Answering Your Solar Energy Frequently Asked Questions
If youandrsquo;re looking into installing solar panels on your home, itandrsquo;s important to make sure you know exactly what the process is like and how the system will operate. At Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar, weandrsquo;ve collected the answer to some of our most-asked questions to get you started!
How Does Solar Power Work?
Solar power is energy generated through sunlight — and when you install a system on your roof, youandrsquo;re able to capture this energy and harness it to power your home. This solar energy system is comprised of:
- The solar panels
- Racking - where your system will be mounted
- An inverter that converts sunlight into a power source your devices can use
What Does it Mean to be ‘Off the Gridandrsquo;?
When you install your solar system, you have the choice of how it will be set up to your local energy provider: either tied to the grid or off the grid completely.
When your system is tied to the grid, your home is still hooked up to your local utility company, even though you generate your own power. This means that you are just paying to control and service the solar energy, but are not paying your electric company to create energy for you.
In an off-the-grid system, you can deliver solar energy to remote properties that do not have access to power lines. If your system is operating off the grid, in addition to the parts above, you will need:
- Batteries to store the energy your panels create
- A charge controller for your solar battery
In some cases, it is possible to install a hybrid of these two choices, known as an energy storage system. Speak to one of our specialists to learn more!
Do I Need a Solar Battery?
If you are powering an off-the-grid system or an energy storage system, you will need a battery. In the case of an off-the-grid system, you will not be hooked up to a utility line that holds energy and transmits it to your home. Instead, your solar energy system will need to create the power and store it in your home for later use. This where your battery comes in.
What Are the Pros of Solar?
If youandrsquo;re considering making the switch to solar over another power source, here are some pros to consider:
- Solar energy is renewable and clean
- Your electric bills will be lower with solar
- The value of your home will increase
- You can power a remote location easily
Solar Panel Experts in San Jose
Interested in solar services in San Jose or the surrounding areas in Silicon Valley and South Bay? Contact Valley today at (408) 868-5500 for a free estimate!