Colorado is a lovely place to call home. The sun shines on the state for almost 300 days each year, which means solar energy is an excellent alternative to pricey on-grid power. If you’ve been considering going solar but aren’t sure if your house or company is suitable, keep reading because we’ll discuss all of the advantages that come with adopting solar power in Colorado.
Solar Panels 101: Top Things You Need to Know
If you’re considering solar for your home or business, it’s important to understand the basics of how solar panels work.
Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells. A photovoltaic cell converts the sun’s energy into electricity. The electricity that the solar panels produce is then sent to an inverter, which transforms it into the type of power that can be used in your home or business.
Parts of a Solar Power System
Aside from the rooftop solar panels, there are numerous components of solar energy systems. A solar panel system includes solar panels, an inverter, batteries, and a charge controller.
Solar Inverter
The solar inverter converts the power generated by the solar panels into usable energy that may be used to power your property. The solar inverter converts DC electricity (direct current) from the solar panels to AC electricity (alternating current).
Solar Panels
Solar cells are the heart of a solar system, converting the sun’s energy into electrical energy. Solar panels may be mounted on your roof or put on the ground with their faces aimed at the sky.
Solar Cells
Solar cells are what actually do the work of converting sunlight into electricity. They’re also known as photovoltaic cells, and they’re the reason solar panels are so effective. Many solar cells make up a solar system. Each solar cell collects and converts sunlight directly into energy. Solar cells are extremely durable and long-lasting. Each solar cell can withstand heavy impact from inclement weather and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Batteries
Batteries are the component of the solar system that captures extra power when there isn’t enough sunshine or demand rises. When you install a photovoltaic system, you may pick the kind of batteries and how many batteries you want to use to store surplus energy. You aren’t likely to run out of charge in a sunny location like Denver, CO, but having numerous batteries is advised.
Charge Controller
Finally, the charge controller is responsible for regulating the electricity flow from the solar panels to your battery bank. This is the element of your solar system that allows you real-time monitoring of your solar panels, batteries, and inverter. It’s essentially a temperature regulator for your solar system. You can see how much energy you’re generating, how much has been saved in the system, and how much you’re using.
What Are DC Electricity and AC Electricity?
In the section above, where we discussed the various parts of a solar panel system, we explained that the inverter converts the power from DC electricity to AC electricity. What does that mean, though? Let’s back up a little bit and discuss the difference between DC electricity and AC electricity.
DC electricity is a direct current, meaning it flows in one direction. Solar panels generate electricity that is direct current because the sun only emits photons in a single direction.
AC electricity is alternating current, which means it changes directions periodically. The power that comes out of your wall sockets at home is AC electricity because it’s more efficient to transport over long distances.
As we mentioned above, the inverter in your solar panel system transforms the DC electricity from your solar panels into AC electricity, which can be used to power your home or business.
How Much Solar Power Do I Need?
The quantity of solar you require is determined by the amount of energy you consume. A typical household consumes 30 kilowatts of power each day. Your solar needs will be very reliant on your environment, floor area, and the quantity of energy needed to run your daily activities.
Costs to Install a Solar Power System
Solar energy has gotten more affordable in recent years, making it a more viable alternative for homeowners and businesses. Solar panels and battery systems have become much more accessible and are available in greater numbers across the country.
Getting estimates from local solar installers like Peak to Peak Roofing & Exteriors is the best way to figure out how much a solar panel system will cost. They’ll consider various aspects of your situation and assess your needs in order to determine the best, most affordable solution for you.
Benefits of Using Solar Energy in Colorado
There are a number of reasons why solar energy is a great choice for those considering alternative energy for their homes and businesses.
Energy Efficiency
First, as we mentioned before, Colorado gets a lot of sun throughout the year. This means that solar panels will be able to produce a significant amount of power, even during the winter months.
Money Savings
Another benefit of solar energy is that it can help you save money on your energy bills. Solar panels can offset a significant portion of your electricity costs, which can lead to big savings over time. In addition, if you produce more power than you need, you can sell it back to the grid and receive a credit on your next bill.
Environmental Impact
Solar energy is also a great choice for those who want to reduce their environmental impact. Solar panels have a very low carbon footprint and do not produce any emissions, making them a clean and renewable source of energy.
Does a Solar Energy System Make Sense for You?
Where you live and how much sun your house receives on a daily basis are significant variables in determining if and when solar panels are the best option for your home. In general, it’s accurate to say that going solar is a fantastic investment for residents of Colorado.
Solar power is much cleaner than traditional forms of energy, which helps Colorado continually achieve high levels of getting its electricity from renewable resources. The state and the federal government even offer incentives for residents who wish to install rooftop solar systems, such as rebates based on kilowatt usage and installation costs. Contact local companies like Peak to Peak Roofing & Exteriors to see if you qualify for government rebates based on where your property is located in Colorado.
Are Solar Panels in Your Future?
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular these days, with more and more individuals opting to go solar. You might be shocked to learn how many homes in Colorado have used solar power. With many businesses located throughout the state that specialize in residential solar installations, you’ll want to do your homework before choosing a firm or plan.
Solar energy may help you save money on your utility bills while also providing a cleaner conscience. It’s something to be proud of.
Should You Go Solar?
Going solar isn’t right for everyone, but it’s a popular option. When weighing whether or not solar is appropriate for you, there are a number of things to consider, but this form of energy is becoming increasingly common with each passing year. Residents of sunny locations that are fortunate enough to have access to residential solar panels will see their investment pay off time and time again!
Before investing in solar for your property, there are a few things to consider:
Sun Exposure
How much sun exposure does your home get? The amount of sun that hits your property is a major factor in determining whether or not you should go solar.
Budget
Is it possible for you to pay for solar panels? Solar panels are expensive up front, but there are a number of alternatives to purchasing them entirely. Leasing or third-party ownership options may help homeowners save thousands of dollars on their solar panel system in just a few years, but if this isn’t an option, DIY kits can also provide cost savings over time.
Your Motivation
What are some of the advantages of going solar? Solar panel power is all about cutting costs and lowering carbon emissions for individuals in Denver, for example. Others are more interested in investing in solar technology and renewable energy with the goal of selling excess electricity back to their utility company so they can make money while also powering their house.
Does Solar Power Work on a Cloudy Day?
Colorado gets plenty of sunshine. What about other areas of the country that experience more overcast days than most? Is solar worth it if your skies are cloudy all day? The short answer is yes, solar is still worth it. It doesn’t always have to be a bluebird day for you to harness the power of the sun.
Solar panels are designed to work well in low-light conditions like cloudy days, twilight, and dawn. The photovoltaic cells on your solar panel will still collect some electricity on a cloudy day, although not as much as on a sunny day.
The good news is that solar panels work more efficiently in cooler temperatures, so you may actually see an increase in energy production on a cool, cloudy day in Denver. Plus, don’t forget that your batteries store excess energy. Your batteries save energy for a rainy day, literally.
Contact a Local Solar Installer
Contact Peak to Peak Roofing & Exteriors right now if you want to learn more about how solar can help you save money in Colorado. It’s critical that you understand what to anticipate when investing in solar energy in the state of Colorado, from locating the appropriate home solar panel system to getting tax credits and subsidies for solar installation.
These experienced solar installers are a great resource for those who want to go solar but don’t know where or how to start. They can answer any questions you may have and give you a free solar installation estimate of how much money solar panels and a solar energy system will cost.
Learn More About Going Solar
Now that we’ve taken a look at why solar panel technology can make sense, what type of investment it is, and who might be able to benefit from it, keep reading as we explore some interesting facts about solar energy, including how many homes in Colorado have benefited from solar panels over the past several years.
Colorado’s Solar Ranking
According to data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Colorado is one of the top 10 states in terms of solar capacity. This shows that more and more Coloradans are going solar and that choosing to do so makes sense for the state as a whole.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Colorado has approximately 668 firms in the solar industry that are working diligently from their homes and offices across the state to install solar panels and provide renewable energy to consumers just like you. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s no surprise there are so many solar firms, or that so many individuals have been able to benefit from clean solar energy!
Will You Choose a Solar Panel System for Your Home?
Solar energy is a great way to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and become more energy-independent. If you live in Colorado, there are plenty of reasons to consider solar for your home. From the amount of sun exposure that the state gets to the many solar companies that are based here, it’s easy to see why so many people have already made the switch to renewable energy.
If you’re thinking about going solar, be sure to do your research and contact a reputable solar company like Peak to Peak Roofing & Exteriors Inc to get started. With their help, you can find out how much solar panels cost, learn about solar installation government rebates and tax credits, and get on your way to powering your home.