As more and more people are looking for ways to conserve energy and save on rising energy bills, solar power is growing in popularity. According to the United States Energy Information Administration, wind, solar, and battery storage will eventually account for 82% of the new utility-scale generating capacity that developers plan to bring online in America. However, you may not be aware of the various solar power types that are available to you. Here are a few reasons why you'll want to do some research before you decide.

Awareness of What Is Available

Solar panels are a major investment, and you don't want to go into it blind. By doing the proper research and discussing options with solar power companies, you can make a more informed decision. Some solar power types are connected to the energy grid while others are not. Those that don't have battery storage ensure that you continue to have power at night or on cloudy days. There are also systems that are connected to the grid but still come with battery storage. You can talk to local solar companies about the advantages and disadvantages of each type, and they can help you decide which one is best for you.

Ability to Choose What’s Best for Your Needs

The type of solar power system you choose will depend on many factors such as cost, climate, energy usage, and more. Naturally, some solar power types are more expensive than others, but it's worth the investment if that's what aligns with your needs. Solar power systems also have temperature ratings, so if you live in a hot climate, you'll want a higher energy rating than if you live in a colder climate.

Lastly, consider your energy usage and your goals. If you use a lot of energy, you'll likely want an on-grid or hybrid system, because the energy grid will continue to provide electricity if you run out of solar. However, if you experience frequent power outages, you may want an off-grid system because you'll have battery storage to fall back on when blackouts occur. There are other factors to consider as well, so be sure to talk to your local solar company about what they would recommend for your property.

Solar energy is growing in popularity. If you're interested in learning more about solar power types, please contact Northwind Solar. We're here for all of your solar power needs.