Should You Go Solar? A Super Helpful Beginner's Guide to Home Solar Power

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In this video, we’re taking a closer look at solar power systems for homes. Solar power is often associated with living off-grid, but surprisingly there are a lot more people installing solar panels on homes that are connected to the grid. We met up with Albert from iSolara to learn about:
- Why people are installing solar at home: cost savings, sustainability, security
- The basic components of a solar power system: solar panel, inverter, racking system, battery
- Installation options for panels: roof mount, ground mount
- Costs and money-saving opportunities like net metering
- Important considerations including some of the risks to keep in mind when going solar: snow, ice, orientation, location
To find out more about iSolara, you can check out their website here:
isolara.com/
We want to say a huge thank you to Albert and the iSolara team for helping us make this video, including their clients who let us film in and around their homes :)
Some extra resources if you're interested in going solar:
Canada Greener Homes Grant:
natural-resources.canada.ca/e...
Canada Greener Homes Loan:
natural-resources.canada.ca/e...
And you can also check out the Build with Rise website for rebates on all kinds of sustainable home upgrades in Canada and in the US:
www.buildwithrise.com/rebate-...
Thanks for watching!
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Website: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: / exploringalternativesblog
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COMMENTS
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We want our channel and comments section to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to watch and contribute. For this reason, inappropriate or hateful comments will be reported and/or deleted.
Please discuss and debate respectfully, and report inappropriate or hateful comments directly to RU-vid.
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CREDITS
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Music Credits: Exploring Alternatives
Editing Credits: Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits: Exploring Alternatives
Photo Credits: Project photos provided by Albert from iSolara
#solarpower #residentialsolar #homesolar

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Опубликовано:

23 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 156

@ExploringAlternatives Год назад

Thanks for watching! You can follow and find out more about iSolara here: isolara.com/ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040376960950

@bleh329 Год назад

Thank you! Excellent vid, as always ❤❤❤

@ExploringAlternatives Год назад

Thanks so much, happy you enjoyed it :)

@docbrown6550 11 месяцев назад

One of the companies I priced for Solar panels was $65,000 for my home, It would take me 36 years to pay for that at the cost of what I pay for my light bill now.

@elsiemeade3857 4 месяца назад

@@docbrown6550don't get it.

@terryrodbourn2793 2 месяца назад

You should get the cigs 200w flexible panel to test!

@b_uppy Год назад

Instead of conventional roofing material on carports, terraces, porches, etc substituting them for bifacial solar panels reduces general costs, reduces heat issues/adds to solar panel efficiency, is more pleasing esthetically etc.

@jayson657 4 месяца назад

I always that was a great Idea. I like having a covered backyard deck, rather than a crank out canvas awning I’d love to frame up a roof over it and use solar panels as the roofing material. Two birds with one stone.

@b_uppy 4 месяца назад

@@jayson657 Exactly. I would try to set it up in a way allows the heat to escape, especially near the top even on bifacial panels because it does improve efficiency. They found vertically placed panels did surprisingly well for harvesting energy...

@78town Год назад

I would advise going battery for the simple fact that many states are trying to charge for the energy you use from your OWN solar. Go off grid as much as possible.

@dabbytheduke8453 2 месяца назад

It’s crazy man 😭

@leviandhiro3596 Месяц назад

Isn't that extortion

@shamsiqbalrhone7850 Год назад

Very well explained all the questions that might pop up in our head! Thank you exploring alternative team and the guest.❤

@ExploringAlternatives Год назад

So happy you found the video helpful, thanks for checking it out :)

@extraart1 Год назад

I wish all RU-vid videos were as educational and concise as this one- excellent!

@ExploringAlternatives Год назад

Thanks so much! Really happy that you found this solar power videos helpful :)

@drsmbrownlee Год назад

Thanks so much for this! This is one of the most succinct and thorough overviews I've seen. Great work.

@ExploringAlternatives Год назад

Thanks for your comment and feedback! I'm really happy that you found this solar power video helpful :)

@PhiltonPhillips Год назад

Dear exploring alternatives, please consider adding the new super thank you tipping option on your videos, as I have occasionally enjoyed them so much that I wanted to tip you both for the helpful information! You guys are the best, keep the quality content coming!! Thanks!!

@TheLinKrust Год назад

Such an interesting video - I live in South Australia and 70% of the state’s electricity is from solar (and a HUGE amount comes from house mounted systems). I’d love to see something like Rewire Australia in my neighbourhood!!

@cathylynnpietranton Год назад

Thank you so much Matt and Danielle. This was very interesting and informative. ❤

@ExploringAlternatives Год назад

Thanks Cathy, happy you found this video informative. We actually learned a lot too while talking to Albert and filming this video, it was pretty cool :)

@keliblum6591 Год назад

Great video I would love to see more like this. 😊

@CherokezPittman 7 месяцев назад

Reply: "Wow, I just watched the video titled "Energy" and it's great to see how much power the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series can provide! The features like massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof technology really make it a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts like us. It's definitely worth considering for camping trips or as a backup power source at home. Thanks for sharing this recommendation!"

@user-do9zz6fn5v 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for the video - Very informative

@tumbleweed1976 Год назад

Consider scaling back your power use to reduce overall cost. Example air dry clothes or use largest draws by day.

@bleh329 Год назад

I'm so glad to see solar continue to improve. I hope to be fully or minimum 80% off grid some day. And I can't wait to see what kind of options there'll be 😆

@SkoolieBoyQue Год назад

Thanks guys!

@weston.weston Год назад

This is a great segment.

@ExploringAlternatives Год назад

Thank you, happy you enjoyed it :)

@30ASOLAR 8 месяцев назад

Nice video. Would be great to see more about hybrid systems both off-grid/grid-ties and wind and solar hybrid power. I like your content.

@SolarInstaller7 7 месяцев назад

Nice video, thanks for sharing that video.

@chadcase5936 11 месяцев назад

Love the portable size.

@yeanswers 5 месяцев назад

insightful video!

@Shakstarr268_ Год назад

Great video!

@ExploringAlternatives Год назад

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it :)

@renuenergysolutions 8 месяцев назад

Great video, Your insights on solar energy are always on point, and I appreciate the valuable information you share. As someone passionate about solar panels, I found your explanations really insightful ,let's keep spreading the solar revolution together! 🌞💡♻"

@LovinglyYourz 11 месяцев назад

Wow nice information

@jybuis3939 Год назад

Would like to know what brand of ground mount is featured at 4:30 with the flip-up ability to change tilt.

@ExploringAlternatives Год назад

The ground mounts that tilt in this video are from iSolara. Thanks for watching!!

@strongsus4798 Год назад

Thanks so much for the information 🎉 from South Africa

@bradbates2339 Год назад

This really seems to cover a lot of the issues quite thoroughly. Maybe every home on the planet needs this if we really want to slow down climate change.

@levibates Год назад

Thanks for the solar information and costs!

@dangeroustoman Год назад

If you are not using top of the line stuff and install it yourself it can be a lot cheaper.

@SirAdamMeek Год назад

Great information, thanks!

@ExploringAlternatives Год назад

You're very welcome, thanks for watching :)

@thatomogaswane7879 Месяц назад

I have electricity at my home but the output power is weak, so can I use solar to improve the output power by adding it to my grid ?

@RedRuffinsore 2 месяца назад

My biggest concern is hail. I am on my 3rd roof in the past 4.5 years due to hailstorms. The solar power firms claim they will withstand hail, but recent pictures of most of a solar farm destroyed by hail has me questioning it.

@triforcelink Месяц назад

You need a metal roof.

@HariPLTS Год назад

Nice solar cell❤

@tentimesful 9 месяцев назад

i have one side solar for maybe 18 hours a day in summer and I dont se the other side lol.... it works good... maybe I should put good wind powers lol to get more power out of it...

@dannywhite8057 Год назад

I'm on solar because the Australian electricity prices are through the roof. I have a generator for backup.

@bleh329 Год назад

Nice! I hope to be fully or at least 80% off grid one day. I bet one day the power companies will excuse their exorbitant prices on people switching to solar 😂

@dodgeplow Год назад

@@bleh329 one day? they already are. They say since not as many people are on the grid they have to spread the costs amongst a smaller number of people

@bleh329 Год назад

@@dodgeplow Ah. Well, it's not like I can say I'm surprised. What geniuses they are! Force your own market to shrink and then blame it on that market! 🤣🤣🤣

@vythyolso Год назад

solar I love that style

@barrymccaulkiner7092 Год назад

Opinions on Power Home Solar? Aka Pink Energy?

@ericbowen3813 Год назад

What is bifacial solar panels?

@docbrown6550 11 месяцев назад

One of the companies I priced for Solar panels was $65,000 for my home, It would take me 36 years to pay for that at the cost of what I pay for my light bill now.

@docbrown6550 9 месяцев назад

@Eric-ii9ce I have a 2,000 sq. ft home, all living area, all electric, my light bill is less than one hundred a month year round, I have a timer on my hot water tank and power strips on all appliances, including microwave, TV, and all such as this, I turn them off when not in use. I have a high efficiency central unit, My brothers home is around 1,400 sq. ft. his light bill is almost $400 a month. I keep trying to help him set his home up like mine but I guess he likes spending money.

@SCH292 9 месяцев назад

Sounds like these "solar panels" and so on are more FOR RICH PEOPLE. You buy all that stuff out of your pocket, you have to make sure that you got LANDS to put the solar and PAY EVERYTHING.

@docbrown6550 9 месяцев назад

@@SCH292 We live in a Hurricane zone, we get them every 5-7 years, I realized there is no way it's feasible at the prices they charge and a storm wiping them out every time.

@sailising8832 2 дня назад

That’s like saying that you won’t buy a house because it will take you X amount of time to purchase it. There are purchasing options that offer no money down. But it doesn’t make sense then it doesn’t make sense

@docbrown6550 2 дня назад

@@sailising8832 It doesn't make sense, to purchase them when the payments for the panels are more than 2 1/2 to 3 times more than what my light bill is.

@feras5017 Год назад

I would do more than 100% because we now have electric cars and a lot of home appliances can be electric only like a heat pump instead of natural gas to worm up your house or electric oven and stoves etc.

@Vshamann336 9 месяцев назад

Oh yeah and do I get to tell the electricity company how much the credits worth considering they're able to just stop their prices whenever

@noemisolano4748 Год назад

Very informative video, thank you! I now know more about solar panels for residential homes.

@1drhnsd1 2 месяца назад

When I’ve looked into solar, I’ve gotten pressured to let the installer own the panels, but use my roof. That’s a deal breaker for me. Does any company sell a solar and battery system that the customer owns 100%?

@NightnGales 3 месяца назад

What about slate roofs?

@unpopuIaropinion Год назад

How long do batteries last, and if taken into account maintenance (ie battery replacement) is it worth it ?

@375Cheytac Год назад

Batteries are the most expensive part depending on your set up and how many panels you’ll need depending on where you live. They cost about $11k for a cheap rack that you do yourself. That is considered a good deal for lithium iron phosphate which will generally retain 80% capacity after 15 years. This gets you 30 kwh, which is what the average US household uses in a day. If you want to have 3 days of independent power, well, you’re looking at 30k. Most people would be fine with just having 30 kwh.

@tonylarose4842 Год назад

"is it worth it?" Depends on if you are in an area with lots of blackouts. If you don't need to worry about power outage then no need to get batteries

@unpopuIaropinion Год назад

@@tonylarose4842What about during the night when you need electricity ?

@seanvictorville4515 10 месяцев назад

I just priced solar for my home. 12 panels was $15,000. And the battery was $16,000. The panels are warrantied for 25 years, and the battery is only for ten years.😮

@elonmusksellssnakeoil1744 11 месяцев назад

How do you know which solar contractors are most reputable and actually know what you're doing?

@joealeman1204 6 месяцев назад

Chances are going online or even better finding someone in your neighborhood and asking them about their contractor.

@Rouge_7 Год назад

We installed solar in 2018 which produces 105% of what we use yearly. We're in California and it's mandated that new buildings 4 stories or less are required renewable energy and by 2035, California wants EVERYONE producing renewable energy. Now, the 3 largest energy providers in the state (San Diego, Southern Calif, and PG&E) are trying to get California Utility District to allow them to raise the charge for being hooked up to them. We pay an average of $15 monthly for having the privilege of sending power back to the grid and the energy providers want that cost raised. Additionally, all three want the discounts and any other price-saving measures given to the customer to be eliminated. So, there has been an ongoing battle to have California PUD refuse to allow the big 3 providers to take more money from customers.

@markarca6360 11 месяцев назад

Just go off-grid.

@charliedaniels1 Год назад

How long do the solar panels last? Are they hazardous to dispose of?

@codyhornyak4176 Год назад

About 20-25 years. There are recycling programs starting up for them. There just isn’t a huge amount of old solar panels yet

@latinourbano 6 месяцев назад

What if a big hail storm breaks those solar panels....do you have to spend all that money again ?

@terrencesala5255 8 месяцев назад

What happens when you have to get your roof repaired for a leak? Yikes!

@richardpagulong8719 10 месяцев назад

Can rain easily damage the solar panel?

@joealeman1204 6 месяцев назад

No quality panels can withstand hail.

@brandonmetro7115 5 месяцев назад

Twenty bucks worth a solar lights, Arduino, And then just a few supplies off a amazon such as wire. You can run ambient lighting in your house for ten years off of twenty bucks.

@yorukkizigeziyor Год назад

Very beautiful 👏👍

@cabinman 8 месяцев назад

Reducing power bills is so much wiser than investing 50k or far more into a good solar system. Most average sized homes that are well insulated and have some modern tweaks for extra energy savings can result in $60 - $100 per month electric bills. How many months of electric bills would the cost of a nice solar system pay for? $50,000/100/12 equals 40 years of grid electric bills. Considering that you’ll be replacing the solar system long before that the grid wins again. You just have to know how to use energy wisely and how to make your home more efficient. Granted that an offgrid situation is different. Where my cabin is located it would cost $100k to get grid power to it…so solar system wins.

@benderbender1233 Год назад

🤙

@joewoodchuck3824 Год назад

I don't care much about selling my excess power, so I'd keep it simpler and cheaper to just run home stuff. Excess power can make hot water or power some winter heat.

@guitar300k 11 месяцев назад

you don't talk about after the panel broke, what you gonna do

@skojigoquist9288 6 месяцев назад

The biggest challenge in America is the suburb.

@skullandbones1832 Год назад

💚

@Shadow0fd3ath24 10 месяцев назад

Buy USED or overstock panels people...ive found 250 watt panels ne win box 40-60% off lately

@Freetheworldnow Год назад

I have been off grid for almost 15 years. My inverter has died twice due to lightning. A thousand dollar repair each time, leaving me at the mercy of a gen set while waiting for the repair to be done. My inverter does not come with a built in surge protector. If yours does not have one, then I recommend to install an after market unit. This is my biggest recommendation to anyone considering a solar system. My second recommendation is to go for a 48 volt system. The higher the voltage the better. Do your own research on batteries, as there are a lot of options out there and most being easily accessible.

@bleh329 Год назад

Excellent advice!

@inlandbott День назад

that ground mount setup looks prone to theft and or vandalism

@logistiekoperator4552 Год назад

Im driving electric this would safe me over €300,- a month.

@shaunhall960 Год назад

Right now I'm building the batteries for my e-bike. I'll be charging my bike via solar.

@WRIGHTWAY5280 22 дня назад

Great idea.

@hanklohan 6 месяцев назад

I'm not getting solar because my friend got drunk one day and he bit the inverter and got electrocuted.

@TheBlackFoxMaster Год назад

1:45 С этого места по подробней?

@bevtrue6937 Год назад

Sounds expensive.

@USNEM Год назад

In texas, solar is a scam. The electric companies dont do 1:1 net metering. You end up paying transmission fees, AND they dont give you full price. So unless you do FULL home back up with batteries that will cover 130% of your usage than solar in texas is not financially a good idea.

@Lavonne9870 Год назад

Could you explain why California utilities are charging home owners to have solar connected to the grid? Stories are circulating of getting to the end of the year and finding out there's a bill for thousands of dollars. Please balance your reporting with the downsides of owning the solar panels too, please.

@bleh329 Год назад

... This channel is about alternative living solutions. Made by a couple from Canada. Yes, they travel around and outside of Canada, but asking them to report on the state of one specific State's infrastructure is beyond ridiculous. Also, wow, that's a bold claim. Source?

@Mike_The_Hog_A_Nator 10 месяцев назад

Oh Lord Stay Away From Solar Panels, they don't give you what you need as you'll see below & very expensive. I live in Sunny SE Texas & my Buddy had his roof covered with Panels! He (He & Wife only) had to pay $315 a month for 30yrs for the system & still had to buy electricity from the grid!! My neighbor got a quote & it was around the same cost for a doublewide manufacturer home. Hell no, it's not worth it. Especially if you have a $170 electric bill. Your adding Debt for No Reason. If that home burns down? Like my Buddies did, insurance didn't cover those Panels. Now you're stuck with that debt.

@jamisonmunn9215 Месяц назад

Its a very simple short two letter answer No

@chadwickhjones Год назад

3:20 except roofs built before the 70s that are not up to current structural codes

@davidgreen7392 Год назад

Questionable power is directly related to criminality in the Utilities industry.

@bleh329 Год назад

okay, bud

@MartinvonTours11.11 11 месяцев назад

Cost? Solar is very expensive. Batteries are very expensive and have a certain life span. You all are crazy rich. What happens when a hail storm comes along and destroys the panel? Ground mounts take up a lot of space and are an eyesore, ruining the landscape.

@U.S.A_247 8 месяцев назад

Only way I would go solar is two ways I can pay for it up front, or it's buried into the home price. Both are still astronomical prices.. Otherwise solar panels are a joke. Before solar your bill maybe $150 (thanks Biden) After solar your bill maybe $15 ..... But panel leases/rent $375... I see no savings

@RadioRich100 3 месяца назад

The simple answer is no

@c.f.3503 Год назад

First

@AK.172 9 месяцев назад

ഓടിന്റെ കാലം തീർന്നു..

@AK.172 9 месяцев назад

സോളാർ പാനൽ മേന്ന വീടുകൾ വരും ഇനി...

@RichardSchlaud 2 месяца назад

Hahahaha! Do the math. ALL the math.

@352508 Месяц назад

The sun is a guaranteed energy source every day….false. Not every day. At least not where I live.

@Susan65334 Год назад

Thank you Maypower2029- great work . I have seen the same saving over the past few months we have had solar panels on our roof which you helped me install when i was recommended by you on the comment section (43 panels). Last year we had $300 in electricity bills - that's it! Maypower2029 is great!

@clarencemoore2924 9 месяцев назад

the power company will just charge you more money every year if you have solar panels . because the power company don't like to loses money ..the poor people will pay more because they can't afford solar

@youtubeuser2195 3 месяца назад

How is that possible?

@clarencemoore2924 3 месяца назад

@@youtubeuser2195 what they do every year raise the price for power

@scottjenks7253 6 месяцев назад

No one is talking about the additional cost to remove and replace the panels when the roof needs to be replaced do to age. 90% of people ditch the panels when the realize that they have to find a third party company (which don't exist ) to remove and replace the panels. The roofers won't touch them and the solar panel companies will only install new systems. That is the cold hard solar truth that no one want to talk about. Sorry.

@jerrylockhart3069 Год назад

Bologna

@bleh329 Год назад

Aw, dude! How'd u know it's my lunch time? I know what I'm having 🤤🤤🤤

@sallyreim6668 Год назад

If I install solar, it's because I don't want to be on grid.

@bleh329 Год назад

So it's just all or nothing? 100% one way or the other? As they say, u do u, bub.

@iteerrex8166 Год назад

I know this topic very well. Sorry but I wouldn’t say this was a good presentation for beginners. It would leave them kind of lost.

@PabloDamon Год назад

Agreed, I installed a few systems well before the grid started its move to sway the citizens into believing the grid view.

@bleh329 Год назад

Might be nice of you to explain how or why, then. And also to link to a resource you think is more helpful.

@iteerrex8166 Год назад

@@bleh329 I hope you got my reply before it disappeared.

@iteerrex8166 Год назад

@@bleh329 that’s why I don’t link anymore.

@bleh329 Год назад

@@iteerrex8166 No, sorry. It's gone 🙁

@simon359 Год назад

People are fools to connect to the grid, without a way to (disconnect) go off grid when the main grid power goes out! With all the talk about a grid collapsing, why would you only connect to the grid? That means when the grid goes down, your system goes down with it! 🙈

@bleh329 Год назад

That's a rather harsh and judgemental statement. It's not usually that people connect to the grid, rather they live in buildings that are already connected. I don't know what you expect from people who rent, which is a lot of flippin' people. The downsides of the grid are numerous. But there are some downsides to alternatives, too. The upfront cost probably being the biggest. But there's also the chance that something can go wrong and repairs would likely be expensive. I would personally advice anyone who switches to solar and/or wind to take lessons on them, so they'll be better informed and better prepared for potential problems.

@jamesengland7461 Год назад

Billions of people the world over rely on the grid throughout their lives with only minor, occasional inconveniences. Get over yourself.

@simon359 Год назад

@@jamesengland7461 I guess you haven’t heard about the WEF plans! Good luck

@simon359 Год назад

@@bleh329 Not when you realize that we’ve had the ability to replace fossil fuels since 1954! The energy companies are crooks, they don’t want anybody to be self-sufficient. And they’re willing to put you in prison, buy you out or take you out!

@jjrusy7438 Год назад

The control unit switches the grid off. Emergency whole-house generator systems monitor the grid and disconnect when the grid goes down. So your stated problem can be solved.