Solar technology is getting more and more affordable with each passing day and as a result, more and more households are deciding to install solar panels.

As the cost of renewable technology continues to drop, more and more households are choosing to switch to cleaner renewable energy sources. Solar energy is among the most affordable and abundant sources on Earth.

1. Types of Renewable Energy

Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are constantly replenished and will never run out.

To begin with solar energy, sunlight can be used directly for pretty much anything. It can heat and light up buildings, generate electricity, and heat water.

Then there is wind whose energy is captured with wind turbines. The winds and the sun’s heat cause water to evaporate. When this water vapor turns into rain, it flows downhill into rivers and its energy can be captured using hydroelectric power.

Water and sunlight help plants to grow and the organic matter that makes up those plants is known as biomass. That same biomass can be used to produce electricity and transportation and it is called bioenergy.

There is also the most abundant element on Earth, hydrogen, that can be found in many organic compounds. But it doesn’t occur naturally as a gas because it’s always combined with other elements, such as oxygen to make water. When hydrogen is separated from another element, it is burned as a fuel or converted into electricity.

Last but not least, there is geothermal energy that taps the Earth’s heat as a source for electric power production.

 2. Benefits Of Solar Panels  

There are numerous benefits of installing solar panels from San Francisco. Some of these advantages of solar energy include:

• They provide clean and renewable energy

Solar power is 100% clean. Unlike fossil fuels, it does not produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions that affect the quality of air, water, soil and destroy eco-systems because it creates zero pollution.

• They make you independent from electricity providers

Electricity prices rise each year. The power grid in the US was not built for such a big population with a plug-in mentality so no wonder that the US has the highest number of power-outage minutes of any developed nation. A residential solar system powers your home with rooftop solar panels. They power your home during the day thanks to the sun’s rays and at night with the energy, they store in their battery.

• They save you money on your utility bill

The higher the electricity bill, the bigger the savings potential of installing solar panels, even in cloudy climates. Solar panels can significantly lower your AEP Ohio utility bills.

• Tax breaks

Solar panels often make you eligible for federal, state, and local tax breaks which will also save you money by reducing your tax bill. 

3. What To Know Before Installing Solar Panels

Solar energy has seen extraordinary advancements over the years, but in order to boost your savings, you need to make sure a few things are covered about Solar technology.

 The State Of Your Roof

If your roof is old, installing solar panels might not be such a good idea, at least before you conduct the necessary repairs.  Besides not wanting to dismantle and install everything again, it will also increase your cost of maintenance. Also, roofs come in many shapes and sizes and if you don’t have enough room for solar panels, you are also reducing the return on your investment. Solar panels need space as well as a specific placement as you cannot risk wires preventing water to flow properly and causing you leaks. You also need to make sure the roof can handle its weight.

The Weather

We all know how powerful nature can be and solar panels can be damaged during hurricanes and storms. If you live in a climate in which such events are common, you need to make sure your insurance will cover the potential damages.

Price Shopping

Signing the deal with a first contractor is rarely a good decision, especially as the solar industry relies on salespeople knocking on your door. You need to shop around and compare rates to find the best deal.

Takeaway

Investing in solar panels represents an investment in the future of the planet by protecting the environment and conserving non-renewable energy sources. This investment will also save you money and make you more independent so it will pay for itself over the long-haul. But you need to do your homework to make sure you benefit from all the advantages solar energy can provide. Make no mistake, the time for solar is now.