Residential Solar Installations

When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.

Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.

The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity (and how much electricity you use per month) is to take a look at your utility electricity bill. Review EnergySage’s guide to reading your electricity bill to find out exactly what to look for.

Net metering is the system that utilities use to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity produced by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate. Net metering policies differ from state to state – from Massachusetts to California – so make sure to do your homework ahead of time.

Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own, rather than lease, your solar panel system. In most parts of the country, going solar will actually increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation.

Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house or send it back to the electric grid.

When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all of the power that you need, and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage, but it will cost significantly more and is unnecessary for the majority of homeowners.

Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, most equipment manufacturers include warranties, although warranty terms depend on the company.

Solar power systems that include solar batteries, known as solar-plus-storage, are increasingly popular, but can be pricey. Luckily, batteries are not necessary for most solar homeowners. As long as you are connected to the grid, your system does not need a battery: excess power goes back into the grid, and you can draw from the grid if you need more electricity than your panels can generate.

Homeowners save thousands of dollars over the lifespan of a photovoltaic system by replacing traditional grid electricity with free power generated from the sun. You instantly lower your monthly utility expenses and protect your household against future electric rate increases. Net metering programs in Florida also allow you to earn credits on your utility bill for the excess clean energy your system sends back to the grid.

Installing a residential solar panel system significantly enhances the market value of your home. Real estate data shows that buyers willingly pay a premium for properties with preinstalled energy efficient upgrades that guarantee low utility bills. Because Florida law explicitly exempts residential solar installations from property tax assessments your home equity increases without increasing your annual tax burden.

Solar panels absorb sunlight using silicon photovoltaic cells which convert the solar radiation into direct current electricity. An advanced inverter system then converts that energy into alternating current power which seamlessly runs your household appliances electronics and cooling systems. Any excess electricity generated during peak daylight hours flows directly into the local power grid or charges your backup battery storage system.

Yes you can achieve total energy independence by combining a robust solar panel array with a dedicated home battery backup system like the Tesla Powerwall. This setup stores extra electricity generated during the day so your home remains fully powered throughout the night or during unexpected utility grid blackouts caused by severe Florida storms.

Most residential solar panel installations are completed within one to three days depending on the size of the system and the complexity of your roof. However the full process including permits inspections and utility approvals may take a few weeks before your system is fully activated and connected to the power grid.