Enjoying More Energy-Efficient Holidays with Solar Power

There's nothing more festive than brightly-lit Christmas trees, friends and families gathering together to celebrate, and cold winter weather. Most American households start decorating with holiday lights soon after Thanksgiving and keep them up until after New Year — adding up to around 3.5B kWh of power. 

‍

Research shows that 90% of American households celebrate Christmas, adding up to almost $645 million in energy costs for December alone. This translates to an additional $12 in energy costs during the month per household using Christmas lights. And for Californians, that added cost can go up to $20 per household.

‍

On top of energy costs, powering holiday lights also releases up to 2 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. And in light of today's climate crisis, that's a huge concern. Fortunately, there are many ways we can make our holiday celebrations more energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

‍

Enjoy Energy Efficient Holidays With Solar Power

Solar power is one of the best options out there, allowing us to light up our homes without draining precious natural resources or exacerbating climate change. By installing a solar panel system in your home or business, you can harness the sun's energy and use it to power your lights, heating, and other appliances.

‍

In addition, making the switch to more eco-friendly solutions can have a drastic impact on your energy consumption and carbon footprint. This includes sustainable options such as LED holiday lights, solar-powered appliances, and a solar panel battery system instead of gas generators.

‍

In this article, we're going to explore the basics of solar power systems, solar panel installation, solar panel cost, and more.

‍

How Does a Solar Panel Work?

A solar panel or photovoltaic cell is a device that converts light from the sun into electricity. It does this through a process called the photovoltaic effect, in which sunlight knocks electrons free from atoms and creates an electric current. 

‍

Solar panel systems typically consist of solar panels, an inverter to convert the current into usable electricity, and mounting hardware that holds everything together. Once installed, they can provide power for your home or business throughout the year.

There are three different types of panels:

‍

Monocrystalline panels: These panels are made from single pieces of silicon crystals, meaning that each panel has a sleek, minimalist look. They're also very efficient and can provide more electricity than other types of solar panels.

Polycrystalline panels: Panels made from polycrystalline silicon are less expensive to manufacture than monocrystalline panels. These are therefore a good choice for solar panels for home use.

Thin-film panels: These solar panels are made from thin, flexible layers of silicon and other materials. They can be installed on rooftops or other surfaces where space is limited. While they're not as efficient as monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels, they're easier to transport and install, making them an ideal choice for many solar panel projects.

The Benefits of Going Solar

In case you need more convincing,  here are just some of the benefits that come with using solar power:

Lower electricity costs: Solar power is more affordable than electricity from the grid. In addition, solar panel tax credits and other incentives can also help reduce the upfront costs of installing a solar panel system.

Improved home value: Solar power systems can be an attractive selling point if you're looking to list your home in the near future. According to one study, homes with solar panels sold much faster and for more money than their non-solar counterparts.

Better quality of communal life: Moving towards low-carbon solutions enables access to more affordable options for food, housing, and mobility across communities. Low-carbon living encompasses sustainable solutions such as community solar, urban gardening, and replacing carbon-intensive practices like driving and cooking with more carbon-efficient ones.

More robust brand image: Studies reveal that over 70% of consumers prefer brands that use sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. Therefore,  switching to solar power can give your brand a competitive edge.

How Much Does a Solar Panel Cost?

So, how much is a solar panel? The pricing of solar panels depends on their model, dimensions, and solar panel efficiency. Generally speaking, commercial solar panel installations tend to be pricier than solar panel systems for houses because they require more equipment, installers, and larger setups.

‍

The average cost of a commercial installation generally starts from $200,000 and varies depending on size. Smaller to mid-sized businesses may have more budget-friendly systems costing around $50,000 or more.

On average, residential solar installations will cost around $15,000. However, solar panel costs can vary depending on where you live, the size of your house, and the type of system you choose. Smaller units may cost as low as $10,000, while larger ones may cost upwards of $40,000.

‍

When it comes to solar panel maintenance, there's very little maintenance required, especially if the panels are tilted since these do not collect much dust. 

‍

That being said, hiring a professional solar panel cleaning service provider to maintain your system once or twice a year should be sufficient. Cleaning costs around $15 to $35 a panel, or around $450 and up for most houses.

‍

How to Switch to Solar

Going solar is a significant decision. The first step to making it an easy one is doing your due diligence in locating a reliable and seasoned solar panel company. A competent company will thoroughly review your property, give you a fair estimation of solar panel installation costs, and assess any tax credits or incentives you may qualify for.

‍

Once you've chosen the best solar panels for your needs, an installer will handle all the permits, paperwork, and installation arrangement. After that, they'll mount your system to your roof before connecting it to the electrical grid.

‍

To enjoy a complete, sustainable energy solution for your residential or commercial property, seek out a solar panel installation company that not only installs panels but also provides roofing and maintenance services. This way, you can be sure of receiving an optimal renewable energy setup.

AMECO Solar & Roofing has been the premier supplier of solar panels in California for nearly 50 years. Our full suite of services includes consultation, design, installation, roofing maintenance, and more — providing you with an end-to-end solution for all your needs. Whether it's customer service or craftsmanship quality, our clients rest easy knowing that with AMECO Solar & Roofing, they get nothing but excellence.

‍

AMECO also offers a Holiday exclusive deal to power your solar savings. Upgrade now and enjoy high-quality solar or roofing installations at a fraction of the cost, valid only until December 31, 2022. With $1,000 off on projects over $20K, or $500 off on projects below $20K, this season's offer will ensure you save big while bringing lasting energy efficiency into your home or business. 

‍

To learn more about how we can assist you with going solar, don't hesitate to visit our website or use our Estimate Calculator for a hassle-free start on your renewable energy journey.