Solar energy is no longer the future; it is the present. Last year, a new solar project was installed every 60 seconds, increasing the total solar capacity in the United States to more than 121 gigawatts. It is anticipated that 300 gigawatts of solar capacity will be installed in the US in the coming decade.
If you are planning to make the switch to solar energy, it is likely that you have questions about the benefits, costs, and installation process. Before you have solar panels installed on your property, we recommend that you read this blog post. Here, we’ll ask and answer four all-important questions about solar panels.
1. Do I Have the Right Location?
In terms of direction, it is recommended that you install solar panels in a south-facing direction. Most homeowners will opt to install their solar panels on their roofs, which is a great way to avoid any obstructions.
Installing solar panels in a north-, east-, or west-facing direction will reduce the maximum output of your solar panels. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to where on your property you will be installing your solar system.
2. How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
The amount of solar panels your home will need depends on a number of factors. These include:
- The exact location of your property
- The size of your property
- Its current energy usage
- Your average energy bills currently
- Your available budget
The best way to determine the most suitable number of solar panels is to speak with an experienced solar panel installation company, such as Blue Raven Solar.
3. How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
The exact cost will be determined by several factors including the number of solar panels and the type of panels you choose.
In the US, the average cost of a 4 kW solar panel system is $9,620 (after factoring in the 26% federal solar tax credit). A 6 kW solar panel system, as another example, costs $13,098, with a lower average cost per watt than 4 kW.
In addition to the federal solar tax credit, many states offer their own tax incentives which further reduce the upfront cost of solar installation.
4. What Are the Environmental Benefits of Solar?
In the US, solar panels contribute to a reduction of around 136 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually. Solar panels do not release greenhouse gases when generating electricity, which is in stark contrast to fossil fuels such as coal and oil.
Solar panels also help to reduce air pollution, water usage, and our collective dependence on fossil fuels. If you are environmentally conscious, create a green home with solar panels.
What to Know Before You Have Solar Panels Installed
Now is a wonderful time to make the switch to solar energy. Over the course of several decades, solar panels can dramatically reduce or even wipe out your home’s energy bills.
Like this blog post on questions to ask before having solar panels installed? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
