Transform Your Home with PosiGen’s Solar Leasing Program

Before you make the switch and schedule solar panel install, it's important to understand how solar panels work.

Solar panels work to convert sunlight to electricity. Solar installers place panels on areas of the home or business that are able to attract the most sunlight. Usually, this is on areas of rooftops that aren't obstructed by trees or foliage.

When the sun hits the solar panel, it generates an electric current, or direct current. This current flows from the panels to a connected inverter, which converts DC to AC, or alternating current. The alternating current flows into the breaker box, which then powers electricity-using appliances within the property.

Solar installations can be designed so that nothing but solar powers a property. It can also be done in a way where solar complements energy input from the power grid.

Leasing is ideal for harnessing solar power without a large upfront investment. Homeowners with available resources can consider buying panels as a way to maximize return on investment in the long term.

Is Solar Panel Installation a DIY Task?

Installing solar panels is most definitely not a DIY task. A professional solar panel installer has the right tools, knowledge, and experience to get the job done correctly. Professional solar panel installers are also certified and legally able to perform installations.

Like any system, solar panels also require routine maintenance to ensure they work effectively and last. It's suggested that property owners have their panels inspected annually by a professional. Routine maintenance consists of cleaning panels at least twice a year so dirt and debris don't accumulate, blocking the sunshine. Under the PosiGen lease program, PosiGen operates and maintains the system, and provides a performance guarantee.

There are various different types of solar panels available for homes and businesses. The best types for your property largely depend on your budget and how much energy you want them to generate. Here's an overview of the different types of panels:

• Monocrystalline: Made from pure silicon, these panels are known for being the most compact and long-lasting. However, they also tend to be the most expensive. They're often found in larger commercial settings due to their efficiency.
• Polycrystalline: Composed from different silicone crystals, they're less efficient than monocrystalline. However, they're more affordable. This type tends to be found more often in residential settings.
• PERC: A newer panel technology, PERC panels collect a significant amount of solar energy in a compact footprint. They're among the most efficient panels.
• Thin-film: Lighter in weight and easy to install, they come in standard sizes to suit a variety of situations. They tend to be less efficient than other panels, however.

Solar panels can also operate with battery storage, which works to store extra energy and deploy it to the household when needed. Solar panels can also work without battery storage and pull power from the electric grid when needed.

The cost of installing solar panels largely depends on the type of panel and how many solar panels you install. Generally speaking, the typical cost for a 5-kilowatt system is estimated at between $15,000 and $20,000. That's roughly $3 to $5 per watt.

As noted earlier, you can elect to lease — rather than buy — solar panels. This cost tends to range between $70 and $250 per month, excluding a down payment. Think of leasing vs. buying solar panels in the same way you would a vehicle. Which option is right for you largely depends on your individual situation and preferences.

One of the first things property owners often ask is how much money they can save by switching to solar. It's a complicated question to answer since it depends on a variety of factors. These include:

• Type of solar panels
• Size of your solar panel system and the power it generates
• Cost to install solar panels (i.e., buying vs. leasing)
• Area electricity prices

Generally speaking, with PosiGen’s first year savings guarantee, property owners can start saving hundreds within their first year of having solar panels installed — even when choosing to lease. The sooner you install solar panels, the larger the overall savings can be throughout the lifetime of your system. Over a 25 year solar lease, the savings can be significant. 

For even greater savings, homeowners can save more on their monthly energy costs with further energy-efficiency measures. This could include installing weather-sealing doors and windows, adding insulation in the attic, swapping out for LED light bumps or regularly maintaining large appliances, ductwork, and your furnace.

There are a few other cost factors to consider when weighing a switch to solar. One is the increase in home resale value. Another factor is the available tax credits for solar panels. Contact PosiGen today to learn more about how you can take advantage of these.

Another common inquiry we receive is how many solar panels are needed to power a home with solar. While this depends largely on a property's size and the type of solar panel installed, the typical home requires between 17 and 21 total solar panels.

When a home is fully solar, all appliances are powered by it. This includes large appliances like air conditioners to small ones like toasters. A home can run either fully on solar or have solar complement energy drawn from the grid.

Another common misconception about solar panels is that they only work when the sun is out. Solar panels work on cloudy or rainy days, though they may not produce energy at their capacity. Solar panels tend to work best in cool, sunny weather.

We'll conclude this post by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. Let's start with the pros:

• Solar energy can reduce utility costs  over a system's lifetime.
• With a leasing option through PosiGen, solar panels are easy to maintain and care for.
• The energy is renewable, so properties can reduce their carbon footprint and help the environment.
• Solar panels help increase home value.

Here are some of the cons of solar panels:

• They may not reach full daily capacity based on weather conditions.
• Though it's made up in energy savings over time, you’re ensuring proper monitoring and maintenance through fixed monthly payments. 
• Solar panels take up space and may not work for every home or business.