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solar panel

OUTDOORS

Solar Panels: How Much Money Can They Help You Save?

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Harnessing the sun’s power through solar panels is an environmentally and financially savvy choice. Solar panels are growing in popularity because of the many benefits they provide. In this guide, we will consider factors such as installation costs, government incentives, installation costs, and long-term advantages when describing the savings potential of solar panels.

Installation Costs and Ways to Save

The cost of the best commercial solar installation varies depending on your location and the size of the system. The average solar power system may cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000, but upfront costs can be partially offset by the lifetime savings these panels provide.

Residential and commercial solar panels capture the sun’s energy, generating electricity that is used to power buildings. With the right solar power system, users can reduce or eliminate their power bills. Monthly savings add up, helping these systems pay for themselves over time.

Tax Credits and Government Incentives Boost Savings

To encourage more property owners to use solar power, many governments offer tax credits and financial incentives. For instance, the Investment Tax Credit or ITC allows owners to deduct part of the cost of their solar power system from their federal taxes.

In some areas, additional rebates and performance-based incentives are available. These programs significantly reduce upfront costs, making solar power more affordable and accessible. Before committing, research the availability of incentives in your area.

Lower Utility Bills and Energy Independence

Solar panels offer upfront savings and a path to energy independence. By generating power, you’ll become less reliant on utility companies and their fluctuating prices. Solar power is particularly advantageous when energy becomes more expensive due to increased demand or fuel shortages.

Furthermore, surplus energy generated by solar power systems can be held or put back into the power grid, depending on your utility company and location. This brings additional savings and income if the system generates more power than you consume.

Long-Term Savings and Low Maintenance

One of the most substantial benefits of solar power installation is the savings potential it provides. While it may take a few years to recoup the initial investment, solar panels may last upwards of 20 years. Once the system is paid off, you’ll enjoy steady power at little to no cost. Solar panels need almost no maintenance, which further reduces long-term costs. Occasional cleaning and inspection are all that’s needed to keep these systems running efficiently.

Environmental Benefits Now and In the Future

Along with monetary savings, solar power systems offer significant environmental benefits. By cutting users’ reliance on fossil fuels, these systems contribute to a sustainable, clean planet. Solar energy decreases carbon emissions, which fights climate change and improves air quality. Solar panel installation is a financially and environmentally responsible choice that benefits current and future generations.

Save Money and Save the Planet With Solar Energy

Solar panels are a sound investment that brings short- and long-term savings. While the upfront cost may seem significant, the combination of lower utility bills, government incentives, and future savings make solar power a good choice. Along with the financial benefits, solar panels offer energy independence, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to sustainability initiatives. If you’re considering switching to solar power, the savings for the environment and your wallet make the decision worthwhile.

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HOME DESIGN, HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

The One and Only Solar Panel Maintenance Guide You’ll Ever Need

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Did you know that the average real estate property in the United States now costs over $350,000? As you might guess, this has served as an obstacle for those who are looking to purchase their first house. For others, it serves as a lucrative investment opportunity.

Using a solar energy system can help you save extra money, but you’ll need to maintain your system properly.

Solar panel maintenance might seem difficult at first, but it’s much easier than you think. We’ve put together a guide that has everything you need to know about using this form of sustainable home energy.

Let’s get started.

Monocrystalline Panels

These panels are made out of a single crystal silicon material and are more efficient than polycrystalline panels but also more expensive.

They are typically black in color. Most people choose monocrystalline panels for their solar array because they offer the highest efficiency, meaning more power generation per square foot.

Polycrystalline Panels

These panels are made out of multiple silicon crystals and are less expensive than monocrystalline panels. They are typically blue in color.

Many people choose polycrystalline panels because they offer a good balance of power generation and cost. Keep this in mind when moving forward.

Thin Film Panels

Thin film solar panels are made by depositing very thin layers of photovoltaic material on a substrate.

They are the least expensive type of solar panel, but they are also the least efficient. Thin film panels are typically used in large-scale solar power plants.

Passive Emitter and Rear Cell Panels

Passive emitter and rear cell (PERC) solar panels are a type of monocrystalline panel that uses a special cell structure to increase the amount of light that is absorbed by the panel. PERC panels are more efficient than traditional monocrystalline panels, but they are also more expensive. So, most people who choose to use them have a need for top-tier performance.

How Do I Find the Solar Panel Company That’s Right For Me?

When you’re ready to start shopping for a solar panel company, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, you’ll want to find a company that has experience installing solar panels. You’ll also want to find a company that offers a warranty on their work. Finally, you’ll want to find a company that has a good reputation.

You can find all of this information by searching online or by asking friends and family for recommendations. Once you’ve found a few companies that you’re interested in, you can then contact them to get more information and schedule a consultation.

You can check out Blue Raven Solar for an example of a reputable company.

Solar Panel Maintenance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Solar panel maintenance might seem difficult to understand at first, but it’s much easier than you might anticipate.

Just be sure to keep the above info in mind when moving forward so you can avoid mistakes. Our blog has plenty of high-quality articles like this one. Be sure to check them out!

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HOME DESIGN

What Will a 100 Watt Solar Panel Run?

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There’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving your car out of the garage to start your work day while the sun is setting, and you’re driving via solar energy!

The truth is that solar panel technology is incredibly useful. You can power your home, your office, and even your car. These are all with solar panels. If you’re just starting, it can be hard to envision exactly how you’d use solar panels to do these things.

So, what will a 100 watt solar panel run? Read on, and we’ll walk you through all the details for you!

A Smartphone

Solar panels are becoming popular as a way to recharge smartphones and other small devices. A 100 watt solar panel can provide enough power to keep a smartphone charged for a day or two, depending on how much it is used.

Most smartphones use about 5-10 watts of power, so a 100 watt solar panel can easily provide enough power to keep a phone charged. However, it is important to remember that solar panels do not store power, so if there is no sunlight, the panel will not be able to provide any power.

Standard Laptop

Laptops typically use about 60 watts of power, so a 100 watt panel can provide enough power for a laptop to operate for about 1.67 hours. Keep in mind that the number of hours of sunlight and the efficiency of your solar panel will also affect how much power you can generate. Nevertheless, it is possible to run a laptop off of a solar panel.

A Small Television

A 100 watt solar panel can provide enough power to run a small television. The average television uses around 80 watts of power. So, if you have a 100 watt solar panel, you will have enough power to run your TV.

This is a great option for those who want to be able to watch television without using traditional means of power. A solar panel is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.

LED Lights

One solar panel can generate enough electricity to power a LED light for up to six hours. LED lights are a great alternative to traditional light bulbs, as they use less energy and last longer. Solar panel installation to power your LED lights is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment and save money on your energy bill.

If you are considering solar, we recommend working with a solar professional to size your system and choose the right one for your needs such as the Blue Raven Solar.

A Small Radio

A solar panel can produce enough power to run a small radio for an indefinite amount of time. The catch is that the solar panel needs to be in a sunny location and the radio needs to be a very low-power radio. Even a very small radio can require a lot of power when turned up to a high volume.

Understand What Will a 100 Watt Solar Panel Run and Make the First Step

A 100 watt solar panel on your property is possible. It can provide enough power to run a small appliance or charge a battery. They are a great investment for those who want to reduce their energy costs or be more prepared for power outages.

It’s important to find quality solar panels that you can use to power your home.

If the article has been helpful, continue reading our blog for more tips!

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home renovation, HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

How to Select Solar Panel Installers: Everything You Need to Know

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Though it may not seem like it, solar panels can be installed very quickly. Often, homeowners expect there to be a lot more work that goes into the installation.

Before you can get your solar panels, you need to select solar panel installers. There are many different things to consider before hiring the right contractor for your home.

Let’s have a look at what you should consider before installing solar panels and working with the right company.

1. Consider Their Licensing

Any solar company that you work with should be able to provide you with credentials. They should be licensed and have employees that are licensed to work with solar panels.

For example, electrical and contractor licenses are both appropriate for a solar panel installer to have.

Being part of solar panel organizations is another great sign of a reputable company. This shows that they uphold best practices and are involved with education and learning within their industry.

These two factors combined indicate that they are probably a great company to work with.

2. What’s Their Experience?

Before starting to work with a solar company, you want to ensure that they have the proper experience. A company that has solar installation experience will know how to do the job properly and quickly.

Working with a company without experience is a huge risk, as you don’t know if they have the knowledge and skills to do it correctly. It can lead to issues during the job and issues later down the line that you may not expect.

3. Think About Pricing

With any part of your home, pricing is an important thing to take note of. You need to be sure that the solar panels fit within your budget before fully committing.

Making a budget is a great first place to start. This will ensure that you can communicate this with the company and find something that works for you.

Blue Raven Solar is an example of a company that truly goes above and beyond when trying to find a solar panel solution within the client’s budget. They can offer you the financing to make the process more affordable and stress-free. 

Working with an installer like this who cares is a great way to proceed with your installation.

4. Check The Reviews

While you should never take one review or experience to be what you’ll experience when working with a company, it is a good idea to look at them anyway. Taking the reviews of a collective group of people can help you understand what type of experience a company provides.

If many reviews mention the contractor’s cleanliness, you’re likely to have that experience as well. If there’s one bad review, don’t automatically assume the company is entirely bad. Many good reviews with one bad one may be indicative of an abnormal experience.

Select Solar Panel Installers The Right Way

When you go to select solar panel installers, you want to make sure that you do it the right way. If you don’t you may end up with a mediocre job or other undesirable outcomes.

Did you learn something about working with contractors? Please read more if you did!

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HOME DESIGN, home renovation, OUTDOORS

Should You Invest in Solar Panels?

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Solar panels can greatly increase the value of your home. If you are thinking about building a green home based on the principles of sustainability and energy efficiency, you need solar panels.

Installing solar panels so your home can power itself may seem like something out of a science fiction movie, but it is now a feasible and affordable reality for many homeowners.

If you invest in solar panels now, you will end up increasing the equity of your home in the long run while saving yourself money. Read on to find out more.

Invest in Solar Panels for the Long Term

Solar panels are one of those investments that pay off in droves in the long term. As soon as you get them installed, they start saving you money.

This accumulated savings over a long time is what makes them worthwhile. Solar panel costs may seem steep at first, but keep in mind that many states offer to subsidize their installation costs.

There are also some federal tax credits available to help pay for any high initial installation costs. Once you have gotten the panels installed, you only need to do a bit of maintenance on them now and again.

You also need to make sure that you keep your roof in good condition to maintain its structural integrity. Other than that, once you have your solar panel system you are good to go and ready to start saving money. 

Increase Your Home’s Value 

One of the things that prospective homebuyers love is a home with solar panels. This is because they don’t need to go through any of the efforts of getting a system installed, yet they reap all of its benefits.

This is why solar panels increase your home’s equity. If you want to make your home’s value skyrocket, think about installing some solar panels. This is even more true in states where the cost of energy is through the roof.

To determine if going solar is a smart financial choice for you, first, calculate your monthly energy bill. Next, calculate how much a solar panel system will save you. 

Don’t forget to factor in that the system will increase your home’s overall value over time as well. Keep in mind that your only major solar panel cost is a bit of maintenance over time, and the initial installation cost.

If you need help making a thorough cost-benefit analysis, contact Blue Raven Solar to get an estimate on some installation costs for your home. 

Go Solar and Save Money 

If you are looking for a worthy way to help out your financial situation you should invest in solar panels. It is one of the few investments that you can make that will also help save the planet. 

Having an opportunity that benefits you while saving the earth is rare so you should take advantage of them when they come around. Get some solar panels today for your home. Make sure to peruse our site often for other great news.

SHOP OUTDOOR DECOR…

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home renovation, TRENDS

5 Tips on Picking Solar Installers for Homeowners

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Switching to solar energy is not just a positive for your household, but for the environment as a whole.

Making the switch to solar power protects the environment, lowers your carbon emissions, and helps you keep more money in your pocket since you won’t have to worry about an electric bill.

With these matters in mind, it’s crucially important for you to find the help and assistance of a solar energy company that can look out for you.

Not all of these companies are created equally, so give yourself the chance to get help from professionals that will look out for you. Picking solar installers becomes easier when you follow the tips in this article.

1. Do Your Solar Energy Research

Do as much research as you can into solar energy. The more that you know about this form of energy, the better chance you have of making a qualified and informed decision.

Come up with a list of questions to ask your prospective solar power experts and you’ll be well ahead of the game when it’s time to hire somebody.

2. Get Referrals on the Best Solar Installation Companies

Referrals are worth their weight in gold when you’re trying to find the top solar installation company in your area.

Just knowing that someone you trust hired the company and had a good experience can put your mind at ease. When you speak to the solar power company, you should also ask them if they can provide you with any references for customers that they have done business with.

This cuts out a lot of the red tape and helps you gauge a company’s credibility.

3. Browse Some Solar Panel Designs

Think about the aesthetic aspects of installing solar power.

Look through the portfolio of your solar power professionals to see what kind of designs they can set you up with. Choose a design that accentuates your roof and brings your entire home to life.

This will buy you plenty of great years out of your panels and will serve as a positive return on investment (ROI) for your home.

4. Get Cost Estimates

Speak to several different solar power professionals to see how much they will charge you for their systems. Ask them if they can apply the federal tax rebate to the purchase as well.

When you know how much these systems cost you, it becomes easier to shop around until you find a fair deal. Ask these professionals if they can price match as well to find the best solar power system for your budget.

5. Find a Company That Will Also Address the Maintenance

Finally, take a long-term approach with your solar panel installation. The company you hire for the installation should also be able to address your ongoing repairs.

Bundle the installation with a maintenance program, and use this as a deciding factor when choosing between different competitors.

Use These Tips When Picking Solar Installers

These tips will help you out if you have the task of picking solar installers. Solar panels provide power to your home that is clean, green, and sustainable.

By putting these tips to use, you’re closer to getting the solar power service that you need.

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