What is Solar Power, and How do I Get Started?
/With energy costs rising, and climate change bringing hurricanes, flooding, and more frequent power outages to our region, it’s more important than ever for our community to start preparing for the future. Luckily, technological advances and reduced costs have made solar power much more accessible for home owners and small businesses. In 2017, it was reported as the fastest growing power source around the world by the International Energy Agency (IEA) with a total increase of 97 GW and is expected to reach 140 GW by 2023.
Solar power works by capturing sunlight and converting it to electricity for use in homes, commercial buildings, farms, and industrial processes. The conversion of energy happens through two main methods:
Photovoltaics (Direct) - photovoltaic cells use materials like silicon that absorb photons from solar energy and release electrons that are then captured as an electric current.
Concentrated Solar Power (Indirect) - concentrated solar power (CSP) uses lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to concentrate solar radiation into a small beam that heats substances to drive heat engines and electric generators.
Combination - direct and indirect methods.
Solar panels typically contain anywhere from 32 to 72 solar cells depending on the capacity. The number needed per home or facility depends on the size of the building, energy consumption rate, and the types of solar panels selected. One or two solar panels can typically generate enough energy to get home owners through extended power outages, or power a cottage. For off-grid homes, businesses, farms, and industrial processes, larger solar arrays are required with several panels wired together. As a rough guide, a 2,000 square foot home can be fully powered with anywhere from 15-25 panels.
Getting Started With Solar
It’s just five simple (and free) steps to get started:
Site audit and estimate - measurements of the roof or yard to determine the space and energy capacity available.
Check service - we makes sure you’re capable having solar through your current energy service provider.
Energy storage - assess and discuss whether an energy storage solution is needed (i.e. battery).
The math - we calculate total panel requirements, timeline, costs, and what you can expect as a return from the system.
Estimate - you decide if you’re ready to make the switch!
Most small to medium installations are up and running within 1-3 weeks and with no mechanical wear, there is no maintenance required. Roof installations also help to protect shingles from solar radiation, slowing deterioration, and have even been shown to increase home values.
Our team at Switch Energies is passionate about protecting our planet, and helping home-owners and businesses benefit from more efficient energy use and take financial control of their future. Please reach out to us for a free audit to see what solar can do for you!
John
+1 (506) 238-1525
john@switchenergies.ca