Thinking of making the move to solar power? We’re huge supporters of solar power and we applaud you. Solar power options are available for commercial, residential, and industrial roofing styles. Not every roof is a good fit for solar; nor is every location appropriate. It is imperative you work with a company that truly understands both the benefits and the limitations associated with solar panel power.
Benefits of Solar Panel Power
Though solar power is not appropriate for everyone, for those who have the option, solar power has so many key benefits to consider. Here are just a few.
Save Money. This benefit is a no-brainer and probably your primary reason for considering the solar option in the first place. By generating part, or all, of your electricity needs, you reduce or even eliminate what you spend on your local electric company each and every month…for a very, very long time.
Control. Solar panel power offers you control, financially, emotionally, and physically. You have more control over rising energy costs, more control over your monthly finances and much more control should an emergency occur, and your electric grid is impacted.
Incentives. With the concept of net metering (where the local electric company can and does purchase excess electricity from you) and SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits), you can actually make money, in the form of cash or credits, while generating your own electricity.
Investment. The presence of solar panel power on a building increases its market value. Depending on location, that increase can exceed 10% or more! This can be a great investment.
Environmentally friendly. Many people are extremely concerned about the environmental impact of carbon emissions. Solar panel power offers a clean, sustainable energy source which will greatly reduce the carbon footprint of your business.
Types of Solar Panels
Free Guide: How to Switch to Commercial
Monocrystalline. The oldest of the solar panel types, monocrystalline panels have solar cells made of pure silicon. A panel consists of 40 of these square-shaped cells and is black in color. Other pertinent information about monocrystalline solar panels:
- Reaches up to 20% efficiency.
- Most expensive type of panel.
- Temperature coefficient of -0.3% C to -0.5% C.
Polycrystalline. An update from the monocrystalline panel, polycrystalline panels are also made of pure silicon, though it is silicon fragments that have been melted together. This is then sliced into wafers which are assembled into the panel, which is blue in color. Other pertinent information about polycrystalline solar panels:
- Reaches 15% to 17% efficiency.
- Mid-range type of panel.
- Temperature coefficient of -0.3% C to -0.5% C.
Thin-Film. The newest of the panel options, thin-film panels are not always made of silicon, but may be made of cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide or amorphous silicon. The biggest difference is the panels are about 350 times thinner than the crystalline options. They may be either blue or black in color. Other pertinent information about thin-film panes:
- Reaches +/- 11% efficiency.
- Most expensive panel style.
- Temperature coefficient of -0.2%.
Want to know more about solar panel power and your options? Call us today at 800-670-5583 and schedule a no-obligation consultation.
