As solar power becomes more and more popular, an increasing number of people are making the switch to this renewable form of energy. But even though solar power is becoming more affordable and accessible than ever before, many people are still hesitant to make the switch. This hesitation is often due to a lack of knowledge about solar power and what it entails. Here are some of the most important things you need to know about solar power before making the switch.
1) What is a battery bank?
A battery bank is a collection of batteries that are used to store energy from solar panels. This energy can be used later to power your home or business, or it can be sold back to the grid. Battery banks are a great way to store energy and make use of it when you need it most. They can also help you save money on your energy bills. For example, a Solar Edge Battery Bank can store up to 60 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy, which is enough to power a home for two days. On the other hand, a Tesla Powerwall can store up to 13.5 kWh of energy.
Keep in mind that battery banks are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The type of battery bank you need will depend on the size of your solar array and your energy needs. For example, a small home with a 3kW solar array will need a much different battery bank than a large commercial property with a 100kW solar array. Plus, the amount of energy you use will also affect the size of the battery bank you need.
2) What are net metering and time-of-use rates?
Net metering is a system that allows you to sell the excess energy your solar panels produce back to the grid. This excess energy is known as your “solar surplus.” Time-of-use rates are the prices utilities charge for energy at different times of the day. For example, energy used during peak hours (when demand is highest) may be more expensive than the energy used during off-peak hours.
Net metering and time-of-use rates are important to understand because they can affect how much money you save by going solar. For example, if you live in a state with high net metering rates, you may be able to sell a large portion of the energy your solar panels produce back to the grid. This can offset the cost of your solar array and help you save money in the long run. On the other hand, if you live in a state with low net metering rates, you may not be able to sell as much energy back to the grid. This means you’ll have to rely more on the battery bank to store excess energy for use later.
3) What are the benefits of going solar?
1) Reducing your carbon footprint – Solar energy is a renewable form of energy that doesn’t produce greenhouse gases like coal or natural gas. This means that going solar can help reduce your carbon footprint and help fight climate change. Also, the more people who switch to solar power, the greater the overall impact will be. For example, if everyone in the United States switched to solar power, greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by 6 billion metric tons per year. That’s equivalent to taking all the cars off the road for four years!
2) Saving money on your energy bills – One of the biggest benefits of going solar is that you can save money on your energy bills. Solar panels can reduce your electricity bill by 50% or more, depending on your location and energy needs. Also, many states and utilities offer solar incentives, like solar rebates and solar tax credits, which can further offset the cost of going solar. Not only that but going solar can also increase the value of your home.
3) Receiving tax credits and rebates – Many states and local governments offer tax credits and rebates for people who install solar panels. This can help offset the cost of going solar and make it more affordable. For example, the federal government offers a tax credit of 30% for solar panel installations. This tax credit is available for both residential and commercial properties.
4) Generating your own energy – With solar panels, you can generate your own energy and become more self-sufficient. This can be especially helpful if there is a power outage or natural disaster. Plus, it’s always satisfying to know that you’re generating your own energy and not relying on the grid.
5) Creating jobs – The solar industry is booming, and it’s creating jobs nationwide. In fact, the solar industry currently employs more people than the coal industry. In addition, most of these jobs are in the installation and construction fields, so they can’t be outsourced. This means that going solar is not only good for the environment but also good for the economy.
4) What are some of the challenges of going solar?
Although there are many benefits to going solar, there are also some challenges you need to be aware of. One challenge is the cost. Installing solar panels can be expensive, so it may take a few years to break even. You also need to have enough space on your roof for the solar panels and enough sun exposure. Another challenge is dealing with the variability of solar energy. Solar energy is not always available, especially during cloudy or stormy days. This means that you may need to rely more on your battery bank to store energy for later use.
Going solar can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, save money on your energy bills, and generate your own renewable energy. However, there are some challenges you need to be aware of before making the switch. Make sure you weigh the pros and cons of going solar before deciding if it’s right for you. Keep in mind that the cost of solar panels has been dropping in recent years, so now may be a great time to switch to solar power.
