The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit allows taxpayers to claim the credit for qualifying expenditures incurred for existing homes or additions or renovations of existing homes, not for newly built ones. Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular as a way to generate clean and renewable energy, and homeowners and businesses are investing in them to increase their home’s value. According to Zillow, homes with solar panels sell for about $900,000. Taxpayers who make improvements like replacing old doors and windows, installing solar panels, or upgrading a hot water heater may qualify.
Investing in energy improvements for their main home, including solar, wind, geothermal, fuel cells, or battery storage, may qualify for an annual tax credit. Solar electric systems provide an opportunity for anyone looking to reduce monthly utility bills and make a long-term, low-risk investment. Solar panels can benefit homeowners more than other renovations because they increase their home’s value, eliminate or reduce their electricity bill, and make the home more attractive to prospective buyers.
Qualified improvements may include adding insulation, solar energy systems, small wind turbines, and geothermal equipment into your principal. Solar panels offer the best payback, up to $400 return, and can even increase home value by an average of 6.8!
Qualified improvements may include adding insulation, solar energy systems, small wind turbines, and geothermal equipment into your principal. Solar panels can increase home value by an average of 6.8! The quality depends on who completes it, but numerous studies have shown that solar houses sell for more. In summary, installing solar panels is a home improvement that increases property value, providing both short- and long-term benefits and savings.
📹 Solar Panel Comparison: What to Consider Before Buying
Before buying solar panels for emergency preparedness, there are several different options you should consider. In this video …
Do solar panels require maintenance?
Solar panels require minimal maintenance, especially when tilted, and are recommended to be cleaned two to four times per year. Clean from the ground, using a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleaner, and clean early in the morning to prevent heat damage. Panel warranties do not cover maintenance and cleaning, but if damaged, they are usually covered. Cold water and hot panels do not mix.
How many solar panels are needed for the average home?
The average solar panel system in India consists of 10-15 panels, generating 3-5 kilowatts of power. Larger homes or those with higher energy consumption require more panels. The cost of a solar panel system in India varies depending on the size and location, with an average cost of Rs. 1-2 lakhs. This includes the cost of solar panels, inverter, battery, and installation. However, government subsidies and incentives can reduce the cost of solar panel systems in India. The Indian government offers tax breaks and financial incentives for homeowners installing solar panels, while many states also offer their own incentives for solar power.
What are the negatives of solar power?
Solar energy has both advantages and disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the high initial costs of installing panels, which is declining as the industry expands. Solar energy storage is expensive, and solar panels are dependent on sunlight. However, solar energy offers several advantages, including being a renewable source, reducing carbon emissions, and using little to no water. Additionally, solar energy can reduce reliance on the grid and help save on electricity bills.
Some homeowners may even have excess power that they can sell to the utility, allowing them to get paid by the utility instead of paying a utility for electricity. To save money, homeowners can choose solar lights powered by the sun instead of their home’s electrical system. Overall, solar energy offers numerous benefits that can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable living.
Can a solar panel power a home?
Solar power can be used to power a house completely, with some homeowners using expansive solar panel systems to go off the grid and create self-sustaining ecosystems. However, homeowners typically use local energy providers as a backup for cloudy days or long periods of bad weather. In some states, electric companies charge low fixed charges to remain connected to the grid, while in others, solar panels can be set up to funnel excess energy back into the grid.
Energy companies provide credits for drawing free energy back from the grid. The number of solar panels needed depends on factors such as location, energy usage, panel efficiency, and the power capacity of the panels. A quick internet search can provide answers ranging from 15 to 45 panels.
Is it beneficial to install solar panels at home?
Solar panels are a great investment for homes in areas that receive a lot of sunlight, such as Karnataka, where solar energy is the top solar state in India. However, if your house is surrounded by trees and shade, solar energy may not be as efficient. To install solar panels on your roof, you need a roof with ample space, clear of chimneys or other fixtures. Smaller systems are more expensive and require high labor costs.
High electricity bills are a major reason for shifting to solar energy, as the investment in solar panels is less than half of your electricity bill. A solar rooftop installation can reduce 80-90 percent of your monthly electricity bill, and an A 5kW solar system can generate around 600 units and save Rs. 4, 200 per month.
If your house meets any of the criteria, solar panels may not be the right fit for you. For example, if your house is situated in a shady area with many trees or buildings, solar panels may not be the right fit for you. Additionally, older or historic homes with steeper roofs may not be suitable for solar panel installation.
In India, solar panels are suitable for the Indian climate, and if your local government does not offer incentives or subsidies, a solar panel investment may not be the right choice for your home.
What are the 6 disadvantages of solar energy?
Solar energy has gained popularity due to its renewable and eco-friendly benefits. However, the installation process is a complex and lengthy process with numerous factors to consider. While solar panels offer renewable energy, reduced electric bills, energy independence, increased home resale value, long-term savings, and low maintenance, they also have drawbacks such as high costs, dependence on sunlight, space constraints, expensive storage, installation difficulties, and environmental impact of manufacturing and disposal.
Relocation can be difficult, and materials scarcity can pose challenges. Despite these drawbacks, solar energy offers numerous benefits, including reduced electric bills, energy independence, increased home resale value, long-term savings, and low maintenance. Despite these drawbacks, solar panels can last 25 to 30 years.
How often do solar panels need to be cleaned?
Solar panel cleaning is generally recommended every six months, but it may be necessary to schedule it earlier or wait longer depending on the location. Dusty farmlands or the desert may require more frequent cleaning, while Seattle may require less due to increased rainfall. The best times for solar panel cleaning are at the end of winter and summer, as these are the two months when the most buildup and debris accumulate.
Debris, such as dust, leaves, and bird droppings, can cause energy loss and hinder the performance of solar panels. String inverters and micro-inverters can also be affected by bird droppings, which can hinder current flow. Rain can wash off some debris, but it is essential to maintain the cleanliness of solar panels. A study found that dirty panels can cause up to five lowered efficiency levels, and a thorough cleaning can increase efficiency by 3. 5. Without monthly cleaning, dirty panels can result in 30 energy losses annually.
What is the lifespan of solar panels?
Solar panels are designed to last for decades, with some lasting up to 40 years. However, after 25 years, their power production and efficiency decline due to the solar panel degradation rate. A 2015 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that solar panels have an average degradation rate of 0. 5 per year, meaning that after four years, energy production will be 2 less than when installed, and after 20 years, it will be 10 less. Therefore, solar panels should be replaced with more efficient alternatives.
Do solar panels have a future?
The world is expected to increase its renewable capacity by over 50% in the next five years, surpassing the previous 100 years. Renewables will become the largest source of electricity generation in 2025, accounting for over 42 percent of global electricity generation by 2028. China will account for almost 60 percent of new renewable capacity by 2028. By 20230, the G20 could triple their collective installed capacity. Solar panel building materials, such as Tesla’s solar tiles, are already being integrated into traditional roofing materials.
What is the biggest drawback of solar panels?
Solar energy offers numerous advantages, including being a renewable source, reducing carbon emissions, and reducing electricity bills. However, it has its disadvantages, such as high initial costs, expensive storage, and not being suitable for all roof types. Additionally, solar panels are dependent on sunlight, which can be a drawback.
On the other hand, solar energy is clean and does not produce greenhouse gases, which can be harmful to the environment. It also uses minimal water, unlike steam turbine-powered power plants. Additionally, solar energy can help reduce reliance on the grid, as homeowners can sell excess power to the utility instead of paying for electricity.
To save money on your electricity bill, consider using solar lights powered by the sun instead of your home’s electrical system. By incorporating solar energy into your home, you can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and enjoy the benefits of renewable energy.
Will solar panels ever be 100% efficient?
The efficiency of solar cells is unlikely due to limitations in semiconductor technology and the Shockley-Queisser Limit. Factors affecting solar panel efficiency include lab testing, which provides optimal conditions like sunlight exposure and prime wavelength exposure. However, these conditions are not always feasible outside of the lab, and environmental factors such as roof angles, shade, and weather patterns are not controlled outside of a lab environment. Therefore, it is crucial to consider these factors when evaluating solar panel efficiency and the type of solar panels available for rooftop installation.
📹 Solar Panels – Home Improvement Podcast
This week we talk about solar panels and we had an interview with Dandelion Energy about geothermal heating and cooling.
I am a mom of 4 and a newbie at all of this. Perhaps if you could put out a “for beginners with zero knowledge” article to show us how to connect the panels to a source? What wires go where and how to actually plug things in. How to connect to a solar generator and how and where to access the power needed. Sounds trivial I know but I’m sure there are more individuals like myself who could benefit from step by step dumbed down instruction. Appreciate your content!
I went with a major name brand solar panel Kyocera solar. I have a small off grid cabin, so 12 volts is good enuf, instead of 24 volt. 600 watts is more than enuf for my cabin. 6000ft elevation, so no AC needed in summer time. Runs my TEN TEC ARGOSY 525 and thats all I need for hf communications. Using a Morningstar 30 amp charger. 6 volt batteries that are now 9 years old. The trick is never take them down below 50%. Otherwise, you take life away out of them. I bought used panels off Craigslist. 120watt Kyocera solar panels. Good deal!
I think the main thing that preppers need to understand is the difference between small systems that are good for camping, powering your phone and a few light bulbs VS. large systems that will actually power your house. I see a lot of articles (not this one) that mislead folks into believing that small systems are going to hold them up when SHTF. For reference, you need to look at about 10,000-20,000 Watts of solar panels, 20-40kWhrs of battery backup and 8,000-10,000 Watts of inverter to run 80% of a typical house.
Regarding the Inergy Solar Panels, they are configured in a proprietary fashion with EC8 connectors that really only makes them usable with Inergy products. They are wired to daisy chain together to an Inergy Kodiak, Apex, or Flex unit. There is no positive or negative wire like you find on solar panels traditionally.
I hope someone can help me, I have 8 used good shape commercial solar panels 36.77V 220w each. Model CHSM6610P-220 (220W). I want to install them on my 16′ cargo trailer vto have complete power off grid to use it as a toy hauler / travel trailer. Being off grid for a week at a time. I also want to use the trailer as an emergency power system for my mobile home when the power goes out so I plan on having a connection to power my mobile home in those cases. I already have a 5,000 watt 12v sine wave inverter with 8 to 10k surge. Will be installing a 14k HVAC system in the trailer to keep cool and heat when needed during hunting season. What would be the best way to connect my solar panels together and a good solar controller should I use. Also how many batteries do you think I would need to accomplish this? The trailer will have water and a on demand propane tankless water heater and small fridge with led lighting as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I’ve been experimenting with a variety of these devices. When you decide to go solar, define your needs first. Optimize those needs to reduce power requirements, then find the products that will meet them. If you take heating (from a pot of coffee to a living area) off the table, it’s amazing what you can run with just a few solar panels, from a 20W-30W folder for device and battery charging, to a couple of fixed 100W panels to run a refrigerator, laptop, and charge tool batteries.
Say City Prepping I don’t see the solar panel I am interested in. I had watched a show from Berlin which had an artist using solar panels to be used in a non conventional manner. The artist has designed a solar powered table, and had also had this large thin transparent flexible sheet to place directly over a window on a building. So there are various sizes of this particular panel. Would you know where to find those types of solar panels. There was no information give where those types are made in this article. Your usage for solar panels is more on the practical side and I’m geared toward the creative usage of incorporating them in a non conventional manner. Would you have any knowledge where these other types in looking for are available? Oh, I found the solar panels I’m interested in. They’re made in the Netherlands and designed by the engineer named Marjan von Aubel. She’s very versatile and forward thinking with her designs and usage for solar panels.
Wait, I need a lawyer, or an engineer. “If one cell section is covered the entire panel will cease to output energy” except that doesn’t seem like what you showed? It looked like both panels weren’t putting out anything after covering one panel. And it looked like you covered half a panel and got about half as much. Went by so fast I couldn’t understand. I’ve watched it 4 times now. Can anyone help with clarity?
Excellent article. The efficiency of info being condensed in this one is incredible. You should review more items and make a review website. Your really really good. I’m glad to have solar for a hobby, starting about 6 years ago. I personally found flexible sun power panels to be most efficient and lightweight while giving good value for the $. The down side is they aren’t as tough an option, so you have to be careful with them. A few tips for those learning. Buy the silver bubble wrap style insulation, and use it to refract more light into panels you already have for super cheap. Save weight, increase power output, and make use of what you already have to the fullest extent. In the years I’ve tested and played with this “cheat” I’ve had zero I’ll effects with many type panels. I’ve proved some serious gain in output using this simple method. As in 50+% output, consistent. Maybe reduce panel life over extensive time, but worth the mention. Mppt solar controller is a MUST. Worth the $ for making full use of the panels you intend to use. Also, check out diy solar projects with Will Prouse. Excellent website for in-depth reviews on storage and solar, giving you the best value for the $ possible. Highly recommend, just as this website.
The thing about a lot of electrical preps is unless you’re using them often, they tend to lose their ‘zero point’ I think the term is. It’s not something you can just throw in the BoB and forget it for a year, or it’ll be useless by the time you might need it, you wouldn’t know, and you wasted the resources that could have otherwise gone to something you would still be able to use, like mechanical handtools.. Just my experience with buying dynamo hand-crank items, they lose that functionality. Even a powerbank that I got with a hand crank.. the usb charge still works fine.. But the hand-crank is dead. If I didn’t use it regularly to charge an item when the slots on my PC are at a premium, it would also probably be dead at this point. Guess if you’re going for these bigger ticket items try to incorporate them into your life instead of having them sitting there as a ‘just-in-case’ item.
Hello I really appreciate all your helpful articles. I am new to prepping. We live in Arizona so it’s sunny all the time however we are very close to our neighbors so when TSHTF I want to be prepared and under the radar so it appears the solar way is the way to go. My concerns is powering a refrigerator and probably some kind electric cook-top. We have spent a lot of money on meat And I think cooking outside even with a propane camp stove would draw a lot of attention. Can you tell me what type of solar panels/generators would be good for this? Thank you
What an awesome comparison. Actually the best I’ve seen. Unfortunately I need one so bad but I’m on an extremely limited budget and I’ve only been prepping and stocking food for about 7-8 months so I still have a long way to go. I still need water options so I need to figure out how I can get what I need
Thanks for this well documented article AND for including the great Off Grid TREK solar blankets. Also a bit expensive! but well worth it for the efficiency and features, I have the 220 watt Off Grid TREK solar blanket to charge my BLUETTI AC200 MAX lithium IRON phosphate battery for charging my E-CELLS e-mountain bike (and a cooler in my SUV). BTW, Off Grid TREK now makes a 300 watt solar blanket. At about $2,000. you are buying the highest efficiency and most durability.
Any chance you have an extra panel you’ve reviewed that’s 100 watt with a mp4 adapter for the 300 watt Golabs. I’ll pay you for it. Was looking for a fold up. Just looking for something to continue my experiments with my grandchildren with solar until I can afford the panel I actually really want. If this is inappropriate, I apologize.
Hi City Prepping, I am very thankful I found your website by chance! Your articles are very informative & easy to follow. I was not specific enough in my question to you. I am not sure what connections I need for the Off Grid Trek 300w Solar blanket to connect to my Anker solix f3800. Could you let me know if there are any other connections I would need to get? I’m thankful for how you have helped us all. I have joined City Prepping.
I have found it depends on your location and how reliable your sun light is and your battery bank for storage. I have a gas generator as back up to charge my generator on the stormy days in winter. I strongly recommend a back-up if freezer is on line. I like solar and am looking forward to panel break throughs and Storage improvement.
I started buying panels a few years ago. The latest buy was by far the best, on used one’s on ebay by a company in AZ does specializes in such. Many solar panels farms get completely warranted and some are just fine to use for years and years, Take advantage of the cooperate write off and warranty stuff is my advice.
Might want to mention that the blanket from off-grid trek is a trickle only charge. Meaning it holds no charge within the unit, you have to be connected to USB and let it charge slowly. So hard to use while backpacking. You would need to wait until you get to camp unless you connect your device to USB port while hiking with the blanket unrolled. Also just so others are aware. There is no user manual for this. So if you are new to solar charging and expect to power up this device and then quickly charge your phone later, this isn’t the answer. Nothing explains that when you receive it. So just be aware of what you are purchasing before hand. I’m sure it works great, but you will be waiting quite a while for a full charge on your device.
Hello I am a new subscriber. I’m a 64-year-old lady that lives in Clearwater Florida and I’ve had my electricity and air-conditioning turned off because of hurricanes or for other reasons. So I’m looking for an easy system that I don’t have to do a lot with so I was looking at that Solar blanket or that power film blanket type. Would you recommend to me and easy to use and work solar generator and I here I have to get a inverter and then which combination if I was your mother would you give me if I had to do this on my own. I appreciate you getting back with me can’t wait to hear. Thank you Carrie
Whoa up…I have rigid monocrystaline 100 watt panel’s and even on heavily clouded day’s the produce power…not as much as on a sunny day but produce power! I believe the Charge Controller makes the biggest difference. I use a MPPT now but I started out with a PWM! The difference in the amount of power you get from a MPPT versus a PWM is like night and day!!! But and this is the really expensive part…you must have a battery bank big enough to store the energy you truly need!°°
Thank u for ur help,I could do with one that would charge my phone maybe be able to watch TV it would be to dear for me to get a solar panel that I could HV my fridge frezzer working,I’ve to many other things I Nd to get,am hpn to do my bug out bag this wk and a small case in wheels with medication and important papers incase if any kind of emergency,also I can use bug out bag kit in garden as it’s hit here in UK at present,also use for a small long wkend holiday break,I just hp I never Nd it to use for emergencys,if u can recommend which one I Nd to charge my oh or run a small desk fan of better still the TV that would be brill please and what company I would HV to get my family to order fir me I’m a bit dyeslIxea,I must do my camping gear first,thank u
so where to do you suggest I go to learn what these panels will hook up too? I have a Blueitti but I got the 3 120W panels that go with it. In order to charge it via solar I have to use all 3 =360W..I think, I don’t think it will charge with only 2. So getting one of these 200W wouldn’t be enough to charge my Blueitti? This is what totally confuses me about solar panels.
If you live in a low Sun area as in the deep south central inexspencive solar panel kits as Harbor Freight sells can work – the active material on those panels is very thin – an inexpencive solar panel might only handle a yr of sun in the south west and the material will brake down and the out put will sharply decrease – were the better panels can last for decades in full sun day in and day out – I know of panels that were installed on micro wave repeters 30 yrs ago that still generate full power in the south west
Good luck getting your hands on an Inergy flex anytime soon.. Ordered mine 14 months ago and was told they were 2months out to sending my unit due to them only shipping orders that were placed March 2020 at the moment. Had to get a a jackery 1500 to hold me off just in case for this years hurricane season. Hope they have been performing for those whom already received their units.
I have a friend of my son who has 160 12×18 5w panels he purchased but never used. He was selling them for $12 each, but only $8 if I was gonna buy the whole lot at once (a lot of people were only buying a couple). I’m not looking at portability, just to add to the house. The roofline I’d put them on is completely southward facing with no shade. I know I’d still need to install them myself (or pay someone more likely), but are they worth purchasing?
When others have done these articles as you have, it’s interesting to note that there is no mention of anything related to Goal Zero. They were the original introduction to this kind of tech. I jumped on the early bandwagon and bought one of their hernia Yeti’s with an agm battery in them. Goal Zero had a great initial idea but with so many other decent players on the market with much more competitive pricing, Goal Zero seems to have fallen by the wayside. For the majority of their products, their overall cost per watt is extremely high! I’m a jackary fan and have a couple of the lithium 500 units but I’m now starting to lean toward ecoflow.
San Tan solar sells used 250 watt panels for 50 dollars a panel, not applicable for roof mounting, but a ground mount does not require permits. The cost per wat of over a dollar you say is a good deal in this article indicates a lack of knowledge of the topic. Anyone looking for more information, Will Prowse, has a great YouTube website that goes into detail on solar generators, small, and large setups with the correct information. This article praises over priced rolling panels that will fail in 6months, and should only be used to charge phones and small led lights.
Been wanting to purchase a solar generator and solar panels, but living here in the PNW we get rain and overcast days 7 or8 monthsout if the year, so unsure if getting one or even which one would be a good investment being those conditions exist. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated. Would,want one to make sure 2 refrigerators and a some otherlights be able to be kept working.
If you’re joining a load of panels together they need to be matched for output. An array of panels with a range of outputs will be capped at the lowest output at the inverter. The excess is dissipated as heat causing heat stress on the inverter and reducing it’s life. Retailers might not care too much about this as they can sell you another inverter in two or three years time or sooner depending on your location and how badly balanced they are. The higher the rating for the panels the more closely the panel outputs need to be matched. For example 2% range in outputs at 20% efficiency is about twice the heat stress for a 2% range at 10% efficiency.
Electrical engineer here… Amperes translate into Coulombs per second. A coulomb is just a unit representing quantity, like the word dozen in “a dozen bagels” is a stand-in for 12. One coulomb is 6242*10^15 electrons. Its a similar notion to a mole, if youve studied chemistry; just a different large number. So an ampere represents how many electrons flow past in a given second. Volt translates into joules per coulomb. Essentially, how much energy (in joules) one coulomb of electrons transfers from place to place. Multiplied together… ampere times volt = (coulombs / second) * (joules / coulomb) = joules / second = Watt. Its the rate at which some amount of coulombs moves energy from place to place, or power.
Really useful. Thank you. I was wondering the other day other than a small solar charger for the phone was there an option that was more portable, practical for camping or caravans. Don’t get to hear a lot in the UK about the other options, as solar panels are only becoming more common in last 5 years. Other than solar lights, I only knew from American hiking websites about solar websites. Cheers.