There are many reasons why people go solar, but the top three are typically financial, environmental, and energy independence. Financially, going solar makes a lot of sense.
Not only do you get a federal tax credit of 30% of the system cost, but you also start saving money from day one. The cost of solar has come down so much in recent years that it’s now cheaper than grid electricity for many people.
From an environmental perspective, solar is the cleanest and most sustainable form of energy. It doesn’t produce any harmful emissions like coal or natural gas, and it doesn’t require any water as hydroelectricity does.
Plus, there’s the issue of energy independence. With solar, you produce your electricity, which means you’re not as reliant on the grid. It’s imperative in areas where power outages are common or where the grid is unreliable.
If you’re interested in going solar, the first step is to figure out which type of installation is right for you and what is the installation cost of the solar system. Here are four common types of solar installations.
Community Solar
Community solar is a great option for people who can’t have solar panels on their own property. With community solar, you buy or lease a panel (or portion of a panel) in a shared solar array. The array can be located at a nearby solar farm or on the roof of a community building.
You then get credit on your electricity bill for the power that your panel produces. The advantage of community solar is that it’s usually cheaper than going solar on your own, and you don’t have to worry about maintenance or installation.
Plus, community-solar projects often have a positive impact on the local community since they create jobs and help reduce pollution. So if you’re interested in going solar but can’t do it yourself, community solar might be the perfect solution.
If you live in New York, many Best solar companies in New York offer community solar options. For example, ClearPath Energy.
Residential Solar
Residential solar is the most common type of solar installation. In fact, more than 70 percent of all solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the United States are installed on homes.
Home solar roof installations can range in size from a handful of panels to systems that cover an entire roof. The average residential solar installation is about five kilowatts (kW), which generates enough electricity to offset the energy use of about four homes.
The first step in going solar is to determine if your home is a good candidate for solar panels. To do this, you’ll need to consider things like your roof orientation, shading, and local code restrictions. You’ll also need to evaluate your energy needs and calculate the cost of installing a system.
Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether you want to purchase or lease your solar panels. Purchasing solar panels can provide a return on investment (ROI) of 20 percent or more, while leasing can be a cheaper upfront option.
What’s more, take note that there are different types of solar panels or solar panel technology to choose from, including:
- thin-film solar panels or thin-film panels
- monocrystalline solar panels or monocrystalline solar cells
- polycrystalline solar panels or polycrystalline solar panel system or polycrystalline solar cells
- crystalline solar panels
Once you’ve chosen a solar panel type, you’ll also need to decide whether you want a grid-tied or off-grid system. A grid-tied solar system is connected to the utility grid and allows you to sell excess electricity back to the utility company. Off-grid solar cells are not connected to the grid and require batteries to store excess electricity.
Commercial Solar
Commercial solar is similar to rooftop solar, but it’s for businesses instead of homes. The advantage of commercial solar is that you can offset a large portion of your business’s electricity usage with solar power.
The downside is that it requires a significant upfront investment. However, there are many financing options available that can make commercial solar more affordable.
One option is to lease the solar panels from a solar company. It means you don’t have to pay for the panels upfront, and you can often get a lower rate on your electricity. Another option is to take out a loan to pay for the panels. There are many banks and lenders that offer loans specifically for solar panel installations.
If you’re interested in commercial solar, it’s important to do your research and compare different options before making a decision. Solar is a great way to reduce your business’s carbon footprint and save money on your energy bills. With careful planning, commercial solar can be an excellent investment for your business.
Utility-Scale Solar Panels
Utility-scale solar is the most significant type of solar installation. These solar panels are usually built in desert areas and cover hundreds or even thousands of acres. The advantage of utility-scale solar is that it can produce a lot of power – enough to power cities.
The downside is that it’s costly to build and maintain these installations. And because they’re so big, they can have a significant impact on the environment. For example, one of the critical environmental concerns with utility-scale solar is water usage. These installations require large amounts of water for cleaning and cooling.
This water can come from groundwater, surface water, or even desalination plants. Depending on the location, this water usage can significantly impact local water resources.
Conclusion
If you’re trying to determine which type of solar installation is right for your home or business, consult with a professional. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option and make the best decision for your unique situation. Also, be sure to compare different solar companies before making a final decision. It’s crucial to find a solar installer that you can trust and has a good reputation.
