With the sudden emphasis on going green and working toward a sustainable world, solar power is on the rise. Solar energy is energy collected from the sun. It begins as thermal energy and is captured through solar panels (usually installed on the roof of your home). These panels capture and convert the energy into electricity for your home.
Solar power is a great option for residential and commercial properties in Glen Burnie. We often receive questions about switching to solar power, what it entails, and the science behind the process. If you’re interested in going solar, here’s what you should know.
Cost vs. Value
One of the biggest factors impacting North American decisions on solar power is cost. While it does cost you to install solar panels and set up your power grid to receive the energy from the sun, it’s more of an investment than a price paid. Over time, you save money by cutting ties with your traditional power company and switching to solar.
Check out the local Glen Burnie website to see what we’re currently allotted for solar tax breaks or credits. This amount changes annually. Generally, you can expect rebates somewhere between $5,000 and $6,000.
How Much Solar Energy Do You Need?
Another big question we receive a lot at Magothy Electric is, “How much solar power do I need?” The answer varies by the size of your home, and your average power output now. For a traditional gas-heated home, you’re looking at a lower requirement than an electric heated home.
Most people can expect somewhere between 7,500 kWh to 35,000 kWh, which is a pretty big range. It’s best to talk to a professional for a more realistic quote based on your home size and function.
The Potential Downsides of Solar
Like any investment, there are pros and cons to solar energy. Most of the impacts you’ll feel with solar power are for the better. However, there can be some cons, including weather conditions and access to sunlight.
For your solar panels to properly function and store energy, they need access to the sun. While we know clouds don’t completely block thermal energy from coming through, it does diminish the generation of your solar power panels by about 75% to 90%. That’s a big chunk of energy loss on a cloudy day.
Of course, solar-powered homes don’t rely solely on the sun. Not most solar-powered homes anyway. In Glen Burnie we see many homeowners use a hybrid of electricity and solar power. This reduces overall energy costs through traditional energy sources but still allows for a reduced carbon footprint on the planet.
Adding a Solar Battery
Not sure you’ll have enough energy from solar panels alone? You can add a solar battery to collect and store excess solar energy. This allows you to rely on those days of bright sunlight to power through any cloudy afternoons or long nights.
Adding a solar battery is an extra cost, which means if you’re nervous about how much you’ll pay for your solar setup, you may not be as thrilled about adding a battery. On the other hand, the savings you’ll receive by keeping your power primarily solar will even out eventually.
Batteries also require room. If space requirements are tight in your home, it might not be the best option for you. Larger homes, especially those with big garages and storage sheds shouldn’t have an issue.
The longer you want your battery to last, the more batteries you’ll require. Many homeowners choose to use two or three to store ample hours of juice for later.
Contact Magothy Electric to Learn More
Interested in learning more about solar energy in Glen Burnie? As local experts in the field of solar power, we work with families across the city, planning panel installation, and designing the ideal solar setup for your home and family needs.
We work closely with you to determine how your home size, budget, and energy output will impact your solar journey and help you design an affordable unit.
If you would like a quote on solar installation, we invite you to give us a call or visit us online for more details.