Solar Energy Articles
The amount of energy the sun provides to the earth for an hour could meet our global energy needs for an entire year. It’s safe to say that the sun is an incredibly powerful source of energy—and we are only able to harness a fraction of it. Want to produce enough energy to power your home? Contact Cool Roofs to see how we can help residential customers as well as commercial customers.
The good news is that solar panels are becoming more and more commonplace, allowing households to create a bigger, more positive impact on the planet. More families are beginning to use solar energy to power their homes as their main source of energy.
Solar energy is great not only for the economy but also for the environment. And if you need a roofing company that will install solar panels in Austin, Texas, Cool Roofs Inc. is the company for you. We provide a wide array of roofing services for residential, commercial, and military applications. That includes repairs, replacing, emergency roof restorations, and of course, solar panel installation.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and installation process of solar panels, so you know what to expect when you decide to get one.
Solar Panels Installed On Your Roof in Austin
Solar power refers to the method of power generation that involves taking energy from the sun and converting it into electricity. This is done with the use of solar panels, which facilitate a reaction that converts the sun’s light radiation into electricity.
If you are interested in the benefits of solar power, Cool Roofs Inc. is the best solar installation company in Austin. Cool Roofs started off as a small company 10 years ago, focusing on providing the best possible roofing solutions in Central Texas. We have been providing the highest quality services in Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, New Braunfels, and a few more since we began. Residential customers, as well as commercial customers, are all very happy with Cool Roofs for roofing services as well as trusted solar experts. Our local installers can often be at your home or business within a week to begin work. Contact us to get one of our solar energy experts to come to visit your home and see what solar setup would be best for you. Our consultants are not just a salesperson, they are consultants that can help you, along with the project manager to choose the best solar setup for you. Quality service is what separates Cool Roofs from other companies.
Over the last few years, our team has massively expanded our capabilities while maintaining the same exact quality-assured service from when we started out in our backyard. Now we have taken on projects from coast to coast providing commercial, residential, and military roofing work anywhere in our great nation. Work with Cool Roofs to install solar panels on your roof. It is important to work alongside a professional to best be educated on the value that solar has to offer to you and your homestead.
Why Use Solar Energy for Your Austin Home
One of the biggest benefits of solar power is that it is a renewable energy source. The sun provides limitless solar energy, meaning it’s not going to run out any time soon. Solar energy is available every day, and it is available in all parts of the world.
Unlike other energy sources like fossil fuels, we will not run out of solar energy for at least 10 billion more years—which is when the sun is going to die, according to scientists. The only limit is our ability to harness it in a cost-effective way, and now that is possible through solar panels.
Not only is solar energy limitless, but it is also a clean source of energy because there are no greenhouse gas emissions when solar panels are used to create electricity. Solar power plays an important role as we move towards cleaner energy production.
Solar power has a smaller impact on the environment, especially when compared to other energy sources. Its impact is limited to the production of the special materials and metals required to create solar panels.
If you want a clean source of renewable energy, having a solar panel installed by Cool Roofs is the way to go. The operational and maintenance costs are low once the solar panels are in place, which can help you save a lot of money compared to other forms of power generation. There’s no fuel required, and it can still generate large amounts of electricity. It goes without saying your solar system can potentially reduce your electricity bills, depending on your heat and electricity usage.
Beyond these electricity bill savings, you can even earn money through the surplus energy that you export back to the grid. We will discuss this further later on. But the potential for savings—and earnings—is great when you have a solar panel system in your home.
Solar energy systems don’t need a lot of maintenance. Not to mention most solar panel manufacturers offer a warranty of 20 to 25 years. There are no moving parts, so you don’t have to worry about wear and tear. When it comes to maintenance, all you have to do is keep them clean. Cleaning them a few times per year will do the trick. You can even call specialized cleaning companies to have your solar panels cleaned every now and then.
You may have to replace the inverter after 5 to 10 years because it is constantly working to convert solar energy into electricity.
Austin Texas Solar Panel Installation Company
First, let’s talk about how solar panels work. When sunlight hits a solar panel, the photovoltaic cells convert them into direct current electricity or DC electricity. The inverter then converts the DC electricity into alternating current electricity or AC. Once this process is done, the electricity can be stored in a battery, fed into the grid, or used.
Solar systems are made up of solar panels or modules, plus a solar inverter and a mounting system. The solar inverter has a computerized controller. The AC generated by the solar energy system is what powers the household.
The roof is the most common location for the installation of solar panels—and it’s easy to see why. It’s where the sun has the most direct impact. Most roofing systems are sturdy enough to have a solar panel installed right on top of them. If your roof does not have the specifications required for the installation, your solar panel can still be mounted on the ground. It will work as long as there are no objects blocking access to the sun.
To install a solar panel on a roof, first, you need to set up scaffolding to make sure the installation process is safe. Next, you need to set up the solar panel mounting system, which will support the base of the solar panels. This structure needs to be tilted at an angle of 18 to 36 degrees to maximize exposure to sunlight.
Once you’ve set up the mounts, you can install the solar panel itself onto the mounting structure. Tighten up all the bolts so the whole thing is stable. The next part is installing the electrical wiring. Don’t forget to shut off your home’s electricity supply while installing the wiring.
The solar inverter must then be connected to the solar panel. This is usually kept near the main panel. Keep the inverter in a cool place to make it more efficient. If you have the inverter outdoors, make sure you keep it out of the sun.
The next step is to connect the solar inverter and the solar battery. Having solar battery storage will give you a steady supply of power even during cloudy days. Also, connect the inverter to the consumer unit to generate electricity. To monitor the amount of electricity that the solar panels are producing, you need to connect a generation meter. You can then use your computer to check the solar system’s performance.
Once you’re all done with setting it up, you can turn the power on and test your new solar panel system. If you want to make sure this entire process is done safely and effectively, call Cool Roofs Inc. today.
As for maintenance, you should inspect your solar panel a few times per year to look for dirt and other things that might be blocking it from the sun. However, some solar panel manufacturers could terminate the warranty if you do any self-cleaning, so consider the warranty conditions before cleaning your solar panel.
Cleaning the solar panel is easy. You can use a garden hose to wash the face of the panels. If it requires more cleaning, you can use a sponge with soapy water to scrub the panels. That said, avoid spraying your solar panels with cold water if they are hot because this can damage your solar panel system.
If your solar panels are too high or in need of more thorough cleaning, have a professional cleaning company do the job.
How Much Can You Save by Installing Solar Panels?
Homeowners may be skeptical about investment opportunities that promise “big savings”, but solar panels are among the most reliable ones. Not only are you saving money, but you are also helping to save the planet. One of its main appeals is the ability to reduce your electric bills. This is definitely one of the biggest reasons why people go solar.
With a solar energy system, you can potentially save thousands of dollars per year on energy costs. Solar panels can offer long-term savings by reducing or eliminating these costs. That’s because sunlight is free and can be captured with your solar panels.
Here’s the thing: the exact amount that you can save with your solar panel system depends on a number of factors, including how many hours your solar panels are exposed to the sun, as well as how much energy you use on a daily basis. The size of your roof can even factor into the equation.
To get an idea of how much you can save with a solar energy system, you first need to calculate how much you are already spending on electricity per year. The average family in the US is spending around $1,450 on electricity per year. That is around $0.1360 per kWh.
You also have to remember that electricity prices can be volatile, so utility rates may fluctuate. With a solar energy system, you can generate your own energy and significantly reduce your electric bill.
On top of this, solar panels can even improve your home’s resale value. If you are planning on selling your real estate property, your extra investment on solar installation will increase your home’s value. Research suggests that homeowners could enjoy a $5,911 resale value increase per installed kilowatt. This means if you have a 3.1-kilowatt system, your home’s resale value can increase by almost $18,000.
One important thing to note is that you may get added electricity costs if your solar panels do not cover 100 percent of your electricity consumption. By accurately sizing your PV system, you can calculate how many solar panels you will need based on your electricity usage.
How Solar Power Can Save Money & Environment
Of course, you’re not only going solar for the reduced energy bill—you are also interested in saving the environment and leaving a healthier planet for the next generation.
Solar power helps the environment because it derives clean and pure energy from the sun. Not only do you rely less on fossil fuels, but you also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Electricity is typically sourced from coal, natural gas, and other fossil fuels. Unfortunately, when these fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity, they also emit harmful gases that cause air pollution. This is also the primary cause of global climate change.
Fossil fuels are also a finite resource. This is why the price fluctuates so often. By investing in solar power, you are investing in public health by reducing air pollution. Renewable energy sources do not produce air or water pollution, which means they are good for the long-term health of the entire planet. In fact, solar energy systems require little to no water to operate, which means it doesn’t affect the world’s water supply much.
Another reason why you should switch to solar power is that it works even during a heatwave or a drought. During these times, traditional electricity generation is at risk, but solar power systems don’t need water to generate electricity.
One interesting concept when it comes to using solar energy to power your home is net metering. Net metering means you can sell electricity back to the electrical company and make money in the process. Through using microinverters and solar systems, we can help you lower your utility bills. Want to ground mount your solar system? Call our phone number to see what is the best setup for you, whether it’s a roof-mounted system, on the side of your home or ground-mounted. Our company operates under the premise of giving you great customer service and exceeding expectations. See why we have such great reviews on Google!
Also known as net energy metering or NEM, this is a way to use the electric grid to store the energy produced by your solar panel for later use. If your solar panels are producing more electricity than you are using, the electricity is sent back to the grid, which means your electric meter will be running in reverse.
On the other hand, if you are using more electricity than your solar panels are generating, then you pull electricity back from the grid, which runs your meter forwards.
At the end of the month or year, you are billed the net of your tool and put onto the grid. That’s why it’s called net metering. You can even earn money by producing more electricity than you are using. Keep in mind that your solar panels produce varying amounts of electricity throughout the year, particularly during the winter when the sun sets earlier. Net metering helps you account for these seasonal differences by allowing you to use excess electricity at a later date.
Are There Any Tax Credits for Going Solar?
This is one of the more unexpected benefits of going solar. You can earn tax credits and rebates with your solar panels. For starters, you will get 30 percent of your total system costs from installation and equipment as a federal income tax credit when you file your taxes. So for example, if your solar system is worth $25,000, you will save $7,500 once you file your taxes.
You can also get state and local rebates as well as SRECs or Solar Renewable Energy Credits. All of these combined will effectively cut the total costs in half. SRECs are generated throughout the year. Homeowners can sell them to utility companies. This means your solar energy system can give you an impressive return on your investment. Choose Cool Roofs as your solar company in Austin TX.
Texas itself doesn’t have a statewide solar tax credit or its own solar rebate program. However, many utilities offer incentives to homeowners who want to go solar. For example, Austin, Texas offers a rebate of $2,500 for those who want to go solar. Austin also pays $0.097 for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) your solar panels can generate—that is if you are eligible for Austin Energy’s Value of Solar Tariff.
Take advantage of these amazing tax credits for going solar to save even more money.
How Much Does Solar Power Cost to Set Up? Solar COmpanies Austin
When choosing Cool Roofs as your solar panel installation company, just know that we are a leader in the solar industry and we have been serving Austin TX for the better part of a decade. The freedom solar provides is amazing when you factor in tax credits, and long-term savings. The Texas sun can be an amazing provider for reducing your energy costs. When searching for solar companies in Austin TX Cool Roofs should be the #1 phone call. Solar companies, in general, can provide a ton of value and savings, but we are also a roofing company and we understand how to install with the best results to keep the integrity of your roof and shingles. The freedom solar offers are absolutely amazing. The solar industry and in particular Cool Roofs is excited to welcome you to a world of savings and freedom solar power. The whole process from start to finish will often take a week, from determining the system size to getting our solar installer on site, to the final inspection. Cool Roofs understands that several companies might come out to your home or business when you are looking for alternative energy choices in Austin TX. We know that the other company or companies cannot match our reputation, customer service or staying power. Some homeowners report that their property value increased when going to sell, as a low electrical bill is always a huge benefit to the new homeowners. Solar experts agree that saving money is one of the biggest benefits to sun-powered energy-efficient residences.
Reduce Your Electrical Bill with Solar Energy
Solar panels reduce your electricity bill, and they also need very little maintenance. The tricky part is setting it up in the first place. That’s because it requires an initial investment into getting solar installed in your home. If you chose Cool Roofs for your solar provider, we will do our best to advise you to lower your electric bill, maintain the beauty of your home and position the solar array on your home. As a leading Texas solar provider, we make sure your final inspection is easy and pain-free.
The national average of a solar panel installation is $18,500 for a 6kW solar panel system made for a 1,500 square ft. home. The average cost ranges $9,255 to $28,000. Most homes would need a 3kW to 8kW solar panel for their residential property. Austin solar rebates will change depending on the current subsidies being offered. Please call to see what Austin solar incentives are being offered from the government or from the manufacturer.
Call Cool Roofs Inc. today to learn more about the pricing of solar energy system installation.
How Renewable Energy Works | Longhorn Solar Installers
Solar power is considered renewable energy—but it’s not the only one. Any naturally occurring source of energy that can be constantly replenished is classified as renewable energy. This includes solar, hydrokinetic, wind, and geothermal energy. Solar installers like Cool Roofs know how to position your Tesla solar panels on your home, to get the most amount of sun on the panels so that you can reduce your reliance on the electric company. In fact, some homeowners can have a surplus of self-generated electricity and can sell it back to the electric company. Tired of high energy bills? See why Austin TX homeowners are loving solar systems that can lower or eliminate electrical bills.
Unlike coal and oil, which rely on burning a material that cannot be recreated, renewable energy sources are environmentally-friendly and are considered “green energy”. Although they may still produce pollution, the amount is significantly lower than traditional energy sources.
Hydroelectric power is the biggest source of renewable energy right now. It involves harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water to produce electricity by turning turbines.
Wind power works similarly by harnessing the kinetic energy of wind currents to turn fan-like turbines.
Geothermal energy involves harnessing the natural heat of the earth’s core to produce power. And of course, we already know about solar power, which uses the light and heat produced by the sun.
Renewable energy sources are more sustainable in the long run, especially as the population of the human race increases. Right now, most of our vehicles operate on diesel or gasoline, which is not very sustainable. But in the future, technology may develop even further to allow solar energy to power more vehicles with electricity since the sun produces so much energy per day.
Tesla Solar Panels Installed In Austin – Your Freedom Solar Team
Heard the buzz about Tesla Solar panels? Well let us tell you, they’re pretty amazing. Let’s see what Tesla Solar has to say about their panels, “Use solar energy to power your home and reduce your dependence on the grid. Purchase solar at the lowest price of any national provider with Tesla’s price match guarantee and take control of your monthly electricity bill.” Let’s take a look at the specs on Solar Panels from Tesla
Wattage
425 W
- Operating Temperature
- -40°F up to +185°F
- Dimensions
- 82.4″ x 40.9″ x 1.57″
- (including frame)
- Frame Type
- Black anodized aluminum alloy
- Warranty
- 25-year performance guarantee
- Certifications
- IEC / UL 61730,
- CE Compliant,
- IEC 61215
- Inverter Power
- 3.8kW / 7.6kW
- 97.5% efficiency
- Inverter Dimensions
- 26″ x 16″ x 6″
- Inverter Warranty
- 12.5 years
Why Use Cool Roofs to Install Your Solar Power System? Best Solar Companies
For years, Cool Roofs has provided Austin, Texas, and surrounding areas with professional roofing services of every kind—and that includes solar power system installation. We are a reliable company that always provides high-quality and energy-efficient roofing systems at as low a cost as possible to homeowners. Installing solar panels is something that Austin homeowners have been flocking to after seeing the tax and monthly savings that other Austin TX homeowners are taking advantage of. Austin TX is a very sunny area and Austin solar panel companies are able to help lower your utility costs.
As a leader in the solar company industry, Cool Roofs Inc. understands the importance of preserving the environment and taking care of our planet, one roof and one solar panel at a time.
We use nothing but the latest technologies and newest products to provide the best quality of work for our clients. We also find the most practical solutions to business and job-related problems, and that includes installing solar panels. As Tesla solar panel installers, we are a leading solar company in the longhorn solar state.
Quality Customer Service
Our mission is to work with dedication and integrity. Cool Roofs Inc. always works with a foundation of trust and respect. Our goal is to build lasting relationships by striving for complete satisfaction for all the projects we undertake, whether it’s residential, commercial, or military.
Most importantly, we are proud of the work that we do and we promise you a skillful, thorough, and professional job with as little disruption to you as humanly possible. We will install your solar panels with ease and precision. With an A+ BBB rating, being recognized as one of the Top 100 roofing and property storm restoration companies in the country, and having associations with groups ranging from the Texas Apartment Association to the Texas Self Storage Association, we are focused on customer satisfaction and uniquely qualified to tackle any type of commercial project.
If you are looking for the best roofing company in Austin to install your solar system, look no further than Cool Roofs Inc.
CONTACT US
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