How is solar energy used to power your home?

Most home solar systems are “grid-tied” meaning that the solar system, home electrical system, and local utility grid are all interconnected, typically through the main electrical service panel.

What is a residential solar power system?

Residential solar power systems offer a compelling solution by harnessing the sun's energy to power homes. This article examines the advantages, considerations, and potential cost savings of residential solar power systems. These systems typically comprise solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware, and sometimes battery storage.

Can solar panels power a home?

Solar panels are used to power everything from calculators to sports stadiums to satellites — and they can just as easily be used to power a home. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist – or anything close to it – to get solar panels for your home.

How much does a home solar energy system cost?

Homeowners can run their homes using solar power instead of taking energy from the grid, which lowers energy bills and carbon footprints. A home solar energy system costs between $18,000 and $20,000 before any incentives and typically saves homeowners around $1,500 annually.

What is a solar PV residential system?

These systems typically include solar panels, an inverter to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), and sometimes a battery for energy storage. The solar PV residential systems can power your home directly, store energy for later, or send excess energy back to the grid.

Why should I get solar panels for my home?

There are a handful of reasons to get solar panels for your home, but the biggest one is energy cost savings. Home solar is simply much cheaper than paying for grid electricity, and can lead to tens – sometimes hundreds – of thousands in savings over the warranty period of the panels.