Solar Roofing Panels and Electricity Usage
Renewable energy is a buzz word. Solar power has been around for a long time. Anyone remember the ‘solar’ calculators that had to be held at just the right angle to the light? Solar panels have come a long way from that. Some even look exactly like normal roofing shingles.
Solar panels only work during the day and generate less power on overcast days. However, even in climates we would not associate with good solar, such as northern Europe, correctly installed solar panels can produce as much as fifty percent of a household’s electricity needs. In some places, homeowners can sell their excess electricity back to the power company, resulting in a further reduction in bills. A system with a battery backup is more expensive but can also pay for itself by minimizing the amount of power that needs to be drawn from the mains at night.
Modern solar panels, especially solar shingles or siding, can also be all but invisible and not affect the roofline, although there are still optimum angles for installation that may not match a specific building’s profile. Climate and location, thus, have an impact on energy savings. However, almost every home can save enough money by installing solar panels to recoup the initial costs and many jurisdictions offer tax rebates or other incentives for installation.
September 17th, 2011 - Posted in Uncategorized | | Comments Off
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