In 2020 solar energy accounted for just 3% of energy usage in the US, but this is expected to rise to 20% by 2050.
Solar panels are being used more and more in both commercial and residential applications. This increased usage is due to the many benefits that solar energy provides, both to those using it and to the planet as a whole.
If you live in Atlanta, now might be a good time to upgrade to solar energy. Keep reading to find out why.
A solar energy system is an installation you can get to generate power for your home using sunlight.
It uses PV (photovoltaic) cells to absorb sunlight as a direct current (DC) which is then sent to an inverter. The inverter converts it into an alternating current (AC) as that's what almost all homes are wired for. The power is then distributed to your home as needed.
There are several benefits to installing solar panels in Atlanta. The sooner you get your solar system installed the sooner you can start reaping the rewards it brings.
One of the main reasons for the continued development and use of solar is that it produces energy without creating pollution. Traditional energy sources involve burning fossil fuels which release harmful gasses into the environment.
This is very noticeable in more built-up areas where the air can look visibly dirty. Smog in the atmosphere damages the environment and is bad for people's health, as well as any other living things in the area.
by generating energy from sunlight, you'll rely less on the grid for electricity. Depending on the efficiency of your system and your energy usage you might be able to generate enough energy to power your entire home.
Solar batteries can be included in your system which will charge up during the day and redistribute electricity to your home at night, potentially powering your home at all hours. This also means you'll still have power if there's a blackout.
Using residential solar panels to generate electricity means you won't need to get as much (if any) from the grid. The less power you need from the grid, the lower your monthly bills will be. You'll have to pay for the installation of your solar system, but after some time the savings you make will offset this cost.
Sometimes your system might even generate more power than your home needs. When this happens the power is sent back to the grid, and you'll be paid for it.
Different states offer various rebates and incentives for people who have a solar energy system in their homes. This is to help reduce the amount of pollution and to help citizens pay for their solar installations.
Solar panel installation in Atlanta might make you eligible for a range of programs, rebates, or incentives. It's worth looking into what you may be allowed, as this can go a long way towards saving you some extra money.
Residential solar panels are typically installed on roofs as it's usually the least disruptive place and they'll get plenty of sunlight. The number of solar panels used and how much space they take up varies between systems.
Sometimes you may have specific requirements, but a professional solar panel installer can adapt to your home with ease. You might need your solar panels placed somewhere specific to avoid them being in the shade, for example. Solar panels can be installed in both horizontal and vertical spaces to create an effective and convenient system for you.
One concern that people sometimes have is the reliability of solar energy systems and how much maintenance is needed. Because solar panels are usually installed on roofs, getting to them when needed can be quite difficult. Fortunately, solar panels are very durable and built to last.
Most solar installations last for 25 years or more, so once installed it will be a long time before you need to worry about a replacement. They generally require very little maintenance. Cleaning the panels about once a year is usually enough, and this just means wiping them over so that they're not too dirty to absorb sunlight.
When a home has a solar panel installation, the value naturally goes up. A new buyer will know that they'll be saving on their energy bills from day 1, so it's a strong selling point. Younger buyers are also very environmentally conscious, so will generally prefer to live in a home that generates clean energy.
The value that it adds isn't usually as much as the installation costs, but as you will be benefiting from it for as long as you live there it's often well worth it.
If you're planning on investing in a solar energy system, now is a perfect time. Solar panels will increase the value of your home, generate monthly savings, supply your home with energy, and reduce your impact on the environment. The sooner you have your system installed, the sooner you'll start reaping the benefits.
Douglas Construction is a leading roofing services company covering Atlanta and the surrounding areas. We have an A+ BBB rating, and on top of solar installation, we offer several other services including roof repairs, roof replacement, commercial roofing, and roof insurance claims. Check out this guide on why you should switch to solar in Atlanta with Douglas Construction.
