Installing solar panels can help reduce or even eliminate your electricity bill. Here's what you need to know:

Electricity Bill Savings:

With solar panels, your electricity bill can be significantly reduced or eliminated entirely, depending on your energy consumption and the efficiency of your solar system. Solar offset refers to the reduction or offsetting of traditional grid electricity consumption through the generation of solar energy. Austin Electric’s professional designing can maximize your offset to get your bill as close to zero as possible.

Net Metering:

If your solar panels generate more electricity than you consume, the excess power can be fed back into the grid. This is known as net metering. In such cases, your utility company may credit you for the excess electricity, offsetting your electricity bill.

Reduced Dependency on the Grid:

By harnessing solar energy, you can reduce your reliance on the traditional power grid. During sunny periods, your solar panels can provide a significant portion or even all of your electricity needs.

It's important to note that the specific savings and financial benefits of solar panels vary depending on factors such as the size of your solar system, local electricity rates, and available sunlight.

Most solar panels are photovoltaic (PV) panels. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity by capturing its energy and using it to generate a flow of electrons in the form of a DC electrical current.

The Solar Panel

Each panel is made with layers of silicon. When sunlight strikes the panels, electrons in the silicon are energized, creating a negative charge. The electrons then seek out positively charged protons to connect with, thereby creating an electric current.

In simpler terms, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity by capturing its energy and using it to generate a flow of electrons.

Solar Racking or Mounting Systems

Solar racking or mounting systems provide a structure to attach solar panels to the surface of your roof. Most racking systems consist of four parts: mounts that are drilled into your roof, flashings to cover the holes and prevent leaks, rails to align and securely mount on, and clamps to attach the panels to the rails. Racking systems are typically made of aluminum

Inverter

The inverter is usually installed on the exterior of your home, adjacent to your utility meter. The Inverter converts DC to AC electricity, and can also help maximize energy production, monitor system output, detect system faults, and communicate with the utility grid.

Optional: Solar Battery Storage

While solar batteries are not included in every solar energy system, they offer additional energy independence by giving you more control over when and how you use the power produced by your solar array.

When a solar energy system is paired with a smart home battery, you can store the excess power generated to become further energy independent and can even sell excess energy back to power companies.

Electric Panel

For most solar installations, we can adapt the existing electrical panel to accommodate the addition of solar. However, in some cases older homes may require an electrical panel or wiring upgrade to safely handle the additional load of electricity produced by your solar energy system.

Utility Meter

A utility meter is required for any grid connection. It provides a safe and accurate way to monitor the flow of electricity between your home and the existing utility grid, including voltage and current, both into and out of your home.

AC Disconnect

The AC Disconnect is a small rectangular box generally located by your utility meter with a large switch or handle on the side that can be used to quickly shut down your solar energy system in case of emergencies or maintenance work.

Rooftop Mounting: Most popular mounting location, rooftop installations utilize existing structures and minimize land use. However, they may have size limitations, shading issues, and potential structural considerations.

Ground Mounting: Suitable for open areas, ground installations offer flexibility in panel positioning and simplify maintenance. However, they require dedicated land space, which may be unavailable or costly in certain areas.

Choosing between the two depends on available space, site characteristics, costs, and project requirements. Assessing these factors helps determine the best approach for a solar installation.

Batteries further allow you to be energy independent. With the installation of solar batteries with your system, you now have the ability to store excess power generated. This can help to utilize the power generated when it’s needed most, regardless of the time of the day or weather.

The effectiveness of solar panels is influenced by the size, shape, and angle of your roof. Usually, solar panels work best on roofs that face south and have a slope between 15 and 40 degrees, although other roof orientations can also be suitable. It is also important to avoid shaded areas. Additionally, it's important to consider the condition of your roof and how soon it will need to be replaced, as installing solar panels is typically a long-term investment.

The amount of money you can save with solar depends upon how much electricity you consume, the size of your solar energy system, if you choose to buy or lease your system, and how much power it is able to generate given the direction your roof faces and how much sunlight hits it. It should also be noted that energy efficiency upgrades complement solar energy as they reduce the overall electricity load.

Solar tax credits and incentives are financial benefits offered by the government to encourage the adoption of solar energy. They can help reduce the cost of installing solar systems and make renewable energy more affordable for homeowners and businesses. Dont miss your chance to take advantage of the massive savings while having a local trustworthy company by your side every step of the way.

Learn More About Tax Credits and Incentives Here

Navigating through the information about local, state, and federal incentives for solar can be overwhelming. However, we're here to help you find the best deal to decrease your solar costs. Don’t hesitate to contact us and let us do all the research for you!

Local Utility Programs:

Local utilities sometimes provide smaller incentives or credits to promote the adoption of solar energy. Check your local utilities website for offers.

State and Federal Programs:

At the state and federal level programs and incentives often provide large financial incentives, tax credits, grants, or rebates to homeowners who install solar systems.

Online Research

Utilize online resources and tools provided by reputable organizations. Websites like the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) offer a comprehensive database of state-level incentives for renewable energy. DSIRE MN Incentives List

Buying a solar energy system will likely increase your home’s value. A recent study found that solar panels are viewed as upgrades, similar to a renovated kitchen or a finished basement. Home buyers across the country have been willing to pay a premium of about $15,000 for a home with an average-sized solar array. Additionally, there is evidence homes with solar panels sell faster than those without.

Net metering is an arrangement between solar energy system owners and the local utilities in which the system owners are compensated for any excess solar power generation that is exported to the electricity grid.

Yes, you can go solar without changing the look of your home significantly. There are various options and design considerations available to ensure that your solar installation blends seamlessly with the existing aesthetics of your home such as color, size, and mounting location.

All solar panels meet international inspection and testing standards, and with a qualified installer such as Austin Electric, we will install them to meet local building, fire, and electrical codes. Also, your solar energy system will undergo a thorough a final state inspection as part of the installation process.

Using solar power instead of conventional forms of energy reduces the amount of carbon and other pollutants that are emitted into the environment. Reducing the amount of carbon in our atmosphere translates into less pollution and cleaner air and water for generations to come.