A solar panel system provides a form of renewable energy to homes. It creates an opportunity for property owners to use the sun’s solar energy to generate electricity within the home. This could reduce or even eliminate your home’s need to draw electricity from the utility power grid, reducing what you have to pay to heat, cool, power, and light your home. Solar panels have much to offer property owners, but there are several forms, and not all are the same in how they function or where they work. SmartSolar can help you choose the best solar system for your home, helping you to reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills. Contact us now to learn more.
What Types of Solar Power Systems Exist?
A good starting point is choosing the solar panel system fitting to your home’s needs based on the three main options available:
- Grid tied systems: This type of solar system is tied to the electricity supplier within your community. Your home continues to have the ability to draw power from the utility company whenever the solar panels do not produce electricity or enough electricity to power your home.
- Hybrid systems: This type of solar panel system, sometimes called solar plus storage systems, allows the solar panel to pair up with a solar battery. This allows excessive solar energy captured by the panels to be stored until you need it. However, in a hybrid system, you are still connected to the electricity company or the grid.
- Off grid systems: In an off-grid solar power system, the energy for the home is solely coming from the sun. There is no connection to the utility company or community grid. The only power is generated by the sun and is often stored in solar batteries and stored on-site.
Which Solar Panel System is Best for Your Home?
Ultimately, the best solar power system is the one that’s best suited for your home. Consider the following.
You may benefit from a grid tied solar panel system if:
- You want to ensure you have access to energy in times when the solar panels cannot generate enough to meet your needs.
- You want a low-cost way to access renewable energy (without the use of a battery storage system)
- Your utility company offers full-retail net metering, and you want to take advantage of it.
- You may benefit from an off grid solar panel system if:
- You do not have access to a utility provider’s energy grid
- You want to add power to a building that is not directly linked to the existing grid for efficiency or cost savings
- You're okay with purchasing a high-quality, high efficiency system that matches your energy consumption needs
You may benefit from a hybrid solar power system if:
- You live in an area where there is access to a utility grid for solar power, but you want to move toward renewable energy
- You experience friendly power outages and want a solution for them
- You want a system that allows you to have the backup of the utility provider in cases where the power goes off
Working with a solar panel provider can help you get the most solar panels for your money and ensure you install solar panels that can fit your needs. The key is to work with a company that can help you create a solar array that is fitting for the way you plan to use it.
What Type of Solar Panels Are Best for Your Home?
As you consider things like your energy usage and how to install solar panels, also realize that you need to ensure the solar panels you choose are going to work for your home. Whether you choose an off grid system or a grid tied system, you will need to have room on your roof to support the weight of it. That includes any mounting hardware necessary.
As noted by the U.S. Department of Energy, your roof needs to be suitable for solar systems without a lot of tree cover. Other factors like the size, slope, and shape of your roof will also play a role in how well rooftop solar systems can work for you. This will also determine the type of mounting hardware you need and the solar panel kit suitable for your home.
How to Find Out What Works for Your Home
Energy generated by solar panels from sunlight exposure can help to reduce your electricity bill. There are a few key factors to keep in mind as you consider which type of use:
- Work with local contractors for proper system design. The solar energy system you choose should fit the unique needs of your house.
- How many solar panels do you need? That is going to vary on a few levels, but you can start by looking at your most recent utility bills to determine how much electricity you have been using. Your electric bill should outline the wattage your home needs. That can help you ensure you have enough power.
Installing solar panels may help you qualify for tax credits. That could further help you save money. Work with a solar installer to help you choose the best solution for your needs based on your energy usage and the initial investment you want to make.
SmartSolar Can Help You Get Control of Your Energy Needs
How much energy do you use? What are your local utility companies charging you to power your home and have enough energy? Turn to SmartSolar for help. With the investment in solar panel kids, you can rely on more solar panels for your energy needs than ever before. A complete solar system may be more affordable than you realize. Use the SmartSolar quiz to help you find out how well it can work for you.
Meet the author:
Joey Cheek spent 10 years on the US National Speedskating Team where he competed in two Olympic Games, winning gold, silver, and bronze medals. He attended Princeton before diving into the startup and tech world. In 2011 he launched a livestreaming platform for sports before leading a team of engineers building next-gen news and content apps for Fortune 100 companies. He is the CEO and co-founder of SmartSolar.org, whose mission is to move the earth to cheap, abundant, carbon-free energy.
