Curious about solar energy and how it can benefit you? You’re in the right place. Vivid Solar Inc. has put together a complete guide to all things solar energy in our home owner’s guide to solar energy. Learn more about how solar energy works, how it can change your lifestyle, and how vivid solar inc can help you seamlessly,

• Intro to Solar Energy

• Benefits of Solar

• Cost of Solar

• Product Guide

• Your Solar Purchase

• Installation & Maintenance

It’s time to shed some light on the world’s most renewable energy source.

• Solar panels work by letting photons released by the sun knock electrons free from atoms, which generate a flow of electricity. Solar panels are composed of many smaller photovoltaic cells linked together.

• Each photovoltaic cell is made up of two slices of semi-conductive material, usually silicon. The cells have a positive and negative layer that creates an electric field, much like a battery that needs both a positive and negative charge to work.

• Phosphorus is seeded into the top layer of silicone, which adds extra electrons needed to get a negative charge. The bottom layer is treated with boron, which subtracts electrons, giving it a positive charge. This creates an electric field at the junction of these two silicon layers.

• When a photon of sunlight hits the photovoltaic cell, an electron is knocked free. The electric field pushes the electron out of the silicon junction, creating energy.

• Step 1

Sunlight hit the layers of your solar panels, and photons and electrons interact to create an electrical current.

• Step 2

The electrical current flows from the panels down to your solar inverter, which converts the energy generated from your panels (dc) into usable energy for your home (ac).

• Step 3

The ac energy flows from the inverter into your breaker box, which will then circulate it throughout your home.

• Step 4

Unused electricity will flow back to your utility meter and/or backup battery and be available for use later. With various utility companies. Homeowners have the option to return that unused energy back to the grid and get credits on their next electric bill. This process is known as net metering.

How does net metering work?

Net metering is a process that sends any extra energy that your solar panel system produces back to the power grid. If this program is available in your area, you are credited for that energy(in many instances at a 1 to 1 ratio, which means you get to sell it at the same price you buy it). Those credits can be used on future electric bills, reducing what you spend on electricity even more. Note that not all utility companies offer net metering.

Who qualifies for solar?

1. Must be the homeowner

2. Have 650 + credit score

3. Limited shade on the roof

Solar panels do have times of increased and decreased production over the course of the year based on the amount of sunlight.

Your solar system performs best during cold, sunny weather, which means each season has its trade-offs. That’s why it’s important to look at a full calendar year when evaluating solar production.

When your solar system isn’t receiving peak sunlight. It won’t produce energy at its highest level. However, that doesn’t mean your solar panels won’t produce any electricity when it’s cloudy. It will just be a lesser amount of energy than on a clear and sunny day. This is why your annual average sunlight plays into the calculation of whether solar panels are an effective choice for your home.

Spring

Spring has warm weather that isn’t too hot and features longer days, which makes it a great season for solar energy production.

Fall

The days are slightly shorter in the fall, but the cooler temperatures mean less energy is lost to heat, which means your panels can be more efficient.

Summer

Summer’s long days and extended peak sunlight hours mean plenty of sunshine to turn into electricity, but high temperatures can reduce your panel’s overall performance.

Winter

Shortened days mean your winter solar system’s performance might be lessened but it will continue to produce energy. The low temperatures will help with efficiency.

Let’s talk about the benefits of solar energy and how it could work for you

What you’ll learn:

• Environmental benefits

• Financial benefits

• Power outage protection

Environmental benefits

Reduce air pollution

Solar panels don’t produce air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions because they do not need to burn fossil fuels to generate electricity. Instead, the system harnesses energy from the sun and converts it into usable electricity. This process ultimately helps reduce air pollution.

Reduce water pollution

Solar energy reduces water pollution because solar panels do not need water to operate as many other manufacturing processes do. Sunlight is converted into electricity without the need for local water supplies, and solar energy doesn’t pollute our waterways.

Reduce hazardous waste

Coal-fired plants are responsible for producing millions of tons of toxic waste, which can negatively affect public health. Meanwhile, solar power does not create radioactive waste like nuclear plants.

Reduce dependence on traditional energy sources

Solar energy is a clean, renewable and consistent power source that can even be used in remote locations. Using energy from sunlight can replace the use of nonrenewable energy sources, such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal, to produce electricity.

Solar panels aren’t just good for the environment – you also may benefit from serious savings over the lifetime of your solar panel system.

Potentially reduce your electric bill

Installing residential solar panels could potentially reduce your electric bill by allowing you to source your own energy directly from the sun. Because you’re creating your own power, solar could lower the amount of power you purchase from utility companies and help you potentially save thousands in electrical costs over the lifespan of your panel array•

Protect against rising energy costs

Residential solar panels allow you to source your energy right from the sun and convert it into usable power that you own, 24/7, 365. So stop simply relying on renting power from the grid! Your solar system will work for you to provide access to clean energy, as well as help you avoid the full brunt of unexpected rate increases from the utility companies.

Increase your property value

Studies show that homes with solar energy systems typically have higher property values than non-solar homes. There is also evidence that they may sell faster than non-solar ones, especially in certain markets. As more homebuyers become interested in the benefits of solar, demand for properties with solar panels is likely to grow.

Qualify for a federal tax credit

Homeowners may qualify for up to a 30% federal tax credit that could be used to offset the cost of their solar panel purchase. Also, you may qualify for other state and local incentives.

To qualify. You must have a federal income tax liability at least equal to the value of the tax credit. Tax credits are subject to change/ termination. We make no guarantees regarding eligibility for any tax credits. We do not provide tax advice. Contact your personal tax advisor for eligibility requirements.

Save through net metering

Net metering is a billing system that allows you to send any excess power your panels generate back to the grid in exchange for credit on future electric bills. This program is not offered nationwide so check with your utility company to see if net metering is available in your area.

Protection from the effects of power outages

Solar panels together with a battery backup help you avoid the impact of unexpected grid complications that come with traditional energy because panels generate power from the sun. When you rent your power from the electrical company, you’re at the mercy of a potential outage at any moment.

Vivid Solar Inc offers sunvault, tesla, and other brands of battery backups that allow you to store any unused power generated by your panels for later use, such as during power outages or nighttime hours.

The amount of power available from the battery during a power outage is limited, depending on the load connected. Customer usage and battery config. No assurances can be given that the solar system or battery will always work. You should not rely upon either to power life support or other medical devices.

Discover your question from underneath or present your inquiry from the submit box. There are many reasons why homeowners go solar, but the two most common are the financial savings and to help the environment. Whether your motivation to go solar is economic, environmental or both, contact us and we will provide you with a free no obligation energy evaluation to see if solar is right for you. We will inform you of all of the benefits to consider when considering solar and most importantly get you the best prices, warranty and services with the most trusted solar companies / Installers.