What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is the most abundant of all energy resources and can be harnessed in cloudy weather. Solar technologies can deliver heat, cooling, natural lighting, electricity, and fuels for a host of applications. Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation.

Although not all countries are equally endowed with solar energy, a significant contribution to the energy mix from direct solar energy is possible for every country.

What are Solar Energy Advantages?

Solar power has grown massively in popularity in recent years, but it still has a long way to go before the majority of people are familiar with it.

What are some of the advantages of solar power?

Avoid rising utility rates. One of the biggest benefits of going solar is that you can avoid rising utility rates. With solar, you buy a system that produces a certain amount of your power for the next 25 or 30 years. That portion of your electric bill is eliminated, and you don’t have to worry about the utility company raising their annual rates. 

Helping the environment. Solar is a responsible and reliable source of energy. Harvesting the sun’s rays to produce power doesn’t create any air pollution or harm the environment.

Independence. Getting a solar system installed is like creating your very own power plant. You make energy right on your own property instead of relying completely on the utility company to do it for you. While you can’t disconnect completely from the grid, you have the ability to generate your own power every time the sun comes up.

What are the components that make up a Solar Energy system?

Solar panels:  to capture energy from the sun.

An inverter: to convert that energy to a format that can power appliances.

Racking:  the foundation on which you mount your system.

Battery-based systems require batteries, to store the generated energy.

In addition to the main components, systems also come bundled with small parts like meters, disconnects, and wires.

Can I go off-grid with Solar panels?

When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing the sufficient amount of power needed to power your property. You can also send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage, but it will cost significantly more and is unnecessary for the majority of homeowners. 

What are my Solar Financing options?

 There are numerous solar financing options: you can purchase your system cash, finance your solar system with Open Communications, take out a loan or sign a power purchase agreement (PPA). 
 Is my roof suitable for Solar panels?

North-facing roofs with little to no shade and enough space to fit solar panels are ideal for solar installations. However, in many cases, there are workarounds if your home doesn’t have the ideal solar roof. 

 How long will my Solar Power System last?

In general, solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding various weather conditions including hail. However, various components of your power system will need to be replaced at different times. The warranty period on solar panels is 20-25 years, while inverters have a 10-year warranty.

Will Solar Panels work in winter?

Yes! Solar panels work through all four seasons of the year, come rain, shine, hail, or in low light conditions. But solar panels do generally produce less energy in winter. This is because the days are shorter, so there are fewer hours of daylight and the sun is lower in the sky, on average. On the plus side, cooler temperatures mean solar panels actually work more efficiently than they would during hot weather.

If my energy requirements increase, can I upgrade the system?

Yes, you can get additional solar panels at any time to increase generating capability but you might have to upgrade to a larger inverter. Alternatively, you could purchase a larger inverter when installing the system and then plan to add some extra solar panels later .