How to get started with solar panels
Solar panels are a low-maintenance way to offset your home's energy costs. Full-home solar power setups can save you thousands of dollars a year while also adding to your home's resale value, while smaller devices are commonly used in yards and along walkways to create eco-friendly atmosphere with minimal installation costs.
If you're interested in solar energy, that's great! One of the nice things about solar power is that it isn't an all-or-nothing option for your home. You can add a full solar system to your home, but you can also easily install smaller solar panels to reduce maintenance and power costs on appliances like backyard refrigerators and lights.
How do solar panels work?
Solar panels work by absorbing the sun's energy into dark photovoltaic cells. In countries like Canada, where we enjoy long daylight hours in the summer and clear weather in most places throughout most of the year, solar power can be an extremely effective option. The photovoltaic cells of a solar panel create an electrical current as they absorb energy from the sun, which is then converted into electricity that can either be used immediately or stored in a battery.
Why invest in solar panels?
While the initial investment of solar energy can be substantial depending on the size of your setup, solar panels can save your household money in the long run. A large setup allows you to pay for less electricity from your city's grid, and a smaller one allows you to operate small devices and appliances with no additional charging costs.
Solar panels are frequently used in outdoor lighting because they allow you to set up lights throughout your entire yard without connecting anything with wires. Solar powered lights charge in the sunlight each day and turn on at night to create a fairy-like glow without any unsightly cords or tripping hazards. You never need to plug them in or charge them.
Like solar powered lights, solar powered batteries and chargers are convenient accessories. They don't run out if you can't plug them into the wall, charging instead in the natural light of the day. They're great for camping trips, hiking, and emergency power.
How long do solar panels last?
A common misconception is that solar panels burn out quickly and don't pay off their initial costs. In fact, the average solar panel has a lifetime of 25-30 years. While the battery that a solar panel is attached to may lose its capacity more quickly, solar panels themselves generate only very slightly less energy each year. The average solar panel output falls by less than one percent each year, which means that by year 25, most solar panels will still be generating 80% of their original energy output or more.
Solar panels quickly pay for themselves and much more. Start your solar setup today with portable solar panels, accessories, and outdoor lights.