FAQ & Answers About Solar Panels For Your Home

FAQs & Answers About Solar Panels For Your
Fort Worth, TX, Home

Everything You Need To Know About Solar Energy

Saving money is always something to consider when modifying your Fort Worth, TX, home. If you’ve ever considered solar panels, you probably wondered exactly what they could do for you in terms of lowering costs. When thinking about adding solar panels to your home, these questions and many more come to mind.

Here at First Texas Roofing, we’ve come up with the most frequently asked questions on the topic with detailed answers for each one. Here’s your guide to solar panels, so you can determine if they are worth the investment for your home.

How Does Solar Work?

When we think of solar panels for homes, a mental image of an extensive array of black panels comes to mind. These are known as photovoltaics in the solar energy industry.

In short, solar energy works because the sun’s rays are being absorbed by the panels, which then creates direct current (DC) electricity. This DC electricity is converted into alternating current (AC) electricity with a device known as an inverter.

Once converted, the AC electricity can be used in your home, potentially reducing or eliminating your dependence on power from a utility company.

How Do I Know How Much Energy I Need
From Solar Panels?

A solar panel system installed should be able to meet your annual household electricity needs. Reviewing your previous year’s electricity bills, you can determine what this amount of electricity is. The average American household uses 11,000 kWh per year, which averages to approximately 30 kWh per day.

How Do I Know If My Home Is Suitable For Solar Panels?

While solar panels are intended to work in all areas, your roof may not have the right design or have other problems, making it unsuitable for solar panel installation.

For instance, if you have trees close to your home that create excessive shade on your roof, solar panels aren’t going to be very effective for you.

You’ll also have to consider the size, pitch and shape of your home’s roof. Solar panels generally perform best on a southern-facing roof with a pitch from 15 to 40 degrees. Additionally, don’t forget to consider how long it will be before your roof needs to be replaced.

What Happens On Days With Clouds Or Limited Sunlight?

Solar panels will still produce electricity with limited sunlight on rainy or cloudy days. However, it will be minimal and dependent on the amount of sunlight that can penetrate the cloud layers. You’ll still be able to use electricity from your local company in this situation so that you won’t be without power.

Do The Panels Produce The Same Amount
Of Electricity All Year?

As the seasons change, so will the amount of electricity your panels produce. The sun’s angle is low in the southern sky in the winter, limiting the amount of sunlight that reaches the panels. Alternatively, its angle is high in the summer, allowing for more electricity production.

What Is Net Metering?

When solar panels are installed, you can fully reap the benefits of net metering, also referred to as a two-way meter. Your electric company installs this meter to replace your current meter after your solar panels are installed.

If your solar panels produce more electricity than your home consumes, the net meter will rotate backward, and the unused electricity will return to the power grid. In this situation, you receive a credit for the excess electricity.

When your solar panels aren’t keeping up with your electricity needs, the net meter will spin forward because your home is using power from the grid. This is common at night and during the winter.

This net meter is responsible for tracking how much electricity your home pulls from the power grid and how much power your solar panels return to the grid. At the end of the year, the power company will calculate the balance of the two, applying any refund or charge to your account.

Will I Save Money By Going Solar?

Your energy savings will depend on how much electricity your household consumes daily. Additionally, you’ll need to factor in the size of your solar energy system, how much power it can generate, and whether you purchase it or lease it.

Your power company’s electricity rates will also impact your savings. How much they choose to compensate you for the excess energy you return to the grid will also decide what you save.

Choose First Texas Roofing For All Your Roofing Needs
In Fort Worth, TX

Whether you’re looking for a roof repair or replacement in Fort Worth, TX, First Texas Roofing is the clear choice for all your needs.

We’re experts at handling insurance claims, so you don’t have to. In addition, you’re guaranteed the best service, roof, and prices when you choose to work with us.

Call us today at (817) 821–0323 to schedule your free estimate.