Solar energy offers a variety of benefits, from saving money on electricity bills to cutting your carbon footprint. With new technological trends, solar power has become more accessible than ever.

For instance, roof-integrated solar panels look like traditional roofing materials and blend in with a house’s design. They also have a higher efficiency and are more durable than conventional panels.
1. Energy Efficiency

Using solar energy at home allows homeowners to drastically cut electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint. As the technology behind solar panels has advanced and prices have declined, it is now more affordable than ever to use green power.

The energy produced by solar panels can fully offset a residential electric bill and even eliminate it, depending on the size of the installation. Solar panels can work with nearly any roof type and material, although flat roofs that are oriented to the sun and are free of chimneys and vents are ideal. A professional solar panel contractor will work with homeowners to assess their roof’s qualifications.

Solar shingles and panels are becoming increasingly common in both new construction and retrofits. Solar roofing materials are designed to look like traditional roofing and come in a range of colors, textures and finishes. Some even imitate popular tile materials, such as terracotta and slate. Some have the ability to change shade based on the direction of sunlight, further enhancing the visual appeal.

A key component to solar energy efficiency is how much of the sunlight that hits the photovoltaic cells becomes converted into electricity. Fortunately, manufacturers have made significant strides in solar cell efficiency over the years, which has increased from about 6% at first to today’s levels of about 20%.

It’s important to note that solar energy systems require a lot of sunlight to function, so they won’t produce electricity on cloudy or stormy days. However, advancements in battery technologies are making it easier to store energy for these types of situations. Moreover, new innovations like flow batteries promise scale and durability.
2. Aesthetics

Many people choose to install solar panels in their homes and businesses because they care about the environment and want to make a statement. They don’t like how some nonrenewable energy sources harm the environment and their health. Oil drilling can strip the boreal forest, fracking pollutes water and causes earthquakes, and coal power plants pollute the air. On the other hand, solar panels are safe and efficient.

While it used to be that all solar panels were a jarring green colour, the advancement of technology has led to new types of solar panel with more attractive designs. For example, there are all-black solar panels that look very sleek on roofs. They’re a popular choice among people who live in modern houses located in suburban areas. They still generate high-quality energy, have excellent value and are not as expensive as silver-framed panels.

There are also other ways to make your solar panel system less conspicuous. One way is to use an in-roof mounting system, which is the most discreet and looks like your regular roof tiles. This is often more difficult to install, but it looks very good on older buildings and is very effective.

Another option is to have a black frame around your panels instead of the usual silver. This doesn’t affect their performance, but it does help them blend in and be more subtle on your roof. This is very popular in urban settings, and it’s a very cost-effective solution for people who want to avoid the visual impact of their solar panels.

Some companies even offer solar shingles, which replace your existing roofing material and can be very discrete. For example, Hanergy has a glass solar tile called HanTiles that will be launched in the United States in 2019. They are wavy and have a sleek appearance, and they will blend in perfectly with any building style.
3. Longevity

Solar power is a long-term investment, and it’s an excellent choice for homeowners who want to reduce their energy costs and environmental impact. With the right financing options, many people can install solar panels on their roofs and enjoy lower energy bills, tax benefits and peace of mind knowing that they’re investing in a sustainable solution for the future.

There are several ways to harness solar energy, including photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight into electricity, solar heating & cooling systems and concentrating solar power. The sun is an incredible resource that we can rely on, and it’s important to take advantage of this free source of clean energy.

A solar roof, also called a solar-powered roofing system, combines traditional roofing materials with a photovoltaic panel to create a complete, integrated energy solution. This technology offers a number of advantages, such as a 25-year warranty that guarantees power output and coverage for damages or defects. Some insurers even offer a discount on homeowner’s insurance that covers the solar roof.

With advances in technology, companies are developing solar tiles that blend form and function. These products resemble traditional shingles, and some can be designed to perfectly imitate other materials like terracotta or slate. They’re also incredibly durable, and are designed to withstand the elements, such as hail, rain and wind.

One of the biggest hurdles to solar energy has been the decline in power production on cloudy days, but this is quickly being overcome by advancements in battery storage technology. Home battery systems are a great way to maximize the amount of electricity your solar installation retains for you to use, and are especially effective if you’re on Time of Use rates.
4. Tax Credits

The federal solar investment tax credit (also called the Residential Clean Energy Credit) is a major incentive for homeowners to install solar panels. It reduces the upfront cost by up to 30%, which can make a big difference for families who are interested in powering their homes with renewable energy.

The credits apply to the purchase and installation of solar panels, including the cost of the racking system, inverters, electrical wires, labor for assembly and installation, and any permit fees associated with connecting the solar panel array to your home's electric grid. However, it does not cover roofing costs or other renovations to your roof that aren't related to the solar panels. Additionally, the credits are only available if you own your solar panels, not lease them; and they can only be claimed in the year that the installation occurs. roofers edinburgh

Generally, you claim the credit by filling out IRS Form 5695. You can find forms in your tax software or on the IRS website.