Solar Calculator

Can I afford to go solar?

Solar panels are those devices which are used to absorb the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity

A solar battery is a device that you can add to your solar power system to store the excess electricity generated by your solar panels. You can then use that stored energy to power your home at times when your solar panels don’t generate enough electricity, including nights, cloudy days, and during power outages.

The Residential Clean Energy Credit, previously known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), has been extended to 2034 and now offers 30% in tax credits to consumers who purchase solar panels. The increased credit can be retroactively applied to solar systems purchased at the beginning of 2022.

A solar calculator is a tool that allows you to estimate the cost and savings associated with installing a solar panel system on your property. It takes into account factors like your location, electricity usage, the size of your roof, and the amount of sunlight your area receives.

A solar calculator works by using data such as your electricity bill, your geographical location, the size and slope of your roof, and solar insolation (sunlight exposure) in your area. It uses these inputs to estimate the size of the solar system you would need, the cost of that system, and the savings you would generate over time.

The accuracy of a solar calculator depends on the information you provide and the assumptions the calculator makes. For instance, the calculator might assume certain rates for electricity price inflation or panel degradation over time. While they provide a good ballpark figure, for a more accurate assessment, it’s best to get a quote from a solar installation professional.
 

Yes, most solar calculators can estimate the number of solar panels you would need based on your energy usage and the average amount of sunlight your location receives. However, the actual number may vary based on other factors like the efficiency of the panels and the specifics of your installation.

**: A solar calculator typically considers several factors, including your average electricity usage, the size and orientation of your roof, the amount of sunlight your location receives (solar insolation), the cost of solar panels and installation in your area, any available tax credits or incentives, and the current cost of electricity from your utility company.

Yes, many solar calculators take into account solar panel efficiency, which is the rate at which solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. Higher efficiency means more electricity can be generated from the same amount of sunlight.

Yes, a solar calculator can estimate potential savings by comparing the cost of your current electricity usage with the cost of using solar energy. It will consider factors such as the upfront cost of the panels, installation costs, maintenance costs, and any local incentives or rebates. It will then project these costs and savings over the expected life of the solar system.

Yes, many solar calculators are designed to take into account local incentives, rebates, or tax credits that can offset the cost of installing a solar system. However, you should verify this information independently as it can change frequently.

Solar energy is energy from the sun that’s converted into thermal or electrical energy. It’s the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available.

   Solar panels work by allowing photons, or particles of light, to knock electrons free from atoms, generating a flow of electricity. They’re made of many, smaller units called photovoltaic cells (each cell is basically a sandwich made up of two slices of semi-conducting material, usually silicon).

The cost of solar panels can vary depending on your location, the size of your home, and how much electricity you consume. The average cost of solar panels in the St. Louis MO is around $3.00 to $3.50 per watt, before any tax credits or incentives.

Most high-quality solar panels are expected to last for at least 25-30 years. But the actual lifespan can extend well beyond this, with many panels continuing to produce a substantial amount of power even after 30 years.

   Yes, solar panels can still work in cloudy weather. They may not produce as much electricity as on a sunny day, but they don’t stop producing electricity altogether. The exact amount of electricity produced can vary depending on the density of the clouds, and the type of solar panel.

   While the production of solar panels does involve some emissions and use of resources, the overall environmental impact is much lower than conventional energy sources. Over their lifetime, solar panels can offset a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions that would have been produced by fossil fuel-based sources.

Yes, solar power can be stored in energy storage devices such as batteries. This stored power can be used when the sun isn’t shining, providing a reliable and constant energy source.

While it’s technically possible to install solar panels yourself, it’s usually recommended to have them installed by a professional. Improper installation can lead to less efficiency, potential damage to your home or the panels, and could potentially nullify warranties.

The benefits of solar energy include reducing your electric bills, decreasing your carbon footprint, increasing property value, and potentially earning tax credits and other incentives.

Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows solar energy owners to feed their excess electricity back into the grid. Your utility company meters your energy usage and the energy you generate. If you generate more than you use, you’ll receive credit or even a payment for that excess energy.