Category: Solar News

What Are Solar Panels?

Solar panels are also known as photovoltaic modules. The paramount function of using solar panels is to convert the sunlight to solar energy that is later converted to electricity. When the photon’s particle of sunlight strikes the surface of the panels, they use their energy to knock out an electron from the outer shell of the photovoltaic cell. The excited electron becomes the reason for the generation of electricity. The type of electricity produced during this process is DC electricity. It is later transformed into AC electricity that is later supplied to the whole household. But solar panels can generate electricity only in the daytime. So, you must have wondered, “what do we do at nighttime?” Here comes the solar batteries. Let’s discuss them below.

What Are Solar Batteries?

Sometimes you may face a power outage, and sometimes the sunlight is blocked by the shadow of clouds. That’s why solar storage batteries were introduced in the market. Solar batteries are devices that save energy for later use. It means when you can generate more energy during the daytime than you can use at once, battery storage will help you to store them. You can use that energy during the night or when there is a power outage. You can also actually sell the stored energy back to the grid.

How Do Solar Batteries Work?

During the daytime, solar panels generate electricity from sunlight. When it is midday, that’s when the efficiency of your solar panels is the maximum. That’s why it produces more energy than required. If you have the regular grid-tied solar system, the surplus electricity is sent back to the utility grid. That’s why we use solar storage batteries. These batteries store the extra electricity in them instead of wasting them. When there is a requirement for electricity, it supplies the electricity back to your home for regular use. It is usually happened during the night time or in cloudy weather when the sunlight exposure is limited. These stored credits can even be sold to utility companies. For example, you are producing excess solar energy that is more than your requirement. You can sell it to the utility companies at their decided rate. In this way, you can not only eliminate your utility bills, but you can also get cash in return for the extra credits. Therefore, these solar storage batteries are essential for your solar system.

What Are the Advantages of Using Solar Power Batteries?

The foremost advantage of solar batteries is their power backup. When you do not have solar batteries, you can only generate electricity during daylight during an outage. Solar batteries allow you to operate your system off-gride. It means if you are having power outages and when the weather is cloudy or during the nighttime when sunlight isn’t available, you can still run your appliances without needing to access the grid. One solar battery will not be enough to power the whole house. That’s why the selected appliances are wired to them. But you can still utilize the whole house by installing multiple batteries after consulting your technicians.

The second advantage of using solar power batteries is that it significantly reduces your utility bills. If you are electric bills are dependent upon time-varying rates, you can get the supply from batteries directly instead of direct electricity grids. And if your utility bills follow the fixed-rate demand, you can still get a supply of electricity from the storage during peak. It would help you to decrease the amount of monthly electrical credits. Consequently, the bills will decrease gradually.

How Much Would Solar Batteries Cost You?

The price of solar power batteries varies accordingly. They come in a price ranging from $200 to $15,000 (excluding the price of installation. There are two significant types of batteries in the market. The lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are more efficient and expensive. They can be installed in the price range of $7,000 to $14,000. They are more durable than lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries are way cheaper. You can even get them at $200, but they are not durable. Besides that, they cannot efficiently supply electricity during power outages.

Closing Thoughts

Solar batteries have been gaining serious attention over the last few years. The advancement in their technology has made them enter a reasonable price range. The battery life has also been improved since its release. You can get free electricity even during the nighttime or when there is less exposure to sunlight. The excess electricity that you generate during the day won’t go in vain, and you can conserve it. You can also earn money from the extra credits that you have generated. For our customers, we are offering the best solar panel batteries and thus are the best solar battery company in Orlando.

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Solar panels are the future of your energy needs. If you want to protect the environment and save money in the long run, then use a solar system by Spectrum Solar at your home or office in Orlando.

The efficiency of your solar panels depends upon their exposure to sunlight. Naturally, there are some states that receive more sunlight compared to others. That’s why they can generate more solar energy compared to other countries. In today’s article, we will discuss those locations where you can get the maximum output for your solar panels. Besides that, we will also discuss the adjustment for the placement of your solar panels by which you can achieve the max output according to your location.

Although solar energy depends upon sunlight, the location plays a vital part. It is because solar panels are able to generate solar energy only in the daytime. At nighttime, they use the energy generated in the daytime. Therefore, the system’s dependence here is based upon the amount of sunlight absorbed during the daytime. But before we start with our topic today, let us get a brief review of the installation of solar panels.

How to Achieve Maximum Exposure to The Sun on Your Panels?

As of now, we are aware of the fact that maximum sunlight exposure will generate maximum solar energy. Therefore, you have to adjust solar panels on your rooftop in such a way that it receives max sunlight. Even though sunlight exposure is geographically dependent, but you can still try to achieve sufficient sunlight in your area. For this reason, you have to adjust your solar panels in such a way that it faces the south direction. This is because the sun rises from the east and sets back in the west. There is a difference between the “magnetic south” and the “actual south” You have to differentiate both of them as we are talking about the actual south here.

Besides this, the angle of your roof greatly influences your solar panel’s efficiency. We use a specific term for this angle of roof that is called “roof pitch.”

If your roof is horizontal, it is perfect for the initialization of solar panels. Even if your rooftop isn’t horizontal, it is totally fine, too, as it would still be able to get sunlight. You just have to adjust it in such a way that it faces towards the south.

What Are the Best Roof Shapes for Solar Panels?

The shape and style of the rooftops greatly affect the productivity of your solar panels. There are multiple styles and shapes of rooftops out there, but only some of them are efficient for solar panels. For example, if the rooftop is horizontal and it is exposed to sunlight from all the directions of south, east, west, and north, then it would resonance with the output of solar panels. If the pitch is too steep, it would be difficult to install them, and the maintenance cost will be higher than usual. Considerable space is required to install the solar panels because the size of an average residential solar panel size is 69×35 inches. You would require multiple solar panels to run your household. It should be ensured that the solar panels would not be overshadowed by any object. It would drastically decrease their efficiency. Consequently, you would get a limited supply of electricity through the panels. There are also certain companies that wouldn’t install your solar panels if your roof pitch is over 9/12 or if you have a clay roof.

What Roof Are Types Essential for Installing Solar Panels?

Note that solar panels can be installed on every rooftop type. But the installing cost varies according to the rooftop type. The common material that the rooftops are made of are asphalt, tile, wood, shake, rubber, copper, and metal. Solar panels can be installed on the rooftop made from wood, rubber, and shake. But it requires more installing cost. Consequently, more equipment is required to set these solar panels.

What Is the Best Position of Your Solar Panels with Net Metering?

If you are located in such area that has 1:1 net metering, then the best position to install your solar panels is south. There is a reason for that. If you have 1:1 net metering, then you would require more energy to be stored for the nighttime. During the midday, solar panels are at their optimal state. They even produce more energy than the required amount. Panel facing towards the south manage to generate more electricity comparatively. Thus, the extra credits are stored and sent back to the grids when required. These credits can be stored and later be sold to the utility companies at a very good rate. Thus, you can not only eliminate your utility bills completely but also generate some profit from your self-produced credits.

How Does Shade Affect the Productivity of Your Solar Panels?

Shade can drastically reduce the efficiency of your solar panels. Many people love to have trees and plants in their houses because they look pretty and give a fresh look to your house. The shade of these trees might cause hindrance in the way of sunlight to the panels. That’s why it is necessary for you to prevent your solar panels from getting any kind of shade.

Final Thoughts

We have learned today that geographical factors matter when you are installing solar panels. But you still can maximize the production of your solar panels by adjusting them in the right direction. The south direction is considered the most optimal facing direction for the solar panels, as we have discussed above. You can try to prevent any kind of shadow from falling on your solar panels by performing little adjustments.

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Solar panels are the future of your energy needs. If you want to protect the environment and save money in the long run, then use a solar system by Spectrum Solar at your home or office in Orlando.

Solar technology has been around since the 1950s. It used to be more expensive during that time, but thanks to industry development and advancement, many of the best solar companies in Orlando now offer solar power panels at a very reasonable price.

Benefits usually consist of lessened electricity bills, low carbon footprint, and potentially higher home value. Many questions and concerns arise in a homeowner’s mind if solar panels are worth the price.

What Are Solar Panels?

Solar energy is the most abundant source of energy on this planet. An approximate 340 W/m2 of solar energy strikes the Earth on a clear day. When solar energy strikes these solar cells, they convert the solar energy to electrical energy. The most efficient solar panel can convert up to 22% of the solar radiation to electricity.

What Are the Benefits of a Solar Power System in Your Home?

The most significant benefit of solar power is that you can generate all your electricity on your own. And if you can create more electricity than your required amount, you can sell extra to utility companies. They will pay you accordingly. 

Solar panels are also highly durable. The most common guarantee provided by solar panel companies is around 25 years. They can run a lot longer than the guaranteed time without any significant power loss. Solar panels also require less maintenance. These panels won’t cost you much after being installed. 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory has stated that a home with solar panels installed on them will be sold at a higher price and earlier than homes without solar panels. When a buyer is given a choice to buy a house, they will most likely favor the one with a solar power system. Thus, solar energy systems add value to your home.

Is A Solar Power System Cost-Effective for Your Home?

In most cases, a solar power system is a brilliant investment. But you should consider certain things before buying a solar power system. 

1. The Cost of Solar Panels Is Gradually Decreasing!

As the market for solar panels has gained an immense boost in recent years, the costs of solar panels are decreasing. Furthermore, due to progress and advancement in the technology of solar power systems, the cost of manufacturing these panels saw a significant decrease. Consequently, the cost of installing solar power has decreased simultaneously.

2. The Most Cost-Effective Way of Buying a Solar Power System

Most of the companies will lease solar panel systems to your home. This arrangement isn’t considered effective as the solar company owns the panels and the profit from them. Although leasing a solar system will decrease your monthly electrical bills but owning your own panels is the most financially effective.

3. Solar Panels Can Generate Income!

Extra energy can be stored using net metering and storage. Net meters utilize the extra energy and make it flow back to the power grid. This won’t only eliminate your utility bills completely but will put money back into your pockets. Therefore, owning a full solar power system helps you to create additional income.

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Solar panels are the future of your energy needs. If you want to protect the environment and save money in the long run, then use a solar system by Spectrum Solar at your home or office in Orlando.

A dollar-for-dollar tax credit is a decrease in income taxes that you would otherwise owe. For example, a federal tax credit of $1,000 lowers your federal income tax payments by $1,000. The federal tax credit is often termed an investment tax credit or ITC but differs from the ITC given to solar systems companies.

What Is the Federal Solar Tax Credit?

The Federal Solar Energy Credit is a tax credit that may claim a percentage cost of the solar photovoltaic (PV) system on federal income taxes. (Similar loans are also available for other kinds of renewable energy but go beyond the scope of this advice.)

The system must be put into operation during the tax year and produce energy for a residence in the USA. There is no IRS bright-line test on “put in service,” but the IRS has equated it with the installation complete. If you want to install the best solar panels for your home, Spectrum Solar Power is the best option.

Extensions of earlier laws are the current Federal legislation on solar tax incentives. Initially, the funding under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 was for renewable energy projects. Over time, homeowners who construct energy-efficient properties have been granted residential tax credits.

However, remember that you are not the system owner if you sign a rental or a PPA with a solar contractor, and thus you cannot get the tax credit. It is not possible to claim a maximum amount.

How Does the Federal Solar Tax Credit Work?

The Federal solar tax credit is one of the most effective federal programs to promote solar energy development in the United States. The Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) believes that solar energy use has risen 52% per year!

You must install your home solar system fully (in-service) by December 31, 2021, to receive up to 26% of your 2021 Federal tax credit. The exact time limit and loan will apply in 2022.

A unique aspect of these credits is that you may claim no maximum amount if the quantity of alternative energy equipment, including the installation, does not exceed 26% of your expenses. The top solar company in Orlando Spectrum Solar Power is the best option for anyone.

Am I Eligible To Claim The Federal Solar Tax Credit?

You may qualify for this tax credit if you fulfill all of the following criteria:

1. From January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2023, your solar PV system was erected.
2. When energy is produced and does not surpass the electricity usage in your house, the solar PV system is placed at your primary or secondary dwelling in the United States or for a non-site community solar project. The IRS allowed a taxpayer to claim a 25D tax credit for purchasing part of a community solar installation.
3. You own the photovoltaic solar system. You bought it with cash or via funding, but you do not lease or arrange to buy energy from a plan you do not own.

The solar photovoltaic system is new or utilized initially. you may claim the credit only on the solar equipment’s “initial installation.”

Rebates from OUC

In contrast to utility discounts, rebates typically do not affect your federal tax credit. For example, if the installation costs for your solar PV system were $18,000 before December 31, 2022, OUC may provide you a one-off $1,000 refund on installation expenses depending on the type of system you install.

Bottom Line

If you finance or buy your system before December 31^st, you may use credit to cover your taxes due. You may use this reimbursement to pay extra on your loan It is essential to remember that the tax credit is extended to one year to utilize any remaining items for next year’s taxes from this year on.

Solar panels are the future of your energy needs. If you want to protect the environment and save money in the long run, then use a solar system by Spectrum Solar at your home or office in Orlando.

Using solar panels for electricity in Orlando has become a truly attractive option because it’s affordable, easy to install, and lasts a long time. The average solar panel lifespan provided by most companies is around 25-30 years. In other words, you’re investing in something that will pay off in the long run. 

Although there are some aspects that affect the lifespan of the solar panels, you can continue to use them even after the 25-year period. It will, however, absorb less sunlight.  In this blog, we will be discussing how long do solar panels last, how to maintain, extend solar panels life, and what happens to solar panels after 30 years. 

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

In Orlando, USA, solar panels are becoming more and more popular as a way to provide homes with energy and reduce the impact they have on the environment. New solar panel models with an expected lifespan of 25-30 years are available, and the warranties are good for at least half of that time.

Solar panels are covered by warranties during the first half of their lives, which means that their performance levels are guaranteed. A typical warranty will guarantee that the performance won’t drop below 80% before the warranty expires. There have even been cases where panels have remained over 80% effective after their service life ended.

It is quite possible that your solar panels could last significantly longer after they’ve been installed if they’re properly maintained. Even so, they are likely to have slightly regressed in performance over that time period. Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels can expect a lifespan of about half a century.  Let’s move on to the factors that are responsible for solar panel degradation.

What is Solar Panel Degradation?

In the long run, all solar panels rapidly degrade, which means they produce less power with the same amount of sunlight. What are the reasons, and how does this happen? The panels wear down over time from external factors (like weather) and decrease their ability to create electricity.

Microcracks in solar cells are a factor that influences the degradation of solar panels. Electrical connections deteriorate as a result of these small cracks, and there are fewer paths available for electrons from the sun to travel, so less energy reaches the inverter and the house, business, or farm. A second problem is junction box adhesion failure and discoloration.

As panels can degrade in several ways due to a variety of causes, it’s a challenging issue. Companies that install solar panels in Orlando, such as Spectrum Solar, are constantly improving and devising ways to cut down on that degradation rate, so you can keep your panels running. You can rest assured, however, that your investment is safe, as your panels are guaranteed to degrade at low or below a specific rate.

Can Solar Panels Go Bad Before Their Time?

In some cases, they can, but only if there is a defect, damage, or some other issue with the manufacturer. A solar panel, on the other hand, does not expire and can continue to generate electricity, even though they degrade in sunlight absorption every year. Despite solar panels’ durability, they can still be damaged and rendered useless in some scenarios. Extreme weather and hail storms can cause micro-cracks that can break solar panels. 

While the current generation of solar panels is resistant to micro-cracks, they are not completely shielded from them. There are other factors, such as sudden changes in weather, which can cause rapid contractions and expansions of the panels’ materials. Similarly, if the seal protection on solar modules is damaged, water can damage the panels. Such kinds of faults are usually covered under the warranties of most solar companies in Orlando.

When Should You Consider Replacing Your Panels?

Once the solar panels have reached their life expectancy, you will need to replace them if there is a significant difference in the amount of electricity produced by the system. If your 20 kWh system is generating 15 kWh electricity with no fault, debris, or weather limits, your system has probably degraded a lot and should be switched over.

Our recommendation is to buy a larger system than what is needed so your investment can last for longer than you expect. When you install a Solar System in Orlando by Spectrum Solar, you also get a monitoring app that shows you all the data and allows you to monitor the changes made to the production.

Maintenance of Solar Panels

As long as you maintain your solar panels well, you can expect to enjoy them for the entire estimated lifespan. To maintain high levels of efficiency, various measures can be taken. Although solar panels should be pretty self-sufficient after installation, We believe that an annual (or biannual) cleaning will help make them last longer. Solar panels only need to be cleaned once or twice a year, but if you have had a long dry spell, you might want to give them an extra clean.

The following cleaning tips can help you maintain your solar panels for a longer period:

• If you must clean your solar panels during the day, then do so in the morning or evening
• To start, sweep leaves and debris off the panel. If you wish to use a brush, ensure that it has a soft bristle
• Use a gentle stream of water to spray the panels
• A soft cloth should be used to avoid scratching the panels if any stubborn areas need to be cleaned further
• If you plan on using cleaning products on your panels, refer to the manufacturer’s guide first
• Never touch the wiring underneath, only clean the panels. For under solar panel cleaning, you can use a solar panel cleaning service.
• Ensure that no branches are hanging over your solar panels. They produce shade which reduces the efficiency of your panels, but they can also damage them if they fall on them.

It is also possible for cracks to appear on your solar panel surface, which could prove to be very dangerous since water can go inside freely. Consequently, the contacts could disintegrate, leading to poor connectivity. A solar panel, however, has built-in safeguards to ensure that any damage caused to one does not spread to others.

Best Ways to Prolong the Life of Solar Panels

The degradation of solar panels is inevitable, just like a car only runs for so many miles, or a piece of equipment starts to lose its shine after a few years. Yet, you’re investing a sensible amount that will drastically lower your household or company’s monthly bills.

You don’t have to do a whole lot with solar panels since they don’t have any moving parts. You should prepare for this before your system is installed. A rough installation can damage your solar panels even though they are sturdy and built to withstand pressure.

When choosing a company to install your solar system, you want to make sure they use top-of-the-line panels and parts that are built to last and are going to take care of your system for the long run. As a result, you will be able to keep your system’s energy production at a high level even after it has reached its expected lifespan.

Selecting a location for your solar system is another thing you and your installer should consider. It is best to place the panels far from things that might cause physical damage, like the wind blowing trees and bushes against them, which may speed up deterioration.

The key is to select products and companies that use the right procedures for cleaning and maintaining your system, as improper methods may cause more harm than good. Spectrum Solar is a company of highly trained professionals. You can trust them to get your solar system installation in Orlando.

What Happens to Solar Panels After 30 Years?

Solar panel manufacturers declare solar panels are no longer useful once their production falls below 80%; however, this does not mean they’re worthless. Despite their lower efficiency, the panels will continue to produce energy for many years to come.

Panels have a guaranteed lifespan of 25 years, but they can keep producing electricity for several decades after that. The only difference is that their electrical production is reduced based on how quickly they degrade. 

Depending on whether your panels need to be replaced or not, you’ll have to decide whether to do so. It is necessary to assess their ability to satisfy your electricity demands. If they are, then there is no reason to replace them. 

You can keep using your panels if you have maintained them correctly and there are no micro cracks or broken plates. To ensure your system stays in top working condition, always keep an eye on its production and make sure it gets cleaned periodically.

Solar panels are the future of your energy needs. If you want to protect the environment and save money in the long run, then use a solar system by Spectrum Solar at your home or office in Orlando.

Solar power generation is valuable, especially in sunny locations like Orlando. Understanding how the panels work can help immensely while ensuring the proper system size and placement for any residential or commercial property.

The Materials of Solar Panels

Silicon is the second most common element on Earth and makes up about 27% of Earth’s crust by mass. For solar panels, companies manufacture silicon crystals, which are an efficient option for converting sunlight to solar power, especially in places like Orlando.

Some panels carry a CIGS label, which stands for copper, indium, gallium, and selenide. These materials cost less than manufacturing silicon crystals and are only slightly less efficient for generating solar power. As a result, CIGS solar panels are a commonly available choice.

How Solar Panels Function

Manufacturers create positively and negatively charged strips of silicon crystals for common solar panels by adding (n-type) or removing (p-type) an electron. Then, the strips are sandwiched together in alternating charges, which looks like n-type, p-type, n-type, p-type. This makeup forms the photovoltaic cell.

The size of a solar panel determines how many photovoltaic cells it contains. Glass covers the collection of cells and protects them from the elements without impeding sunlight. The cells also sit on a conductive metal plate, which directs the flow of energy into a fused array combiner.

Sunlight contains photons, which have no mass but do have energy. The photons interact with the charged strips of silicon, which releases the energy. The photovoltaic cell directs the energy into the conductive plates. The energy then goes through the fused array combiner and into an inverter, converting it from DC to AC. Once the current is AC, most buildings can use it.

Factors That Affect Solar Power in Orlando

Generating solar power, even in sunny locations like Orlando, relies on various factors beyond the construction of the solar panel. Mitigating these factors ensures the reliable generation of clean solar power.

Panel Tilt

Solar panels convert sunlight most efficiently when they are perpendicular to where the sunlight originates. The angle maximizes how much sunlight hits the panels, thus allowing more energy conversion. As a rule of thumb, solar panel tilt should be approximately the same as the location’s latitude. For example, Orlando is at about 28 degrees North, so the panels need a shallower angle to function best.

Seasonal Changes

Unfortunately, the seasonal weather also affects solar power generation, even in sunny spots like Orlando. Storm seasons, for example, mean many days with less sunlight breaking through the clouds. In colder climates, snow can reflect sunlight onto solar panels, or it can cover them up. Due to this variability, installers focus on the entire year rather than every month.

Azimuth

The solar azimuth is the direction the sunlight comes from, and solar panels should always aim towards it. From Orlando to Seattle to Fairbanks, that direction is South. Installers tend to use a 0-degree angle to ensure maximum potential solar power. Failure to do so may mean up to a 35% drop in solar power.

Shade

Shade prevents sunlight from hitting the solar panels entirely, so it’s an incredibly significant factor. Shade can come from trees or other buildings blocking the side of the structure best suited for solar panels. Even in sunny locations like Orlando, placing solar panels in the shade means less solar power availability.

Go Solar with Spectrum Solar

Take control of your energy needs today! Call or contact Spectrum Solar to request your free, custom solar power savings estimate. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is and what you’ll save by going with the best solar company in Orlando.

Solar panels have existed for decades, while solar roofs are their most viable competition. However, since solar roofs are so new to the mass market, few people understand how they can change the solar market in places like Orlando, where solar panels are a popular home renovation.

What is a Solar Roof?

A solar roof uses tiles or shingles that act as solar panels. These tiles can take the shape the consumer desires and blend in with most architectural plans, which makes them aesthetically pleasing. While the solar shingle was patented in the 1970s, it first became widely commercially available in 2005.

The Weight Difference

Solar roof manufacturers advertise the products as putting less weight on the roof than traditional solar panels, which could be a boon to older construction in areas like Orlando. This difference is because solar panels sit on top of the roof, while the solar roof is the roof. However, the exact weight per square foot will depend on the roof pitch and installation plan in either case.

The Efficiency of Solar Roofs and Solar Panels in Orlando

Both solar roofs and solar panels are dependent on the environmental conditions and installation for their efficiency. For example, in Orlando, solar panels can hit 18% to 22% efficiency regularly. Meanwhile, a solar roof might only hit 14% to 18% efficiency, but a bigger surface area is available to generate power.

Ease of Repair

Repairing solar panels and solar roofs is a significant difference between the two options. In Orlando and other areas, it’s much easier to remove solar panels for repair as most use a bracket system. Meanwhile, solar tiles will be an integral part of the roof hooked into the electrical system of the home or business. Those repairs will require specialized expertise.

The Incentive Availability

Another consideration is tax and local incentives available for adding solar power, which can reduce installation costs. However, as solar roofs are relatively new, they are often not included in these incentive programs. Meanwhile, solar panels are the main components of these programs and are therefore easy to file for.

The Cost of Solar Roofs vs. Solar Panels in Orlando

Solar roofs are new to the market, and the cost to install one reflects that. Installing a Tesla solar roof, for example, depends on the complexity of the roofline. The middle package costs $16 per square foot plus $2 for every watt installed. For example, a 1,700 square foot roof with 10.23 kW of power comes to roughly $39,000 after solar incentives.

Meanwhile, solar panels dominated the alternative energy market for decades, and their cost has come down 99% since they hit the commercial market. The average solar panel installation costs about $19,000 for a 10.23 kW system after tax incentives.

Warranties and Longevity

Both solar roofs and solar panels come with warranties ranging from 10 to 30 years, depending on the manufacturer. While solar panels have often outlasted their warranties, especially in Orlando, there is little data on the longevity of solar tile operation due to its relative newness. There is no large pool of data to support the companies’ claims.

Solar power may be on the rise, but you may not know everything there is to know about this fantastic energy option. If you are considering solar panels for your home or business, call the top Orlando installer of solar systems today.

Solar Panels are Recyclable

While solar panels typically maintain optimal performance for 30 to 40 years, it’s still good to know that you can recycle solar panels. Right now, you need to research to find a facility. Still, in the future, the growth of solar power will mean more recycling options for solar panels and components.

The Idea Behind Solar Dates to 1839

In 1839, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel proved the photovoltaic effect, which is the principle solar power operates on. However, it was a hundred years before someone turned this idea into the solar cells and panels you see on Orlando roofs with solar systems today.

Orlando Solar is Practical Year Round

Orlando averages 233 days of sunshine, which is above the national average and perfect for solar power. With a professionally installed system, you can take advantage of the free sunshine available in Orlando to power your home with green solar power.

The Cost of Solar is Much Less Today Than in the 1970s

How much do solar panels cost in Florida? Florida’s average cost of a solar panel installation ranges from $11,135 to $15,065. On a cost per watt ($/W) basis, a solar panel installation in Florida ranges in price from $2.23 to $3.01.

Residential Solar Panels Break Even Quickly

The average solar power system may cost thousands, but most homeowners see their system breakeven in under a decade. The average is eight years, and in Orlando, many owners of solar panels break even sooner. That means you can start making money from grid-tied panels sooner.

Solar Panels Work After Storms

One of the big Orlando misconceptions is how solar will handle the variety of storms the city sees. You do not need to worry as solar power systems installed by Spectrum Solar are rated for hurricane-force winds. You can even install a solar system that continues to work even if the Orlando power grid goes down.

People Used Solar Power Before the Development of Panels

Using the sun for energy is not a new concept, even though solar panels are. Historians have documented the use of the sun to start fires going back 2700 years. The idea of sunrooms and greenhouses goes back almost as far. The difference is that there was no simple way to store solar power for later use.

Solar Panels Do Not Need Direct Sunlight

One of the big myths that circulate periodically is that a cloudy day could leave you without power. However, clouds still let a lot of sunshine hit your solar panels. In fact, you may not notice a significant difference in how much energy your panels produce.