How solar works

Lets talk about Grid-tied solar panel systems. Solar energy is a renewable energy source. This means that we cannot run out of solar energy, as opposed to non-renewable energy sources (e.g. fossil fuels, coal and nuclear). We will have access to solar energy for as long as the sun is alive – another 6.5 billion years according to NASA. We have worse things to worry about; in fact, scientists have estimated that the sun itself will swallow Earth 5 billion years from now.

Solar energy is an intermittent energy source. Access to sunlight is limited at certain times (e.g. morning and night). Predicting overcast days can be difficult. This is why solar power is not our first choice when it comes to meeting the base load energy demand. However, solar power has fewer problems than wind power when it comes to intermittence.

Installing a solar power system on your home means you can lock in a price of energy for at least the 25 year life of the solar panels. You know how much energy the solar panels will produce so that once you get an accurate price quote you know exactly how much each kilowatt-hour of energy will cost you over the next 25 years. Many consumers are now able to get a levelized cost of energy of $0.10 per kilowatt hour. When you compare this to the average amount you will pay to your utility for power over the next 25 years, the average consumer with a $150 per month power bill can see savings in the range $30,000 over the life of a solar system. The monthly savings don’t start out being huge, perhaps only $50 per month but in the 25th year it can reach savings of $300 per month. You can use this solar savings calculator to check what your savings will be based on usage and utility rates.

Solar panels (also known as photovoltaic panels) are installed on your home. The solar panels convert light (photons) into electricity (voltage). Each panel is connected to a microinverter that changes the electric current from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current). Each microinverter operates independently of the others so that if one stops working your system is still generating maximum power. The microinverters are also connected to a communication hub that is connected to the internet. Information is sent to our monitoring system that allows us, and you, to know when one of your microinverters is not working properly. The software allows you to see how much energy you are generating and how much you are using.

During the solar installation process, your conduit and inverter will be set in place prior to mounting the solar panels. We will then fit the roof anchors and attach the frame to securely hold the solar panels in place. After wiring the panels, the inverter, and finally your home, final inspection will be performed. After the inspection, you’ll have solar energy powering your home with a simple flip of a switch.

Because the time, tasks and equipment involved in each project can vary greatly we prefer to see each project in person to give a detailed quote. By doing a site visit we can ensure that we are giving you an all-inclusive price quote. Additionally, when we are able to give you an accurate price quote we can also tell you exactly how long it will take for you to see a return on your investment. See extra info at Solar in Colorado.