Using solar roof panels to power your home

Sitting inconspicuously atop a house, solar roof panels can generate an immense amount of energy to power your home. They can generate electricity to power your appliances and lights. Or, the panels can be used to heat the water that you and your family depend upon. They work throughout the day, soaking up the sun's energy and storing it for use when it's required. Years ago, solar roof panels were ugly metal sheets that brazenly stood on top of a house. They needed to face the sun directly to generate enough energy to heat your water. Today, the panels are much more compact and powerful. Below, you'll learn how these panels can save you money over the long-term.

Solar roof panels save money

Utility companies have had their grip on the capacity of energy production for years. Sometimes, that control has led to blackouts throughout certain parts of the country. Other times, they've been able to raise the price of the energy they deliver. Solar roof panels allow you to escape this monopolistic grip. You're no longer forced to pay for and receive your energy from the utility company. Instead, you can generate the power you need for your home directly from the sun. Today's solar roof panels can be installed onto your roof so that they store energy until you need it. In some cases, you can even sell your excess energy.

How can you sell your excess power?

In many areas, the pursuit of finding an alternative energy source is deemed critical. When consumers store excess solar power, they can literally sell the excess to utility companies by using renewable energy credits. While the installation of a formidable solar power system will cost several thousands of dollars, it can yield a dividend. By placing solar roof panels on your home, you can potentially generate all of the energy your home requires and offset the initial investment with renewable energy credits. It's important to note that this isn't possible everywhere.

Out of the way and unobtrusive

Many homeowners prefer solar roofing to other types of panels because they can be completely integrated into shingled rooftops. They can be customized to look like your normal roof. Often, people will drive by a home that has solar paneling installed on the roof and they won't realize it. The panels can be discreetly installed as concrete tile, slate and even asphalt to match the style of your home's roof.

When solar panels were first introduced, the option to place them on rooftops wasn't even available. Instead, the panels were mounted on the ground. Many of them were large and unsightly. Today, when the panels are placed on your roof, they sit out of the way, quietly storing and generating the energy your home needs.

Having solar roof panels installed

The installation of solar roofing requires bolting the panels onto your rooftop. Though installing the panels can cost several thousands of dollars, you can often qualify for rebates from the government. Your solar roof panels should last nearly 40 years. During that time, you'll be taking advantage of a cheaper source of energy while helping to preserve the environment. Your initial investment in the paneling system will be amortized over decades. As utility companies continue to raise the price of their energy, you can be confident that you won't be subject to those rate hikes.