Solar Power FAQs
What Is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is a usable energy resource that never runs out. It comes from harnessing solar light rays to convert into thermal or electrical energy. As a homeowner, you can use its power to heat your home or water supply and generate electricity for other interior uses.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
A solar photovoltaic (PV) panel is the piece of equipment installed on your home that directly harnesses incoming solar light rays. Each panel takes in sunlight and converts it into direct current electricity. Most likely, your home runs on alternating current electricity, so the DC electricity runs through an inverter and transforms for home usage.
If your home already has enough power, electricity is sent back into the grid for net metering: this credits you for future electricity use. The best part? You won’t notice any difference in the way your home runs electrically!
What Does Solar Panel Maintenance Involve?
Fortunately, not only are solar panels durable, but they also require minimal maintenance. Over their 25 to 30-year warranty-covered lifespan, you won’t need to worry about maintenance. Just give us a call whenever you feel the system might not be working properly. In those instances, you’re most likely covered by the warranty.
Does Switching to Solar Save Money?
Switching to solar power saves you money, but the amount differs depending on how many solar panels or how much electricity you need, so you should still receive a bill from your electric company each month. Because of this, we purposefully plan and build out your solar-powered system to cover your entire monthly electric bill.
Will Solar Panels Increase My Property Value?
Virtually any renovation to your home adds value—installing a solar system is no different! A 2019 Zillow study found that houses with solar panels sell for 4.1% more than those without on average.
What Is Net Metering?
Net metering occurs when your solar panels generate more energy than your house needs, so the electricity redistributes back into the power grid system. This credits your home for electricity usage when your solar panels aren’t running, like at nighttime. Essentially, you only end up paying for the “net” electricity you consume.
Most states require utility companies to engage in net metering, but you can contact us for more specifics on your state’s policies.
How Do I Switch to Solar?
If you’re looking to make the switch to solar power, you don’t need to run complex, time-consuming financial calculations or estimates by yourself: Solar Power Midwest can do it all for you!
We can determine the most energy-efficient solar power design for your home as well as the amount and value of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates it yields. Once you’re ready to go, we handle making the reservation with your state so you can get exactly what you were expecting for payment.
Contact SPM here or over the phone at (844) 49 SOLAR to learn more about switching to solar power.
How Else Can We Help?
Going solar can seem like a big undertaking, but the rewards are worth it when you save big on energy while also helping the environment. If you have any specific questions we didn’t address above or would like to learn more about the process of getting a solar system for your home: reach out to our friendly team. We’re happy to shine a light on and guide you through this exciting, energy-saving process!