How Much Do You Save With Solar Panels? The Ultimate Guide

Published on: 29 September 2021 Last Updated on: 22 February 2022

It’s no secret that installing solar panels in your home can save you a significant amount of money. After all, you’ll be able to partially generate your own electricity as opposed to relying on utility providers. Not everybody knows just how much they can expect to save from home solar panels, though.

How much do you save with solar panels? Let’s take a look at the contributing factors to solar panel savings.

Sun Exposure

As you might guess, the amount of sun exposure in your region will play a large role in determining how much money you save with the best solar panels.

Those who live in states like Arizona, California, Florida, or Texas will save more than those who live in Washington. This means that those who live in regions with a particularly cloudy climate may want to hold off on investing in solar panels.

The Cost of Installation

Those who wish to install solar panels on an average-sized home will need to pay approximately $10,000 to do so. Those who have larger properties will need to spend even more. This also means that it will take you longer to recoup your initial investment.

Keep this in mind moving forward so that you can determine whether or not this option is best for you. You can check out this solar installation company to learn more about a reputable resource for this type of equipment.

Your Overall Electric Bill

The more electricity that you use on a regular basis, the more money you will save by using solar panels. However, those who use minimal electricity each month won’t save enough money to justify the costs of installation. So, those who will benefit most are likely those who run a business out of their home, have a substantial number of people living at the property, etc. To get the most precise measurement and the most out of your solar investment, you should be equipped with a smart electric meter.

Government Incentives

Interestingly, many people are unaware of the fact that the government offers incentives for homeowners to install solar panels. This comes in the form of a tax credit, which allows you to deduct a certain amount of money from your overall income. By extension, this then reduces the amount of money that you pay taxes on.

On average, you can expect to receive a tax credit of approximately 23% of the cost of your solar panel installation. Those who spent $10,000 on installation, for example, would be able to write off $2300 from that year’s overall income.

So, How Much Do You Save With Solar Panels?

The answer will highly depend on the factors listed above. In general, however, you can expect to save approximately $1500 per year on electricity.

Over time, this number can quickly add up. So, keep the above answer to “how much do you save with solar panels” in mind.

Looking for more tips that can help you out later on? Check out the rest of our blog for plenty of more useful information.

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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Advantages of Using a Portable Solar Generator

Power, is an important aspect of our daily lives, considering a large number of power-consuming appliances and gadgets we have in our homes. Power can be expensive, if not well managed and sometimes inaccessible during prolonged periods of power failure. Power outages have become the new normal and this call for preparedness. Generators, in general, are key to this preparedness as they conveniently supply power when needed. There are a number of generators, however, including solar and gasoline-powered generators. They both pack their advantages and disadvantages alike. Generally, they are a countermeasure to situations of power failures by providing a reliably steady supply of power. In operation, gasoline-powered generators may have harsh environmental implications. As a result, more homeowners are switching to solar generators, which are much safer for the family and environment at large. This article is going to focus on the advantages of using a portable solar generator, in particular. But before we get to that, let us first understand what a solar generator actually is and how it works. What is A Portable Solar Generator? A portable solar generator is a unit comprised of three integrated components, including a generator, a frame, and a battery charger. The solar generator is powered by the sun and this solar energy is harnessed by the solar frame. The energy is stored in the battery for later use. This generator provides sufficient power to adequately supply your appliances and gadgets. It is a convenient resort during power failures. However, its use is not limited to periods of power failure alone, it can also be used to juice up your electronics occasionally and cut down on your electricity costs. Installing a portable solar generator in your home is, therefore, a quite smart and cost-efficient strategy. You should, however, ensure that you find a solar generator that matches your home’s power needs. At PoweredPortableSolar.com, you can get furnished with sufficient information to help you reach an informed decision. Information on solar generator types, capacities and prices go a long way towards determining the ideal choice for your home. The benefits of using a portable solar generator are immense and some of them are listed below: 1. Green Energy : Solar generators are highly preferred over traditional gas generators for their environment-friendly nature. Entirely powered by the sun, they do not produce harmful emissions associated with traditional gasoline-powered generators which liberate fumes and gases that could be poisonous. Gas generator vapors also are a fire risk as they can easily ignite. With solar generators, harsh environmental implications are eliminated and fire risks, as well as other hazardous implications. 2. Renewable Energy : Solar generators are fully powered by the sun. As long as there is sunlight, this energy can be freely harnessed. Unlike other energy sources that can be easily depleted, this one cannot run out. Harnessing solar energy is a guaranteed process as long as the components of the portable solar generator are suitably integrated. The energy is then stored in the battery which can be used later on to power appliances. Even on days with insufficient sunlight, the energy saved in the battery can be used to power your home. 3. Cost- Efficient : As much as installing solar generators could require significant initial costs, it is cost-efficient in the long run. Portable solar generators enable you to meet your power needs with solar energy, a self-sustaining option. This means a considerable drop in your electricity costs. Normally, after initial installation, there are no more ongoing costs that need to be incurred on the portable solar generators. All you have to do is observe the basic maintenance measures, which are not costly. In most cases, they come down to cleaning them on several occasions. 4. Convenience : They offer convenience, especially during prolonged periods of power outages. Power failures are bound to happen time and again. During bad weather especially, power failures could happen a lot and it could be very frustrating. Having a portable solar generator at hand counters this situation. You can keep your appliances supplied with power for a long period of time with no worries. Their portable nature, on the other hand, enables easy moving and storage when not in use. With no moving parts, they suffer less wear and tear and stay in shape longer. Portable solar generators, as an alternative green, and a self-sustaining power source provides immense benefits to homeowners. Ranging from convenience, cost-efficiency, to renewability, portable solar generators are a great addition to your home. Although initial installation costs could be significant, long-term benefits are definitely worth it. Read Also : Everything You Need To Know About Portable Solar Power What Are Renewable Sources And How To Introduce Them Into Your Household?

Why Do Some Solar Power Systems Include A Battery?

When you go to purchase a solar power system, you will find a variety of options. Some will include a battery. Others will not. The battery can either be a battery that stores the energy of the sun, one that stores the power of the wind, or a combination of the two. Lithium-Ion Batteries Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that provides more storage capacity without taking up more space than lead-acid batteries. These types of batteries are useful for off-grid power stations. They have high charging and discharging efficiencies and long service life. However, lithium batteries do have their limitations. These include the potential to catch fire. Furthermore, the battery's lifespan depends on how deep it is charged. This is known as the Depth of Discharge or DoD. Most lithium solar batteries have a DoD of about 95%. While this means that the battery can be safely used for more than ninety percent of its total capacity, it also means that the battery will need to be recharged every so often. In addition, lithium-ion batteries are generally more expensive than lead-acid batteries. Depending on how many batteries you want to purchase, it can cost from $5,000 to $15,000. To make up for the higher cost, there are federal tax credits available. Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion solar batteries have a longer lifetime. Lead-acid batteries have a short lifespan, usually around five years. On the other hand, lithium batteries can last for twenty years or more. A properly installed lithium ion solar battery will have a very low risk of thermal runaway. The round-trip efficiency is another characteristic of a lithium-ion battery. It is the difference between how much energy is used to charge the battery and how much is left when the battery is fully charged. Generally, lithium batteries have a round-trip efficiency of between 90 and 95 percent. Some lithium solar batteries require three stages of charging. The first stage charges the battery until it is about 90 percent full. This is done by using a voltage regulator charge controller. At this point, the battery begins to drain the amperage. The second stage of charging is where the battery is charged for a short period of time until the amperage is nearly full. If you use a store charger, this will increase the discharge rate. Because of the sensitivity of the battery to temperature, it is advisable to choose a battery that is designed for cold or warm weather conditions. Lithium-ion batteries are generally more forgiving than lead-acid batteries. However, they may still need to be replaced in the future. Therefore, it is important to look for a company that has an excellent track record of customer satisfaction. Another important consideration is the warranty. Ideally, you should be able to buy the battery with a warranty that guarantees the specific capacity of the battery. The warranty should also state how many cycles and years of good performance it can provide. Choosing the right battery for your solar panel system is dependent on many factors. You will need to consider the frequency of discharging, the amount of available space, and the installation method. DC Coupling DC coupling in solar power systems is the process by which electricity generated by photovoltaic panels is routed directly into the batteries of an energy storage system. This can help reduce the overall Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and provide increased energy independence. In addition, it eliminates the need for a second inverter or additional controls. One of the main benefits of using a DC-coupled system is that it is more efficient. With an AC-coupled system, each DC output of a PV module must be converted to AC, resulting in efficiency losses. When the dc output of the PV modules is directly tied to the battery of an Energy Storage System, it is possible to maximize the amount of solar-generated electricity fed into the grid. While an AC-coupled system can be a viable option for some applications, a DC-coupled system is preferred for most projects. The reason is simple. These systems are easier to install and operate. They are also slightly more efficient than their AC counterparts. For this reason, they are considered the best choice for new solar+ storage installations. There are a variety of factors to consider when deciding between an AC and DC-coupled solar system. The specifics of a particular project will play a big role in this decision. However, one important factor is interconnection costs. Using the same inverter to charge and discharge your battery system can decrease the cost of the installation. Also, co-locating your assets will reduce the cost of land acquisition and permit applications. Another benefit of adding a battery bank to your PV system is that it can allow you to take advantage of tax credits. As a result, you can end up with a completely self-sufficient home. You will be able to store excess energy for use during periods of inclement weather or in the evening when the solar panels are no longer producing. DC coupling is a promising development in the field of energy storage. It is a newer system architecture that can increase the efficiency of an Energy Storage System. Unlike the AC counterpart, a DC-coupled system has direct current wiring. This allows for faster, simpler installation. Furthermore, the systems can be expanded. Inverters used in DC-coupled systems are usually smaller than those used in AC-coupled systems. Because of this, DC-coupled systems may be more suitable for residential or small commercial applications. Those that are more than 6kW will require multiple strings of solar panels. If you need more than a few kilowatts of energy, you will need to invest in MPPT solar charge controllers. As more utilities and solar developers begin to develop DC-coupled solar+storage solutions, the industry is expected to become more mainstream. The technology has the potential to lower the cost of implementing solar+ storage projects and will make the energy storage market more competitive. Hybrid Systems Hybrid solar power systems offer a number of benefits over traditional solar systems. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to store energy in your own home. This is especially beneficial when the weather is cloudy or when the sun isn't shining. Hybrid power systems can work alone, but they also work when connected to the grid. They allow you to store extra electricity in your battery and then return it to the grid at peak hours for high-value credits. The most efficient hybrid system will use a basic inverter that controls the flow of power into the battery. Another major benefit of a hybrid system is its capability to store and provide power in case of an outage. While a traditional grid system does not have the battery backup capacity to keep your lights and appliances running during a power outage, a hybrid power system can do just that. There are a number of components that go into making a hybrid system. These include batteries, an inverter, a combiner box, and a solar panel. Each of these items can be used to improve the efficiency of your system, which translates into lower costs and a longer lifespan. A hybrid solar system is especially appealing to consumers in areas that are prone to losing power for long periods of time. These systems can be a great way to cut down on your energy costs and help protect your house from future rate hikes. Also, a hybrid power system can be more environmentally friendly than a system fueled by fossil fuels. Most hybrid systems will use lithium-ion batteries as the main source of energy. Lithium-ion batteries are capable of holding more energy and have more capacities than lead-acid or other types of batteries. While a hybrid system may be a bit more expensive than a purely on-grid system, it is still much cheaper than an off-grid system. In addition, some utilities do not have retail rates for solar electricity. Even with a small solar array, you can save up to two-thirds of your electric bill. Another big advantage of a hybrid system is the fact that you will get credit for the amount of electricity you produce. Some utilities have net metering policies, which allow you to buy back excess energy from the grid for a higher rate than you pay for the actual electricity. Depending on your area, you may be eligible for a federal rebate. For example, the Federal Investment Tax Credit is available through 2022, which will allow you to reduce the cost of your solar power installation by up to 30%. Moreover, in 2022 or 2023, the federal tax credit for solar power projects will be extended, which will further decrease the price of a hybrid system. Read Also: Is Energy A Good Career Path? – A Detailed Guide Best Paying Jobs In Energy Everything You Need To Know About Mobile Solar Generators

What You Should Know about Solar Energy for Schools Benefits

The use of solar energy has grown by leaps and bounds in recent times, and now, you don't just see it in residential or commercial buildings any longer – solar panel systems are now being utilised for more schools as well. The government encourages this growth and has even come up with its own form of support for schools and other educational institutions wanting to go solar. There are indeed a lot of benefits brought by having your own solar energy, but what else can you expect from it? How can you make sure that your solar investment is fully utilised? Here's everything you need to know about solar energy for schools: benefits, expectations, and more. How you can save on expenses – and earn: With solar energy, there are three ways through which you can save and earn on your expenses. One way is with your actual usage of energy from the grid. Since you produce your own energy, your energy usage from the grid will go down, thus resulting in lower electricity bills. The second way is through what you can earn based on the electricity your panels can produce. This the Feed In Tariff. The third way through which you can save and make money is when you get paid for whatever electricity isn’t used by your school. This is referred to as the Export Tariff. Will the sun be enough? This is one of the more common questions asked by many, and the answer is a simple yes. There is enough sun, even in the UK, for your solar panel system to work – and work well, at that. Although bright sunlight is always best in regard to solar energy, your solar panel system will continue to produce energy even when the days are cloudy. For every 1 kilowatt of solar panel installed, you can expect to produce an average of between 750 to 900-kilowatt hours of energy. If you are located in the south, your system will generate even more. Is it the best solution for my school? Granted, while a solar energy system is generally a good and worthwhile investment, you still have to be sure that it’s the right solution for your school, as experts in solar in Cheshire like Atlantic Renewables attest. Many of the schools in the UK are suitable, however. For instance, does your school have a roof that is flat or pitched and is the roof facing south-east, south-west, or south? If it is, that's already good news. Also, if you don't have any buildings or trees shadowing your roof, this is a good sign as well. You should also have a strong roof, although most roofs are already strong enough to hold solar panels. How to pay for it: There are different things you can do to help you pay for a solar panel system for your school, one of which is help from your local education authority. You can ask them to provide you with the capital you need at a very low or even zero rate of interest. Another way through which you can finance your solar panel system is to go to your local council. Community funding is also possible, and you may be surprised at how many communities have already worked together to bring a solar energy system to fruition for schools. Read Also: Ready Rooftops – How To Install Solar Panels Prepare Your Solar Panels For The Fall

How Much Do You Save With Solar Panels? The Ultimate Guide

Sun Exposure

The Cost of Installation

Your Overall Electric Bill

Government Incentives

So, How Much Do You Save With Solar Panels?

Everything You Need To Know About Mobile Solar Generators

8 Tips For Choosing Solar Panels For Outdoor Activity

Tags

Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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Advantages of Using a Portable Solar Generator

Why Do Some Solar Power Systems Include A Battery?

What You Should Know about Solar Energy for Schools Benefits

How Much Do You Save With Solar Panels? The Ultimate Guide

Sun Exposure

The Cost of Installation

Your Overall Electric Bill

Government Incentives

So, How Much Do You Save With Solar Panels?

Share this Article

Everything You Need To Know About Mobile Solar Generators

8 Tips For Choosing Solar Panels For Outdoor Activity

Tags

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

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