What is Solar Power or Solar energy?
We all know not to look directly at the sun. We learn at a young age that prolonged unprotected exposure to the sun can cause sunburns. Later in school we understand that all life on earth requires sunlight, because…
plants use sunlight for photosynthesis to create energy –> animals eat plants for energy –> other animals each those animals for energy –> humans each both plants and animals for energy.
…because sunlight carries energy. The sun is a nuclear fusion reactor in the sky. Its also a public good, meaning that everyone has access to it and one person’s consumption does not prohibit or competes with another. And while it technically isn’t limitless, (we have another 7.5 billions years before our sun dies) relative to our short time on planet earth, this is practically limitless, free, clean and bountiful energy.
We use solar power in a few ways. In Florida where every third house has a swimming pool, we see lots of solar heaters. This is using solar heat radiation to heat water to warm swimming pools. These heaters are often located on the roofs and look similar Photo Voltaic (PV) solar panels. When I refer to solar energy, I’m not referring to solar water heaters that heat water via heat radiation, but to PV solar panels which convert solar energy into electricity, which can be used for limitless purposes (including heating your water).
Besides, pumping water through pipes to heat them is not nearly as fun as producing electricity using panels, controllers and inverters. More tech = more fun (generally speaking).
Solar technology has been around for a decades. But recent advances in battery technology and solar cell improvements, coupled with availability of resources such as YouTube and blogs like mine have helped increased adoption. Increased adoption (due to economies of scale) in turn further reduced costs of solar panels to nearly $1.00 per watt (100 watt panel for $100 dollars) and still dropping. It has passed the threshold where it is more more advantageous to use PV solar cells to produce electricity to heat your water than it is to use solar water heaters to heat your water. The irony!
Renegy 400watt Solar Panel Kit
Renogy Solar Charge Controller
Windy Nation Complete 400 Watt Solar Kit
Need some reasons why you should adopt a solar power system? Let me break down some of the most important considerations.
- Security and Control – Don’t like the idea of being 100% dependent on the power grid? Don’t like experiencing rolling brown-outs (California) or extended power outages during hurricanes (Florida)? Get your own power plant… err, I mean, harness the free fusion reactor public good in the sky for your power needs.
- Its Clean– PV solar systems produce no polution. This is why its considerd “GREEN” Let’s save the environment already.
- Its Quiet – PV systems don’t involve pumps or other mechanical devices. At most, you may hear a fan running inside a controller or inverter to help prevent overheating but otherwise, PV solar systems operate in silence.
- Positive ROI – If done correctly, investments in PV systems can make you money. That’s right, not only will you save money by reducing your monthy power bill (or eliminate it altogether), but if you make more than you use, you can sell it back to the power company. This is called “Net Metering.” Long term ROI means you’ll recoup or break even with your investments, on average, after about 15 years. PV systems should last you 20-30 years or longer. So, once they are paid for, you can actually make money selling power surplus power.
- Its Fun – okay, this is true if you’re a geek like me and enjoy the process and tech involved in producing your own power. People like to ask about my DIY solar system and I love talking about it. Hey, being a geek is not bad. Its the new cool.
Clean, renewable energy from the Sun.
The amount of money you can save with solar depends upon how much electricity you consume, the size of your solar energy system, if you choose to buy or lease your system, and how much power it is able to generate given the direction your roof faces and how much sunlight hits it.
Is my home suitable for solar panels?
Solar panels are built to work in all climates, but in some cases, rooftops may not be suitable for solar systems due to age or tree cover. If there are trees near your home that create excessive shade on your roof, rooftop panels may not be the most ideal option. The size, shape, and slope of your roof are also important factors to consider. Typically, solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees, though other roofs may be suitable too. You should also consider the age of your roof and how long until it will need replacement.
If a solar professional determines that your roof is not suitable for solar, or you don’t own your home, you can still benefit from solar energy. Community solar allows multiple people to benefit from a single, shared solar array that can be installed on- or off-site. Costs associated with purchasing and installing a solar energy system are divided among all of the participants, who are able to buy into the shared system at a level that best fits their budget. Learn more about community solar.
Those interested in community solar can take advantage of a tool from awardee EnergySage. The company’s Community Solar Marketplace aggregates the many available options in one place and standardizes project information, allowing interested consumers to easily locate and compare multiple community solar projects in their area.
How do I start the process of going solar?
There are a number of mapping services that have been developed by SETO awardees that will help you determine if your roof is suitable for solar and can even provide you with quotes from pre-screened solar providers in your area. In addition to those resources, an internet search can help you find local companies that install solar panels. Because you will likely have many options to choose from, it’s important to thoroughly read reviews of solar companies to make sure you are selecting the best fit for you and your home.
Solarize campaigns can also help you start the process of going solar. These programs work by allowing groups of homeowners to work together to collectively negotiate rates, select an installer, and create additional community interest in solar through a limited-time offer to join the campaign. Ultimately, as the number of residents who participate in the program increase, the cost of the installations will decrease.
Can I install solar myself?
Right now, the best way to install solar is through a qualified professional who holds a certification to do so and works with high-quality solar panels. The industry-standard certification is awarded through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). In the future, though, you will likely be able to install solar yourself. SETO awardee Fraunhofer CSE is developing a plug-and-play solar array that enables consumers to easily attach the panels to their roofs using an adhesive roof mounting system and connect it to the grid in under 12 hours. This is still in development – until it is available at your local home improvement store, you should work with a certified solar installer.
How much power can I generate with solar?
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory developed a tool called PVWatts for this purpose. It estimates the energy production and cost of energy of grid-connected PV energy systems for any address in the world. It allows homeowners, small building owners, installers, and manufacturers to easily develop estimates of the performance of potential PV installations, and can even compare solar’s cost to utility bills. These tools are great for getting started, but make sure to work with a solar installer for a custom estimate of how much power your solar energy system is likely to generate.
Will I save money by going solar?
The amount of money you can save with solar depends upon how much electricity you consume, the size of your solar energy system, if you choose to buy or lease your system, and how much power it is able to generate given the direction your roof faces and how much sunlight hits it. Your savings also depend on the electricity rates set by your utility and how much the utility will compensate you for the excess solar energy you send back to the grid. Check the National Utility Rate Database to see current electricity rates in your area.
In some cities around the country, solar is already cost competitive with the electricity sold by your local utility. The cost of going solar has dropped every year since 2009, a trend researchers expect to continue. Not only are the prices of panels dropping, so are the costs associated with installation, such as permitting and inspection—also known as “soft costs.” All of SETO’s funding programs are working toward improving the affordability of solar and making it easier for consumers to choose solar.
It should also be noted that energy efficiency upgrades complement solar energy economically. By using Energy Star appliances and other products in your home, you’ll need less solar energy to power your home.
How can I find state incentives and tax breaks that will help me go solar?
DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewable energy in the United States. It is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. By entering your zip code, DSIRE provides you with a comprehensive list of financial incentives and regulatory policies that apply to your home. Additionally, an experienced local installer should be able to assist you in claiming any state and local incentives, as well as the ITC.
Is solar safe?
Absolutely! All solar panels meet international inspection and testing standards, and a qualified installer will install them to meet local building, fire, and electrical codes. Also, your solar energy system will undergo a thorough inspection from a certified electrician as part of the installation process.
Home owner’s Guide to Going Solar
A Step by Step guide to going solar?
Since 2008, hundreds of thousands of solar panels have popped up across the country as an increasing number of Americans choose to power their daily lives with the sun’s energy. Thanks in part to the Solar Energy Technologies Office’s investments, the cost of going solar goes down every year. You may be considering the option of adding a solar energy system to your home’s roof or finding another way to harness the sun’s energy. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solar solution, here are some resources that can help you figure out what’s best for you.
In this guide, I will provide you with a step-by-step guide to understanding, designing, sourcing and installing your own solar power system. I’ve spent countless hours researching and learning how to do this prior to completing my own project. I completed my project in 2018. But hang tight, the completed instructions with photos, diagrams and instructional videos will be available soon!
