Lets write about Solar energy for homeowners. Solar energy is available all over the world. Not only the countries that are closest to the Equator can put solar energy to use – Germany, for example, has by far the highest capacity of solar power in the world. With the introduction of net metering and feed-in tariff (FIT) schemes, homeowners can now “sell” excess electricity, or receive bill credits, during times when they produce more electricity than what they actually consume.
Solar energy is an intermittent energy source. Access to sunlight is limited at certain times (e.g. morning and night). Predicting overcast days can be difficult. This is why solar power is not our first choice when it comes to meeting the base load energy demand. However, solar power has fewer problems than wind power when it comes to intermittence.
In December 2015 the US Senate passed an extension to the 30% Renewable Tax Credit, extending this tax credit for a further 8 years. In addition to this federal tax credit, there are also rebates available in some jurisdictions at either the state, county or utility company level. If you use the solar panel calculator here you can see what rebates, tax credits and other incentives your house is entitled to based on its location, the utility company you are with and the number of solar panels you need to power your home.
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. The energy generated by the microinverters is then sent through your electrical panel to power your home. Any excess power is sent to the utility company. When the sun is not shining your home is being powered by the utility company.
The typical solar panel installation takes one to three days. Obviously, larger systems will take a little longer. After the solar panels are installed the utility company will come out to change out the electric meter. Depending upon the utility company, it can take one to three months for the utility company to do their part and turn on the solar energy system.
At SunKey Energy we stay on top of all of the solar energy rebates and incentives available. When we prepare a price quote for you, we will also advise you of the rebates and incentives to which you are entitled including the 30% Federal Tax Credit and any incentives offered by your local utility company. See more info at How solar works.