Are you about to go solar and are not finding any encouragement from your utility company?

First, your electric company should not be on your priority approval list when transitioning to solar.

Why so?

When you go solar, your utility company loses business. However, there are a lot of advantages of going solar that your electric company may not want you to know. We have had numerous cases of utility companies against solar power, and that should not worry you. It is a case of business and competition. Understand that electricity is big business in the USA, so it is expected, or instead, we should normalize the fight of solar adoption from utility companies.

However, the question begs, is switching to solar worth it?

Yes, it is worth every penny, especially if you want to lower your electric bills. You may ask yourself, why is my home electric bill so high? What makes an electric bill high is the energy consumption in your home. Therefore, you should find ways to lower your electric bills in the summer, especially through the application of solar energy-saving tips. Investing in solar will significantly benefit you in minimizing your electric bill and could also earn you money.

Solar roof installation is regarded as the best option due to the maximum exposure of solar panels to sunlight. Roof solar replacement is done when the solar installers find out that the roof is worn out and could damage the efficiency of the solar panels.

When you produce more energy than you need, you can send it off-grid and earn money from your utility company. Many residential owners ask, ‘how do I know which utility company to use?’ It is essential to know which utility company to use in the process so that you can benefit from the extra energy produced by your solar system. Instead of getting bills, you get money from your utility company.

This article examines some of the things utility companies do not want you to know about solar.

Let’s get the cat out of the bag and examine:

Solar panels and the environment

How solar panels work

The benefit of solar panels for your home

Solar panels do not affect the electric supply

The cost of solar panels and the time it takes to break even
How to get the most out of your solar panels

Solar Panels and the Environment

(Source: California Public Utilities Commission)

California is one of the states that has been championing the protection of the environment. As these concerns continue, more homeowners are looking to install solar panels in their homes.

When you do solar roof installation, the panels capture the energy from the sun through the use of photovoltaic cells. The energy is later converted to electricity. The solar installation company will assess your roof if it is fit for long-term solar panels sustainability during installation. If not, they will recommend roof replacement with solar panels,ensuring that no unforeseen damage occurs.

As we continue to champion a clean environment, the solar system is a sure bet for this achievement. Utility companies will want you to stick with them, but they know for sure that the use of fossil fuels is a danger to the environment. Investing in solar panels will contribute to good and safe climate conditions.

How Solar Panels Work

(Source: Medium)

Utility companies against solar power will be hesitant to explain to you how solar panels work. It is because the process is seamless and worth your money and decision. Apart from saving you money, it will also keep you from frustrating nights caused by power loss.

The solar cells are in between layers of silicon in that when the sun rays hit them, electrons are produced, creating a flow of electricity. The solar cells are then combined and form solar panels, and many solar panels form a solar array.

For maximum exposure to sunlight, it is best to do solar roofing that faces south. However, it does not limit the ones facing east and west.

Solar panels should be pitched at an angle between 10 and 50 degrees, with the optimum angle sitting between 30 and 40 degrees. You should also ensure no buildings or trees are close by that could leave the panels in the shade. Shading will reduce the amount of light that gets to the panels. It is also the best way to reduce your electric bills during summer.

The energy produced will serve your household and even more stored off the grid. Do most residents wonder what makes an electric bill high? Yes, and it is all based on consumption. You should ensure your appliances are off when not in use and take note of energy-saving tips that will help you on how to lower your electric bill in summer.

The Benefit of Solar Panels for Your Home

(Source: SEIA)

One undeniable fact that utility companies don’t want you to know about solar is the immense benefits of solar panels. The most significant saving is the electric cost.

No matter how big your home is, if your solar panels are large, they’ll be able to serve efficiently. They will produce enough electricity for your consumption.

Is switching to solar worth it? Keep reading for more benefits of going solar.

Another benefit that comes with solar panels is the reduction of the carbon footprint for the environment. A typical home solar PV system could save around 1.3 to 1.6 tons of carbon per year, depending on where you live.

Imagine, investing in solar panels increases the value of your home. Most buyers and people looking to lease homes are looking for homes with already installed solar. Therefore, if you do it, you increase the value of your home, and there is no more significant benefit than that.

In California, you are eligible to benefit from the solar panel’s rebates and tax credits available. Depending on the terms issued by the government, your solar company will guide you on what incentives you qualify for. For example, you could get a refund on the amount of money spent on solar installation, or you could get tax returns.

Of course, these are great reasons to go solar. However, going solar threatens the business of your utility company. That is why they will hide this information from you. You are lucky that solar companies are independent, and you have access to the information any time you wish.

Solar Panels Do Not Affect the Electricity Supply

Most utility companies would want you to believe that the installation of solar panels will affect your electric supply. Fortunately, that is not true. If your solar panels are fitted correctly, your system should switch seamlessly between using the electricity your solar panels have generated to using energy from the grid when the panels are not generating enough. As a result, you will not notice any difference in your electricity supply.

You can use your solar panels alongside a standard energy tariff, and there’s no need to tell your utility company. You’ll just use less electricity from the grid and therefore pay lower bills. But you should shop around to make sure your tariff is competitive. That is how you will know the utility company to use.

The Cost of Solar Panels and the Period it Takes to Break Even

(Source: California Energy Commission)

The amount of money you pay to have solar panels installed in your home will depend on the size of your roof and the type of system you choose. Installation of solar panels is costly but a worth it process. Utility companies will want to emphasize the initial costs to discourage you from investing. However, the charges have fallen over the years, and for some people, it’s a small price to pay for the environmental benefits it brings.

Depending on the size of your solar panel system and any money you earn through exporting excess energy back to the grid, you can expect to recoup the costs of solar panel installation after 15 to 25 years.

Although larger systems are more expensive, they generate more energy and save you more in the long term. Therefore a 5kW solar panel could pay for itself after 15 to 20 years, a 4kW system would take 16 to 22 years, and a 3kW system would take 21 to 25 years. Therefore, it’s worth every penny, and the benefits outdo the disadvantages.

How To Get the Most Out of Solar Panels

If you decide to proceed with the installation of solar panels, remember that you can make the most out of them. So, how can you ensure you maximize your solar system?

Use More Electricity During the Day

Why is my electric bill so high? Your electric bill becomes high if your energy consumption is too much. However, there are ways to save energy.

Solar panels are most effective during daylight hours, so think about carrying out tasks such as washing and running the dishwasher during the day rather than overnight. If you are usually out during the day, inbuilt timers for appliances can come in handy. It will ensure you use energy efficiently and still save for the night.

Consider Other Renewable Systems

If you can, it can be worth combining solar PV panels with other renewable technologies such as heat pumps, thermal panels, and wind turbines.

Install a Solar Battery or Energy Storage System

Solar batteries allow you to store energy generated in the day to use at night, reducing the need to use electricity from the grid. Thus, solar batteries are an essential tool in energy preservation.

Reduce Energy Waste

Do this by adapting to steps such as turning off lights when not in use, taking shorter showers, and draught-proofing your home will reduce how much energy you use. Apply these energy-saving tips to ensure you save more.

Keep Solar Panels Clean

Solar panels maintenance is vital in having sustainability of the solar system. It’s essential to clean your solar panels regularly. You can buy solar panel cleaning kits or install automated cleaners that are a bit like sprinkler systems.

Alternatively, you can have your solar installation company do it for you. Mainly, some warranties cover the work, and it will help you a great deal. All you need to do is to hire a reliable solar provider and enjoy the process.

We’re Done Here. Now, You Have Every Reason To Go Solar!

If you are thinking about installing solar panels, you’ll need to consider whether your roof is suitable, including whether it is big enough and how much sunlight it gets. Despite having utility companies go against solar power, do not let it hinder your mission.

You’ll also need to think about what size solar panel system you need. It’s essential to ensure the size is big enough to cover your home’s energy needs and that you don’t end up with a large surplus.

Although you don’t usually need planning permission for the installation of solar panels, it is also wise to check with your local authority in case there are any restrictions.

Finally, make sure you get several different quotes from companies such as Enlightened Solar to compare installation costs. We have served Orange County residents and understand all the laws and necessities of going solar.