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By Maduka Nweke
Experts in the science of electricity have given advice on the use of solar energy. They said despite the fact the panels have huge benefits, there are factors to consider before and when buying solar panels.
In the opinion of Mr. Mike Ekwemalor, a dealer in solar panels in Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos, there are many types and brands of solar panels available in the market to buy. “However, before making an investment in purchasing a solar panel, it is advisable to consider these factors that include but not limited to power rating. Solar panels have different power outputs ranging from 10 watts to 320 watts. Also, different voltage outputs from 12V to 24V. Before buying solar panels, it is important to check your power consumption and buy the required power rating needed to avoid insufficient power supply,” he noted.
He went further to advise that before investing in a solar panel one should make sure he ascertains the quantity needed for adequate power supply for your home or business. “For instance, two solar panels won’t be enough to supply constant and adequate electricity to a hospital who need power 24/7, rather, eight or more solar panels will do the job,” he said.
Also speaking, an electrical engineer, Mr. Kabir Oladeinde, said that it is important to note that solar panels does not need sun heat to function, but they need sunlight. “This also means that solar panels do work even in cloudy days once there is sunlight. Before buying solar panels, make sure your surrounding has adequate sunlight. However, this is not a problem at all in Nigeria since most times in the year are sunny,” he said.
He noted that it is equally important to know that electricity cannot be obtained from solar panels alone, you will need inverters to convert the acquired energy from solar panels of DC to AC, and lastly, large batteries, to store the AC current for use. “Tax credits – as of 2021, a 22–26 per cent federal tax credit (depending on the year of installation) is available to homeowners who install solar PV modules.
According to Mr. Brown Chiefe, a businessman based in America, the explanation you enumerated above obtains in the states unless it is renewed by Congress, the current tax credit expires at the end of 2021.
He said, “Some states allow PV owners who generate excess electricity to sell their extra electrons back to the grid, enabling them to make money off of their own power production. Net metering – States that do not allow individuals to sell their electricity back to the grid may provide credits to solar users that lower the cost of their electric bill in months where they have not produced enough to be fully grid-independent. Installing solar panels inevitably raises the value of one’s home. Normally that would cause a homeowner’s property taxes to rise, but provisions are made in some states to exclude this increase in value.
