Question 1

Is solar energy free?

Accepted Answer

Solar energy is not only free but is a renewable energy source. After the installation cost, you will not have to pay another cent for the electricity you use that’s generated by your solar panels.

You will need to do some maintenance on your solar panels here and there or repair them if something happens to them due to external factors. Still, the money you save by installing solar panels outweighs the cost of paying for your electricity.

Solar panels have a long lifespan. Some panels come with a 25-year warranty, although panels can last up to 30 to 40 years on average.

Question 2

What are solar panels made of?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels contain photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells. These cells are made of semiconductors that transform sunlight into electricity.

There are two types of solar panels — photovoltaic panels, which convert sunlight into electricity; and solar thermal panels, which are used to heat water by absorbing the warmth from the sun — the latter can be used to heat homes and pools.

Question 3

How efficient are solar panels?

Accepted Answer

The solar panel industry has come a long way since its inception. Nowadays, the solar cells used in domestic solar panels can convert around 20% of the sunlight they receive into electricity that you can use at home. Of course, there are more efficient solar panels that can reach 40% solar efficiency — these are usually more for commercial systems.

With more incentives being given to people who install solar panels and the technology advancing due to the high demand, the near future looks bright for solar panels as the prices keep decreasing and their efficiency keeps increasing.

Question 4

Do you need direct sunlight?

Accepted Answer

Maximum efficiency is reached when the sun hits the solar panels directly, although electricity can still be produced in a cloudy sky and during winter. At night, the solar panels would not generate any electricity, creating the need for a solution to this problem. That’s where batteries shine.

A good solar power system coupled with the right-size batteries can result in never needing to resource other means of electricity.

Question 5

Do I need permits?

Accepted Answer

You will need a permit from your city as well as the need to follow codes in your HOA or any safety measures that are put in place by your community and city. You can contact us, and we will help you with any permits, how to request them, and make sure that everything is good to go before any installation takes place.

Question 6

What's the required maintenance for solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Taking care of solar panels is simple. All you need to do is make sure that the panels are clean so they can absorb as much sunlight as they are supposed to. Placing the panels in the right location and angle can mean that the cleaning and servicing will have to be performed fewer times.

Question 7

What are the cons of solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels do have a negative aspect to them, although they can all be mitigated with proper planning and location.

Placing the solar panels in a place that receives shade during the day can mean that your solar power system will not generate as much electricity as you had initially planned.

If panels are placed too close to trees or tall vegetation, two negative outcomes may occur: The shade produced by these features can lower your solar efficiency, and the branches can scratch your solar panels, making them less effective.

Question 8

Aside from free electricity, what else can solar panels provide?

Accepted Answer

With the rise in efficiency of commercial and residential solar panels comes increased demand. Having a solar power system installed on your property can instantly increase its value, as potential buyers often consider it an attractive deal when a house has a fully functioning solar power system in place.

We can also add that installing solar panels not only generates jobs for a growing industry but also helps our environment by reducing our carbon footprint — this is invaluable!

For some people, solar panels can be visually appealing since they add a modern touch to the home exterior.

Question 9

Does solar increase the value of my home after installation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, solar power increases a home's value after installation by greatly reducing monthly energy bills and helping homeowners achieve energy independence.

Question 10

Is solar energy truly free after installation?

Accepted Answer

While solar energy itself is free as a renewable resource, there are initial installation and occasional maintenance costs. However, the savings on electricity bills and long lifespan of solar panels often outweigh these expenses.

Question 11

What materials are used to make solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells composed of semiconductors that convert sunlight into electricity. There are photovoltaic panels for electricity and solar thermal panels for heating water or pools.

Question 12

How efficient are the solar panels offered?

Accepted Answer

Domestic solar panels typically convert around 20% of sunlight into electricity, with some commercial systems reaching up to 40% efficiency. Efficiency improves as technology advances and demand grows.

Question 13

Do solar panels require direct sunlight to generate electricity?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels perform best with direct sunlight but can still generate electricity on cloudy days and during winter. At night, battery systems help ensure continuous power supply.

Question 14

Are permits required for solar panel installation in Brentwood, CA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, permits from the city and compliance with community codes like HOAs are necessary. United Solar Electric assists customers with the permitting process before installation.

Question 15

What maintenance do solar panels need?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels require simple maintenance such as keeping them clean and properly positioned to ensure maximum sunlight absorption, reducing the frequency of servicing.

Question 16

What are potential drawbacks of solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Issues can arise if panels are shaded or placed near tall trees, reducing efficiency and causing potential physical damage. Proper planning and location can mitigate these concerns.

Question 17

Does installing solar panels increase my home's value?

Accepted Answer

Yes, solar panels can increase property value by reducing energy bills and providing energy independence, making homes more attractive to buyers.

Question 18

What other products and services does United Solar Electric offer besides solar panels?

Accepted Answer

They provide on-grid and off-grid battery systems, Level 2 car chargers, solar panel installation, battery installation/upgrades, system design, servicing, and main panel upgrades.

Question 19

What nearby places can I visit before or after my appointment at United Solar Electric in Brentwood?

Accepted Answer

Nearby fitness centers like 1st Class Fitness and Kaia FIT Brentwood offer workout options. For grooming, Old School Barber Shop and Ultimate Styles are close by. If buying or selling a home, nearby real estate agents like Weichert Realtors HH and Associates can assist.

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