Hvorfor investere i solenergi, og hvordan fungerer det faktisk?

How to illustration. Overview of how solar panels work on a regular house.

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Steg for steg hvordan solcellepaneler fungerer

We’ve all seen solar panels on rooftops or the massive solar “farms” that stretch across states such as Texas or California. But most of us don’t understand how solar power works.

Solar panels are made from silicon and conductive metals. When combined, these materials form an electric field and allow the panels to act as semiconductors, with negative and positive layers creating an electrical circuit.

When the sun’s energy falls onto solar panels, it knocks electrons loose and allows them to move through the electrical circuit. This generates DC electricity. From there, the solar panel’s inverter converts the DC electricity into AC electricity, the type of energy that can power a building.

Learn more about how solar power works

Solar panels for home

As more Americans express interest in green energy, many take a fresh look at how solar can meet their electricity needs. According to the EIA, residential solar has grown about 32 per cent in the last decade. In many states, that means adding solar panels to the rooftops of homes and businesses.

Of course, many utilities across the country either buy or generate solar energy and provide it to power grids. This means many Americans use at least a portion of solar power without ever knowing it. But many electricity customers want to go all-solar and reduce as much of their carbon footprint as possible.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, more than 2.7 million solar energy systems are installed nationwide through September 2020. Moreover, the solar industry has provided jobs for 250,000 American workers. Currently, solar power generates enough electricity to power nearly 18 million homes.

Learn more about solar panels for your home

Solar panels for RVs and campers

The solar industry has also adapted to go on the road. There are a variety of solar panels that also work for RVs and campers. RV solar panels work the same as residential solar systems, although they are typically smaller, more flexible, and have a lower generating capacity.

Solar systems for RVs and campers are normally much less expensive compared to residential solar systems. On average, RV solar panels cost as little as $75, with more expensive models costing up to $1,000 (€849).

Learn more about solar panels for RVs and campers.

Cost of solar panels

According to the Center for Sustainable Energy, the average cost for a residential solar system ranges from $15,000 to $25,000. That’s a big chunk of money, but there are some ways to offset it.

Generally, there are three ways to pay for a home solar system.

Cash. Easy to say, harder to do.
Solar loans. You can get a solar loan through a typical lender, a utility, or a solar-installation company. Terms vary according to the option you choose.
Solar leasing. With this option, you sign an agreement with a solar company with little or no upfront cost. But you agree to pay a set amount (ideally less than what you were paying for your electricity bill) each month for 15 to 20 years. To learn more about solar leasing, check out SaveOnEnergy’s guide to leasing solar panels.

If you purchase your solar panels, there are ways that you can make that money back over time. Remember that these options are only available to consumers who buy their solar systems instead of leasing them.

Incentives: Federal tax incentives for solar systems installed this year stand at 22 per cent of the installation cost, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Credits are larger for systems installed in 2020 and before Dec. 31, 2019. Several states also offer incentives, available by checking this database.
Net metering. This allows customers who generate their electricity from solar power to sell the amount they don’t use to the grid that serves their homes. This database includes information about net metering.
Home value. Purchasing a solar system for your home will raise your home’s resale value. The average home value will increase by about $15,000 if you purchase and install solar panels.

Learn more about solar panel financing

Picking a solar panel installer

All solar installers aren’t created equal. That means you’ll have to ask a few questions of a company before you commit to a solar installation.

Here are a few things you should find out before signing a contract with a solar panel installer:

What type of system is being considered for your roof? Can your roof support that system?
Is the installer licensed and insured in your state? Don’t just take the installer’s word for it – ask for the license number.
How much experience does the installer have?
Are there any reviews or ratings for installers you’re considering?
What, if any, the guarantee does the installer offer?
How much, if any, of the work will be performed by subcontractors?

Where is green energy thriving?

Green energy offers several benefits to energy consumers – which is why it has been growing in popularity in recent years. One of the most important factors is energy independence. By investing in solar energy, residences can decrease their dependence on the electric grid, retain a steady supply of power during times of high demand, and possibly lower their energy costs over time.

So, which state generates the most electricity from solar? You guessed it! California.

Here’s how much solar power California generated (in thousand megawatts) in 2020 and the rest of the top 10 states (this includes utility-scale generation):

Top 10 States for Utility-Scale Solar Energy Generation

The EIA defines small-scale solar photovoltaic electricity as the power derived from a rooftop and other smaller arrays (the kind of generator you would be with a home solar system). Once again, California tops the list, but some other states crack the top 10.

Top 10 States for Small-Scale Solar Energy Generation

Learn more about solar energy in your state

FAQs about solar energy

Still have questions about home solar panels? Here are some of the most common questions we encounter about solar energy:

What happens when it’s cloudy?

Solar panels are most efficient when they’re in direct sunlight, but the SEIA says panels work in indirect sunlight and when sunlight is partially blocked by clouds. If your system is connected to battery storage, your system can use the stored energy when output falls below the level you need. You can also draw from the standard electric grid when necessary.

How do solar panels affect property values?

According to the Department of Energy, investing in solar panels for your home will increase the home’s resale value by about $15,000.

Should I replace my roof before adding solar panels?

You should fully consider your roof’s health and age before buying solar panels. Roofs have an average lifespan of about 20 years. Solar panels can last up to 25 years. So, if your home’s roof is older, it may be a good idea to replace it or make any repairs before adding solar panels.

How long will solar panels last?

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory says the average solar panel warranty is between 20 to 25 years

Solar News and Current Events

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Updated: 07/21/2021