Solar Energy - Path To a Sustainable Future
Make your way into the future with Ohio Valley Solar and witness the revolution of renewable energy sources! We’re all about bringing environment conserving options to everyone’s reach. Sun – a powerful source of energy that emits photons traversing over 93 million miles to earth. This source of heat and light, when converted into usable electricity, can power homes and businesses without emitting greenhouse gasses. What’s great about solar energy is its endlessness – it won’t run out as long as the sun shines.
Solar powered energy is the most abundant resource on earth. Our planet is continuously saturated with this 173000 terawatts of solar energy.This astoundingly surpasses the world’s collective energy consumption by 10000 times! Imagine if we utilize this potential to its fullest. Will it not significantly reduce, or even eliminate, our monthly electricity bills? In addition, the substantial benefits of going solar are worth considering, like lower energy bills, increased property value, reduced carbon footprint, and energy independence.
Take The Quiz & Get UPTO 10% Discount
What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is power harnessed directly from the sun’s rays, a clean, renewable source that’s been the focus of human innovation for centuries. As early as the 7th century B.C., humans used magnifying glasses to concentrate sunlight and start fires. Fast forward to the 1950s, when the first photovoltaic (PV) solar cells were developed. Cut to today, where we have solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity efficiently, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Over the years, improvements in solar technology and reductions in manufacturing costs have made solar energy more accessible and affordable than ever. Solar energy has come a long way, from powering homes and businesses to providing power to remote locations. As we face the challenges of climate change, harnessing solar power becomes even more crucial for a sustainable future.
How Does It Work?
Think of solar panels as extraordinary sponges that soak up the sun’s rays. These panels, installed on your property, encompass numerous small cells that capture sunlight and transform it into electricity. This energy is then converted from direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), the type of electricity used to power everyday appliances, lighting, and more in your home.
Solar energy is a renewable and clean source of power that does not emit any greenhouse gases during operation. It leverages the natural power of the sun, which is an abundant resource available across the globe. Despite the initial installation costs, solar power has the potential to significantly reduce your long-term energy expenses while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Understanding the step-by-step workings of solar energy can help you appreciate its benefits. Continue reading to dive deeper into the intricacies of how solar energy is converted into electricity:
STEP 1
Harnessing the Power of the Sun
It begins with the installation of PV solar panels on your property. These panels, often placed on rooftops, are designed to absorb sunlight. Each of these panels is made up of numerous smaller solar cells, which are essentially composed of two layers of silicon. Together these layers create an electric field. When the sun shines on these solar cells, they absorb the sunlight.
The photons, or light particles, in sunlight, displace electrons within the silicon cells, causing a flow of electricity. This electrical current, however, is in a raw form known as Direct Current (DC), which isn’t compatible with most home appliances. So, this is where the next step comes in!
STEP 2
Converting Solar Energy
Once the panels capture the solar energy, it needs to be converted into a usable form. This is where a device called a solar inverter comes into play. The solar inverter is a critical component of any solar system. Its main role is to convert the raw DC electricity created by the solar cells into Alternating Current (AC) electricity, which is used by the majority of residential and commercial appliances. This conversion is vital because AC power can travel over long distances without losing much energy, making it the most practical and safe form of electricity for everyday use.
STEP 3
Distributing Solar Energy
After the solar energy has been converted into AC power, it is then directed to your home’s electrical panel, sometimes known as a breaker box. From here, this energy is distributed throughout your property, powering your appliances just like traditional electricity would. Anytime you turn on a light, charge your phone, or run your dishwasher, you’re using the solar energy produced by your panels. What’s remarkable is that this entire process is automatic and seamless. You won’t notice any difference in the functionality of your devices, whether they are running on solar or grid power.
STEP 4
Storing or Transferring Excess Power
Often, especially on sunny days, your solar panels may produce more electricity than your home’s requirement. In such scenarios, two options are available. First, storing the excess energy in a solar battery storage system. This stored energy can be later used during the night or power outages, ensuring you have a continuous power supply. The second option is a process known as net metering. This allows you to feed your unused solar energy back into the electrical grid, essentially spinning your electricity meter backwards. In many areas, you may even receive a credit on your bill for this excess electricity.
Advantages Of Solar Energy
Lower Energy Bills
92% of US homeowners who have installed solar panels or consider it have said saving bills is one of the top reasons. Independent power generation with solar energy and decline in monthly electric bills is turning into a profitable investment.
Increase Property Value
According to Zillow, installing solar panels increases your home's value by up to 4.1%. Potential buyers are attracted to the long-term savings that solar power brings and the environmental benefits, making your property more desirable.
Reduces Carbon Footprint
By choosing solar, you're actively reducing your carbon footprint, and contributing to a healthier environment. SEIA states that solar installations have prevented more than 84 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions in the US as of 2020.
Energy Independence
Solar panels provide the unique benefit of energy independence. You're no longer entirely dependent on the utility grid. Plus, with battery storage, you get to store excess power for use during power outages or at night, ensuring a continuous power supply.
What Does Ohio Valley Solar Offer?
Solar-Grid Tied and Off Grid
Our off grid and grid tied solar system installation services are the best in class. Empower yourself with our reliable, robust and cost-effective solar power solution.
LED Lighting
We specialize in energy-efficient LED lighting installation. These LED lights transform spaces while saving energy and can be retrofitted into various lighting systems.
Generator Systems
Get our professional generator power systems installations. These generator systems ensure reliable power backup and enhanced energy independence for you.
Residential Solar Panels Installation
The advantages of the residential solar system cannot be understated. Over the years the amount of residential solar panel installations have only spiked which clearly reflects people’s faith in the future of solar energy. In 2022, installation of residential solar panels achieved its 6th consecutive year of record-breaking performance, with total solar panel installations capable of producing 5.9 GW power. Further if we include SEIA forecasts, the count of home solar panel installations is likely to grow by 6000 MW to 7000 MW every year in the time span of 2023 to 2027!
We at Ohio Valley Solar, specialize in the installations of these premium residential solar panels, empowering homeowners to harness the sun’s power to generate their own electricity. Each of our systems is custom-designed to suit your home’s needs and to maximize solar energy production based on your roof’s orientation and local climate. With us, embrace the sun’s power, reduce your energy costs, and make a difference for the planet.
Commercial Solar Panels Installation
For organizations and institutions seeking a renewable option to grow their businesses, commercial solar panels are a powerful solution. Whether you run a small business or manage a large industrial complex, these solar panels significantly reduce your electricity consumption and support sustainability efforts. According to a data from EnergySage, an average commercial property owner pays an estimated $557 on monthly electricity bills before installing solar. After the installation of solar panels, their electricity bills are reduced by approximately 89%, resulting in substantial savings.
This is the fortune you save when you make the wise decision to go solar! Ohio Valley Solar is here to support you in making the switch to solar and lead you to a path of savings and sustainability. The commercial solar panels we provide are tailored to your business’s specific needs, and offer the best return on investment. With us you make smart solar decisions of reducing carbon footprint while demonstrating your commitment to sustainability.
Financing Options For Solar Energy
Cash Purchase
Paying upfront in cash allows immediate ownership for your solar system and maximizes electricity savings and financial incentives. The initial cost may seem high, but over the course of 25 years, this method offers the best long-term value. You’ll gain full advantage from the associated financial benefits of solar power, including incentives and tax credits. The benefits of this investment go beyond the mere purchase of solar panels; you will secure a reduction in utility bills for the rest of your life as well as potential significant returns.
Solar Loans
These loans are secured or unsecured, allowing homeowners to own their solar system and pay it off over time. In 2023, the average Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for unsecured solar loans, typically ranged between 2.99% and 5.99%. Securing a solar loan lets you finance your solar PV system and become the owner. Interest rates, monthly payments, and terms vary between these loans. There are loans that require your home to be used as collateral, called secured loans, and loans that don’t, called unsecured loans. Structured right, your solar loan repayments can be less than what you save on electricity bills.
Solar Power Incentives
Federal Investment Tax Credit
Also known as the solar tax credit, the ITC allows homeowners to deduct a portion of their solar costs from their federal taxes. Currently for the solar installations in between 2022 to 2032, the ITC has been set at 30%.
Many states, municipalities, and utilities offer their own incentives for going solar. This includes tax credits, rebates, performance payments, and more. The exact details will depend on your location.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates
In certain states, homeowners who install solar panels earn SRECs for the electricity their system generates. For every 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWhs) of solar energy production energy, you are eligible to receive 1 SREC.
This policy allows homeowners to sell excess solar power back to the grid. When your solar panels generate more energy than you need, that energy is sent back to the grid, and your utility will credit you for it.
Sales and Property Tax Exemptions
Under this type of incentive, some states, counties, and cities exempt taxes for solar energy equipment. Meaning that there is no requirement for owners to pay additional property tax because of solar installation.
Ohio Valley Solar - Vision & Values
Our vision and value is what drives us to move upward and onward. We envision a sustainable future powered by affordable renewable energy. Here’s a glimpse of the same:
Vision
At Ohio Valley Solar, we see a vibrant future where the power of the sun fuels our world, a reality where reliance on unsustainable fossil fuels is a thing of the past. At this mission, we continually strive to promote solar technologies and financing models that not only reduce energy costs but also elevate energy independence. We envision touching countless lives through our state-of-the-art energy solutions, bringing solar power within reach of all. Our goal is to solarize every city and town we serve and beyond. With each solar panel project we embark on, our vision of going solar grows stronger.
Values
We're more than a solar company - we're a team committed to a brighter future. As solar installers, we are constantly adapting to industry advancements and using superior equipment. Our environmental sustainability efforts resonate not just in our services, but also in giving back to the community. We believe in doing business with transparency, adhering to the highest ethical standards, fostering trust, and being proactive to our customers' needs. Join us at Ohio Valley Solar, where we're not only powering homes but also empowering communities for a sustainable tomorrow.
Installation Process For Solar Panels
Site Assessment
We begin the solar installation process by conducting a site visit. Our team evaluates the layout of your property and identifies the highest-output location for installation. This helps us design the system precisely tailored to your needs.
Designing
Upon the completion of the system design we proceed with securing the remote aerial imagery and requisite necessary permits. Once the permits are granted, with your participation we schedule the installation of solar panels.
Installation
Lastly we ensure successful installation of solar panels and coordinate with your local utility provider to activate the system. Followed by this, we take a quick inspection to check the quality control review and performance of the solar panels.
Why Choose Us
We at Ohio Valley Solar began as a passionate, small start-up in Newburgh and Evansville, Indiana. Further, we extended our services to corners of Kentucky. Till today, we only aim to deliver our best as solar installers and help everyone go solar! Following are the benefits you get when you choose us in your solar journey:
FREE Estimates
Get started on your solar panel installation journey by getting free estimates from our solar experts. All you have to do is fill out our free estimate form and we will get back to you.
Affordable Services
We are dedicated to making solar energy solutions accessible to everyone. Our solar installation services are designed to fit various budgets and needs without compromising on value.
Licensed Specialists
Our team of licensed and insured solar specialists take meticulous care in planning each step and ensure clear communication with you throughout the entire process.
Timely Maintenance
Our maintenance services ensure your solar panels operate optimally. We continuously monitor its performance, promptly address any issues, and help to keep your system running smoothly.
Test Your Solar Knowledge And Get Upto 10% Discount!
FAQs
What is net metering?
Net metering is a billing arrangement where homeowners or businesses with renewable energy systems like solar panels get credited for the excess electricity they generate and send it back to the power grid.
Will a home solar system escalate my property taxes?
Whether a home solar system will increase your property taxes depends on the local regulations and policies in your area. Some states and cities offer tax incentives and exemptions for renewable energy installations, so your taxes might not necessarily increase.
What distinguishes off-grid from grid-tied solar systems?
An off-grid solar system works independently from the grid and requires batteries to store energy. Whereas grid-tied systems work connected to the utility grid and allow net metering, which sends excess energy to the grid and earns credits in return.
What makes Ohio Valley Solar's installation service stand out?
We at Ohio Valley Solar take pride in our end-to-end service. From initial consultation to professional installation and maintenance support, we ensure a seamless transition to solar power. Further you can contact us to know more about our services in detail.
Can a solar panel power my home in cloudy or rainy weather?
Even in overcast climates, solar panels function at reduced efficiency, utilizing diffused sunlight. Production may drop to 10-25% of capacity. Extra panels, grid connections, or battery storage can compensate for this decrease in power generation.
Will my solar panel system require frequent maintenance?
Solar panels require minimal maintenance, typically cleansed by rain or snow. In dustier areas, occasional professional cleaning may be necessary. It’s best to hire professionals for cleaning and have inspections every 3-5 years to ensure optimal operation.