Photovoltaics Basics: You're likely most familiar with PV, which is utilized in solar panels. When the sun shines onto a solar panel, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the PV cells in the panel. This energy creates electrical charges that move in response to an internal electrical field in the cell, causing electricity to flow.

Going solar can reduce your electric bill dramatically, to the point where it's not a significant player in your monthly budget. Some fortunate homeowners can even eliminate their electric bill depending on your location.

Our in-house design team will consider several key factors to design and size your custom solar panel system, which ultimately determines the final cost for solar panels and installation. The good news is that it is relatively easy to obtain a solar loan that allows you to purchase a solar panel system with little or no upfront costs.

Solar panels generally require very little maintenance to function. The only thing they need is a periodic light cleaning to make sure dirt, leaves, and other debris aren't obstructing the sun's rays. The only time you may need more extensive maintenance is during periods of heavy snowfall, or if your panels' energy output starts to decrease. Let's take a closer look at how to make sure your solar panels last as long as possible.

1. Solar energy reduces your monthly power bill
One of the most significant benefits that solar energy will present to you right away is a lower utility bill. Because your energy needs are being met by your new solar system, your energy bills will drop significantly. In fact, you may even receive credits for the surplus energy that your system produces, which will offset your bill even more.

2. Solar energy provides lucrative tax incentives
The most talked-about benefits of solar energy are the tax incentives associated with it. Right now, qualifying homeowners who opt to get solar panels can get 26% of their total initial costs back in a federal tax credit. These incentives have not only given homeowners a faster return on investment for their solar power expenditure, but have also created jobs and caused the solar energy industry to dramatically expand in a relatively short amount of time. The catch is that the incentive programs do have expiration dates, so waiting to install in the future could mean missing out on incentives and major reimbursements.

3. Solar energy can be paired with solar battery storage
Solar panels and battery storage are an ideal combination when paired together. Battery storage allows you to store electricity and discharge it for later use, which is perfect for people who want to self-produce all of their own power and don’t want to be reliant on the power grid or use fossil fuel generators. Home battery backup systems are designed to charge during the day and homeowners can either use that power at night, or save it up to power the house when the grid is down.

4. Solar energy is environmentally-friendly
Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource. Many Americans are looking for ways they can be more environmentally-friendly, and solar power checks a lot of boxes. Solar panels are, of course, powered by the sunlight, so as you’re powering your home, you greatly reduce the emissions you put out into the environment.

Using solar power instead of conventional forms of energy reduces the amount of carbon and other pollutants that are emitted into the environment. Reducing the amount of carbon in our atmosphere translates into less pollution and cleaner air and water.