While most of us have heard of solar power, the general consensus is that it would be great, but it costs too much.
I know this is how I felt about it.
When solar energy panels first came out this was true.
Today the technology has had time to advance and many solar energy products can be set up at a more reasonable cost.
We now have options that were not available when solar energy products first came on the market.
Along with the large crystalline panels of photovoltaic cells that we were first introduced to there are also thinner, more flexible thin film versions on the market.
This does not necessarily mean that they are a better option; it just means that you do have options.
What it does mean is that before you decide to make the investment in a solar energy system you need to do some research to see which option is the best for your energy needs and the area that you live in.
That is what I will try to help you with in this article.
I will be assuming that most of us do not plan on installing these systems ourselves, so talking to the contractor you hire to install the system is always a wise choice.
I will try to give you enough information so that you can ask intelligent questions when you talk to him/her.
I will be looking at utility-interactive systems, ones that can hook into your current electrical supply.
These are set up so that you use the energy from the system first and any supply you do not use is sent on to the grid.
Keep in mind however, that there are also systems that operate completely off the grid; these are handy for remote areas that do not have electrical suppliers nearby.
These systems allow you to receive a credit for the energy your system supplies to the grid, which reduces the amount you have to pay for energy you use when your system is not supplying enough, for instance during storms or at night.
In some cases your energy supplier could be paying you money.
Pros and Cons Crystalline Photovoltaic Modules: 1.
170 to 220W 2.
12% to 17% efficiency 3.
3 by 5 foot in size 4.
Takes less room 5.
Stabilizes immediately 6.
Less output in shady areas 7.
Estimated cost 3KW system 27,900 Thin Film Module: 1.
60 to 70 W 2.
6%to 8% efficiency 3.
3 by 3 foot in size 4.
Takes more room for same output 5.
6 to 12 months to stabilize 6.
Better output in shady areas 7.
Estimated cost 3KW system 35,600 These are just some of the thing s to consider when you are trying to decide on a solar energy system.
You should also be sure to check zoning laws in your area some areas do not allow solar energy panels.
Talk to your contractor about the best place to put this system.
We usually see them on rooftops, but if you live in an area that receives much snow in the winter you may want them accessible so that you can keep them cleaned off.
I try to avoid snowy rooftops in the winter; they are bad for my health.
While these systems are not inexpensive, consider how much a new car would cost you.
These systems are comparable and instead of costing you money for upkeep they would be saving you money on your energy costs.
Most of these systems are also guaranteed to produce at least 80% of rated energy for 25 years.
You could easily save the cost of the system in just a few years; still this is a long-term investment.