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You might remember learning the first law of thermodynamics back in science class. To keep it simple, it just means that one kind of energy can be transformed into another.

When it comes to solar photovoltaic installation, energy from the sunlight gets collected and converted by the panel's PV cells. The converted energy then flows through the internal system, powering your home with an electrical charge.

The cost of solar panel installation would vary from household to household, and this would all depend on factors like system size, typical energy expenditure, and attachments. That's why, at Solar Energy Host, we compile quotes from different providers so you'll know what price to expect.

But generally, a larger and more expensive setup could match your current power consumption with some room to spare. This way, you can generate your own energy and unplug yourself from the local grid.

On the other hand, you could opt for a smaller and more affordable system, supplementing what you get from the grid. With this option, you also get a backup plan when traditional electricity companies have power fluctuations, especially during high-heat seasons.

As for additional hardware, there are also optional batteries that contribute to the cost. If you have the budget, you can use this storage to keep the energy you generate and use it on less sunny days.

Think of the initial home solar installation cost as an investment that'll empower you down the line. For one, since you'll be the one supplying energy to your home, you could lower or completely do away with your monthly electricity bill. With continuous savings, your energy system could pay for itself in no time.

On top of that, you could add to your property's value. If you plan to sell your house, solar power could make the offer more appealing to buyers from the same savings standpoint. You can also tap into a wider market demographic, with more and more people shifting to environmentally sustainable living.

In a number of states and locations, there are even incentives that let you cut down on the total taxes you have to pay. Just keep in mind that percentages may differ per solar energy system and even the local government you're under.

Installing solar panels can make you eligible for incentives like the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs). You can also try net metering programs to receive credit from your setup.

For recently installed solar energy systems, you could get an ITC that can be deducted from your quarter-year or annual tax payment. Just remember that the credit amount will typically vary depending on when you installed your qualified system.

To add to this, you can also get one SREC for every megawatt-hour (MWh) or 1,000-kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated by your home's solar setup. With the government enforcing renewable portfolio standards (RPS), utilities buy your certificates to satisfy state requirements.

Net metering programs let you sell any excess solar electricity. On brighter days, when your system generates more energy, you can transfer what you don't use to your utility company, and they'll use it on the local grid. You'll only be billed for the "net" amount of energy you consume.

You can think long-term with a solar installation, as panels usually last around 25 to 30 years.

Practice routine maintenance to ensure that your solar panels last a long time. This includes bi-annual cleaning to get rid of debris blocking the panel. As a consideration, you could also set up yearly inspections, where professional methods like thermal imaging sort out hot cell hotspots and more.

In addition, providers also typically give you two types of warranties: product and power.

Product warranty

This covers the materials used in the solar energy system, ensuring the quality and durability of the panels. It protects against factory defects, structural or mechanical issues, and general malfunctions. The average length of this warranty is around ten years, but some may even offer more than double that duration.

Power warranty

With most technology, performance decreases as the years go by. This is why solar panels also come with a power warranty, which often lasts longer, around 25 to 30 years.

It helps make sure the natural degradation happens slowly – generally no more than 2 to 3 percent during the first year you have your system up. Then, you can usually expect no more than 0.5 percent every year after.

So, if you keep your solar panels for 25 to 30 years, you'll ideally still have up to 85 percent performance efficiency.

Most households' typical energy consumption per month can be covered by around 20 solar panels. Each panel is approximately 17.55 square feet in size, so a total of 351 square feet of roof space is required to install solar panels.

However, you should also take note that not all solar panels are the same. Polycrystalline options generally take up more space but serve as a happy medium, given budget and performance. On the other hand, monocrystalline options can cost more, but with their higher efficiency, they're usually ideal for smaller roofs and homes with demanding power requirements.

Not everyone lives in sunny states like Nevada, California, and Florida, but that doesn't mean solar panels won't work in your location. If you're in a colder and cloudier area, you could still enjoy the perks of this renewable energy through tilt frames.

In addition to this, depending on seasonal patterns and weather conditions, you can also tweak the horizontal angle of your solar panels. During winter, the tilt should match your latitude plus 15 degrees. In contrast, it's your latitude minus 15 degrees when it's summertime.

Now, for those with many obstructions around their place, such as electrical posts and tree branches, your provider might also recommend a ground mount in your backyard or another viable location.

With adjustability and versatility taken care of, you can ask, "Are there solar energy installers near me?" here at Solar Energy Host. We'll provide you with quick quotes from a number of reputable providers in your area.

Solar installations and setups bring electricity bill savings, but beyond that, sustainable power helps reduce our carbon footprint.

Sunlight is a renewable natural resource. Aside from that, when we generate electricity through a solar energy system, air pollution and greenhouse gasses aren't produced.

On the other hand, non-renewable energy, like fossil fuels, which we still use to generate electricity around the world, isn't as eco-friendly. To gain power from this resource, we'd have to ignite it to make energy. In the process, we produce carbon emissions as a byproduct. Making matters worse, we'll also have to wait millions of years for fossil fuels to form, making them a less sustainable resource.

Have you made the decision to switch to solar energy? Great! First, get competitive quotes from different providers at Solar Energy Host, and then you can pick the most suitable offer based on possible savings and your budget. After that, we'll connect you with your chosen provider, and you can generally push through with these three steps:

• Consultation and site visit. A qualified electrician or engineer will typically meet with you to assess your property. To optimize compatibility, they'll look at your internal power system, roofing, and any shade issues. Photos and measurements are also usually taken at this point.
• Documents and permits. Your provider will usually handle most of the federal permits and paperwork needed. This documentation generally confirms that your home can safely support solar energy and that the equipment can be configured properly.
• Setup and activation. Solar panel installers fit your property with your ideal system. The physical work takes about one to three days, depending on the project size and weather forecast. Once everything's in place, local government and utility representatives check the installation. If everything meets their standards, your system can be activated and linked to the grid!

While a lot of panels look sleek, they still generally have some weight to them. Before the installation, check the age and condition of your roof. If your roof is older or has been compromised, structural repairs or a full replacement should be considered.

Remember, whether it's a slanted or a flat roof solar installation, an older foundation may not have the proper condition or support needed to hold solar technology–especially if you're thinking about getting a system with a battery.