FAQs About Adding Solar Power To Your Home

Solar power is becoming more and more popular, and for good reasons. Sunlight is basically unlimited, and it is a green source of energy. If you are thinking of bringing green energy to your home, you might have a few questions you'd like answered beforehand. Here are a few common questions and answers about solar power.

Are there any good alternatives to rooftop solar panels?

Rooftop solar panels are what most people think of first when they think of residential solar panels. They are convenient because they are out of the way, and also because most roofs get lots of sunlight. But there are other types of solar power to consider. Solar shingles are shingles that have solar cells within them. They are a good choice if you want rooftop solar but do not want the appearance of raised solar panels. If you have a relatively large yard, you could also have solar panels placed on racks in the yard, rather than on your roof. This does make them easier to access for maintenance.

Can you disconnect from the grid if you get solar panels at home?

In some cases, yes. In other cases, no. It will depend on how much sunlight your solar panels are able to harvest. If they are able to harness enough to fully power your home, then you can disconnect from the grid. However, you will need to have a backup battery installed to store the excess power generated in the daytime for use during the night. If your solar panels do not produce enough energy to power your home, then you will want to keep it connected to the grid so you can have electricity on days when your solar panels can't quite keep up.

Does installing solar panels actually help you save money?

In most cases, solar panels can help you save money over time. You will either not have an electric bill, or the electric bill will be much lower. Eventually, the savings will negate the cost of the solar panels. Many states and locales also offer rebates and tax credits for people who buy solar panels, which will help offset the cost a little more. 

With these questions answered, you should be better prepared to have solar panels installed on your home. Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment for an estimate and find out how much solar panels will cost you. Having a specific cost in mind can help you make a good decision.