Complete Guide to Solar Panel Installation for Homeowners
Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason! They save you money on your electric bills, make you more resilient in the face of rising energy costs, and reduce carbon emissions.
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels on your home, you probably have a lot of questions. In this comprehensive guide, we cover all the basics so you can decide whether solar panels make sense for your home.
Solar Energy 101: How it Works
Residential solar panels work by absorbing sunlight and converting it into electricity for your home. It’s a fairly simple process made possible by advanced solar technology.
The Photovoltaic Effect
The photovoltaic effect is a physical phenomenon through which certain materials generate voltage and electrical current when exposed to light. It’s the basic principle behind the operation of solar panels. Each panel is made up of several photovoltaic cells, which generate electricity when exposed to sunlight.
How Solar Panels Work Step by Step
Every solar energy system consists of a few central components, including solar PV panels and solar inverters. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how a typical residential solar energy system works.
Sunlight Absorption - The PV cells within your solar panels absorb sunlight and generate direct current (DC) electricity.
DC to AC Conversion - Since most homes and electrical grids operate on alternating current (AC), the DC electricity produced by the solar panels must be converted to AC. This is done by an inverter. Some systems have a single, central inverter for the entire system, while others use microinverters attached to each panel.
Distribution & Use - The AC electricity from the inverter is sent to the home's electrical panel and distributed to power home appliances and outlets.
Excess Electricity - If your solar panels produce more electricity than you need, the excess can be sent back to the power grid. With net metering, a solar incentive system, you can earn credits for this excess electricity. You can also store excess electricity in a solar battery.
Backup Power - When your solar panels do not produce enough electricity to meet your needs (e.g., on cloudy days or at night), you can draw power from the electric grid. The transition between solar power and grid power is seamless for the homeowner. You can also use battery storage for this purpose.
Solar Battery Storage
Solar batteries are an optional addition to your solar energy system. They work by storing the excess electricity your solar panels generate during the day so you can use stored solar energy at night or when it’s too cloudy to generate solar power. Solar batteries also allow you to keep your solar panels on during a power outage, giving you a reliable source of backup power during a blackout. If you don’t install battery storage, your solar panels will automatically shut down during a grid outage.
Evaluating Your House for Solar
Before going solar, it’s important to evaluate your home and make sure it’s a good fit for solar panels. Sustainergy Cooperative can help you with this process. We provide comprehensive solar assessments and will help you decide whether solar panels are worth it for your home. We are here to help you make the best choice no matter what and won’t recommend solar if we don’t think you’ll benefit from making the switch. Luckily, most houses in Ohio are good for solar!
Here are some of the key factors we consider when evaluating a house for solar:
Roof Condition - Solar panels last for 25-30 years, so it’s ideal to install them on a roof that is in good condition and won't require replacement soon. If your roof needs repairs or will need to be replaced in the near future, it's best to take care of that before installing solar panels.
Roof Orientation - In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing roofs are best for solar because they receive the most sunlight throughout the day. But, with a strategic system design, solar panels can still work well if your roof doesn’t face south.
Shading - Obstacles like trees, neighboring buildings, and large chimneys can cast shadows on your roof, which decreases your solar output. Roofs with little to no shading are the best fit for solar panels.
Energy Consumption - The more electricity you use, the more you will save with solar panels! Evaluating your total energy consumption is an important first step that will help you decide whether solar is worth it for your home.
Navigating the Solar Panel Installation Process
The solar installation process can seem overwhelming, but Sustainergy Cooperative makes it simple. We follow a streamlined process for home solar panel installation that includes:
Initial Consultation & Assessment - We will evaluate your home’s solar viability, estimate your savings, and provide a free quote.
Design & Proposal - Our solar engineers will design a customized solar energy system for your home and provide a detailed proposal outlining its specifications.
Permitting & Approval - Once you've accepted the proposal, we’ll handle the permitting and approval process.
Installation Day - On the scheduled date, our expert team will arrive to install your solar energy system. Our technicians are worker-owners, motivating them to perform the highest-quality installation and service. Your success is their success!
Inspection and Interconnection - After the installation is complete, we’ll activate the system and conduct a final inspection to ensure everything is working properly. We will also oversee your grid interconnection with your utility so they can connect your system to their grid, and your savings begin!
Preparing for a Home Solar Installation
To get your house ready for solar panels, it’s often beneficial to make energy efficiency improvements like insulation and air sealing upgrades. Upgrades like these reduce your electricity consumption so you can install a smaller and more affordable solar panel system. Plus, they ensure you’re generating electricity for a house that doesn’t waste it!
At Sustainergy Cooperative, we call this Smart Solar. It’s a unique approach with many benefits, including greater electricity bill savings. Of course, you don’t have to make energy efficiency improvements to go solar, but it can increase your overall savings. As part of your solar assessment, we’ll evaluate your home’s energy efficiency and help you decide whether Smart Solar makes sense for your home.
Solar Financing & Incentives
The cost of solar panels has been steadily decreasing over the past decade, and there are several financing options and incentives available to make your installation even more affordable.
Solar Financing Options
There are a few ways to finance your home solar panel installation.
Cash - A cash payment is the best option in most situations and will ensure the highest solar savings since you don’t have to worry about interest or fees.
Loan - A solar loan is another great option that has no upfront investment and allows you to spread your payments out over time.
Lease - Solar leases are becoming more popular, but we don’t recommend them. Under a solar lease, you do not own your solar panels and are not eligible for incentives. Solar leases typically result in the lowest overall savings, and are not a product Sustainergy offers.
Solar Incentives
The government offers incentives to make residential solar panels more easily affordable. When you purchase a solar energy system with cash or a loan, you will be eligible for incentives, including:
Federal Solar Tax Credit - A 30% tax credit that reduces your federal income tax liability by 30% of your solar panel and battery installation costs.
Net Metering - A solar incentive that allows you to trade electricity with your utility company. When your solar panels produce more than you need, you can export the excess to the grid in exchange for a credit to your account, which you can use to buy electricity during times of reduced solar production. Net metering policies vary by state and utility—reach out to us for more information about the net metering policy in your area.
Trusted Home Solar Panel Installers Near You in Ohio or Kentucky
The longer you wait to switch to solar, the less you save! Don’t wait to get started—contact Sustainergy Cooperative today. We are a highly experienced solar installer serving homeowners in the greater Cincinnati area and throughout northern Kentucky. Our team is here to help you make the best decisions for your home. No slick approach or high-pressure sales tactics—just the facts from a team of trusted locals.
