Why Getting A Photovoltaic Panel At Home Is A Good Decision
Posted by Rafeal Horwilts in Uncategorized, tags: energy, family, general, home, home improvement, house, misc, Miscellaneous, news, solar power, UncategorizedThe greatest drawback to solar energy, and the reason why still most people ask the question “is solar power worth it?” is the hefty capital cost. Nowadays, the solar panels on houses would set the homeowner back typically about 15,000 dollars, inclusive of installation. These solar panels on houses are usually between 1.5 to 3 kilowatts and can generate only half of an average household’s electricity requirements.
Another reason why a good number of people are reluctant to shift to solar energy is because its energy conversion efficiency is below that of fossil fuel and other sources. Currently, PV cells are limited to 12%-17% energy conversion efficiency, depending on the technology built into them. On top of that, the amount of energy a PV cell can convert is entirely dependent on the quality and availability of daylight. Therefore, if you live in areas where it is always cloudy, the system would be inefficient and impractical.
Having mentioned those disadvantages, you probably are now also wondering, is solar power worth it? If one was to juxtapose those drawbacks to solar power advantages, the answer would be an easy yes. Although we cannot deny the fact that the initial cash outlay to have a solar panel installed at home can be substantial, then again, in the long run, you will be able to enjoy significant savings. To begin with, producing your own electricity is more affordable than importing from your local power company.
On top of that, when your photovoltaic system is connected to the grid, it can feed surplus energy back to the mains. Depending on where you live, you will get different kinds of federal, state, and power company incentives for doing so. There are states where net-metering is practiced. Essentially, this program enables homeowners to use their own generation from on-site photovoltaic systems to offset their consumption over a billing period by allowing their electric meters to turn in the opposite direction when they generate electricity in excess of their demand, thus making it possible for them to receive retail prices for the excess electricity they are able to produce.
In other jurisdictions, feed-in tariff programs are followed. If you are eligible to receive FiTs, you will benefit in two ways, namely: through generation tariff wherein your energy supplier will pay you a set rate for each unit (or kWh) of electricity you generate; and export tariff which provides financial incentives for each excess kWh you export back to the electricity grid. One more solar power advantage is that it reduces your carbon footprint thereby making you an active participant in the present-day green movement. Upkeep is also simple and less costly when it comes to photovoltaic systems. Also, maintenance for PV systems is not physically or financially demanding, and with proper care it can last for 15 to 25 years. Just keep in mind though that anything that will prevent the sun’s rays from reaching the PV cells, like dust, clouds, shade from trees can make the system less efficient.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of homeowner-installed PV systems. This is a way of lowering the initial cash outlay. They use DIY kits and use plans and illustrated guides to help them make and mount these PV panels. These DIY kits are able to yield 2 kW, and typically grid-tied as well. By doing so, the household will be able to take advantage of a net metering program. Just remember though that if you do intend to build a solar panel yourself, you may not be able to take advantage of federal or state sponsored incentive programs. Some jurisdictions require that the PV system be mounted and connected to the grid by a licensed contractor for you to qualify in those programs. Not to mention, you are most likely going to face a lot of paperwork just to have your DIY kit installed and grid-tied.
Nowadays, we see more and more people installing solar panels on houses. Ever wondered is solar power worth it? Visit here to know more.
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