Key Takeaways:Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable source of power that offers both economic and environmental benefits. Homeowners can consider DIY solar projects, but it's essential to evaluate costs, location, and maintenance first.
How do I choose the best way to use solar electricity?
Before deciding on the best way to use solar electricity at home, assess the potential solar energy that can be produced at your address. Because PV technologies use both direct and scattered sunlight to create electricity, the solar resource across the United States is ample for home solar electric systems.
Homeowners can run their homes using solar power instead of taking energy from the grid, which lowers energy bills and carbon footprints. A home solar energy system costs between $18,000 and $20,000 before any incentives and typically saves homeowners around $1,500 annually.
There are a handful of reasons to get solar panels for your home, but the biggest one is energy cost savings. Home solar is simply much cheaper than paying for grid electricity, and can lead to tens – sometimes hundreds – of thousands in savings over the warranty period of the panels.
Also known as photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar panels absorb sunlight and convert energy from the sun into electricity you can use in your home. This can be stored in a battery or converted into AC power that is distributed throughout your home's electrical system, which can lower your electric bill. Solar energy can also benefit the environment.
Before starting the process of powering your home with solar energy, homeowners should investigate their energy use and consider potential efficiency upgrades. Homeowners should be well aware of their total electricity usage, and consider low-cost and easy-to-implement efficiency measures before choosing solar.
What is a residential solar system?
Most residential solar systems are designed to supplement your home's energy needs. This approach reduces your reliance on traditional energy sources while maintaining a reliable power supply.