The sun doesn’t just provide warmth and light – it’s also a source of energy.
Solar energy (or solar power) is the energy we generate from sunlight. Through a process known as the photovoltaic effect, we can convert energy from the sun’s rays into electricity that can power our TVs, refrigerators, lights and other appliances.
The photovoltaic effect is what makes solar possible. To generate solar energy for your home or office, you need a solar power system.
A 2017 study suggests that solar homes sell for 3.74% more than comparable non-solar homes. That comes out to about $15,000 more on average for homes evaluated in the study.
Solar is a major selling point, so long as the homeowner owns the solar system. Leased systems are a different story, as the home buyer must agree to take on the contract and lease payments from the solar installer.
All Phase Solar is a division of All Phase Construction USA, a Certified General and Roofing Contractor who has also brought on Solar Scott as a partner to help with the Solar Division growth, education and implementation.
To generate your own energy, you need a complete solar power system. The essential components:
You also need a method to store the energy generated by the panels. If you have access to power lines, this doesn’t require additional equipment. It can simply be fed into the utility grid and used later.
But if you are off the grid, you’ll need additional parts:
These are connected by smaller components like wiring, fuses, and disconnects.
You can also add equipment to monitor your system’s output online, which helps troubleshoot any issues with shading or defective equipment.
The sun pays our electricity …who pays yours?
Here are some common questions asked and pro’s and Con’s)
Here are some reasons why you might choose solar over another source of power:
Here are some drawbacks to consider before going solar:
Licensing and insurance coverage should be verified first. In Florida, a Certified General Contractor is the highest available license available, followed by a Solar license if the company is not a Certified General Contractor. Both still require an electrician to do the connections. A roofing background is not required, but should be desired. You want to know that if there is ever a leak in the future, who is responsible for it? General Contractors who are also Roofing contractors should be able to provide one warranty for the entire system including any and all penetrations made, as well as all electrical connections. Professional solar installers charge a wide range of rates based on a number of factors. The #1 factor driving the cost of installation is the availability of qualified installers in the region. Most solar companies subcontract their installs, with several qualified installers competing for the same business. It is best to have a company that is qualified to install solar with a roofing background because of the complexities with the south Florida building codes.
As a benchmark, we find that most reputable solar installers charge $1.25 to $1.75 per watt of solar for their labor, depending on the type of roof.
On a 5kW system, you should expect to pay $6,250 to $8,750 for a professional solar installer’s services. (This fee is just for labor—it does not include the cost of equipment.)
All Phase Solar is a division of All Phase Construction USA, a Certified General and Roofing Contractor who has also brought on Solar Scott as a partner to help with the Solar Division growth, education and implementation. All Phase Solar The #1 Solar Energy Company serving South Florida and the surrounding areas.
All Phase Solar is a division of All Phase Construction USA, a Certified General and Roofing Contractor who has also brought on Solar Scott as a partner to help with the Solar Division growth, education and implementation. All Phase Solar The #1 Solar Energy Company serving South Florida and the surrounding areas.