Are Solar Panels the Best Option? Will I Save Money?

As the importance of protecting our environment is stressed more and more, people start to look at alternative sources of energy. Many people use standard electricity to power their homes and places of business. This works fine, but there are other options to consider.

Solar panels have been around since the 1950s, but have just recently gained popularity due to the fact that they are environmentally friendly, and are more likely to save you money compared to more traditional means of energy. An option like the Patriot Power Generator is an ideal, high-quality backup power option to protect you in the case of blackouts and natural disasters.

What Are Solar Panels?

So how exactly do solar panels work? There are five basic steps in the process of collecting energy from solar panels and converting it into electricity for you to use.

The first step is that the sun reaches the panels. The second step is when electricity is generated and goes into the edges of the panels, and then into a conductive wire. This wire is connected to an inverter. The third step is the conversion of DC electricity to AC electricity (which can be used to power buildings/homes). 

The fourth step is that the AC electricity moves from the inverter to the property’s breaker box, and then it is distributed throughout the home. Our solar generator features a powerful lithium-iron-phosphate battery to give you the most stable power supply possible. Lastly, the fifth step is when excess electricity moves into the utility electrical grid, resulting in a credit to your property for extra production. Now you know how solar panels work, but what about what they can do for you? 

Top Four Reasons To Use Solar Panels for Energy

• Environmentally friendly- solar energy does not produce pollution, emissions, or greenhouse gasses.
• Saves money- some companies estimate the panels will pay for themselves within roughly three years, while others say you will save thousands of dollars over the duration of using the panels.
• Guaranteed power even during emergencies and outages/shortages- you will always have a power source because solar panels are self-sufficient and self-reliant.  
• Longevity- solar panels can last anywhere from 20-30 years, and most come with warranties stating they will last for 20. 

Will They Help Me Save Money?

Yes, solar panels will save you money. And we aren’t talking about a few bucks-- we are talking about thousands of dollars over the course of using these panels. The overall financial benefit is that you save tons of money in the long-run while immediately reaping the benefits of solar energy. The exact amount which you will save depends entirely on your current electricity usage and cost. 

One statistic suggests that the average American household spends $1,430 a year on electricity. Depending on where you live, your total savings (over the course of 20-30 years) could range from $10,000-50,000.

Not only does it save you money with your monthly electric bill, but there is also a federal tax break in place for those who use solar panel energy. Solar panels also increase property value if you were to ever sell your home. Between the savings, tax break, and property increase, it’s clear solar panels will help to save you money both upfront and over time. 

What Are the Other Benefits of Using Solar Panels?

As we mentioned, there are four main benefits of using solar panels. We already discussed the financial benefit of using solar power, which is the primary motivation for many people in purchasing solar panels. Another benefit is that solar panels are environmentally friendly. This is because using the sun as an energy source is inexhaustible and non-polluting, making our portable solar generator far more rechargeable than a standard gas generator. 

The availability of fossil fuel is limited because it will either run out or have a finite amount of usage (such as coal, which cannot be used multiple times). The sun, on the other hand, is always available. Even on days where it is completely cloudy and you can’t see the sun, it is always emitting UV rays. This means your solar panels will always have charge, although some days might be less than others depending on how sunny it is.

Fossil fuels emit greenhouse gasses, which directly pollute the air and earth. Solar panels do not emit anything, except energy which is directly transferred within the panel to your home. Another benefit is that you have a guaranteed source of power, no matter the situation. If you lose power for any reason, it can be both scary and dangerous. 

If you have solar panels or use a solar powered generator, you will never be without power. This can be essential for charging cell phones for communication, light to utilize for reading instructions (and just to see things in general), and to keep things running in your home such as your refrigerator. You will never have to worry about having batteries on hand or waiting for your electricity to come back on, and you won't have to spend hours with your engine on trying to use your car charger. 

Solar Panels Are the Best Option

Solar panels aren’t the only way to utilize solar energy. There are other products you can get that utilize similar technology. These products are typically smaller and more portable than large solar panels, making them ideal for things such as camping and emergencies that result in a loss of power.

Our solar lantern is the perfect companion for camping trips or backyard gatherings. It’s also great for having on-hand for emergencies, as it is easily portable. Our solar panels connect to a generator to give it power. They’re built to last for maximum portability, you can take them anywhere you might need to use a generator. Charge it before a storm to ensure you and your family are safe and have access to power. 

Another great item for camping or power outages is our tactical flashlight, which is also solar powered. This is a must-have for any safety kit, car owner, or homeowner. Don’t take any chances when it comes to your safety: having a solar-powered flashlight means you can always be prepared, no matter what, even if you're off-grid. No batteries, no problem. Preparedness is worth it. 

If you have other concerns about power outages, visit 4patriots.com to learn more about why we have the best solar generator (the new and improved Patriot Power Generator 1800), as well as other useful tools like our 72-hour survival food kit, with a shelf life of up to 25 years. Our portable power station includes not one but two AC outlets, and it has a continuous output of up to 1,800 watts of power. It features folding solar panels, and comes with a solar panel extension cord, and can also be recharged from a wall outlet. 

We recommend using solar-powered devices so that you always have some source of electricity when you may otherwise have none. Solar panels are the best option because they are reliable, save you money, and help protect the environment. More than anything, they give you peace of mind.

Sources: 

https://www.energymatters.com.au/components/renewable-energy/ 

https://solect.com/the-science-of-solar-how-solar-panels-work/#

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/sponsored/brief-history-solar-panels-180972006/

https://www.umasolar.com/blog/do-solar-panels-save-money/