Solar electricity is a smart alternative for your home’s energy source because Florida is sunny. Consultation with a qualified specialist experienced in all aspects, from installation to maintenance and repair, is a crucial first step in determining whether or not to invest in solar products and services.
Before scheduling your installation, you need to be familiar with all the details you need to know, so, with the help of this article, we will be giving you a breakdown of everything you need to keep in mind with solar electricity, its benefits, cost, and the overall installation process. Read along to learn more.
What is Solar Electricity
Deciding to use solar energy is neither simple nor exceptionally affordable. Meanwhile, in Orlando, installing solar panels is the most common source of a solar electric system. It is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment because you’ll save a ton of money in the long run and help to preserve the environment.[1]
With the help of solar electricity, the amount of sunlight that reaches the earth’s surface in an hour and a half is sufficient to meet all of the world’s energy needs for a whole year. Solar energy systems either use photovoltaic (PV) panels or mirrors to focus solar radiation on converting sunlight into electrical energy. This power can be converted into electricity, or it can be stored thermally or in batteries.[2]
How Solar Electricity Works
Here at Everything Solar, our solar electric systems work by executing the following steps:
- The solar electric modules are connected in series like batteries to produce the final system DC voltage.
- The inverter receives the solar array’s output current through the roof (customarily mounted next to the electrical panel)
- The inverter transforms the solar array’s high-voltage DC power into pure 120V AC.
- The solar meter sends 120V AC to a specific breaker in your electrical panel.
- Your electric meter will remain static if your solar electric system supplies the quantity of power your home is now consuming.
- Any excess energy generated by your solar system over what your home or business needs will flow backwards through the utility meter, accumulating as a credit with your utility provider.
- Your meter will only advance for the additional energy needed when your solar electric system produces less energy than your home needs. The utility grid will supply the remaining power.
- Mounting hardware, wire size, junction boxes, grounding tools, over-current protection, DC and AC disconnects, and numerous more accessories are needed for the entire system. Once installed, your PV system will continue to generate electricity while requiring minimal maintenance for at least 30 years.
Benefits of Having a Solar Electric Systems
As the new year arrived, most homeowners in Orlando have been considering switching to a solar electric system[3] for their homes because of multiple reasons, and indeed, having a solar electric system for your home has several benefits to offer, such as the following:
1) Solar energy is a wise investment
Have you recently been keeping tabs on the market? These days, stocks and shares rise and fall quickly, so investing in a solar electric system carries much less risk. For their residential solar systems, homeowners often see a 10–20% return on their investment[4]. Given that the payback period for a plan with a 25–30-year lifespan is typically 5–10 years, this represents a sizable gain in a short period.
2) Solar energy benefits the environment
By 2035, the Biden Administration hopes to completely phase out the use of fossil fuels[5], which will interest those who want to lessen or eliminate their carbon footprint. Solar energy can safely and sustainably replace non-renewable resources like oil, gas, and coal because it doesn’t pollute the air or release greenhouse gases.
3) Solar energy can boost the value of your home
Moving or purchasing a home may seem hard at the moment if you are like most people. Why not install solar panels to increase the value of your own home? Properties with solar panel systems sold for almost 4% more than comparable homes without solar panel systems[6].
Don’t forget about the extra exemptions in Florida, such as the Solar and CHP Sales Tax Exemption[7], which waives sales tax on solar purchases, and the Property Tax Exclusion for Residential Renewable Energy Property[8], which exempts residential solar panels from property taxes entirely. This regulation permits county tax assessors to discount a home’s solar system from a valuation.
4) Solar power can lower taxes
The federal solar investment tax credit[9] is arguably the most compelling justification for going solar (ITC). Since the Inflation Reduction Act was passed last year, the tax credit for solar systems has increased from 26% to 30% of the project costs (such as permits, installation, and equipment), and it can now be claimed as a credit on your federal tax return for the current year. This incentive is only accessible if you own the system, not if you rent it, which is a crucial point to remember.
Average Cost of a Solar Electric System in Orlando
Solar panels typically cost $3 per watt in Orlando. A 5.5-kilowatt system is required for the typical Orlando home, which would cost roughly $9,687, or $7,168 when the federal solar tax credit of 30% is taken into account[10].
The costs listed above are only estimations. Depending on several factors, including the size of the system you require, your energy usage, and the installation company you choose, the actual cost of going solar can vary considerably. Many Orlando residents find that investing in solar has a respectable return on investment, with typical savings of roughly $21,000 on electricity costs over 20 years.
How To Prepare for A Solar Electric System Installation
Before having your solar contractor come to your home for a solar electric system installation, you must remember the following tips to make sure your home is prepared:
1. Check if your roof is ready to be solar-proofed
Solar panels need a roof that is between 200 and 400 square feet in size. At least one side of the top roof must face south or southwest to receive the most sunlight. If your roof is particularly slanted, installing solar panels at home could be challenging. If you experience any of these issues, you should have solar panels on the ground. Before installing solar panels, you must take care of any roof problems ahead of time, such as leaks and structural damage.
2. Prepare the calculation of your present and future energy use
The solar business installing your new solar electric system will need to know your typical monthly home energy consumption to suggest the ideal panels for you. Calculating your monthly usage after logging into your electric company account will yield this information. It’s essential to take into account any potential house improvements. Do you intend to build a charging station or buy an electric vehicle? The solar panel specialists should be informed of these plans.
3. Obtain permits if needed
You must let your neighborhood homeowners’ organization know if their approval is required for installing solar panels on your home. Before installing solar panels, you must obtain the necessary permits and licenses from your local government. A solar contractor can also take care of these responsibilities.
4. Check For Tax Credits & Rebates
Florida is currently America’s fourth-largest solar state. This is because Orlando, Florida, offers excellent solar rebates and incentives. The government and your local utility provider provide financial incentives to homeowners and businesses who want to switch to solar, such as solar tax credits and rebates. Hence, it’s best to check beforehand so you can enjoy the most of your new solar electric system.
Planning for a Solar Electric System Installation
Now that you know what to prepare, your solar contractor must also plan and determine if you’re qualified for a solar electric system installation. Strategic preparation is required for the solar panel installation process so that the company can identify the best solutions that will fit the unique dimensions of your property and satisfy your needs and financial constraints. To determine whether you are a qualified candidate for solar panel installation, we will take into account the following factors:
1. The size and capacity of your property
To maximize your solar panel array, our solar panel expert will measure the size of your property and the capacity of your roof at the initial visit. We assess the state of your roof by looking at its roofing material, pitch, level of shade, and other elements that can interfere with the best possible sunlight exposure.
2. Your home's energy needs
Our solar panel professionals will examine the electrical condition of your home and your historical energy usage before we start installing your solar panels. We can determine how much monthly solar energy you will need by assessing the home appliances’ energy consumption.
3. Sunlight hours
Sunlight is required for solar panels to produce power. As a result, your solar panels will produce more electricity the longer they are exposed to the sun. If fewer hours of sunlight are available in your area, you might need to install more solar panels to meet your energy needs.
Installation Process of a Solar Electric System
Following the abovementioned evaluations by our solar panel expert, we will now collaborate with you to develop a roof layout that maximizes efficiency. We will prepare and sign the solar panel installation agreement and take care of the necessary permissions to get your solar system installed once we have determined which financing plan is appropriate for you and your family.
Our professionals will work with you throughout the installation process to ensure your solar panel installation is as seamless as possible. Our method for installing solar panels involves:
- We will construct the platform and install the mounting system to guarantee that your solar panel can resist extreme weather.
- We will install the running conduits within your home from the platform.
- Securing and stabilizing the solar panels in place by mounting them using a range of gear.
- Completing all connections to ensure efficient current flow and function, grounding the panels for safety, and wiring them to a battery bank or inverter for energy storage.
Once all of these are done, you may enjoy the newly installed solar electric system that will save you money and reduce your carbon footprint in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Solar Electric System Installation Take?
Your solar energy system’s planning, configuration, site assessments, and custom orders may take up to two weeks. However, the installation procedure is usually finished in a few days.
Are There Any Disadvantages in Installing a Solar Electric System?
Although having a solar electric system has its advantages, its only fair to give you a list of the disadvantages as well, which are:
1. The expensive initial expenses of installing solar panels
Cost is the most frequently mentioned drawback of solar energy. The equipment is expensive to purchase and install at first. Even if money is a concern, leasing choices might lower your initial investment. If you decide to buy, the system won’t pay for itself until you’ve lived in the house for a while. Renters would benefit more from this long-term investment than property owners.
2. The cost of solar energy storage
The temporary decrease in energy production during inclement weather has been one of the main problems with solar energy. However, the impact of days with low solar energy is decreasing due to advancements in battery technology. Alternatives are replacing outdated solar energy storage technologies like lead-acid batteries. Greater power is available at a lesser cost using lithium-ion batteries. Batteries made of nickel have a very long lifespan. New technologies like flow batteries promise scale and long-lasting power storage.
3. Not all types of roofs can use solar power
Solar panels won’t function properly in every home. Orientation is important. You will only have enough solar energy if your roof is towards the sun. In general, sloped ceilings perform better than level ones.
Solar panel installation is facilitated by roofing materials, including metal, tiles, and asphalt shingles. The installation cost could increase if your space is constructed of different materials. Roofs that can support solar panels contribute to their energy efficiency.
4. Sunlight is a requirement for solar panels.
Solar panels require sunlight to produce power. They can be ineffective during storms and overcast days when you need electricity to light your home. They also will only create it at night when you need it. If you only want to use solar energy to power your home, your solar energy system needs batteries.
On the other hand, the disadvantages of solar energy are decreasing as the sector develops and expands, bringing about economies of scale. Technology improvements are assisting the widespread adoption of solar, therefore, it is still a wise investment to purchase a solar electric system.
How Do I Maintain My Solar Electric System?
You can leave solar panels alone since they usually require very little maintenance. They simply need a minor cleaning now and then to ensure that leaves, dirt, and other debris aren’t blocking the sun’s rays.
You’re in luck if your panels are tilted since rain will wash any buildup of debris off of them. However, it’s essential to physically clean them during the dry season or prolonged dry periods.
You are typically advised to clean your solar panels two to four times a year. The good news is that while that might sound like a lot, it only takes a little labor to do this. Your panels will be clean and in excellent shape with a simple spray from a yard hose or a leaf blower.
After a significant snowfall in winter, you should clean your panels. Make sure the water is lukewarm if you’re using it to melt the snow. A squeegee with a long handle is another option.
It’s important to keep in mind that when removing snow from the panels, you should never use hot water. The high-temperature difference between the hot water and the cold panels can break the tempered glass panels, which are the primary material of the panels.
In Conclusion
Having a solar electric system has its benefits and drawbacks. Still, ultimately, it is a wise investment to have in Orlando since most homeowners in the city are already enjoying most of its advantages, such as decreased electric bills, reduced carbon footprints, and possibly increased home values. Meanwhile, the installation process will be simple and smooth if you choose the right solar contractor. Lucky for you, here at Everything Solar, we can provide the right solar electric system for your home or commercial property. All you need to do is call us immediately, and we’d be more than glad to discuss things further with you!