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How Does Home Solar Energy Work?

Solar panels use energy from the sun and convert it into electricity, but what you might not know is how exactly the sun’s rays are converted to energy with your solar system. Let’s take a look at how an at-home solar energy system works!

How Solar Panels Work 

Solar panels work by allowing the sun’s rays to interact with atoms in photovoltaic cells to generate a flow of electricity. Each solar panel is composed of around 60-72 solar cells that are linked together. Each of these cells contains positive and negative layers that combine to form an electrical field—perfect for creating energy! 

Inside the top silicon layer is phosphorus which creates a negative charge, while the boron in the bottom layer provides the positive charge. 

These two fields interact and turn the rays from the sun into energy that then flows from your solar panels to your inverter. The more solar panels you install, the more energy you will generate. 

Related: 4 Things to Know About Home Solar Energy 

Components of Solar Panels 

The most important parts of a solar panel are the photovoltaic cells that capture sunlight and then transfer the energy to the inverter. Each photovoltaic cell is encapsulated within a larger silicon cell that is encased in glass and metal to protect it from inclement weather and water damage. 

The glass that covers the photovoltaic cells is covered in an anti-reflective coating to help the panels collect the most energy from the sun as possible, and, in turn, generate the optimal amount of energy. 

What is a Solar Inverter?

A solar inverter is the system’s “power plant” that converts the energy to alternating current (AC). Think of a solar inverter as a translator. It translates solar energy from DC into the type of electricity (AC) that can be used in your house. 

How Solar Energy Works: Step by Step

Step 1:

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

Step 2:

The electrical current flows from your solar panels down to the solar inverter, where the energy generated from your panels is converted into usable energy for your home. 

Step 3:

The energy flows from the inverter into the breaker box in your home, which can then be used throughout your home.

Step 4: 

Any unused energy will flow back to your utility meter and remain available for later consumption. In many states like Florida, homeowners have the option to return the unused energy to the electrical grid in the form of energy credits on their next power bill. This is called net metering. 

Solar Energy at Night 

Solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity, but the sun does not shine at night. To power your home at night, you can install a grid-tied solar panel system, where you rely on getting the power at night from your utility company, or a backup battery where excess energy will be stored when you need it the most. 

Learn more: Solar 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Going Solar

Make Solar Power Work for Your Home 

Ready to install solar panels at your home or business? Say yes to solar with Solar Bear! We are Florida’s efficient energy authorities for Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota, and all over Florida! 

Call us today for your solar, spray foam insulation, and energy efficiency needs—Solar Bear Orlando:

How Long Until Solar Panels Pay for Themselves?

By far, the most common question we get asked by customers who are interested in solar panels is, “Will solar panels eventually pay for themselves?” Our answer is an astounding, “Yes!” 

That takes us to the second most common question, “How long does it take to see a return on investment?” Because each solar panel installation is unique, that question is a little trickier to answer. However, we can provide a basic guide to how solar panel payback calculations work. Keep reading to learn more…

What is the solar panel payback period?

The solar panel payback period is the amount of time it’ll take you to completely pay off your solar power system through incentives, rebates, and savings on your electric bill until the total cost of the solar panel system has been covered.  

Example of a solar payback period calculation: Your solar panel system costs $16,000 with an immediate $4,000 tax break, leaving the total cost after incentives $12,000. Then, assuming a $1,500 annual reduction of your electric bill, your payback period would be eight years (assuming electricity rates remain the same). 

Most homeowners in the United States can expect their solar panels to pay for themselves between 9 and 12 years, depending on where they live. Fortunately for Florida residents, sunny states such as ours have a shorter payback period than most states! 

Factors that Determine Your Payback Period

Five main factors that will influence your solar payback period…

Average electricity usage for your home. The amount of solar energy produced will largely be determined by the size of your solar panel system. In turn, this will determine the average electricity usage for your home and how much you ultimately spend a month on electric bills. 

The total cost of the system. The total cost of the system is the final price of solar installation before calculating incentives and/or rebates. 

Solar incentives and tax credits. Florida residents who install solar panels will reap the benefits of several state and local incentives and/or rebates as well as the federal tax credit.  

Energy production from your solar system. Once you decide on the size of your solar panel system, you will be able to determine how much solar energy your system will produce over the course of a year. 

The cost of your electricity. Owners of solar systems in Florida will also save money thanks to Florida Net Metering, one of the most important regulatory solar policies in the state of Florida. It works by monitoring the amount of electricity that your home uses by being on the grid. Since solar panels are creating solar energy, any unused energy supplied by your electric company will be sent back to the grid and you will receive a credit. 

Interested in going solar? Call (813) 922-3735 to learn more about the energy-saving services offering by Solar Bear Tampa! 

Why 2021 is the Perfect Time to Go Solar

Interested in going solar? Now is the time to do it! The solar energy experts at Solar Bear Tampa explain why…

The Renewable Energy Federal Tax Credit Extension

In 2005, the U.S. government put the Renewable Energy Federal Tax Credit in place as an incentive for homeowners to install solar systems. Taxpayers were initially given 30% off the price of a home solar installation. This credit was to be extended annually, then phased down to 26% in 2020, 22% in 2021, and down to zero, zilch, nada after this year…bummer.

But alas! Congress recently extended the 26% tax credit through 2022 with a slight drop to 23% in 2023. So, to put this in perspective, if your solar system costs $15,000, your income tax liability will decrease by $3,900 (26% of $15,000) making the actual cost of your solar system just $11,100!

The Technology

Thanks to advances in solar technology, the cost of solar panels has dropped nearly 80 percent just in the last five years! In addition to the cost savings, solar panels have been around long enough to have a proven track record of success. Installations have become seamless, and there are no surprises with the unchartered territory of new technology. 

Going Green

With a growing emphasis on the importance of clean air, environmental initiatives have never been more important. So, in addition to the significant cost savings, solar power is also an environmentally friendly, clean form of energy that does not emit any kind of greenhouse gases. You can feel better knowing that you have substantially lowered your carbon footprint. 

Lower Energy Bills

The cost-saving benefits of solar panels begin the very day your system is installed! According to Energy Informative, studies show that homeowners who invest in solar panels can reduce their electric bill by more than $100 per month! So, whether you are going completely solar or just supplementing your grid, these savings will not only put more money in your pocket, but it will also eventually pay for your solar panel system. 

Customized Solar Systems

Solar panel systems can now be customized to fit the unique needs of your home. Whether you choose rack-mounted or integrated tile, you can decide the amount of energy your home produces and how much you can save on electricity. 

One-Time Investment

Investing in solar panels is a big final decision, however, it is also a one-time investment that requires no additional costs! The only “maintenance” is scheduling a yearly inspection, and if you go with Solar Bear, the first five years of annual maintenance checks are free!  

Go solar with Solar Bear!

Ready to go solar? Call (813) 922-3735 to learn more about the energy-saving services offered by Solar Bear Tampa! 

Is My Roof Suitable for Solar?

If you are planning on going solar, you might be wondering if your roof is suitable for solar panels. Depending on the pitch and style of your house’s roof, solar panels could be a great option to offset energy costs and be more environmentally friendly. 

Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding to install solar panels on your roof. 

What Kind of Roof Do You Have?

Solar panels work best when installed on strong durable roofing materials such as composite, asphalt shingled, or metal roofs. 

If you have a roof made with wooden shakes, slate tile, or clay with mortar, you can still install solar panels, but it may be a little more complicated. 

What Size or Shape is Your Roof?

A square roof is optimal for solar panel installation, and for every kilowatt of your system’s size, you will need about 100 square feet of roof space. 

Dormers, turrets, and skylights will affect the amount of available space on your roof for your solar panels. 

Is Your Roof Flat or Sloped? 

Flat roofs are fine for solar panel installs, and if you have a sloped roof, the best angle is between 30 to 40 degrees. For solar panels to be “self-cleaning,” they need an angle of at least 15 degrees. Once you get to 40 degrees and over, you could have efficiency and performance issues. 

What Condition Is Your Roof In?

If your roof requires repair or replacement, it is best to do so before installing solar panels, as they have an expected lifespan of up to 40 years and you will not want to remove them to repair your roof after they are installed. 

How Much Sunlight Does Your Roof Receive?

To ensure that your roof is a good candidate for solar panels, set up an appointment for a consultation from Solar Bear who can visit your home and inspect its orientation, as southern-facing solar panels capture more energy. 

The angle and pitch of your roof and any tree shading will also have an impact on how much sunlight your solar panels will receive throughout the day. 

The more direct sunlight that your home receives, the more energy your solar panels will be able to produce. 

How Do Solar Panels Attach to My Roof?

Solar panels are attached to roofs in several ways. The method of attachment used will depend on the material and pitch of your roof. Typically, solar panels are mounted with a system that screws into the rafters. 

Here are some common setups:

Asphalt shingles: Solar panels are attached with an easy-to-install standard penetrating mount. 

Tile Roofing: Solar panels can be installed on tile roofs with standard penetrating mounts that raise them above the roof. Installation can be a little more complicated as some tiles may need to be cut or removed to make room for the mounts. 

Standing Seam Metal Roof: The raised seam on these kinds of roofs allows solar panels to be attached with a clamp, so there is no need to drill into the roof. 

Flat Roofs: On flat roofs, solar panels can either be installed with ballasted racking or a standard penetrating mount. Tilt-up brackets are used to keep solar panels at an optimal 30-degree angle on flat roofs. 

While you might be concerned about drilling into your roof, the stanchions used to mount panels to the roof rafters are flashed, which keeps water from leaking into your home. 

What if My Roof is not Suitable for Solar Panels?

If your roof is not ideal for installing solar panels, you could try the following:

• Install a ground-mounted solar panel system in a southern facing area on your property. 
• Build a solar panel carport to power your house and shade your vehicles. 
• Invest in a share of a solar garden, which gives you the benefits of rooftop solar, but from a larger solar panel array somewhere in your community. 

Harness the Power of the Sun with Solar Bear 

If you are ready to install solar panels on your roof and experience freedom from paying for energy to power your home, call the solar experts at Solar Bear! We will come out for a consultation to ensure that you get the most efficient use of your solar panel system. 

Serving Greater Orlando and Tampa Bay, we can create a solar panel array to fit your unique needs. Call us today—Solar Bear Orlando: 407-904-7585 or Solar Bear Tampa: 813-567-8484!