Solar energy is the best way to make your home energy-independent
Residential solar energy solutions like solar panels or shingles are something you must have considered for your home at some point in time. And for good reasons, as they not only take your home off the grid but also reduce emissions from dirty energy sources.
In fact, if you’re looking to build a sustainable home or make your present home green, then solar solutions are a must-have.
Already, 79 percent of the country’s energy needs are fulfilled by fossil fuels, a major source of climate change. However, by going 100 percent solar, you can reduce your carbon footprint significantly; while also saving big on energy expenses.
But aren’t residential solar solutions all about installing solar panels?
Certainly not.
You see, the common assumption around solar-powered homes is that they’re ones with photovoltaic panels atop their roofs.
And while it’s true that solar panels are predominant in the green energy market, they aren’t the only solar products to make your home eco-friendly. That’s because the solar industry has come a long way to now include amazing materials to illuminate your property, provide your home with a warm water supply, and more.
In case you’re wondering, here’s what these home solar energy solutions are:
#1. Solar shingles for all your household energy needs
If there’s one best way you can have green energy for all purposes, it’s through solar shingles.
How?
Well, since solar shingles overcome every shortcoming of their predecessor, i.e., the solar panels, the advantages they offer are endless.
To begin with, solar panels are known for their bulkiness, something that increases the overall weight of your roofing system. As such, you’d end up installing roof reinforcements to support the increased weight.
On the contrary, solar shingles feature a very lightweight construct that adds little weight to your roof.
Further, while you couldn’t rely on solar panels to sufficiently power your entire home, that’s not the case with shingles. So you can have all your electricity needs fulfilled by solar shingles, thus having 100 percent off-the-grid energy.
Did you know your solar shingles can even earn you money?
Yes, that is possible.
The Florida net metering program allows you to store and sell the excess energy produced by your shingles to the grid.
That’s awesome, isn’t it?
There’s more to solar roofing shingles
Contrary to solar panels, which you need to mount on your roof, solar shingles like the Apollo solar roofing system can be used as actual roofing.
In fact, sturdy roofing shingles like these fare better over traditional roofs, given that they can stand winds up to 150 MPH.
Also, as solar shingles integrate into just about any roofing system, you can install them on top of your existing roofline without ruining outdoor aesthetics.
#2. Solar lighting to reduce your energy consumption
You see, even though solar shingles can cover your entire energy needs, they do require you to make an upfront investment; and that might prevent you from going solar.
However, as we discussed earlier, residential solar energy solutions aren’t just about shingles and panels. Meaning you can still opt for cost-effective solar solutions.
Solar lighting is one such affordable solution that can illuminate your entire home with clean energy for free.
As a matter of fact, lighting accounts for 15 percent of average household energy consumption. That means by switching over to solar lighting; you can significantly cut back your electricity costs.
Solar lighting as a DIY-friendly and low-maintenance solution
The scope of solar lamps isn’t confined to increased savings on utility, as they’re also ideal for DIY installations. That’s because, unlike traditional lighting materials, solar lights don’t include complex wirings, making them very easy to install across the house.
Also, solar lights have little to zero maintenance requirements since the panels powering the system have a long service life of 25-30 years, while the lamps themselves can illuminate for up to 75000 hours.
Sounds awesome, doesn’t it?
Solar lights are reliable for nighttime safety
Ensuring nighttime safety could be one of your biggest challenges. And it’s not just you facing it, as figures suggest that, on average, three burglaries happen every minute across the country, most of it during the dead of night.
So no matter what neighborhood you stay in, it’s always better to secure your property with outdoor lighting, as well-lit homes are far less likely to be targeted by burglars.
Talking about outdoor illumination, nothing compares to the reliability that solar-powered or hybrid lamps offer.
Take, for instance, the Sol-Pol solar lamps that can keep your outdoor space illuminated even if there’s no electricity. While the Sol-Pol lamps are based on solar energy, they can also be powered by an additional wind turbine, making them even more versatile.
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#3. Solar water heating systems
Another excellent way of switching over to solar energy on a shoestring budget is by installing a whole-house solar water heater.
You might wonder, is a solar water heating system worthwhile?
The answer to that lies in the fact that 20 percent of American household energy expenses result from water heating. That means you can have zero water heating costs by simply installing a solar assisted heat pump.
So how does a water heater powered by solar energy work?
An active solar water heating system or solar assisted heat pump is powered by a dedicated solar panel and runs very similar to a solar roofing system.
And that’s also why solar water heaters with longevity between 15 and 20 years outlast traditional grid-powered water heaters.
Wondering what the domestic solar water heater price is?
According to HomeGuide, a water heater powered by a solar panel can cost you anywhere between $2300 and $6000. And you can easily offset this amount by saving up on your water heating costs.
Amazing, right?
You might also want to read – Solar Assisted Heat Pumps: Everything You Need To Know About.
#4. Passive solar water heaters
While solar assisted heat pumps are an excellent way to reduce your dependence on the grid, the fact that they need solar panels to generate energy increases their overall cost.
Nevertheless, there is a low-cost solar water heating solution in the form of passive solar water heaters.
With passive solar water heater prices ranging between $1000 and $3700, they cost about half the price of an active solar water heater.
So what makes these passive solar heating systems so affordable?
You see, unlike active solar water heaters that run on electricity generated by solar panels, passive heaters use direct sunlight to warm water.
These heating systems pass water through a collector tube which is heated by sunlight, thus increasing the temperature of the water. And since no extra heating systems or electrical components are needed in this process, the manufacturing costs are way lesser than their active counterparts.
You might also want to read – 5 Benefits Of Installing A Solar Water Heater In Your Home.
#5. Solar-powered air conditioners
Did you know that residential air conditioning costs a whopping $29 billion to homeowners each year?
This is especially true for the warm southern states of Florida, Texas, Arizona, etc., to name a few. In fact, people have even admitted that air conditioning alone accounts for over 50% of their energy bills during the summer months.
But not anymore, as you can now keep your home cool for absolutely free with solar-powered air conditioning.
You see, a solar air conditioner works just like your traditional air conditioning unit, except that it draws power entirely from solar PV panels. So, there isn’t much difference in terms of functionality.
Moreover, these air conditioners also offer retrofitting and are available as split, window-mounted, and duct-based systems. All you’ve got to do is replace your traditional ACs with a compatible solar alternative.
While solar air conditioners are not new to the market, they’ve never been as much in demand. However, that’s changing fast thanks to their increased efficiency and reduced costs.
How does a residential solar air conditioner work?
A solar air conditioner is powered by solar panels that convert the sun’s energy to generate electricity. This electricity is then used for two purposes, namely, to power the air conditioner and to charge the connected batteries for nighttime usage.
Also, some solar air conditioners work on the solar-thermal model. Herein, they use heat from ambient air to heat water, which then drives the refrigerant.
Now, like other high quality solar solutions, most solar ACs are hybrid. Meaning they can also be connected to the grid and used like traditional air conditioners.
How much does a solar-powered air conditioner for home cost?
According to Angi, installing solar-powered air conditioners can cost you in the range of $1600 to $13,000. That’s because while stand-alone window-mounted solar ACs are generally cost-efficient, centralized air conditioners are expensive.
Also, various add-ons, such as solar panels, batteries, installation labor, etc., increase the overall cost.
In all, you can expect to pay $3400, on average, for solar air conditioning in a regular family home.
#6. Solar EV Charging Station
EVs are the new definition of sustainability and luxury when it comes to top-rated American cars. Not to mention that it also saves you enormously on fuel costs, especially as gas prices soar.
But your EV isn’t really eco-friendly and affordable till you’re plugging it into your grid-powered home charging station.
Nevertheless, with a residential solar EV charging station, you can experience a 100% sustainable and free-of-charge commute.
Although solar-powered charging stations have been around for some time, they’re now also available as at-home set-ups.
Interesting, isn’t it?
How do solar EV charging stations work?
Solar EV chargers for home work just like your typical charging station. However, instead of being connected to your home’s main electrical system, they’re powered by independent solar panels.
In fact, notwithstanding the type of charger you use, solar panels can sufficiently power your EV charging. That’s because solar EV charging stations can power all three EV chargers, namely, level 1, level 2, and DC fast chargers.
Also, you can still have the charging station connected to grid power, making it work as a hybrid module.
How much does a solar EV charging station cost?
According to the latest market estimates, you can expect to pay between $2000 and $3000 for a residential solar EV charging station.
And while it might sound expensive upfront, solar EV chargers have an impressive payback period of 3-4 years, which is the best among all residential solar energy solutions.
You see, these chargers save you an average of $720 every year on EV charging expenses. Meaning not only can you recover your initial investment entirely but also charge your vehicle for free, a win-win for both your wallet and the environment,
You might also want to read – The 8 Best Solar Street Lights.
Bonus: Residential solar energy solutions make you eligible for federal tax credits
Savings and eco-friendliness apart, by opting for solar energy, you also stand a good chance to benefit from the federal investment tax credit (ITC) scheme.
As you might be aware, the federal government offers a tax credit of 26 percent of your total solar investment. Meaning, you stand to offset 26 percent of the total amount of your residential solar system through tax savings.
Moreover, if you’re planning on availing of this scheme, now is the best time to go solar. That’s because, in August, Congress extended the tax credit to 30 percent for the time period between 2022-2032.
And that means only one thing: more savings on solar.
The final word
Powering your home with solar is more than just saving up on energy costs, as you also stand to make your home sustainable.
As residents of the Sunshine State, we have enough sunlight to cover all our energy needs with solar power; all the more reason you should consider residential solar energy solutions.
Looking for your ideal residential solar solutions?
You can reach out to us.
At Eco-$mart Inc, we have an extensive range of solar energy solutions for homes. From solar shingles to lights to heating systems, and more, we’ve top solar solutions from leading manufacturers.
The best thing: We offer you the most affordable prices on the market.
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