Start Saving on Energy Bills With Solar Power From SunPower

Some people choose to get solar energy because solar energy is environmentally friendly and they want to have a home that lessens their footprint on the environment. However, there are some of you who are seriously considering solar energy because you really want to save money on bills. Then there are others of you who want to lessen your footprint and also save money, too. This post briefly discusses how solar energy works and then discusses how to save money from getting a solar system installed.

How Solar Power Works

Just to be clear, solar energy is not completely off the electric grid in most cases. But there are places in the United States where you can live completely off the grid. What this means is that if you want to live in a home completely independent of the main water, electrical, sewage and other public sources, you can. And there are people who do it very well. However, most people who use solar energy opt to keep their solar system on the electric grid and just use electricity when they need it.

When you have solar power, you will need solar panels installed. Most companies will typically install them on your roof in order to get maximum sunlight. But they can also be installed in the ground depending on what the solar installation company recommends. Also, the solar installation company will typically install your solar panels on the south facing side of your roof. However, nowadays, they could be added to the west facing side. If you have trees that may block the panels, they will have to be trimmed to prevent interference with the solar energy. The placement of these panels on the roof in the south or west location will provide maximum sunlight throughout the year.

As the sun beams down on your home, the solar panels will capture the suns rays and send this energy into your home through an inverter. The sun’s energy comes into the home as DC (Direct Current) energy but electricity operates on AC (Alternating Current) energy. Therefore, the inverter installed in your home serves the purpose of converting the DC energy into AC energy that allows your electricity to work.

How Solar Energy Saves You Money

The stronger the sun’s ability to shine and produce energy, the less your home will need to rely on the power grid. However, on some days when it’s cloudy or rainy, the solar panels may not be as strong. Thus, your home will likely rely on the electric grid more on those days. On days when your solar energy is strongest, you won’t need electrical energy and in fact, the electric company may credit you for not needing to use their resources. This is because your solar energy adds to the grid’s power helping to provide energy to your neighbors. This credit, known as net metering, reduces your electrical bill, helping you to save over the long-term.

Are you interested in getting solar power? Now is a great time to get solar panels installed because you can still take advantage of federal tax credits! Click the button below to get started with a quote on solar panels from SunPower.

Mel Childs is the author of this article and the owner of Move Me To Atlanta. She also owns her own writing company in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, she has written freelance for various publications, including Bob Vila, This Old House, Lawnstarter, WikiLawn, Homelight, Fixr, LeadsForward, Upscale Magazine, Black EOE Journal, Ancient Origins, and many more.