Solar Roof Panels: You may never have to pay for electricity again!, by Stu Silverman

Solar roof panels have come a long way from their beginnings. No more chunky rectangular panels mounted on top of your roof, facing the direction of the sun so you can get hot water for your shower or pool.

Sell unused power to the utility company

Today, solar energy can be used throughout the entire house, and any extra energy that you don't use gets sent back to the utility company. Wouldn't it be nice to get a check in the mail from your electric company?

It's happening right now, as a matter of fact. In Oregon, people who generate solar power can now sell their excess energy to the power company, which is required to buy it. And there are tax credits issued for purchasing solar powered water heaters and space heaters, and for other uses of solar energy.

Wouldn’t it be nice to get a check in the mail from your electric company?

Solar power is environmentally friendly

Although many homeowners are aware of the environmental benefits of using solar power, they are typically reluctant to embrace the technology due to the cost of installing a solar roof – even through solar power is free. And then there's the opinion that having all those glass panels on the roof just isn't very attractive. As a result, many don't consider solar power at all.

Well start thinking about solar energy again, because technology has made installing solar panels on your roof as easy as installing shingles or tiles. In fact, new solar panels can be made to look like roof shingles and tiles. They are called photovoltaic modules, and they convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Solar panels look like normal roofing

Photovoltaic modules (or PV for short), can be integrated into roofing materials, and the result is a solar system that is difficult to notice on the outside – but you sure will notice it when you get your utility bill. PV roofing panels come in asphalt, standing seam metal roofing, concrete tile and slate. Once the PV modules are installed, they can protect your roof from storms and bad weather, and on bright sunny days you will get free electricity all through your home.

How solar panels convert energy

When your solar panel roof is installed, an inverter is placed next to your home's electrical panel. This inverter converts the PV-produced electricity into utility-compatible AC electricity; your PV system will also have battery storage that will produce electricity even when the sun isn't shining.

Most residential PV systems are used along with utility-supplied power; any excess power produced during daytime hours can be fed back into the power grid. Utility power can still be used in the home when the demand for electrical energy is greater than can be supplied by the PV roofing.

Can combine solar and utility power

Typical residential PV systems commonly have a peak power production of between 1200 to 5000 watts, produced by 150 to over 1000 square feet of roof area, and depending on the efficiency of the PV technology used.

Solar panels or PV roofing systems can reduce the amount of electricity you use in your home. However, the initial start-up costs can make you question your decision.

A solar panel system will pay off – in the long term

Over the long term, the end results will be well worth the initial costs, and you will have an attractive, silent, environmentally friendly, electricity-producing power plant. Also, your PV system requires only sunlight to run it, plus it should operate for 40 years or more without additional costs.

Over a 40-year life, PV systems will cost an estimated 18 cents per kWh, compared with conventional electricity, which is approximately 7 cents per kWh. So PV energy costs much more than you currently pay for electricity – but perhaps less than what you will be paying 20 years from now.

You can get subsidies and tax credits

Most power companies have programs that will help you with the initial costs of installing your PV system. Solar power has been around for awhile, but it's only starting to get the recognition it deserves.

Installing solar energy cells could be one of the best investments you will ever make to improve the value of your home, while helping the environment. Once installed, there's no doubt that it'll be a decision you'll be happy you made every time you open your electric bill.