Investing in Solar Power For Your Home
The Philippines is naturally endowed with resources that can be used to generate renewable energy. Solar-powered homes have grown in popularity in the Philippines in recent years, as more and more frequent customers perceive the growing benefits of switching to solar power rather than relying entirely on local electricity grids. Aside from the financial benefits (such as reduction in electricity costs) of having their solar panels on the roof in their homes, consumers are now fully aware that the photovoltaic effect and the use of solar energy and renewable energy sources produce zero carbon footprint and are completely free of gases that have the adverse effect on the environment and their community environment. However, do you ever wonder how does solar electricity for home works and what are the other benefits of solar panels at home, and are there solar energy industries association in the country?
In this article, we will give you a brief introduction to solar panels, how solar panels work, the benefits of the solar panel system, and is installing solar panels is a good investment.
WHAT ARE HOME SOLAR PANELS?
The sun is the source of solar energy. Solar panels also known as “Photovoltaic panel are used to transform sunlight’s light, which is made up of energy particles known as “photons,” into electricity that can be used to power electrical loads.
Solar panels can be used for a wide range of applications, including remote power systems for cabins, telecommunications equipment, remote sensing, and, of course, electric generation by residential and business solar power grids.
HOW DOES THE SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM WORK?
Solar panels capture clean renewable energy in the form of sunlight and convert it into electricity, which can then be used to power loads. Solar panels are made up of individual solar cells that are made up of layers of silicon, phosphorous (which provides the negative charge), and boron (which provides the positive charge). Solar panels absorb photons and generate an electric current as a result. The energy released by photons striking the surface of the solar panel knocks electrons out of their atomic orbits and releases them into the electric field generated by the solar cells, which then pulls these free electrons into a directional current. The Photovoltaic Effect refers to the entire process. An average home has more than enough roof area for the required number of solar panels to generate enough solar electricity to supply all of its power needs. Excess electricity generated is fed into the main power grid, paying for itself in reduced electricity use at night.
BENEFITS OF SOLAR PANELS FOR HOME
There are numerous advantages to using solar energy and install solar panels that everyone should consider. It is sustainable, non-polluting, and accessible globally. It also contributes to economic growth because it provides jobs whenever a placement is currently underway.
Solar panel systems are one type of solar energy technology that is relatively simple to maintain for the average household. On a larger scale, solar plants are also quiet and non-polluting when compared to other electric plants that emit gas.
Solar energy also generates local wealth by reducing reliance on imported electricity. Though it is variable and reliant on the weather and day-night cycles, solar energy is becoming more reliable as technology advances in storing electricity for a longer period.
Here are the some of benefits that you will achieve in installing a solar panel system:
Can help you save money on your electricity bills.
The electricity generated by installing a solar panel system will help you meet some of your energy needs, lower your monthly electricity bill, and eventually the solar system installation costs. In some countries like Australia, you can also earn money by selling the unused electricity you generated back to the grid. The amount you save will be determined by the size of your solar system and your electricity consumption. The more energy you produce, the less you will require from the supplier, increasing your energy self-sufficiency. Not only can you lower your electricity bill and get tax credits, but you can also get paid for any excess power you generate by supplying it to the grid. This is known as a ‘feed-in-tariff.’
Can boost the value of your home.
Aside from lowering your electricity costs, solar panels are viewed as upgrades, similar to a renovated kitchen or a family room, so investing in a solar energy system will most likely increase the value of your home. Solar installations can increase the value of your home if you are planning to sell it. Solar panels increase the value of a property in Australia, with estimates indicating that a 5kW solar panel installation could add around $29,000 to the value of a house.
Roof solar panels require little upkeep.
Solar power systems, in general, do not necessitate a lot of upkeep. You only need to keep them relatively clean; a couple of times per year will suffice. After the initial cost of the solar system is covered, you can expect to spend very little on maintenance and repair work.
Other advantages that you can get in installing solar PV panels:
- Renewable energy efficiency
- Inexhaustible generating electricity
- Electricity produced are pollutant-free
- Prevents Global Warming
- Reduces reliance on fossil fuels
- Imports of energy are reduced
- Creates local wealth and employment
- Contributes to long-term development
- It is modular and adaptable; it can be used in a variety of situations.
- Can be used for large-scale energy production as well as small-scale areas cut off from the grid.
Solar panel system price in the Philippines
The majority of energy used in the Philippines comes from nonrenewable sources such as coal, crude oil, natural gas, or uranium. This type of fossil fuel-based energy is increasing year after year. It raises the cost for everyone because it comes from resources that can never be replenished.
Solar energy, on the other hand, is a renewable and long-term energy source. Solar energy is limitless: the world will never run out of it. Homeowners throughout the Philippines are increasingly turning to renewable energy, with solar installation being the most popular option. When compared to the previous ten years, the price of solar panels in the Philippines has now dropped to its lowest level. Solar panels are now reasonably priced. They can now guarantee significant returns.
Solar panels are now being installed on homes throughout the archipelago, with homeowners reporting a significant reduction in their monthly electric bills. Rooftop solar panel system prices in the Philippines are now within the reach of the average family. Homeowners have noticed a 50% reduction in their electricity bills. Solar panels’ effectiveness has been established as facts, and there is an ongoing push to install solar electricity. Every Filipino is attempting to install a solar panel, even the most basic solar systems, to reduce their electric bills. Those who have installed solar panel systems in the Philippines, on the other hand, have a lifetime guarantee on their investments provided by a solar panel local utility company.
Home solar panels are very low-maintenance. Once the solar panels or solar array are in place, there is very little that needs to be done. They’re simple, straightforward, and trouble-free. Solar installers typically provide lifetime warranties for solar panels (10 to 25 years) and provide homeowners with instructions on how to ensure that the solar panels are operating at peak efficiency. Furthermore, some solar panels companies, provide free regular cleaning and maintenance on their panels to their customers.
Sample calculation of solar-powered home savings
Savings from a 5kwp solar panels system typically exceed Php8,000 per month. Every year, that adds up to Php100,000 in savings. Those savings can be used for a variety of purposes, including the children’s education, insurance, recreation, and investments.
Overall, installing a 5kWp solar system in your home saves you approximately Php 2.5 million over 25 years for one customer, not including inflation.
On the other hand, batteries are costly, but they are necessary for energy storage. Off-grid or hybrid systems are preferable in power-scarce areas or where grid power supply is intermittent. Batteries are required in such cases to store solar energy that cannot be collected during the night. Despite increased demand in the market today, battery prices have not decreased.