How Solar Energy Works
Useful Solar Information For Homeowners In Utah
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Solar Energy 101: How It Works
Are you thinking of leaping to solar energy? When searching for solar installation near you, knowing more about how solar works and how it can benefit you is the start to making a great decision.
Solar power has seen a rise in popularity over the last decade. In 2020 the International Energy Agency called solar the “new king of the world’s electricity markets.” As more and more homes convert to solar power and take advantage of government and local incentives, you may be wondering how solar panels work, what the benefits of switching to solar are and if adding solar to your home affects its value.
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What Is Solar Power?
Solar energy harnesses and converts sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic panels or mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. The process depends on the type of solar energy capture offered by solar companies near you.
Simply put, solar radiation is light emitted by the sun. Just an hour and a half of sunlight over the earth’s surface is enough to power the world’s energy needs for an entire year. Since every part of the world receives sunlight at some point, solar energy captures this sunlight and turns it into other useful forms of energy.
The sun acts as a natural nuclear reactor that releases energy-filled photons. Solar power uses technology to capture this energy and provide power for homes and businesses.
Solar Energy Today
Photovoltaics are a renewable method using solar radiation to produce electricity. Modern solar panels use photovoltaics to generate energy. Currently, photovoltaic power accounts for only 0.5 to one percent of the energy used in the United States. Still, the number of home and business owners harnessing solar power is on the rise.
In 2017 solar power became the world’s fastest-growing power source, marking the first time it had surpassed all other fuels. Solar’s popularity has only increased since then.
Each solar panel is composed of multiple solar cells. These small cells contain two layers of semiconducting silicon - one negatively charged layer and one positively charged layer. When sunlight strikes the cells, electrons are knocked loose and drawn into an electrical current. This electrical current is what generates power in a solar panel system.
Before power generated by a solar system can be used in a home or commercial building, it must be converted into an alternating current (AC). Solar panel systems are connected to an inverter that converts direct current (DC) into AC. This current is then fed into your home, powering your lights and all other electrical appliances.
Solar Energy Types
The two primary forms of solar energy technologies are photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP).
Photovoltaics
(PV)
PV cells are composed of semiconductor materials that conduct electricity. When light shines on a PV cell, it absorbs the light’s energy and transfers it to electrons. This transfer allows the electrons to move through the material as an electric current. Conductive metal contacts extract the current and uses it to power your home.
Concentrating Solar-Thermal Power
(CSP)
CSP technology uses mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight. Energy from this sunlight then heats a high-temperature fluid in the receiver. The thermal power is then used to spring a turbine or engine to generate electricity. CSP systems are generally best used for utility-scale projects.
Benefits of Using Solar Energy
Solar energy used to be a rare technology, but its use continues to increase each year. The price of solar has continued to lower in recent years, prompting many Americans to take advantage of its many benefits.
Benefits of Using Solar Cost Savings
Lowering monthly utility bills is a significant incentive to move to a solar-powered home. Many tax benefits and rebates are available in most locations, which help offset the initial cost of solar panel installation. The amount of savings is dependent on several factors, including the size of the solar energy system, your home’s electricity consumption habits, amount of daily sunlight, height or angle of the home’s roof.
Benefits of Using Solar Increased Home Value
Solar panels are considered a home upgrade , equivalent to renovating your kitchen or installing new windows. Studies and reports show potential buyers will pay a premium for a home with solar panels.
Benefits of Using Solar Works Anywhere
Most states have ample solar resources, making contacting local top solar companies an intelligent decision. Even areas with less sunshine, like the Pacific Northwest or Alaska, have experienced cost savings. The benefits of solar in Utah - a state with long, sunny days - are plenty.
Benefits of Using Solar Environmentally Friendly
Homeowners and businesses alike find appeal in the environmental aspect of solar installation. Every kilowatt-hour of solar energy generated substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other dangerous pollutants.
SunPower® Complete Confidence Warranty
Every part of your SunPower Equinox® system is designed and backed by one company. It’s the best warranty you may never have to use.
One Company
SunPower stands behind your entire system
Easy Process
No receipts, no hassle
More Power Over Time
Panels warranted at an industry-best 92% power in year 25
AC System Warranty
First and only AC system-wide warranty, which includes solar panels and microinverters.
Comprehensive Product and Power Coverage
-
25 years for everything on your roof (including panels, microinverters and mounting)
-
10 years for everything not on your roof (including monitoring hardware and storage)
Watch Video: Our Warranty vs Competitors
Get peace of mind with the only home solar warranty to cover your whole system (not just the panels), so you never have to wonder which company you can depend on.
Not only does SunPower offer the most complete system warranty for solar in Utah, there are even more reasons SunPower by Custom Energy is the best solar company in Utah.
How Does Solar Power Work?
You may know solar power draws energy from the sun, but what exactly does that mean? Solar panels use photovoltaics (PV) technology to convert sunlight into power. Just like traditional electricity, this energy can be used on anything in your home that requires power; everything from security systems to nightlights and everything in between that you rely on each day to keep your life going. These panels are composed of several layers of materials topped off with mirrors or glass to attract the heat and light of the sun.
Each panel contains solar cells, linked together in a grid on the roof of your home to achieve maximum sunlight per day. The solar cells are either positively charged or negatively charged. When the light and heat of the sun hits the panels, the heat of the rays stimulates the electrons to life, creating the electric current that helps give your home power. All of this energy is sent through an inverter, which helps convert this energy into useable and safe levels of power for your home.
Solar panels work even during colder weather. In fact, they are often more efficient when it’s cold outside, because it requires less time for them to produce the same amount of energy when it’s cold outside. No matter the time of year, solar panels can provide reliable energy for your home, especially when they utilize microinverters. While some panels run through string inverters, microinverters are smaller and can be installed closer to the panels themselves, allowing for an overall increase in efficiency and production of power to your home.
All of this is done without the need for traditional fossil fuels, which create harmful emissions into the air around us that negatively influence our health and the overall climate. Solar power, however, is an abundant, natural resource that is clean and readily available for everyone to use without harm to others or to the planet.
Weather
And Solar Energy
If you live in an area that doesn’t receive lots of sunny days, such as Alaska, parts of the Pacific Northwest or the Northeastern United States, you may question whether solar is a beneficial move.
Naturally, clear and sunny days are best for capturing sunlight. However, solar panels are electronic, meaning they can be most efficient in cold weather. This means it takes the solar panels less time to produce the same amount of energy during the winter months.
Just because the panels are more efficient in the winter doesn’t mean they aren’t working during the summer. These warmer months often see more sunshine, and more sun means the panels can still produce more electricity than they might in the winter.
Regardless of your location, it’s likely you can see financial savings by investing in solar installation near you.
Microinverters
And Solar Energy
Unlike traditional string inverters, microinverters are smaller inverters installed at the panel site, allowing an overall higher level of efficiency and more solar electricity production.
SunPower by Custom Energy is one of the only solar companies in Utah that uses microinverters, enhancing each solar panel’s efficiency and energy production.
Boost Your Home’s Value
It’s true — no matter where you live, installing solar paneling is almost guaranteed to raise the value of your home. Depending on the number of panels utilized and the location of the home, the value of a home with solar generally increases in value. This value tends to go up when you live in a particularly sunny location, though even homes in places like Seattle, Washington have benefitted from solar. Reports suggest that the average home with solar power has an increased value of $15,000 compared to those without.
This boost in value is the result of several contributing factors. Zillow reports that more than 80% of current homebuyers prioritize the energy efficiency of the homes they look for. As a result, homes with solar paneling tend to sell faster, and for more money, than those that rely on traditional energy sources. Homebuyers are even more likely to purchase homes where the owner owns the paneling rather than those that have leased the equipment from a third party company. Additionally, solar paneling composed of silicon is especially popular due to their increased efficiency compared to alternate options.
What else makes solar paneling so attractive to homeowners and buyers? Homes that have solar power save money on their annual energy bill.Depending on the weather in your area and the cost of your local electricity rates, homeowners tend to save hundreds of dollars each year. Additionally, some areas allow owners to take advantage of NEM (Net Energy Metering) services, which allows you to effectively “donate” stored excess energy produced by your home and provide you with a credit on your monthly bill. Maintenance on solar paneling is also very minimal and can be done well with a garden hose once or twice a year, or for between about $150-300 by professionals. These panels are incredibly durable, with most expected to last more than 25 years before they lose some of their efficiency. Panels undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they can withstand and function under a wide range of weather conditions so that you don’t experience disrupted service. As a source of renewable energy, homeowners can also have peace of mind knowing that their homes help offset rising pollution and help make the air cleaner for everyone, all while having peace of mind knowing that you’ll have maintained access to power should the electricity go out in your area.
We make sure you get the most for your money. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Very good experience from initial contact, education on solar, competitive pricing, excellent coordination of professional installation and outstanding follow up! Very happy with system!— Mark Lyons
Posted July 28th 2022
I had a SunPower system (35 panels and 2 batteries) installed by Custom Electrical (Custom Energy). I found them knowledgeable and easy to work with from the project start to finish. The design and install crews did excellent work and took my concerns into account. Their work was completed on time and on budget. I would use them again in the future and I certainly recommend them.— Steve Kaylor
Posted April 3rd 2022
We contacted Custom Energy late in the fall hoping that our system could be installed before year end. They worked quickly with the design and permitting process and installation was completed in December. They did a very professional job and everything works like it is supposed to.— ROBERT FOLEY
Posted March 29th 2022
They came by and did the standard entry point spraying and checked for rodents. Very professional, friendly, and quick. They always ask if there is anything I've noticed in between treatments that they should look for and are very happy to check and treat if necessary. Very happy with the service!— Jeri Deneen
Posted January 25th 2021
Had a bad experience Edge Pest control but the customer care manager called and resolved my issue. He explained that he would communicate with the employees so that in the future there would be less miscommunication and better service.— Chris D
Posted January 13th 2021
The staff has always been prompt and friendly. The last service guy even text me a picture of a large opening that needed to be resealed and offered to fix it that day. It was an area that I normally wouldn’t even looked at and appreciate the extra effort to notify me of a potential problem. I’ve been impressed from the beginning with Edge. In fact, we never buy anything from door to door sales but the sales guy was so knowledgeable & friendly that my husband happily signed up.— demi sockwell
Posted October 16th 2020
Kudos to Nathan and Micah.This company is good quality and provides good info and understanding of their policies and procedures. Nathan and Micah came out and did a great job. We will be getting follow up services and hope to have these two guy show up again.— Pastor Steward
Posted October 16th 2020
A great experience! Social Distancing. Very friendly and knowledgeable! Great Experience!!! Thank you for all you do! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PEST CONTROL COMPANY!!!!— Lori Johnson
Posted October 15th 2020
Quick, attentive response to inquiry. Next day service. Professional, congenial representative visited and performed the spray!— D Bee
Posted September 29th 2020
Graham was great... very thorough, nice, professional... thank you Graham!!!— David Bell
Posted September 24th 2020
I have been a customer since March 2020 and am proud to say that I appreciate and value the services provided by Edge. I have peace of mind knowing my kids and pets are safe from a variety of pests that we inherited with our new home. Their product is one of a kind however, the technicians are what really make this company stand out to me. Each technician I’ve encountered always has a vast knowledge about Edge’s products, they do a great job explaining them to you, and are happy to share their firsthand experiences in dealing with these pests directly. Graham is my regular technician and he is awesome! Not only do I trust him but I can also depend on him to answer my questions and make recommendations. If I ever have a problem or need additional services he is only a text away and is always professional and timely with his responses. He is also very courteous and not pushy when he informs me about new products and services offered by Edge. I would definitely recommend Edge’s services to anyone looking for A+ pest control solutions with technicians that will exceed your expectations. Thank you Edge!— James McKee
Posted September 22nd 2020
Tyler was great, reached out before to let me know when he’d be there and asked what needed to be attended to. Let me know when he was finished and what all he had done. 5-Star service— Brett McCann
Posted September 19th 2020
Love the service, Tyler was very professional, knowledgeable and just a nice guy! Went above and beyond what I expected!— Eric Johnson
Posted September 17th 2020
This was for a follow up...great service, and knowledgeable and friendly staff...these guys are great— Michael Willey
Posted September 15th 2020
The service technicians are professional and knowledgeable. They always contact us to let us know when they will be arriving at our home to perform any service.— Marie Smith
Posted September 15th 2020
Got Edge peat control to help me with grain beettle issue. First service was ok. I called in 2 weeks since it wasn't going down, they were responsive and sent someone the next day. Beetles started going down after that. Then after 1 month, they came again and Graham sprayed the house thoroughly. Very happy with Graham. Wish he came the other times too. He was very professional and took care of outside the house as well. We haven't seen ants or other bugs that we seen last summer. Beetle problem went down a lot and hoping with another spray, we should be able to kill them all. Update 11/13: Still having issues but a manager took over my account and has been actively working on to get rid of my beettles issue. Very happy with their service. I understand that bug issues are a process to eliminate but Edge is working hard to get my house beettles free.— Sharaf Ahmed
Posted September 14th 2020
Nice, professional, and explained everything. Showed me problem areas I didnt know I had. I am very happy with the service.— Tamara Hendrix
Posted September 12th 2020
They were in neighborhood servicing others so I spoke with rep and had them Do my service and signed up. Can not advise if great year as pest control will know better in month. The staff was friendly .— Pia Lucero
Posted September 5th 2020
Choosing SunPower by Custom Energy Utah's Top Solar Company Choice
SunPower is the solar provider of choice for the world’s leading organizations and discerning homeowners. SunPower by Custom Energy is proud to bring this same solar provider of choice to the local residents of Utah as the top Master dealer of SunPower in Utah!
A+ Rating
Better Business Bureau*
500+
Five-star reviews on ConsumerAffairs*
35+
U.S. government installations
45 States
With SunPower® solar on their homes
*As of November 2020.
Solar Installation Near You in Utah
If lower utility bills, energy efficiency, increased home value and helping the environment sounds appealing to you, it may be time to contact a solar installation company near you.
SunPower by Custom Energy is the solar installation company near you that offers an industry-leading complete system warranty. To find out more about our installation process, call to schedule a free home estimate and discover your cost and savings calculations!
Solar power is a form of clean and renewable energy that can provide huge financial savings over time. Fossil fuels will eventually run out, and burning them releases harmful pollutants into the Earth’s atmosphere. On the other hand, solar energy is clean and abundant. There is already enough irradiation from the sun for everyone to have sufficient power! Using solar energy does not release pollutants into the air.
However, many households have been hesitant to adopt solar energy because of the up-front costs and the lack of technology around battery storage and back-up power options for cloudy days or nighttime. Fortunately, Utah is one of the best states for solar power because of the state and federal financial incentives available and its sunny climate. With the right equipment and installation, harnessing solar power can provide huge savings in the future. Learn how it works, why Utah is the perfect place to invest in solar, and how SunPower by Custom Energy provides the best solar power installation in your area.
As the cost to produce electricity goes down each year, many Americans are making the wise switch to solar energy. Solar energy is both a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solution to high energy bills. The average American household spends around $1,430 a year on electricity alone. Solar energy is sustainable, renewable and plentiful.
Solar energy is simply the energy from the sun. Solar power harnesses the heat and light from the sun and turns it into electricity. Solar power can be used in many different ways; to heat and cool your home, provide electricity for your electronics or even heat your water.
SunPower by Custom Energy is one of the premier companies in a solar installation designed to help homeowners and businesses make the switch without breaking the bank. With expert estimates, financing options, and rebates that are hard to say no to, solar panel installation cost doesn’t have to get in the way of renewable energy in your home!
Recommended by Family & Friends Every Time
-
Mark Lyons
google
Very good experience from initial contact, education on solar, competitive pricing, excellent coordination of professional installation and outstanding follow up! Very happy with system!
-
Steve Kaylor
google
I had a SunPower system (35 panels and 2 batteries) installed by Custom Electrical (Custom Energy). I found them knowledgeable and easy to work with from the project start to finish. The design and install crews did excellent work and took my concerns into account. Their work was completed on time and on budget. I would use them again in the future and I certainly recommend them.
-
ROBERT FOLEY
google
We contacted Custom Energy late in the fall hoping that our system could be installed before year end. They worked quickly with the design and permitting process and installation was completed in December. They did a very professional job and everything works like it is supposed to.
-
Jeri Deneen
google
They came by and did the standard entry point spraying and checked for rodents. Very professional, friendly, and quick. They always ask if there is anything I've noticed in between treatments that they should look for and are very happy to check and treat if necessary. Very happy with the service!
-
Sergio Lares
google
Professional, fast, and friendly
-
Chris D
google
Had a bad experience Edge Pest control but the customer care manager called and resolved my issue. He explained that he would communicate with the employees so that in the future there would be less miscommunication and better service.
-
demi sockwell
google
The staff has always been prompt and friendly. The last service guy even text me a picture of a large opening that needed to be resealed and offered to fix it that day. It was an area that I normally wouldn’t even looked at and appreciate the extra effort to notify me of a potential problem. I’ve been impressed from the beginning with Edge. In fact, we never buy anything from door to door sales but the sales guy was so knowledgeable & friendly that my husband happily signed up.
-
Pastor Steward
google
Kudos to Nathan and Micah.This company is good quality and provides good info and understanding of their policies and procedures. Nathan and Micah came out and did a great job. We will be getting follow up services and hope to have these two guy show up again.
-
Lori Johnson
google
A great experience! Social Distancing. Very friendly and knowledgeable! Great Experience!!! Thank you for all you do! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PEST CONTROL COMPANY!!!!
-
D Bee
google
Quick, attentive response to inquiry. Next day service. Professional, congenial representative visited and performed the spray!
-
David Bell
google
Graham was great... very thorough, nice, professional... thank you Graham!!!
-
James McKee
google
I have been a customer since March 2020 and am proud to say that I appreciate and value the services provided by Edge. I have peace of mind knowing my kids and pets are safe from a variety of pests that we inherited with our new home. Their product is one of a kind however, the technicians are what really make this company stand out to me. Each technician I’ve encountered always has a vast knowledge about Edge’s products, they do a great job explaining them to you, and are happy to share their firsthand experiences in dealing with these pests directly. Graham is my regular technician and he is awesome! Not only do I trust him but I can also depend on him to answer my questions and make recommendations. If I ever have a problem or need additional services he is only a text away and is always professional and timely with his responses. He is also very courteous and not pushy when he informs me about new products and services offered by Edge. I would definitely recommend Edge’s services to anyone looking for A+ pest control solutions with technicians that will exceed your expectations. Thank you Edge!
-
Brett McCann
google
Tyler was great, reached out before to let me know when he’d be there and asked what needed to be attended to. Let me know when he was finished and what all he had done. 5-Star service
-
Eric Johnson
google
Love the service, Tyler was very professional, knowledgeable and just a nice guy! Went above and beyond what I expected!
-
Rebekah Kasmerski
google
Polite professional
-
Michael Willey
google
This was for a follow up...great service, and knowledgeable and friendly staff...these guys are great
-
Marie Smith
google
The service technicians are professional and knowledgeable. They always contact us to let us know when they will be arriving at our home to perform any service.
-
Sharaf Ahmed
google
Got Edge peat control to help me with grain beettle issue. First service was ok. I called in 2 weeks since it wasn't going down, they were responsive and sent someone the next day. Beetles started going down after that. Then after 1 month, they came again and Graham sprayed the house thoroughly. Very happy with Graham. Wish he came the other times too. He was very professional and took care of outside the house as well. We haven't seen ants or other bugs that we seen last summer. Beetle problem went down a lot and hoping with another spray, we should be able to kill them all. Update 11/13: Still having issues but a manager took over my account and has been actively working on to get rid of my beettles issue. Very happy with their service. I understand that bug issues are a process to eliminate but Edge is working hard to get my house beettles free.
-
Tamara Hendrix
google
Nice, professional, and explained everything. Showed me problem areas I didnt know I had. I am very happy with the service.
-
Pia Lucero
google
They were in neighborhood servicing others so I spoke with rep and had them Do my service and signed up. Can not advise if great year as pest control will know better in month. The staff was friendly .
