Due to the substantial negative impact on the environment, the world tends to green most production processes. One of the solutions to overcome the ecological crisis is transitioning to alternative energy. Green energy production reduces the damage done to the environment. In addition, solar panels are very cost-effective. Read more about Queens solar energy at queens.name.
A Bit of History
People have been using solar energy for tens of thousands of years to regulate temperatures in homes. This energy contributes to food production on Earth as it promotes photosynthesis in plants, which are then consumed by animals.
In the 18th century, scientists began studying solar energy to increase its use. Their major discovery was the photoelectric effect, which is the ability to convert solar energy into electricity. This happens when sunlight hits semiconductors, such as silicon. These substances poorly conduct electricity in their natural state but do so perfectly under certain conditions, such as heat or light. The discovery of the photoelectric effect prompted the creation of powerful solar batteries in the 20th century.
The modern solar power industry in the United States appeared in the wake of the energy crisis in the late 1970s. Rapidly rising oil prices stimulated the government to develop alternative energy sources. In 1977, the Solar Energy Research Institute was founded (now the National Renewable Energy Laboratory). Its objectives include research and promotion of the commercialization of solar energy. Despite these efforts, solar electricity was in little demand in the 1990s.
The solar industry in the USA started growing in the 2000s. The increased efficiency of solar batteries helped significantly reduce the cost of such systems. Electricity generated from the sun became cost-competitive with fossil and nuclear sources. State subsidies also increased economic viability. In 2021, solar power accounted for 36% of the total new electricity generation capacity in the country.
Operating principle
High technologies convert sunlight into electrical power through photovoltaic panels. When the sun’s rays fall on the photocell, it heats up and partially absorbs solar energy. This energy releases electrons inside the semiconductor. Induced by an external electric field, the electrons begin to drift in a certain direction, thus generating an electric current. A solar panel is a photovoltaic module that “collects” sunlight and uses it to produce electricity.
It is interesting that one and a half hours of sunlight that reaches the Earth’s surface is sufficient to power the world for an entire year.
Why should we switch to solar energy?
In the early 2020s, Queens was the leader in New York City in the number of solar-powered houses. Due to high utility costs, residents of Queens are eager to switch to solar energy systems. The average electricity tariff here in the early 2020s was $0.31 per kilowatt-hour. This is 31% higher than in other parts of New York State and 37% more than the national average in the USA.
Homeowners who switch to solar power save significantly on their expenses. Powered by solar energy, homes are less dependent on the utility grid. Consequently, they have lower monthly electricity bills.
Therefore, homeowners can cut costs without saving on energy consumption, especially on hot summer days when air conditioners are constantly in use. In this way, Queens residents are combating inflation and constant changes in tariffs as the price per watt or unit of energy keeps rising. According to experts’ calculations, solar panels can save you more than $30,000 over 20 years.
Another essential advantage of solar power is the absence of gas emissions into the environment. The level of air and water pollution decreases with the decline of dependence on the power grid.
Solar energy consumers spend most of the money on the purchase and maintenance of panels. These panels are reliable and long-lasting. Modern manufacturers provide almost a 30-year warranty on solar installations, although some of their components may fail earlier.
The majority of houses in Queens have pitched roofs, which facilitates the placement of solar panels and enhances economic efficiency. Investment returns can be optimized by using available tax credits and financial incentives. For example, the NYC Department of Finance offers a beneficial opportunity for Queens residents to pay lower real estate tax in exchange for installing panels. This offer applies to both residential and commercial buildings.
In addition, net metering allows homeowners to receive utility credits by accumulating auxiliary energy. The credits stored in the “credit bank” are earned when additional energy from solar panels is delivered to the general electrical network.
The best solar panel providers in New York
There are many companies in New York that specialize in installing solar panels. Top Queens installers include:
- Solar Mentor. The goal of this company is to provide sustainable energy solutions by proposing a wide range of solar products and services. The company installs and maintains panels in and about New York. Solar Mentor ensures high customer satisfaction through top-quality products and excellent customer support. Dedicated specialists eagerly provide all the necessary information about solar energy. The company’s experts develop an intelligent system that will find the best options for a specific building for transitioning to solar energy.
- Advanced Solar Solutions. This company aims to simplify the process of transitioning to solar power for both ordinary residents and businesses. The company provides a 25-year warranty on its panels, ensuring a reliable energy solution. It uses Enphase microinverters for maximum energy output. With extensive knowledge of local legislation and economic incentives, local consultants will offer the best energy solution. Every step of panel installation, from initial design to final mounting, is handled by Advanced Solar Solutions.
- Sustainable Solar and Storage offers the installation of highly efficient solar panels. Unlike many other companies, Sustainable Solar and Storage allows customers to pay for services in installments. The company installs various types of solar systems on flat, slate, clay, metal, tile and other types of roofs.