Saturday, November 26, 2011

Solar Panels on a Cloudy

Will solar panels still collect energy on a cloudy day? Does the sun still shine on a cloudy day? Of course it does, however the cloudier the day, the less energy your solar panel will collect. There are those who claim that when there are a few clouds that allow the sun to peak through, the solar panels actually collect more energy.

Why is that, you ask? They say the panels collect the direct sunlight when it peaks through the clouds, but they also collect their power from the sun’s reflection on the clouds. Areas across the United States that work best are the ones where they get the most sunlight throughout the year.

What types of solar panels are there? Actually two: the grid-tied system that will allow you to use the current and the unused power goes into the utility grid; Independent system meaning ‘off the grid’ provides almost all of your electricity, these use batteries to store the power. The second type, sometimes have generators that are used as backup in an emergency.

Who would best benefit from solar panels? Those where electricity is at its peak and costs over $125 per month. Also those in rural areas where electricity is very expensive and may not even be available.

Many states offer incentive programs and if the programs are still in effect after all the recent problems, they claim they will be there through the year of 2016, but check them out as you consider solar panels.

How long will they last? Many are under warranties for twenty years, and do-it-yourselfers solar panels should last as long if they are installed correctly.

How much do they cost? Depends of course on the size of your panels. Some claim they can be paid for in two to three years. Others claim it takes around seventeen years to pay them off.

Who will benefit the most? Where electricity is very expensive (and they’re going up every month). Where the sun shines year round and the southwest gets the most. Those who plan to sell their home in a couple of years because the panels will raise their home’s value.

Aren’t they ugly? You should install them where you get the most sunshine on your property, even on a backyard shed.

Where can you find more information? To have your questions answered, go online, there are numerous web sites that will answer most questions. And there are many questions, and they all need answers, so find those answers as you do your own research.

SolarGem specializes in Orange County solar power, Riverside solar power, San Bernardino solar power, Los Angeles solar power, Orange County solar panels, Riverside solar panels, San Bernardino solar panels, and Los Angeles solar panels.