Whole-House Solar Systems and Why You Should ...

Author: Janey

Jul. 15, 2024

Whole-House Solar Systems and Why You Should ...

Key Takeaways 

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  • Building a

    whole-house

    solar system

    starts with choosing the right components, including the type of

    solar panels

    and

    inverters

    to fit your needs.

     

  • Whole-house solar

    offers financial and environmental benefits and also gives you energy independence.

     

  • Only some homes are suitable for

    solar panels

    ; some are not, including those with limited exposure to sunshine and those with old or damaged roofs.

     

Switching to a whole-house solar system can bring numerous benefits for homeowners. Not only does this result in a clean and renewable source of energy, but it also allows for significant electric bill savings in the long run. This article will explore the various aspects of a whole-house solar system and highlight why it&#;s a worthwhile investment. 

Understanding the Solar Energy Boom 

Solar energy has increased in popularity lately, as it has seen a 22% average annual growth over the past decade. On top of this, the Solar Energy Industries Association estimates the U.S. solar fleet will quadruple over the next 10 years to 673 gigawatts. So there&#;s plenty of growth coming soon. 

And there&#;s good reason for all this growth. By harnessing the sun&#;s power, solar panels can convert sunlight into usable electricity, reducing our carbon footprint and helping lower utility bills. It truly is a win-win for everyone. 

Solar energy systems are also surprisingly flexible, as you can install a system designed to remain grid-tied or go completely off-grid. Grid-tied systems connect to the electricity grid, allowing excess electricity to feed back into the grid for credits or compensation, if your utility company offers net metering. 

On the other hand, off-grid systems operate independently of the utility grid. Because they have no tie to the grid, they typically require battery storage to provide power at nighttime or on a cloudy day. 

What Are the Whole-House Solar System Components? 

A whole-house solar system requires a sophisticated setup to harness the sun&#;s power to generate electricity. It comprises several essential components working together to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy source. These components include solar panels, inverters, and batteries for energy storage. 

Let&#;s review these solar panel system components and explore what each one does. 

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Solar Panels 

Solar panels or photovoltaic (PV) panels are critical to any solar power system. They consist of numerous PV cells that absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. How do they do this? It&#;s a complex reaction, but the gist is that photons from the sun hit the solar panels and excite the electrons. The electrons break free from their atoms and move, generating electrical energy. 

In most cases, solar panels are installed on the roof of a home or business to maximize their exposure to sunlight for optimal energy production. However, in areas where rooftop installation isn&#;t possible, they can mount anywhere on your property with ample sunlight. 

Solar panels come in three main types: 

Monocrystalline: These are the most efficient panels, and their sleek, black color is attractive. However, they are the most expensive option. 

Polycrystalline: These are not as efficient as monocrystalline solar panels, but they offset their reduced efficiency with a lower cost. They are also more susceptible to efficiency loss due to heat &#; though they need sunlight to create energy, excessive heat can reduce a solar panel&#;s efficiency.  

Thin-film: These are the least efficient of the three solar panel types available, but they are lighter than both of the others and sometimes flexible, making them ideal for portable setups and rooftops that require bending of the panels. 

Inverters 

When solar panels create electricity from the sun, they produce direct current (DC). However, our homes require alternating current (AC). This is where inverters make their presence felt in a whole-house solar system. 

These devices convert the DC electricity that the solar panels produce into the required AC electricity. 

Inverters come in two main types: string inverters and microinverters. Each type offers unique features and benefits. Let&#;s review the key features of each inverter type. 

  • String

    inverter

    :

    These

    single

    inverters

    convert all the electricity from all the panels, making them easy to maintain, reliable, and lower cost. However, without special equipment, they offer only total system monitoring &#; not the option to monitor individual panels &#; and you may need to buy a new

    Contact us to discuss your requirements of 144 Cell 390w Solar Panel. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

    inverter

    if you upgrade the system.

     

  • Microinverter:

    This type of

    inverter

    attaches to a single panel and converts its DC power, meaning you get panel-level monitoring and shut-down, lower AC voltage for grid safety, and the ability to expand your

    solar system

    easily. However, they are the more expensive

    inverter

    option and require rooftop installation, making them harder to access for maintenance or repair.

     

Homeowners will want to select the most suitable inverter based on factors like system size, shading issues, and monitoring preferences to optimize energy production and efficiency. 

Batteries and Energy Storage 

Batteries and energy storage solutions aren&#;t necessary for every whole-house solar system, but they are great to consider if you want the ultimate energy flexibility. 

In many cases, whole-house solar systems produce more energy than your home needs. You can sell this power back to the utility company, but it&#;s generally at a wholesale rate and so not overly beneficial. Instead of selling it back, these lithium batteries can store the excess energy for future use after the sun sets or on a cloudy day. 

This also ensures you have battery backup during a blackout, whether it&#;s sunny or cloudy. 

The bonus these batteries offer is the ability to cut yourself off from grid power altogether in areas that permit off-grid living. You can use the solar system for power during the day and store the excess, then switch to the battery bank for your nighttime energy usage. You may need higher-capacity batteries to meet your nighttime energy needs, but you can achieve your goal of true off-grid living. 

What Are the Benefits of a Whole-House Solar System? 

When transitioning to a whole-house solar system, you can enjoy numerous benefits &#; financial, environmental, and more. Let&#;s review these benefits and see how they will impact you and the environment. 

Environmental Impact 

Perhaps one of solar energy&#;s most significant benefits is its positive environmental impact. Solar power generates no harmful greenhouse gas emissions and doesn&#;t contribute to air pollution when producing electricity. This helps mitigate climate change and promote a cleaner, greener future. 

On top of that, this renewable energy reduces our reliance on finite fossil fuels. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, whole-house solar systems preserve this natural resource, lessening the demand to drill for more oil to meet our energy needs. This helps protect the environment and preserve delicate ecosystems. 

Energy Independence 

By meeting your own electricity needs with solar power output, you become less reliant on the grid, which means you can still have electricity if the power goes out. Plus, solar panels protect you from fluctuating energy prices, giving you a more consistent budget. This newfound energy independence provides peace of mind and stability in an unpredictable energy market. 

Suppose you add in a solar battery system. In that case, you can store the solar panels&#; excess energy and keep it as a backup power source during power outages or emergencies. This adds a layer of security, enhances household resilience, and reduces dependence on external energy sources. 

Also, with the correct setup and battery storage system, you can build an off-grid solar system that allows you to completely disconnect from the grid and live truly independently. Of course, this depends on local laws regulating off-grid living. 

Financial Benefits 

Investing in a whole-house solar system often comes with a significant upfront cost, but the long-term financial benefits can make up for the money you pay in the beginning. When you produce your own electricity, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate your monthly electric bills, which offsets some of the system cost. And over the years, you&#;ll likely break even &#; and you may start saving more than the initial system and installation costs. 

Plus, depending on your location, the local regulations, and your tax situation, you may qualify for government incentives and local and federal tax credits, further reducing the solar panel cost. 

To cap off all the potential savings, your home&#;s value may also increase when you add solar panels, offering you a return on your investment if you sell. While there&#;s no hard and fast rule about how much a solar system will increase your home&#;s value, the Appraisal Journal says you can expect about a $20 increase in value for every $1 reduction in annual electricity costs. 

What Should You Consider Before Pursuing a Whole-House Solar System? 

Before switching to a whole-house solar system, you want to ensure your home is suitable for solar installation. 

Installing a solar system is a significant financial investment. When you take the time to evaluate the various factors impacting solar panel efficiency, you can make a more informed decision on whether solar panels are the right choice for you. 

Roof Condition and Orientation 

The first and likely most important variable to consider is your roof&#;s orientation, as it plays a crucial role in solar panel efficiency. The ideal roof has minimal shading, allowing sunlight to hit the panels virtually unimpeded. On top of this, a south-facing orientation ensures the panels receive the maximum sunlight as the sun passes through the sky. While a south-facing roof is not necessary, it&#;s ideal for maximum power production. 

You also have to consider the age and condition of your roof. An old roof with a deteriorating structure may not support the weight of solar panels and racking, which is what connects the panels to the roof. Contact a roofing inspector or the solar company for a complete inspection to ensure your roof is up to the task of the extra weight. 

If your roof cannot support the weight, you can have a roofing expert reinforce or replace the roof. Alternatively, you can consider a ground-mounted solar system if you have a large enough property. 

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Local Climate and Sunlight Exposure 

Your local climate is another significant variable to consider to ensure optimal efficiency and energy production. An area with abundant sunlight throughout the year, such as Texas or Florida, is favorable for solar energy generation. On the other hand, if you live in areas with less sunshine, such as Washington, Vermont, or Alaska, you may not produce enough electricity via solar power to make it worth the investment. Research your area&#;s climate and sunlight exposure to determine if you will generate enough electricity to make a solar system worthwhile. 

Sunlight exposure is just one climate-related issue to consider. You also want to think about the impact the local climate might have on solar panel performance. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, high winds, or heavy snow, these conditions can reduce the solar system&#;s efficiency and durability. Research your area&#;s year-round climate and see how all these factors may influence your solar system before deciding to take the leap into solar power. 

A Whole-House Solar System Can Help You and the Environment 

A whole-house solar system is a great option for many homeowners. It offers sustainable and cost-effective energy generation that can help reduce your carbon footprint, your energy expenses, and your reliance on the local power grid.  

Understanding the basics of solar energy and evaluating your home&#;s suitability can help you seamlessly transition to solar power. With whole-house solar power, you&#;re not only helping yourself, but you&#;re also helping everyone else by doing your part to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. 

All images licensed from Adobe Stock.

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