A RESIDENTIAL SOLAR MICROGRID GUIDE: EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOLAR MICROGRID AND TRADITIONAL ROOFTOP SOLAR PANEL SYSTEMS FOR HOMEOWNERS IN OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN
The solar power industry has gained a variety of solar options in recent years. From traditional rooftop solar panel systems to newer solar microgrids, residential homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan, have more options available to them now than ever before.
In Oakland County, Michigan, homeowners looking at the market for solar power must research, understand, and consider all the opportunities available before going solar. Taking the time to go through the discovery steps will help homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan, ensure they select the right solar options for their homes.
The Pros and Cons of Traditional Rooftop Solar Panel Systems for Residential Homes in Oakland County, Michigan
The popularity of traditional rooftop solar panel systems among residential homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan, continuously increases year after year. A major reason why traditional rooftop solar panel systems are a popular solar power energy option is the availability of federal incentives and utility rebates, which help cover upfront costs. Additionally, the lifetime savings potential is another draw.
Through the installation of traditional rooftop solar panel systems, residential homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan, can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. This move toward solar power energy is not only a cost-saving measure but also helps reduce homeowners’ carbon footprints.
That said, a caveat to traditional rooftop solar panel systems is that they are grid-tied. All grid-tied solar panel systems are connected to the area’s primary electrical grid. So, while traditional rooftop solar panel systems afford homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan, an amazing opportunity to help cut their energy bills and carbon emissions, there is a lack of independence.
The shortcomings of grid-tied solar panel systems come into play during Michigan’s winter storm season and other weather events. During power outages brought on by bad weather or other causes, traditional rooftop solar panel systems will not keep a home’s electricity flowing.
This electrical shutdown of the solar system occurs as a safety precaution. If grid-tied solar panel systems were allowed to remain active during power outages, they would send power back to the grid, endangering the lives of the utility workers repairing the lines. To keep all parties safe during outages, homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan, with grid-tied solar systems, will instead have to rely on other means, such as a generator, to keep their lights on.
Why are Solar Microgrids for Residential Homes in Oakland County, Michigan, Better than Traditional Solar Panel Systems?
In contrast to traditional rooftop solar panel systems, residential solar microgrids offer a wider range of versatility for homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan, with solar microgrids addressing many of the limitations that solely grid-tied solar systems face.
Interestingly, solar microgrids operate, for the most part, very similarly to traditional rooftop solar panel systems. Most of the time, both of these residential solar panel systems are connected to Oakland County’s primary electrical grid.
The distinction between the two residential solar systems becomes evident during power outages. While traditional rooftop solar panel systems automatically shut down, solar microgrids switch off the grid, operating as an island of electricity, hence the name microgrid.
Among the many advantages of having a solar microgrid system is the ability for residential homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan, to operate the energy in their homes independently from the primary electrical grid. To achieve this level of efficiency and independence, the inner workings of solar microgrids work in concert with each other. Solar microgrids have advanced control systems, solar panels, and energy storage batteries.
In residential areas like Oakland County, Michigan, solar microgrids become a lifeline during power outages caused by bad weather and other disturbances to the primary electrical grid. During a winter storm filled with heavy snowfall, power lines are knocked down easily, causing the loss of power for every grid-tied home. Having a solar microgrid prevents homeowners and their families in Oakland County, Michigan, from spending long nights in the cold, losing food to waste, and putting the health of family members in jeopardy.
The Advantages of Solar Microgrids for Residential Homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan
While there are advantages to every solar power energy systems for residential homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan, the offerings present within solar microgrids stack the cards in their favor. The advantages of solar microgrids include positive environmental impact, cost savings, and social benefits.
Solar microgrids are creating a positive impact on the environment, helping to reduce carbon emissions by relinquishing the hold fossil fuels have over this country. The advanced energy storage capabilities of solar microgrids are a significant component of the system, showcasing its power to change neighborhoods across the country, including Oakland County, Michigan.
Another key advantage of solar microgrids for residential homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan, is the cost savings and freedom from the volatility associated with increasing energy expenses. The economic instability surrounding primary electrical grids should give homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan, pause. With solar microgrids, homeowner woes regarding energy market fluctuations become a thing of the past.
Additionally, the ability of solar microgrids to prevent energy disruptions leads to a more stable and comfortable home life. These advantages correlate to measurable cost savings, as well as increased property values for residential homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan.
Installing Solar Microgrids for Residential Homes in Oakland County, Michigan
Before installing a solar microgrid system for a residential home in Oakland County, Michigan, a solar microgrid installer must first assess the property. This assessment begins with an energy audit. From there, a solar microgrid system is designed based on the assessment, and the funding for the project is secured.
Residential homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan, purchase the solar microgrid system, which includes control systems, solar panels, batteries, and inverters. The next step is prepping the site, installing components, and integrating and testing the solar microgrid system. Once the solar microgrid is commissioned, a monitoring system is set up to track real-time performance.
Following the completion of a solar microgrid installation, homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan, should ensure regular maintenance is scheduled. Regular maintenance includes everything from checking batteries to electrical connections. Michigan Solar Solutions offers homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan, ongoing technical support to help ensure the continuous operation of solar microgrids.
Contact Michigan Solar Solutions, the Residential Solar Microgrid Installation Experts for Homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan
Michigan Solar Solutions is a commercial and residential solar panel installer and electrical contractor that has served Michigan’s lower peninsula since 2007. Our company has installed thousands of solar panels and has many valued and satisfied customers throughout Michigan, including Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, Ingham County, and Kent County.
Our goal at Michigan Solar Solutions is to make going solar easy financially for homeowners throughout the State of Michigan. That’s why we help our customers finance such crucial clean energy efforts. Additionally, we are an expert Michigan Saves financing contractor and have received countless awards, including the Michigan Saves Top Solar PV Contractor Award.
Residential homeowners in Oakland County, Michigan, and throughout Michigan interested in having an undeniable impact on their energy costs should call us for a free solar panel consultation at (248) 923-3456 or request a free online solar analysis.