Lets talk about Green energy for a better world. Harnessing solar energy does generally not cause pollution. However, there are emissions associated with the manufacturing, transportation and installation of solar power systems – almost nothing compared to most conventional energy sources. It is clear that solar energy reduces our dependence on non-renewable energy sources. This is an important step in fighting the climate crisis.
Is solar power really expensive? This is probably the most debatable aspect on the entire solar energy pros and cons list. The driving forces behind the development of solar energy are rooted in politics. Solar power is incentivized to compete against other energy sources on the market. On the other hand, the U.S. government, similarly to the rest of the world, provides incentives to every major energy production market – not just solar.
The level of solar irradiation that falls upon the earth varies with the geography of the planet. Generally, the closer to the equator the more solar energy but what most don’t realize is that solar energy can be used anywhere. For example, in the sunniest parts of America a solar system will produce on average 4.7 kWh of power per 1 kilowatt of solar panels but in the least sunny areas, such as the mountains and north east, it wills till produce 2.9 kilowatt hours per kilowatt, per day. So although some areas are better than others for solar power it is still viable in almost all locations.
Solar panels (also known as photovoltaic panels) are installed on your home. The solar panels convert light (photons) into electricity (voltage). Each panel is connected to a microinverter that changes the electric current from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current). Each microinverter operates independently of the others so that if one stops working your system is still generating maximum power. An alternative to being tied to the utility company is an off-grid solar panel system. An off-grid system is similar to a grid-tied system with the exception that all the solar energy that is generated is stored in solar energy battery banks in your home. A charge controller sits between the batteries and the solar cells to ensure that the batteries do not overcharge. With an off-grid system you are 100% electricity independent.
During the solar installation process, your conduit and inverter will be set in place prior to mounting the solar panels. We will then fit the roof anchors and attach the frame to securely hold the solar panels in place. After wiring the panels, the inverter, and finally your home, final inspection will be performed. After the inspection, you’ll have solar energy powering your home with a simple flip of a switch.
If you’re ready to invest in your future with an environmentally-friendly solution, the question on everyone’s mind is how much do solar panels cost? In Denver, Colorado many believe solar power comes with a hefty price tag. However, solar panels are actually more affordable than many realize. In fact, the cost to install solar power has dropped more than 70% in the last 10 years, allowing the industry to deploy thousands of systems nationwide. In 2015 alone, solar prices dropped by 3% in just one year. Plus, there are now many government incentives and rebates that make residential solar panels more affordable than ever before. See extra info on How solar works.