Frequently Asked Questions

A radiant barrier is a type of insulation material that is specifically designed to reflect radiant heat. It is typically installed in the attic of a home, where it acts as a barrier against the sun's heat during hot summer months. By reflecting the heat away from the home, a radiant barrier can help keep the living space cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning and ultimately saving energy costs.

In the winter, a radiant barrier can also help to prevent heat loss by reflecting the heat back into the home. This can help maintain a more comfortable temperature indoors, reducing the need for heating and therefore saving on energy costs as well.

Overall, the use of a radiant barrier can contribute to a more energy-efficient home, leading to significant savings on utility bills over time.

  Upgrading your home's lighting to LED (light-emitting diode) technology can provide significant energy savings for several reasons:

1. Energy Efficiency: LED lights are highly energy-efficient compared to traditional incandescent or compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. LEDs convert almost all of the electricity they consume into light, with very little wasted as heat. In contrast, incandescent bulbs waste a substantial portion of energy as heat. This energy efficiency can result in immediate and noticeable energy savings.

2. Lower Power Consumption: LED bulbs use much less power to produce the same amount of light as traditional bulbs. For example, an LED bulb can produce the same amount of light as a traditional incandescent bulb using only a fraction of the power. This lower power consumption translates directly into lower energy usage and reduced utility bills.

3. Long Lifespan: LED bulbs have a significantly longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs. While incandescent bulbs typically last for around 1,000 hours and CFL bulbs for around 8,000 hours, LED bulbs can last for up to 50,000 hours or more. This means fewer replacements and less waste over time, resulting in additional energy and cost savings.

4. Dimmable and Instant-On: LED lights are compatible with dimmer switches and offer instant-on functionality, unlike CFL bulbs that may take some time to reach full brightness. This flexibility allows homeowners to further optimize energy usage by adjusting light levels as needed.

5. Environmental Impact: LED lighting produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional lighting options. The reduced energy consumption and longer lifespan contribute to a lower carbon footprint and less environmental impact.

By upgrading to LED lighting throughout your home, you can enjoy immediate energy savings, lower electricity bills, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
 

Residential solar panels are photovoltaic (PV) panels that are installed on the rooftops or grounds of residential homes to generate electricity from sunlight. These panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity, which can then be converted into alternating current (AC) electricity through an inverter to power the home's electrical appliances and systems.

There are a few common misnomers associated with residential solar panels that we can address:

1. Cost: One misnomer is that solar panels are extremely expensive and not cost-effective. While the upfront cost of installing solar panels can be significant, the long-term savings on electricity bills can often offset the initial investment. Additionally, there are various federal and state incentives, tax credits, and financing options available to make solar panel installations more affordable for homeowners.

2. Maintenance: Another misnomer is that solar panels require extensive maintenance. In reality, solar panels are quite durable and have no moving parts, so they generally require minimal maintenance. Occasional cleaning to remove dirt or debris and checking the system's performance can ensure optimal efficiency.

3. Climate dependency: Some people believe that solar panels can only be effective in areas with abundant sunshine. While it's true that solar panels generate more electricity in areas with higher solar irradiance, they can still produce electricity even in less sunny regions. Advances in solar technology have also made panels more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity.

4. Aesthetics: Some homeowners worry that solar panels will detract from the aesthetic appeal of their homes. However, solar panel designs have improved over the years, and there are now options available that blend seamlessly with various architectural styles.

Overall, residential solar panels can provide clean and renewable energy, reduce reliance on the grid, and potentially save homeowners money in the long run. It's important to consult with solar energy professionals to understand the specific benefits, costs, and considerations for your home.

The amount of money a homeowner can save on utility bills by installing solar panels varies depending on several factors, such as the size of the solar system, the amount of sunlight in the area, local electricity rates, and the homeowner's energy consumption. It is challenging to provide an average savings figure that applies universally across the United States, as these factors can vary significantly from one location to another.

However, according to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the average residential solar system in the U.S. offsets about 75% of a homeowner's electricity usage. This can result in significant savings on utility bills, potentially amounting to thousands of dollars annually.

The language in the ads varies, but most talk vaguely about changes in government policy or stimulus programs that make it possible for homeowners to get “free solar panels.”

Let’s be clear: The ads for “free” solar panels are false advertising. Although not a scam per se, these ads are misleading and should be treated with the utmost skepticism.

The ads say the solar panels are “free” because there is no out of pocket cost on the equipment. However, once the system is activated and starts producing energy, the customer does have to pay the installment on the lease or make a PPA payment every month.

The short answer is yes. Solar panels basically offset your electricity and in turn will reduce the cost of your electricity since your solar will supplement that cost. .