The costs of electricity continue to rise in the U.S. Alongside the rising prices, most homeowners are also aware of their carbon footprint. Most want to be conscious of the environment and their impact on the environment. When you switch to solar power, you can save tremendously on your electric bills! Of course, with any major switch, you should have questions. It is important to do your research in advance of making any lasting decision. Here are some common questions and their answers in regards to solar power.  

How Do Solar Panels Function?

The way that solar panels function is relatively simple. Solar cells join together and these cells can convert sunlight into energy for your home. The electricity that the panels can provide depends on the amount of sunlight that the panels received in that day. On most sunny days, you will cover your electricity needs for that day but also you will have surplus electricity. You can either store that energy on a battery system or you can sell it to the electricity grid. So, during the times where you do not have sunlight, you will either draw traditional electricity or you will use the power that was saved on the batteries.

How Much Will Solar Panels Cost?

Solar panels may cost anywhere between 15,000 dollars and 40,000 dollars. The costs of solar panels is very dependent on the size of the system that you need. You will have to consider quite a few factors on top of that also. You will need to think about the location that you live in and the costs of solar panels in the area, how large of a system that you need, the date of your installation and the brand of panels that you use. Keep in mind that many solar panels come at different price points.

Given the popularity of solar panels, you can expect there to be a lot of market competition. This can be great when it comes to finding more affordable options. No matter the price though, it is important to note that solar panels save you on your energy costs and can end up paying for themselves. For that cost, you may wonder how long do solar panels last? They can last around 25 years.

How Many Solar Panels Do You Need?

The more solar panels you install, the more electricity you have. This does not necessarily mean that more is better, however. You need to install as many panels as you need to eliminate your power bill. This is going to depend heavily on the size of your house and the amount of electricity that you and your family use. There are no numbers that are going to work for every single home. When you speak with a professional in the field, however, he or she may know averages in your area.

Before you find out exactly how many panels you will need, however, know that it will depend on the climate in your area, the feed-in laws, the size of your home and how much energy you use per hour.

Do Solar Panels Need Maintenance?

When it comes to solar panels, you do not need to think too much on maintenance. One of the benefits of solar panels is that there is not much maintenance to be had. In fact, you probably won’t need to deal with maintenance after the installation. There are some conditions that are going to require you to receive maintenance, however. These conditions include cleaning snow or debris off of the panels if it happens to build up.

Are There Financing Options for Solar Panels?

If you do not have all of the upfront costs for the solar panels, do not worry, you are not alone. Most people do not have the funds to purchase solar panels right away. Fortunately, there are a lot of different financing options when it comes to solar power. You can either take out a solar loan or sign a solar lease. With solar loans, you get a loan and then pay back the loan over time.

With a solar lease, you don’t pay up front. Instead, you pay a monthly bill for your energy usage. This is particularly helpful for those who are more interested in taking care of the environment and do not mind having a power bill every month.

Are There More Benefits to Solar Power?

The popularity of solar power continues to grow. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons for this. The benefits of solar power far exceed any of the negatives. When it comes to installing solar power, there are always going to be questions that you should ask and research that you should conduct prior to your decision. Solar power, on its own, can reduce your carbon footprint and reduce your electricity bills for good.