Many people are looking for ways to live more sustainably, and the rising popularity of solar panels is a growing trend. These devices capture the sun’s energy and convert it into usable electricity. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step to find out how to power your whole home with solar. You might be wondering: Why would I want to cut ties with the power company, or how is this even possible? This guide will take a step back and answer those questions first, before going into the details.
What Does Powering My House With Solar Mean?
Powering your home with solar simply means that you’re producing enough electricity through solar panels on your roof to meet your home’s needs. You can either sell the excess electricity back to the grid or store it in a battery. In most cases, you’ll still be connected to the grid, and you’ll use electricity from the grid when your panels aren’t producing enough power on their own. But you won’t be paying for electricity from the grid during peak sun hours in the summer — except maybe as a backup if you’re using more electricity than usual.
How Is It Possible To Power My Whole Home With Solar?
By installing enough solar panels on your roof to produce as much electricity as you typically use, you can ensure that your home will operate even when the grid goes down.
How Much Does Solar Energy Cost?
Solar panel installation costs vary widely depending on where you live, but the typical price range is $5,000-$20,000. However, since many homeowners qualify for government incentives, your out-of-pocket cost can be significantly lower.
Does My Location Determine If I Can Use Solar?
Yes. If you live in an area that’s regularly overcast or cloudy, for example, solar will generate lower electricity. When researching whether or not solar is right for you, consider how much sun your home gets each day and how much electricity you typically use. The amount of sunlight and electricity consumption directly affect how many panels.
Why Would I Want To Cut Ties With The Power Company?
Solar is a form of renewable energy that doesn’t lead to pollution or depletion of natural resources. If you care about protecting our planet or want to reduce your carbon footprint, making your home energy efficient and using renewable sources of power can help make your life greener. This also means independence from utility companies and fluctuating electric rates. Many utilities have recently raised rates for residential customers, and there’s no guarantee those rates won’t keep climbing in the future. Installing a solar panel array on your roof gives you some security in knowing that no matter how high rates spike in your area, at least some portion of your electric bill will stay. And to save money. Solar panels can be a great way to save money on your monthly utility bill, especially if you live in a sunny area and consume a lot of electricity. Many people who choose to go solar also do so because they want to take advantage of the federal tax credit.
Will I Still Need An Electrician When Switching To Solar?
The short answer is yes, you’ll still need to hire an electrician for your solar panel installation. After all, the electrical components of a solar system are just as delicate as the wiring in your home. Electrical work can be dangerous if you don’t have the proper training, so it’s always best to leave it to the pros.
And even if you’re knowledgeable enough to install your panels, it’s often not worth the risk. If you make a mistake, you could end up paying even more in the long run to repair any damage.
You may not need an electrician to run your home’s electricity, but when it comes to solar power, you’ll want the best. Getting a professional team in place is crucial for a successful installation. Solar jobs require specialised knowledge and tools — things that most homeowners don’t have. At Mclean Energy, our certified team of solar installers is well versed in installing solar panels and providing ongoing maintenance services to ensure the quality of your system for years to come. We have a full-time service department for all your solar panel installation needs.
