How Solar Energy Works
Useful Solar Information For Homeowners In St. George
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Solar Energy 101: Top Solar Installation in St. George
With advancements in technology and exponential growth in popularity, investing in solar installation in St. George has never been easier or more affordable. While solar power has become more prominent in recent years, it’s not a new technology. The first silicon solar cell was invented in 1954, making it older than iPhones, Teslas and laptops. In fact, the Vanguard 1, the first satellite powered by solar energy, has traveled more than six billion miles since being launched in 1958 — and it’s still operational.
What started in the space industry has become adopted in the residential and commercial sectors. According to the US Department of Energy, about 1.2 gigawatts of solar power was generated in 2008, which jumped to 27.4 gigawatts in 2015. That’s enough to power 5.4 million homes!
That number has only grown as more effective solar panels hit the market and governments extend tax credits, making what was once exclusive technology more accessible.
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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.
Boost Your Home's Value
Solar technology will reduce your energy bill and make your home more environmentally friendly. If you decide to sell your home at any point, it can also make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
Panels are considered an upgrade on your home, boosting its value. The boost in home value is estimated to be as much as $15,000. Solar panels give you an edge on the competition when you’re looking to sell, both in price and in how long they stay on the market. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that houses with solar panels sold 20% faster and for 17% more than homes without them.
Benefits of Solar in St. George
Solar installation in St. George is booming for a reason. Due to the abundance of sunny days, St. George is one of the best places to utilize solar power. More sun means more power fueling your home. And, since the temperature does not impact how much you produce, cold days won’t limit your potential. Snow can even be better for your panels than a spring day since the snow reflects more light onto your panels.
Not only is St. George one of the best places for solar panels to function optimally but installing them is incredibly affordable, thanks to many available federal and state tax credits.
How Does Solar Save Money?
Every watt of power you create makes you less dependent on the grid, saving money on your bill. Your potential savings depend on your roof space and configuration. This varies by house, so a Custom Energy consultation will explain if your house is a good candidate for solar.
Take a look at your electric bills. That will show you how much energy you’ll need to produce to be independent. However, not every kilowatt hour is measured the same. Power companies charge more money during certain times of the day. By installing a battery system along with your panels, you can switch from the grid to your own power during those time frames, maximizing your benefits. Depending on where you live, your local utility company may even buy your unused electricity from you as part of a deal called net metering.
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)
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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 St. George, there are even more reasons SunPower by Custom Energy is the best solar company in St. George.
Solar Power 101 How Does it Work?
A lot goes into turning photons from the sun into energy that will fuel your appliances. In a nutshell, a system uses photovoltaic panels and mirrors to capture solar rays. There are two layers of silicon inside of the solar cells. One is negatively charged, and the other is positively charged. The sunlight triggers these solar cells to become part of the electrical current. The panels are converted to inverters, which in turn take the electrons contained in the current and convert it into electricity.
Solar Power 101 Is Switching to Solar Worth It?
Tax credits and the rising cost of electricity have shortened the time it takes to receive a return on your investment in solar installation in St. George. Solar panels continue to create energy in any type of weather. As long as you can see outside during the day, sunlight is filtering through.
How much money solar can save you will also change. Energy prices used to rise about 2% each year. Now, it’s outpacing the cost of inflation, reaching into the double digits. Utility companies also change rates multiple times a year, leaving plenty of room for surprises. Investing now means you can cut out some of that uncertainty.
Solar Power 101 Off the Grid: Solar in Remote Locations
Your ultimate goal with solar may be to disconnect from the grid and eliminate your electric bill altogether. While not everyone can achieve this, it is possible. If you live far away from the grid, becoming completely energy independent may be crucial.
Disconnecting from the grid requires you to have a self-contained system with batteries. You will need more storage, extra solar panels and a bigger inverter. It’s also vital to keep up with maintenance.
When you’re remote, you face high costs to bring power lines from the grid to you. It also makes you more vulnerable in case of emergencies. Investing in solar can give you the security you need for your remote home or cabin.
25-Year Warranty Power Your Home with Confidence
With the longest warranty in the business, Custom Energy can power your remote home both now and in the future. Our 25-year warranty guarantees that your panels will still produce 92% of the power at the end of the warranty than they did the day they were installed. Your panels will also be durable and start off converting more solar energy than the competition.
As your trusted partner in powering your home with solar energy, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind and significant savings. Our tailored solar solutions are designed to meet your specific needs, ensuring you harness the full potential of renewable energy while reducing your carbon footprint. With our state-of-the-art technology and expertise, you can relax knowing that your home is powered efficiently and sustainably, without the worry of rising utility bills. Let us take care of your energy needs so you can focus on what truly matters to you.
Call us today to get started on your consultation!
Contact Us Pricing & Financing Options
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
Choosing SunPower by Custom Energy St. George'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 St. George as the top Master dealer of SunPower in St. George!
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.
