With its vast untapped potential for solar energy, Alaska presents unique opportunities for homeowners to embrace solar power. By installing solar panels on residential properties, homeowners can reap several benefits. Firstly, solar energy is renewable and environmentally friendly. Unlike fossil fuels, which contribute to air and water pollution, solar power produces no harmful emissions. This reduces the carbon footprint and helps combat climate change. Alaska, with its abundant sunlight during the summer months, is particularly well-suited for harnessing solar energy. Secondly, by installing solar panels, homeowners can significantly reduce their electricity bills. The abundance of sunlight in Alaska allows homeowners to generate a substantial amount of electricity from their panels, reducing their reliance on the grid. This not only saves money but also provides homeowners with greater energy independence. Furthermore, by generating their own electricity, homeowners are less susceptible to fluctuations in energy costs and can protect themselves against rising utility rates.
Another advantage of solar energy for homeowners in Alaska is its reliability. While some may be concerned about the intermittent nature of sunlight in a state like Alaska, modern solar panel technologies have improved significantly, making them more efficient and effective, even in less sunny or colder conditions. Additionally, through the use of battery storage systems, homeowners can store excess solar energy during the sunnier months to use during periods of low sunlight or high energy demand. This ensures a more consistent and reliable energy source, reducing the need for backup generators or relying solely on the grid for power.
A peak sun hour is an hour in the day when the intensity of the sunlight reaches an average of 1000 watts/meter².
State Homes Powered by Solar
Growth Projection: 23 MW over the next 5 years
At the most basic level, solar panels are devices that take in the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity or heat. Once the sun hits the panels, the energy is made into electricity. A solar inverter helps turn the electricity into power that can be used. The more panels you have on a roof, the more solar electricity you can produce! Solar panels generate their own power and as a result can offset your monthly electricity bill, if not eliminate it in 97035.
There are 20 solar policies and incentives in the state of Alaska. These incentives and tax credits help reduce the cost of solar panels in order to promote this source of renewable energy.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory states that every dollar that is saved on energy through solar increases home value by $20 in Alaska. More research shows that solar panels can add an average of $18,324 to the value of a medium-sized home.