The Power of the Sun: 2023 Residential solar panel update

As we flip the calendars over to 2024, maybe you’re considering some sustainability goals for the coming year. As stated in the recent UN Climate Change activities, we are at the “beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era”. If you’ve ever thought about a transition to solar energy as a clean and renewable energy solution for your home – this might be the year!

My family made the move to solar panels a couple of years ago and have been very happy with the experience. I’ve shared about the reasons we chose to do it, process of installation and set up, and other updates in past posts here.

In this blog post, I wanted to share an update on our panel performance this year and take a moment to explore the world of residential solar panels, shedding light on the benefits, installation process, and the positive impact they can have on both the environment and your wallet!

Performance statistics

The system we use has quite good data to track our panel performance, and to understand the impact of it! I like data so think it’s pretty interesting to see the various graphs and charts that show our energy generation and usage.

For example, here is our annual power generation by month, which gives a good idea of the variation in seasonal power generation:

As you can see below, 2023 was our best year yet! We installed additional panels in May 2022, so 2023 was the first full year with the old and new panels.

The chart below is the data from our power provider. In our jurisdiction we have the ability to sign up for ‘net metering’ meaning that we draw power from the grid when we aren’t generating enough for our household from the solar panels, and we sell to the grid and receive credits when we generate more than required for our household. You can see our draws when power usage is above the horizontal axis, and credits when usage is below the horizontal axis.

Solar panels – a few basics and how to get started!

1. What are they? Solar panels, or photovoltaic (PV) panels, convert sunlight into electricity using semiconductor materials.
2. Understand Environmental and Financial Benefits: Explore the dual benefits of home solar panels for your unique situation. It is possible for them to significantly reduce your carbon footprint by tapping into a clean energy source, and also lead to substantial savings on your energy bills over time.

3. Types of Solar Panels: Not all solar panels are created equal. Dive into the different types, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels. Learn about their efficiency, durability, and suitability for various climates.
4. The Installation Process: Demystify the installation process. From site assessment and panel placement to wiring and connection to the electrical grid, understanding what goes into installing home solar panels is crucial for a smooth transition to solar energy.
5. Financing and Incentives: Investigate financing options and government incentives, such as the Canada Greener Homes grant, that can make solar panel installation more affordable. From tax credits to rebates, there are various ways to make the transition to solar power financially viable.
6. Maintenance and Longevity: Learn about the minimal maintenance required for solar panels and their expected lifespan. Understanding how to care for your solar panels ensures they operate efficiently for years to come.
7. Solar Energy Storage: Explore the option of solar energy storage solutions, such as batteries, or net metering programs. These systems allow homeowners to store excess energy generated during the day for use during other periods.

Looking forward

As we navigate the challenges of a changing climate, residential solar panels emerge as a powerful solution to reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources. This blog post aims to empower homeowners with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision about harnessing the sun’s energy for a more sustainable and cost-effective future.

Have you ever considered installing solar panels on your home?

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