Should I buy a solar energy system?

Purchasing a solar energy system is a good option if one or more of the following apply to you: You have the upfront capital to purchase the system or access to a capital through a lender (note: many banks, utilities, and solar installers offer financing arrangements for solar systems).

Are rooftop solar panels a good source of energy?

For homeowners, multi-kilowatt batteries that charge from rooftop solar panels promise resilience in the event of a natural disaster—a reliable, rechargeable, instantaneous source of electricity to keep important devices and appliances running until the grid comes back online.

Can a polycrystalline solar panel be used on a roof?

Alternatively, a lower-cost, slightly less efficient, polycrystalline panel may do the job just as well if you have ample roof space on your home. Many panel manufacturers also build panels containing both mono and polycrystalline wafers to form solar cells, capable of harvesting energy from a wider spectrum of light.

Is a solar lease better than a PPA?

With a solar lease, you pay a fixed monthly lease payment, whereas with a PPA, you agree to purchase the power generated by your system at a set price per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Your savings will be the lowest with a lease or PPA. They can also make it difficult to sell your home if the new owner doesn't want to take over the payments. 4.

How does the photovoltaic effect occur?

The photovoltaic effect occurs when photons from the sun’s rays hit the semiconductive material (typically silicon) in the cell of the solar module. The photons activate electrons, causing them to free themselves from the semiconductive material. Photons hit the solar panel causing electrons to be freed during the photovoltaic effect.