A recent survey from Pew Research Center showed that 8% of homeowners had installed solar panels. And 39% of participants had considered solar panel installation.
Solar panels are becoming more and more popular among modern homeowners. They are starting to see the appeal of solar power when cutting back on their bills.
But are solar panels worth it if you live in Minnesota? This is a good question to ask since Minnesota is not considered to be the sunniest place in the world.
Keep reading to find out are solar panels worth it for Minnesota homeowners.
Solar Panels: Are They a Good Idea?
Those who live in Minnesota may assume that solar energy won’t work for them. Minnesota is considered to be a cold place with historically frigid winters.
You may think that solar panels only work in warm and sunny states. But the good news is that solar panels are a great option for Minnesota homes.
Extreme heat can have a negative impact on how these panels work. Very hot states like Arizona run into these kinds of issues since the heat can create less efficient panels.
One of the only things homeowners have to worry about is snow blocking the panels. Snow can cover these panels and prevent the sun‘s rays from shining on them.
That is why they should be installed at an angle so that the snow will melt off. Snow also reflects more sunlight, so the snow on the ground can result in more sunlight going to the panels.
Because of this, it is very possible to have residential solar panels even in Minnesota.
Do Solar Panels Work in the Rain?
You may be worried that the rain in Minnesota will make your solar panels inefficient. The good news is that these panels are still able to work on rainy days.
Even if the sky is cloudy, some rays of light still make their way through. This will only result in indirect sunlight generating energy from the panels.
How much energy is produced will depend on how much cloud coverage there is. You may experience less energy usage, but they should continue to work.
Do Solar Panels Work in the Cold?
Another concern that you may have is the temperature in Minnesota. Are solar panels worth it in such a cold environment?
The reality is that the temperature does not matter when it comes to how solar panels work. They run on direct sunlight, not necessarily the warmth that it provides.
These panels are capable of turning sunlight into power even if the temperature is below freezing. That is because these panels are using the sun’s energy.
Too much heat and solar panels are not going to work correctly. That is why very hot and sunny states may struggle with inefficiency because the panels overheat during the day.
Benefits of Solar Panels
If you want to get solar panels in Minnesota, you may be wondering what the benefits are. After all, there has to be a reason why this has become such a popular option.
There are several reasons why you should consider going with a company like Blue Raven Solar. This is a great option if you need solar panel installation that will help supply your home with energy.
1. Environmentally-Friendly
One of the biggest benefits of these panels is how sustainable they are. They help to reduce air pollution since they create energy from the sun.
They also do not require water usage to create this kind of energy. This is something that most electrical sources use if they aren’t reliant on fossil fuels.
This also helps to reduce dependence on nonrenewable energy sources. These are energy sources that may not always be around and negatively impact the environment.
Lowering air pollution has a significant impact on many different elements. It creates cleaner air for humans and animals to breathe and helps with plant life and other aspects of the earth.
2. Low Maintenance
Solar panels are also very low maintenance, more so than you may think. They do not need a lot of upkeep to stay efficient and useful when collecting energy.
Homeowners can easily clean them just to make sure they don’t collect debris. There isn’t a lot of wear and tear since they aren’t exposed to most elements.
The average set of solar panels can last many, many years. The inverter may need to be changed every 5 to 10 years, but this is not a significant cost.
3. Cheaper Energy
Solar panels will also help you to save money on your utility bills. They generate their own energy, so your energy bill will be almost nonexistent.
You will also have access to a federal tax credit for installing these panels. This applies to residential as well as commercial solar panels. You may find a tax calculator useful in determining how this tax credit benefits you.
4. Better Home Value
Solar panels help to increase a home’s overall value. Most modern buyers are actively searching for homes that already have this update.
This is because it will save them money in the long run and create a more sustainable energy source.
Are Solar Panels Worth It?
If you live in Minnesota, you may be wondering are solar panels worth it. The good news is that homes in Minnesota can benefit greatly from this installation.
Solar panels rely on sunlight and can continue working in cold, rain, or snow.
Did you enjoy reading this article on solar panels? Keep reading for more useful content in our Cut The Cord blog.
