by the system is either stored in batteries or fed back into the electrical utility through net metering, resulting in savings or credit on energy bills.

Key Considerations Before Installing a Solar System

Knowing what you want to achieve with a residential solar system before proceeding with the installation is beneficial.

Here are some fundamental checkpoints that you should consider before proceeding.

1. Roof Readiness
2. Energy Needs Assessment
3. Budget Planning

1. Roof Readiness

Your roof’s condition plays a crucial role in the success of your solar installation. Ask yourself:

• Can your roof support solar panel installation for construction and load bearing?
• Is your roof exposed enough to sunlight during the day, or are there factors such as trees and other structures crowding around that place?
• Is the roof sufficiently large to contain the number of panels required for a home’s energy consumption?

If you’re unsure about your roof’s readiness, Advisor Solar offers free consultations to assess your property and recommend the best solutions.

2. Energy Needs Assessment

It is essential to confirm the required power from the solar system by assessing current energy consumption.

• Check your electricity bills regularly to know how much energy you consume monthly.
• Consider future electricity requirements, including when you intend to install an electric car or expand your home.
• Choose between a system that fulfills your electricity demands in full or just getting a subset of the system for a lesser cost.

We help you determine the correct size solar system for your energy needs system size that will suit your energy needs.

3. Budget Planning

Solar installations are an investment, but proper budgeting ensures the process is manageable.

• Find federal and state tax credits like the federal tax credit of 30%.
• Consider solar power financing through loans, leases, or power purchase agreements (PPAs).
• Consider that the costs will be covered with the money saved on energy bills for years.

Top 7 Benefits of Installing a Residential Solar System

After completing installation procedures, you can achieve many more advantages from the residential solar system. Let’s explore the top advantages:

1. Significant Reduction in Energy Bills
2. Positive Environmental Impact
3. Increased Property Value
4. Access to Tax Credits and Incentives
5. Energy Independence and Reliability
6. Minimal Maintenance and Long Lifespan
7. Contribution to a Sustainable Future

1. Significant Reduction in Energy Bills

Reduced electricity costs are one of the most apparent benefits of having a solar system.

• Solar panels directly convert sunlight into electricity, so you can minimize or even cut off your dependence on power companies altogether.
• With net metering, you can invert excess power and sell it to the utility company, lowering the cost.
• In the long run, you can save considerable money, meaning solar is a quality financial investment.
• It is estimated that homeowners who install solar power systems can save between $28,000 and $120,000 over the next 20 years, depending on their location and usage rate. (EnergySage)

2. Positive Environmental Impact

Going solar is wise, affordable for the owner, and very environmentally friendly.

• Solar energy does not emit greenhouse gases; hence, it reduces your carbon footprint.
• It saves on conserving natural resources since it avoids using fossil energy sources.
• For every home that opts for solar energy, it is equal to planting dozens of trees annually.
• A standard 6 kW solar power plant reduces about 3–4 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to planting over 100 trees annually. (me green)

Selecting a clean energy source means you are causing less harm to the health of humans and the environment.

3. Increased Property Value

Adopting solar systems has real benefits, one of which is that properties with solar systems sell quickly and for more money than other homes.

• Solar power is considered a luxury, like a newly renovated kitchen.
• Energy efficiency, or sustainability, is now one of the main factors that attract buyers’ attention when buying a house.
• The research reveals that homes with solar panels sell 20 percent more quickly and cost 4.1 percent more on average. (Zillow)

4. Access to Tax Credits and Incentives

Solar energy systems are eligible for numerous monetary programs.

• The current federal solar tax credit lets homeowners claim a deduction equal to 30% of the system’s installation cost.
• Further costs that can be brought down are state-specific rebates and local incentives.
• Solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) enable you to sell and make money from your system’s energy.

5. Energy Independence and Reliability

Solar energy allows homeowners to take charge of their electricity needs.

• Combined with battery storage, your system can provide power during blackouts, which makes it reliable.
• Cut your energy costs for generations and shield yourselves from increasing utility tariffs.
• Know that you have a dependable energy source that you can always rely on.
• Solar energy can be viewed as a shield against utility costs, as electricity prices rise by 3% annually in the USA (National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)).

6. Minimal Maintenance and Long Lifespan

Maintenance can be an issue for some homeowners considering installing solar systems. However, solar systems require minimal maintenance.

• It is important to note that the solar panels must often be cleaned of debris.
• Inverters and batteries are likely to be replaced after several years of use but are often protected by warranty.
• If well maintained, solar panels can serve the homeowner for 25 to 30 years, making for efficiency and value.

7. Contribution to a Sustainable Future

Solar is the choice people make for a brighter tomorrow.

• Harnessing the sun’s energy is a cheap way to generate power, reducing the use of fossil resources.
• It assists in embracing the new revolution in renewable energy sources for future generations.
• To sum up, being a solar owner, you join millions of people in the fight against climate change.

Myths About Residential Solar Systems—Debunked

There are many myths about the efficiency of solar technology, even though its installation is becoming popular and widespread, which makes homeowners refrain from considering solar energy. With Advisor Solar, we stream to help provide clarity regarding residential solar systems and their functions.

Below are the highlighted myths and the actual truth about them.

Myth 1: Solar Is Too Expensive Upfront

Reality: Although the initial cost to install these panels can be pretty high, in actuality, the price is quite low, and many people do not realize this.

• Federal Tax Incentives: The federal government provides incentives such as the 30% Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which permits homeowners to offset many installation costs through tax deductions.
• State and Local Rebates: Some states and municipalities also provide other incentives to decrease costs in addition to rebates.
• Zero-Down Financing Options: Most people use loans, leases, or power purchase agreements (PPA) to secure their solar system, which may be acquired without any initial capital investment.
• Long-Term Savings: Homeowners save their spending on electricity by $ 50,000 over the almost 25-year lifespan that the system possesses, mainly recovering the initial cost in a few years at most. (EnergySage)

Myth 2: Solar Panels Don’t Work on Cloudy Days

Reality: Solar panels work efficiently even in cloudy weather compared to what many people may think today.

• Energy Efficiency on Cloudy Days: Even in the worst circumstances where it is cloudy, the solar panels produce 10%–25% of their capacity when directly under sunlight. (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
• Battery Backup Solutions: Installing a battery system means the availability of stored energy, especially during the evening or during long periods of cloudy weather.
• Global Examples: Solar energy can be generated even in places with less sun, like Germany, where more than 40% of power is produced from renewable sources.

Myth 3: Solar Panels Will Damage My Roof

Reality: Professional solar installation neither damages a roof nor weakens its structure.

• Proper Installation: Solar-certified contractors use unique methods to mount these systems without compromising roof structures or causing leakage.
• Protective Benefits: Panels prevent direct contact with your roof during light rains and debris, prolonging its life.
• Insurance Coverage: Most homeowners insurance policies include solar installations, which enhance the security of potential investments.

On the contrary, there is clear evidence that solar panels decrease roofing wear when installed correctly by shielding it from harsh climatic conditions.

Myth 4: Solar Maintenance Is Complicated

Reality: Possibly, none of the home energy systems are as easy to maintain as the solar panels.

• Durable Design: Current panels are designed to provide long-lasting solutions. They have 20 to 25-year warranties and are relatively easy to maintain.
• Simple Cleaning: It is often necessary to clean it only twice a year with dirt, leaves, or snow so that its efficiency remains unaltered.
• Monitoring Tools: Smart inverters and monitoring systems are installed in homes so homeowners can monitor the systems’ performance and receive alerts of any problems they may note.

Residential solar systems have annual maintenance costs between $150 and $300, making them cheaper than other household systems.

Myth 5: Solar Panels Aren’t Worth It in Cold Climates

Reality: Another advantage of solar panels is that they work best in colder environments.

• Increased Efficiency: Cold temperatures operate the solar panel optimally since they do not overheat the panel, which degrades its performance.
• Snow Reflectivity: Snow can illuminate panels, increasing energy generation on sunny days throughout the winter.
• Built to Last: Solar panels can handle weather conditions like snow, ice, and hail.

For instance, homeowners in states such as Minnesota and New York can still enjoy remarkable returns on their solar systems even in winter.

Contact Advisor Solar and Get a Residential Solar System Today

Are you ready to switch to solar power? At Advisor Solar, we offer outstanding solar solutions that adequately address your energy requirements without straining your pocket. Our more than 2000 successful installations and over 10 years of successful work allow us to become your reliable partner and consultant, from the project’s discussion to its implementation and support.

It is never too late to start saving money and making our planet a better place to live. We are here to assist you. Contact us for more information and a free consultation.

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