There are numerous pros and cons of solar panels. The advantages of solar panels far outweigh the cons of solar panels, but this can depend on the area that you live in. If you live in an area that has an average amount of sunlight throughout the year, solar panels might be right for you.
Solar panels have been used to provide electricity to homes and businesses for several years now and have been saving people money on their costly utility bills. This is just one of the advantages you may have already heard about. If you’re considering solar panels, you might like to know more about them first and how they can benefit you and your home. Read on to better understand solar panels to help you make an educated decision.
The semiconductors that convert sunlight into your electricity need to be efficient to provide you with satisfactory electricity.
A home’s general Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is considered efficient if it is above 12 percent. Most solar panels today provide an EER between 11 and 15 percent.
There are multiple types of solar panels available today to suit your budget requirements. Some of those panels though are more efficient than others.
At Peak Power Solar, for example, we only use the products that have been in business for over 10 years, as we know they will be a higher quality panel, and they offer a 25-year warranty.
Here is a list of the common types of solar panels and how efficient they are:
The newest type of solar “panel” is the thin-film solar technology which acts as a type of flexible solar panel and is laminated to windows, metals, and plastic. It can be much cheaper than solid panels as it is easier to install and has an average EER of less than 10 percent.
They are also known to degrade faster than solid panels and have an average lifespan of up to 20 years.
At 15 percent to 20 percent, Monocrystalline panels have the highest energy-efficiency rating out of all panels available for your home. Considering a good energy rating for your home is between 11 and 15 percent, the Monocrystalline panels are a great option for anyone looking to save on their electricity bills.
Their high energy efficiency rating comes from being made from pure silicon. The downside is that they can be pretty expensive.
Developed and manufactured before monocrystalline, a tough rival of the monocrystalline panels is the polycrystalline solar panels. Created by melting the silicon and pouring it into a rectangular mold, the polycrystalline limits its silicon waste and is between 13 percent and 16 percent energy efficient.
They aren’t as tolerant to the heat as their successor and might not last as long but they are slightly cheaper and can provide your household with more than enough energy.
Solar roof shingles are expensive, but they look great. They can make your home look unique and are designed in a way that won’t take away from the appeal of your home but rather add to it.
Basically, these panels imitate the design of traditional roofing. All while providing the energy efficiency to your home of approximately 12 percent.
With proper installation from professionals, they can ensure you receive the best energy efficiency for the price you pay for your panels. We assess your rooftop, design the panel layout based on the best placement of the sun to ensure you get the highest energy rating possible.
Solar Panel installation can typically cost anywhere between $5000 and up to $60,000. Depending on the size of your home, the panels chosen, the labor, and how many panels you will need to cover the energy consumption of your home.
Average-sized households would usually range in solar systems between 10kw – 18kw.
To add a warranty to your panels and installation may sometimes cost more, if not already included in your services. You might also need to consider whether you need a permit and any other type of equipment based on the chosen panels.
Installing solar panels can save you up to 96% on your monthly electricity bills. After you’ve chosen to go solar, you will have to pay a “base” rate which is your local and state taxes, hence the “96% off.”
Solar panels typically need around 4 hours of sunlight a day to be efficient and to effectively convert the sun’s light into energy for your electricity. Arkansas receives approximately 4-5 peak sunlight hours a day so solar panels in Arkansas are generally deemed as efficient.
That’s great news for you, because now you can start thinking about all the savings you can possibly make on your electricity bill and how solar power is better for you and your home in Arkansas.
Here are the pros and cons of solar panels in Arkansas:
Pros | Cons |
There’s enough daylight in Arkansas to justify installing solar panels. | Expensive to install |
Saves you money on your utility bills | Generally takes 7 to 10 years to pay off (against 25 year warranty) |
Works in all climates | Excessive heat can reduce output |
Can increase home values | Not all roofs are right for solar. It depends on things like the strength of your roof, the position of the sun, etc. |
Might be eligible for a 26 percent federal income tax credit | The manufacturing process of building solar panels can be harmful to the environment |
25 year no hassle warranty | The lower the price, the lower the quality |
May have a longer lifespan than 25 years | If you use more electricity in your home, you will need more solar panels to cover the amount of electricity you usually use. This can be very costly. |
Reduces carbon emissions in the environment by using renewable energy | Time-consuming installation process, initial costs are pricey |
Some panels come in attractive designs to add to the allure or uniqueness of your home |
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The average solar panel costs in Arkansas is US$2.63 per kilowatt which is cheaper than most other US states. |
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Average install in Arkansas is 12kw, which is affordable to most Arkansans. |
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Cost-efficient in the long run with huge savings |
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Conclusion
Seeing as the installation of solar panels is expensive, you might decide to stick with electricity. But when you see how much solar power can save you over time, up to thousands of dollars every year, you might reconsider. Solar panels emit less carbon dioxide into the planet, save you on utility costs, are durable and long-lasting, and can increase your home value. If you’re looking for the right way to start saving on your bills, solar panels might be the right option for you.
References
thin-film solar cell | Definition, Types, & Facts | Britannica
Solar Power in Arkansas: All You Need to Know (solar-nation.org)
Solar Panel Efficiency | How Efficient Is Solar Power | Empire Renewable Energy (solarbyempire.com)
Solar Panel Cost Arkansas: Local prices & online estimator (solarreviews.com)
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