Blog

Solar Panels – Worth The Investment?

As a homeowner or business property owner, you may be considering investing in solar panel installation Chicago services for your home or business. Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are made of semiconductor materials, usually silicon, that absorb the energy that is in sunlight and converts it to an electric current. Solar panels or photovoltaic panels Chicago produced are made up of many individual solar cells wired together to produce a higher voltage and current.

How Much Power Can Be Generated?

The amount of power that a residential solar panel Chicago based can produce depends on a few factors, including the size and efficiency of the panel, as well as the amount of sunlight it receives. On average, a standard 60-cell solar panel can produce between 270 and 320 watts of power, larger panels can generate up to 400 watts of power or more.

What Are Solar Panels Made Of?

The most efficient solar panels Chicago are typically made from silicon, which is a typical semiconductor material. Silicon is abundant, non-toxic, and has excellent electrical properties, making it an ideal material for solar cells. There are two main types of solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline.

Monocrystalline Panels

Monocrystalline panels are made from single-crystal silicon, which is more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. These panels are typically more expensive than polycrystalline panels, but they are also more space-efficient and can produce more power per square foot. Monocrystalline panels are also more durable and have a longer lifespan than polycrystalline panels.

Polycrystalline Panels

Polycrystalline panels, on the other hand, are made from multiple silicon crystals that are melted together. These panels are less efficient than monocrystalline panels, but they are also less expensive. Polycrystalline panels are ideal for homeowners who have a limited budget or a lot of roof space to work with.

How Many Solar Panels Would You Need?

The number of solar panels you need will depend on your energy needs and the size of your home. A typical home in the United States consumes around 10,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. To meet this demand, you may need anywhere from 20 to 30 solar panels, depending on their size and efficiency.

Solar Panel Advantages

There are many advantages to using a solar energy system Chicago produced in your home.

• Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that can help you reduce your carbon footprint and support a more sustainable future.
• Solar panels require very little maintenance and have a lifespan of 25 years or more.
• Solar energy can reduce your energy bills.
• Once your solar energy system Chicago is installed, you can generate your own electricity and reduce your reliance on the grid. Homeowners who install solar panels see a return on their investment within a few years
• Some states also offer incentives and rebates for homeowners who install solar panels, which can further reduce the cost of your system.
• Solar cells increase the value of your property.