How Solar Panels Work and Why You Should Use Them

Renewable energy, also known as green, clean, or sustainable energy, is revolutionizing the power industry. This innovative technology is quickly replacing traditional energy methods, like fossil fuels, that continue to cause irreversible climate change damage and have proven to not be sustainable for the long term.

While changes in the power industry need to be made on a large scale to create real progress, there are opportunities that you, as an individual, can participate in. Namely: solar panels. Proven to be affordable and effective, solar continues to lead the industry in cutting-edge advancements. Let’s dive right into how clean energy works and why it’s the right investment for your home.

What Is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy operates off the continued supply of natural resources to provide power (for example, the sun powers sun panels and the wind powers wind turbines). In literal terms, sustainable energy means “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” according to the United Nations. With clean energy, people can access heating and cooling, lighting, transportation, and much more. Some examples of the most popular green energy sources are:

  • Solar energy
  • Wind energy
  • Geothermal energy
  • Tidal and wave energy
  • Biomass energy
  • Hydroelectric energy

Alternately, dirty energy (the thing we’re all used to utilizing in our everyday lives) directly contrasts sustainable energy as it actively contributes to climate change. Dirty energy uses finite natural resources provided by the Earth to power our contemporary world. Some of the biggest examples include:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Coal
  • Nickel

Americans continue to make groundbreaking progress for a renewable energy future. From solar panels to hybrid cars and so much more, we’re headed for a brighter, cleaner, and more affordable tomorrow. It’s a win-win for humans, animals, and nature alike.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells placed between layers of semi-conducting materials like “doped” silicon, which consists of phosphorus for the upper layer and boron for the lower level. The photon particles take the electromagnetic light from the sun and convert it to energy as they bounce around the silicon layers. This creates an electric field, also known as the photoelectric effect, which is caught by metal plates on the sides of the panels. From there, the direct current electricity gets converted to alternating current in the system’s inverter to then be administered to power grids, or in this case, your home. You can find solar panels at a solar company like ours, Intelligent Design AC, voted the #1 solar company in Tucson.

The Benefits of Solar Panels

Once you go solar, you’ll never go back. The simplicity, ease, affordability, and sustainability of solar panels all prove too convenient and effective to go back to the older method of traditional heating and cooling systems. There’s a wide array of advantages that solar offers, including but not limited to the following:

1. They’re a Cost-Effective Alternative to AC

Power prices continue surging. Here in Arizona, without blasting the refreshing air of our AC, we’d have to suffer through a long and scorching summer. To live comfortably half the year, we need to fork over a large chunk of our hard-earned cash. Luckily, solar panels provide relief from the simmering sun and shocking bills at the same time. Once installed, you’ll be getting your energy directly from the sun, so you won’t need to worry about paying a massive energy bill ever again.

2. Solar Panels Help Combat Climate Change

Renewable, sustainable, clean, and green are all hot buzzwords of the moment. But they signify a much more serious issue: climate change. If we all continue using traditional dirty energy methods, we’ll continue to see the scary and irreversible effects caused by global warming. By using solar panels, you’ll be making a difference in reversing the damaging effects created by fossil fuels. This will create a safe future for the following generations.

3. Solar Panels Boast a Long Life Cycle

Many people worry about the long-term effectiveness of solar over time. Isn’t it too good to be true to not pay for power bills? If you’re doubting that solar panels are worth the money and effort, we’re here to tell you that they are. Since solar panels have a lifespan of 30 years or more, you can enjoy your investment for a long time. Compare that to standard air conditioning machines, which last about 10-20 years maximum. Considering the long life span and lack of energy bills, solar proves to be a worthwhile purchase.

4. Solar Panels Are Low-Maintenance

What’s better than long-lasting solar panels? Long-lasting solar panels with low maintenance. The last thing you want to do is climb up to your roof to maintain your panels. You don’t need to worry, because keeping your solar panels as good as new is nearly effortless.

To ensure your solar panels work to their fullest capacity over the maximum period of time, some light maintenance is required. You can use water and a non-abrasive sponge to periodically clean your panels. For special maintenance, a professional might need to be involved, but that’s rare. What’s most important is that you track your solar energy consumption to make sure everything is functioning accurately.

5. Solar Lets You Go Off the Grid

Essentially, with solar panels, the only entity you’ll have to deal with when it comes to your home’s power is the sun. You can scrap energy companies and their rising prices, because you’ll be getting your energy directly from Mother Nature. In sunny Arizona, being energy-dependent on the sun is never a problem.

6. You’ll Be Above Power Outages

Since solar panels offer you an off-the-grid existence, it means your independently energized home has nothing to do with issues at the power plant. If a storm causes a power outage, you can rest assured you’ll remain happy and oblivious to the issue, but everyone might want to come over to your place to cool down!

7. Solar Boosts Home Value

You’ll profit from investing in solar panels, and not just because of your energy bills. If and when the day comes that you have to move, the fact that your home features solar panels will give you a major advantage.

People are increasingly desiring a solar-powered house. Since demand is high, having this feature will boost your home value, giving you a well-deserved return on investment.

8. You Can Get a Tax Reimbursement on Your Solar Panels

Everyone dreads tax season, but for solar panel owners, it’s an exciting time to make an extra buck. In Arizona, you can file for a state income tax credit that reimburses you 25% of what you spent on equipment. Better yet, on your federal tax return, you can get up to 26% of your original purchase. Since reducing your carbon footprint is something to aspire to, the government won’t charge you sales tax on your purchase or further property taxes. This proves to be yet another attractive financial incentive to invest in solar panels.

9. Solar Panels Are Safe and Family-Friendly

With solar panels, you won’t have to worry about toxic fumes, gas, or waste, or other electrical dangers in your home. The technologically-advanced solar panels actually have a risk of fire of about .006%, according to a German study. If you’re concerned about the safety of yourself or your children, know that solar panels are one of the safest options around.

10. Solar Panels Are Easy to Install

Solar panels are increasingly becoming easy to take on as a DIY project. However, with the help of a solar company like Intelligent Design AC, you can get them installed in no time at an unmatched price. Get a free quote today.

11. Solar Panels Are Easy to Remove

Don’t think of solar panels as a permanent decision. If the day comes that you want or need to remove your solar panels, the process is simple. The panels can be removed and disposed of easily with the help of a professional, and your roof (or wherever you chose to place them) will be restored to its original appearance.

12. You Can Store and Share Your Energy

As the most technologically advanced source of energy, solar panels have the ability to store excess energy provided by the strong Arizona sun. This way, on a rainy day, you still have enough energy to function as normal. If you find yourself with more energy than you can consume, you can share it to the national power grid or with friends and family.

Call Tucson’s Top-Rated Solar Company to Learn More

Thinking about making the leap to renewable energy? At Intelligent Design AC, our solar company features state-of-the-art solar panels that will provide your home with cutting-edge energy solutions while reducing your carbon footprint. If you want to learn more about how our solar panels work or get a quote, give us a call today!