Saturday’s flight test began promisingly. The rocket took off successfully, with no bits of debris flying off the launch pad, as had happened during the April launch. In an update provided today on the company’s website, SpaceX mentioned many other technical milestones: Among them, all 33 Raptor engines were operational. (At least six didn’t function correctly during the April test flight.) The starship then successfully detached from the Super Heavy rocket, which was an improvement over April, when the stack failed to separate and began to tumble. “This was the first time this strategy was used successfully with a vehicle of this size,” SpaceX officials stated in their report.

What is a Starship?

When fully built, Starship towers approximately 400 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. It is also taller than the Saturn 5 rocket, which launched American astronauts to the moon during NASA’s Apollo programme. Mr. Musk has stated that Starship is intended to be nearly twice as powerful as the Saturn 5. Starships have a larger diameter (30 feet) than other orbital spacecraft, allowing them to transport enormous amounts of goods or maybe numerous passengers.

To reach orbit, Starship rests atop a massive rocket booster known as Super Heavy. Once the two halves of the spaceship have passed through the forces of Earth’s atmosphere, they will separate near the edge of space. As Starship moves closer to orbit, the Super Heavy booster that propelled it off the ground returns for a landing near the launchpad. A giant tower fitted with mechanical arms, which Mr. Musk refers to chopsticks, and will attempt to capture the descending rocket and carefully land it.

The starship returns to Earth’s atmosphere on its side, built to withstand the punishing heat of re-entry in the same way that the space shuttle’s underside did. Shortly before landing, Starship restarts its engines and flips itself vertically for a soft touchdown.

What Will the Starship Be Used For?

The benefits of developing a larger rocket are straightforward: heavier payloads and longer range. When completed, Starship may be able to launch up to 250 tonnes into low-Earth orbit in an expendable configuration, or 150 tonnes with vehicle recovery. SpaceX is also working on orbital refueling to increase its range.

CEO Elon Musk has discussed Mars missions since Starship was the BFR, but that isn’t the sole use case. The initial Starship launches will most likely concentrate on operations in Earth orbit and the Moon. One of the first should have been the “DearMoon” orbital lunar mission, which was partially funded by Japanese billionaire Yusaka Maezawa. SpaceX will launch Maezawa and his handpicked fellow passengers into orbit, which was initially set for 2023 but has now been postponed indefinitely.

SpaceX plans to use the Starship to deploy larger swarms of Starlink broadband satellites. Currently, the Falcon 9 can launch 60 micro-spacecraft simultaneously, but actual V2 satellites are much larger and will require Starship. SpaceX has received FCC authority to launch up to 7,500 of these internet nodes, and it has already launched a few “small” versions aboard a Falcon 9.

Astronomers are still concerned about how a mega constellation like Starlink may alter the sky, but the economics of space are changing so quickly that police forces are becoming overwhelmed. The total cost of launching Starship might be as little as $2 million. That would make SpaceX’s constellation deployment significantly less expensive than any of the competitors. Similarly, it can transport huge commercial payloads into space for significantly less money than non-reusable rockets.

When will it be ready for Launch?

In recent years, SpaceX has tested different upper stage designs at its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas

The company started off in 2019 with a 39m-tall “test article” called Starhopper – which bore a passing resemblance to a water tower – and flew it to 150m above ground.

In December 2020, the first prototype with a nose cone and flaps, Starship serial number (SN8), reached a height of 12.5km. It belly flopped back to Earth, providing SpaceX with crucial engineering data on the vehicle’s final phase of its return from space.

However, SN8 approached the landing pad too quickly and forcefully, causing it to crumple and explode. Three more test components exploded before Starship SN15 made a successful soft landing in May 2021.

In February, SpaceX engineers performed a critical test on the rocket system known as a “static fire,” which involved lighting 31 out of 33 engines at the base of the vehicle’s bottom half. The shooting barely lasted a few seconds, and everything was fastened in place to prevent movement.

Mr Musk tweeted that the team had shut off one engine before the test, and that another engine had stopped itself, leaving 31 engines running in total. However, he noted, “there are still enough engines to reach orbit.” The FAA granted SpaceX a license to conduct a rocket test flight on April 17.

After a thorough license evaluation process, the FAA found that SpaceX met all safety, environmental, policy, payload, airspace integration, and financial responsibility requirements,” the FAA said in a statement recently, The license was good for five years.

Summing Up

The Starship, as it is known, will be a fully reusable transport system capable of taking up to 100 people to the Red Planet. NASA plans to use it to land American astronauts on the moon. The Pentagon intends to utilize it to move military supplies around the world in minutes. Astronomers, satellite firms, and aspiring space tourists are all interested in its potential to significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Elon Musk describes it as “the holy grail of space technology” and believes it is critical to his eventual goal of colonizing Mars.

It’s called Starship, and it represents the future of SpaceX, Mr. Musk’s private space enterprise. Its success or failure could decide whether the corporation realizes his vision.

When photons from the sunlight strike these solar cells, they excite the electrons within the photovoltaic system, generating an electric current. The solar panels then capture this current, and the inverter converts it into usable electricity.

Some solar panel systems also include energy storage, such as battery storage systems, that capture and store excess electricity when the sun is shining brightest. Then, after the sun sets or if it gets cloudy, it taps into these reserves so you don’t have to use grid-based electricity.

Keep in mind that not all sunlight is converted into electricity with the same efficiency. Solar panel efficiency is crucial in determining the overall performance of a solar panel system.

It’s important to note that various factors impact solar panel efficiency, such as the angle at which the panels are installed and the amount of shading they receive. The type of solar panel also impacts their efficiency. (More on this later.)

Why Does Solar Panel Efficiency Matter?
The efficiency of solar panels directly affects their ability to convert sunlight into electricity. A higher efficiency rating means the solar panels produce more electricity from the same amount of sunlight, increasing power output. This makes the solar panels more cost-effective and accelerates the return on investment (ROI).

Higher-efficiency solar panels also require less surface area to generate the same amount of electricity as lower-efficiency panels. This becomes increasingly important in installations with limited space, such as smaller homes with less roof space and urban settings.

Environmental impact is another consideration for solar panel efficiency. Using the most efficient solar panels can significantly reduce your carbon footprint over their lifespan when compared to lower-efficiency panels. By maximizing the amount of electricity generated from sunlight, high-efficiency panels help decrease the reliance on fossil fuels for energy production.
What Factors Affect Solar Panel Efficiency?
Many factors affect the efficiency of solar panels, from the panel type to its location and orientation (the direction it’s pointing). Here’s a closer look at these different elements contributing to a solar panel’s efficiency.

Solar Panel Type
There are several types of solar panels, and each has unique characteristics and output levels. Let’s check out these panel types, their benefits, and where they rank regarding efficiency.

Monocrystalline panels: These sleek panels are made from slices from a single (mono) crystal structure and offer the highest efficiency of all solar panel options. Known for their high power output, long lifespan, and small footprint, these panels are ideal for residential and commercial installations. The uniform look of monocrystalline panels also adds to the aesthetic appeal of a solar array, blending seamlessly into rooftops and landscapes. These panels generally have a 15-20% efficiency rating, but some experimental panels have reached as high as 50%.
Polycrystalline panels: Made from multiple (poly) crystal structures, these panels have a slightly lower efficiency of 13-16%. However, they are also generally a lower-cost option compared to monocrystalline panels, making them more budget-friendly for many consumers. They typically take up more space than monocrystalline panels, but their affordability offsets that downside for many consumers.
Thin-film solar panels: These panels are created by depositing a thin layer of semiconductor material on a substrate. Their key benefit is their lightweight and sometimes flexible nature, allowing for easy integration into various applications, including curved surfaces or portable solar chargers. While thin-film solar panels are less efficient than both types of crystalline panels at 7-18%, their versatility makes them ideal in some cases. They can offer a sleek profile that makes them useful in projects prioritizing aesthetics over efficiency.
Solar Panel Location
Solar panel location can also greatly influence their efficiency. Ideally, you want to install solar panels where they’re exposed to maximum sunlight throughout the day, ensuring consistent energy generation while the sun shines. This is why most homeowners and businesses install solar panels on rooftops, open fields, or solar farms.

When shopping for solar panels, you also must consider elevation and the surrounding landscape. You want unobstructed access to direct sunlight for maximum solar panel efficiency. As such, you’ll want to avoid trees, buildings, or other structures that cast shadows.

As for elevation, understand that higher elevations receive more sunlight than lower-lying areas. This is because of reduced atmospheric interference at higher altitudes, allowing for more direct sunlight to reach the solar panels. This is why mountainous regions or areas with elevated platforms can be excellent for installing solar panels.

To fully answer the question “how do solar panels work,” we must first explore the science behind solar energy.

The Science Behind Solar Energy
Solar energy is a product of the sun’s nuclear fusion process, which releases photons into space. The photons then travel to Earth, where solar panels, which consist of photovoltaic (PV) cells, intercept them.

PV cells, also called solar cells, are made of semiconductor materials (most often silicon) containing positively and negatively charged layers. As the photons strike the PV cell surface, they excite the electrons in the semiconductor material. This excitement, known as the photovoltaic effect, generates an electric field.

What Are the Basics of Solar Panels?
Before we get into how solar panels work, it’s essential to understand their basic components and the different types available.

Solar panels have several crucial components. The most fundamental portion is the photovoltaic cell, which uses the sunlight’s photons to help create electricity. These cells sit in an encapsulant, which is a protective layer, and are generally sandwiched between a glass cover and a back sheet for structural support.

The PV cell comprises layers of semiconductor materials — 90 to 95% of solar panels use silicon as their semiconductor — specially treated to create an electric field. As mentioned earlier, when sunlight hits the cell, the photons in the light excite the electrons in the semiconductor material, causing them to move and generate an electric current. This photovoltaic effect is the key principle behind how solar cells work.

Solar panels (also called PV panels) also feature an aluminum or stainless steel frame to ensure durability and stability. This frame protects the delicate components inside and makes it easy to install and mount solar systems on various surfaces, such as rooftops or ground-mounted structures.

Solar panels also have various electrical connectors and wires to transfer the generated electricity from the panels to the building’s electrical system or a grid connection point. These connectors ensure a seamless flow of electricity, allowing you to harness the sun’s power for your energy needs.
Different Types of Solar Panels
All solar power works by basically the same principles of harnessing the sun’s photons and using those to excite electrons for electricity generation.

But are all solar panels the same?

Not quite. Various types of solar panels exist, and each has unique benefits and drawbacks. Let’s review the three main types of solar panels to help further answer the question, “How do solar panels work?”

Monocrystalline panels: One of the more common solar panel types, these are made from a single crystal structure, typically silicon, and provide the highest efficiency (15 to 22%) in converting sunlight into electricity. The uniform crystal structure is a driving factor in its efficiency, as it allows for better electron flow that results in higher power output. However, the downside to this high efficiency is a higher cost compared to other panel types.
Polycrystalline panels: These types of solar panels are made from multiple crystal structures, giving them a distinctive blue color. Their main benefits are their lower cost and respectable performance in various conditions. While they may not have the same efficiency level as monocrystalline panels (13 to 15%), they remain reliable and affordable solutions for solar energy generation.
Thin-film solar panels: To create these panels, manufacturers deposit a thin layer of photovoltaic material onto a substrate, such as glass or metal. The primary benefit of these thin-film panels is their flexibility and lightweight nature, making them suitable for applications where rigid panels are not ideal. They’re suitable for curved surfaces or for use in portable solar devices. Their big downside is their efficiency is generally around 7%, though they can go up to 18% in some cases.
Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner who wants to maximize efficiency with monocrystalline panels, affordability with polycrystalline panels, or flexibility with thin-film panels, you have plenty of PV panel options to harness clean energy from the sun.

How Do Solar Panels Work?
With all the basics of solar panels explained, we’re ready to explore the working principles of solar panels in more detail. Let’s dive in to how exactly photovoltaic panels create solar electricity and deliver it to your home or business.

Conversion of Solar Energy Into Electricity
We’ve already covered the photovoltaic effect, when the sun’s photons excite the electrons, knocking them loose from their atoms and creating an electrical charge. But what happens after that?

Once the electrons start flowing in one direction, an electrical circuit is completed, allowing the solar energy system to generate electricity. This electricity is not yet ready for residential or business use, as it is direct current (DC) electricity, and homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) power. As such, it must go through one more conversion.

Converting DC Electricity Into AC Electricity
The next step is to make that DC power usable in a home or business, and this is done via a solar inverter. Some solar arrays have a single string inverter that handles this process, and other PV systems use micro-inverters, which are smaller inverters connected to one or several individual solar modules.

Regardless of the style of inverter your solar panel system uses, the concept is the same. The inverter switches the direction of a DC power input back and forth very rapidly, resulting in an AC electric current.

Unlike fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas, solar power systems offer sustainable, renewable energy that harnesses the sun’s power to generate electricity. These systems are made up of different components that work to convert sunlight into usable energy for homes, businesses, and even entire communities (aka community solar).

What Are the Components of a Solar Power System?
Whether you have a small system or a whole-house solar system, most have three main components: solar panels, inverters, and optional batteries.

Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into direct-current (DC) electricity. These panels include photovoltaic (PV) cells that absorb photons from the sunlight. The photons excite the electrons within the PV cells, creating DC electricity.

Solar inverters are what make this power compatible with your home. Your home cannot use DC power, as it requires alternating current (AC). It’s these inverters that convert DC into AC electricity.

Solar batteries are optional but can also be highly useful in reducing reliance on the electric grid. These batteries let you store the excess energy your solar energy system generates during peak sunlight hours. You can tap into this stored electricity when the sun sets or during overcast days. They also work great as battery backup during power outages or blackouts and can even allow you to live off-grid, meaning you don’t connect to the power grid at all.

Beyond these main components, solar power systems may also include monitoring systems to track system performance and identify any potential issues that arise, such as under-producing panels or inverter errors.
How Do Solar Power Systems Work?
When sunlight hits the solar panels, the sunlight’s photons dislodge the electrons from the silicon atoms in the panels. This dislodging creates a DC electrical current. The DC flows to the inverter or inverters to convert it to AC power, which makes it suitable for household and business consumption.

Any excess electricity you don’t use can be rerouted to a battery storage system or back to the electric grid. If you opt for the latter and have a net-metering setup with your power company, you can earn credits toward your bill or a periodic payout.
Why Is Regular Solar Power Maintenance Important?
As with most things in life (from your health to your appliances), regular maintenance of your solar panels is crucial to optimize efficiency and lifespan. Through proper maintenance practices, you’ll help your panels perform their best and identify issues before they become major problems.

Enhances Efficiency
Dirt, dust, and other debris can build up on the solar panel surfaces, obstructing sunlight and reducing their efficiency. Regular cleaning of the panels, which you can do with water and a soft brush or sponge, removes these contaminants and restores optimal solar energy production.

In addition to cleaning, it’s important to monitor the overall system performance. You can do this through the system monitoring app or software provided by the manufacturer or installer. When you track the system’s power output and compare it to its expected performance, you’ll uncover notable output drops that may be signs of other issues that need further investigation.

Solar panel angle can also impact efficiency. Your installer can adjust and optimize the panels’ tilt angle to maximize sunlight exposure. Over time, the panels can move a bit and need adjusting. To ensure optimal angle, have the installer come out periodically to check and adjust the angles. Alternatively, the installer can add an adjustable mounting system that allows you to change the tilt angle as needed.

Generally, you want to adjust the angle four to five times per year, but this will depend on many variables. It’s best to consult your solar panel installation company and get its recommendation based on your panel setup.

Prolongs Lifespan
Solar panel maintenance can also significantly extend its lifespan. Keeping the panels clean reduces the risk of damage from environmental elements, which lessens their vulnerability to corrosion and color fading.

Inspections are another key part of solar power maintenance. This helps identify small issues early on — such as loose connections, damaged cables, or faulty components — to keep them from becoming serious problems that can lead to larger issues or even solar energy system failure.

In areas prone to extreme weather conditions, PV system inspections after storms or heavy winds are especially important. Physical solar panel damage, such as cracks or shattered glass, needs immediate repairs to avoid further impact on the system’s overall performance.

Regular inspections also allow you to take advantage of technological advancements. During the visual inspection, the solar company may notice outdated components and other upgrade opportunities to enhance system efficiency, potentially saving you on your electricity bill and future maintenance costs.

You should have these professional inspections done once every two years or earlier if you notice performance drops.
What Are Some Basic Solar Power Maintenance Tips?
While certain solar panel maintenance procedures require a professional’s touch and experience, you can take several steps to keep your solar power system in top shape.

Clean Your Solar Panels Twice a Year
The general rule is you want to clean your solar panels twice a year. Doing this is a simple and effective way to maintain their efficiency without calling out a professional.

Before cleaning your solar panels, check the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines, as using the wrong materials and chemicals can damage the panels. Generally, solar panels need just a gentle rinse with water and a soft brush or sponge to wipe away any stuck-on debris.

When cleaning your solar panels, it’s ideal to do so in the early morning or late afternoon. Cleaning solar panels mid-day and under direct sunlight can lead to water spots or streaks that can affect the panels’ efficiency.

The type of cleaning products you use on your solar panels can also affect their lifespan. Harsh chemicals or abrasive materials can damage the protective coating on the panels, leading to lower efficiency and potential long-term damage. Always use mild, non-abrasive cleansers and soft materials to ensure the longevity of your solar panels.

Monitor Your System Performance Regularly
Cleaning isn’t the only maintenance item for your solar panels. You also want to monitor system performance to spot any issues that may arise. Many solar power systems include a monitoring app or software to track energy production and analyze historical data. Some are even advanced enough to monitor each panel individually.

Checking these metrics regularly and comparing them to the expected performance can help you detect any electricity production drops. If you spot a significant decline that continues over several days, you may want to contact a professional to investigate the issue further.

When Should You Hire a Professional for Solar Power Maintenance?
While many folks can handle basic maintenance, some require the expertise of trained professionals. Here’s when it’s wise to call in the professionals.

If you lack experience, are uncomfortable, or aren’t overly handy, you should consult a professional solar power maintenance service. These professionals have the knowledge and specialized equipment to address any issues.

The other time to contact a professional is if you notice a significant, consistent decrease in energy output as this could indicate a system issue. An expert can fully diagnose your solar panel system and recommend appropriate solutions. They can also help determine if any issues are covered under the solar panel manufacturer or workmanship warranty.

The cost of solar panels not only includes the panels themselves and the installation, but it also includes all the design, permits, inspections, wiring by a licensed electrician, and reinforcement of weak roof areas.

While the initial expense is substantial, it’s worth noting that solar panel prices have declined over the years, making them more accessible for homeowners. Moreover, there are various financing options to help defray or break down the expense into more affordable increments, including solar loans, solar panel leasing, and even home equity loans.

But even with financing options, you’re likely still wondering, “Are solar panels worth it for me?” We’ll cover all the benefits and other key details next to help you decide for yourself.
Do Solar Panels Offer Any Financial Savings?
While an initial investment of $15,000 to $22,500 is daunting (and quite possibly prohibitive) for many people, buying a solar panel system can help you save money in the short- and long-term. In many cases, they may end up paying for themselves at some point. Let’s review some financial savings that could result from investing in PV panels.
Government Incentives and Rebates
The first thing to realize about that high upfront cost for a solar power system is that your net costs will likely be much lower. This is thanks to aggressive incentives and rebates from federal and local governments. These solar incentives come in the form of tax credits, grants, and other financial benefits that can significantly reduce the initial cost of home solar systems.

Before deciding whether or not solar is right for you, research the potential incentives in your area. If you’re unsure where to look for these incentives, you can contact a local solar company, as they will be fully up-to-date on available incentives, whether you qualify for them, and the application process.

One major incentive most homeowners will qualify for is the federal solar tax credit. This gives you up to a 30% federal tax credit based on how much you pay for a residential solar system installed through 2032. For example, if you install a $10,000 solar system in 2024, you’ll get a $3,000 federal income tax credit when you file taxes in 2025. This is not a permanent credit, though. The percentage drops to 26% in 2033, 22% in 2034, and expires in 2035.

The best part?

You can also stack this federal tax incentive on top of state and local solar incentives and lower your cost even further. For example, California has several state-level incentives, such as:

The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), which offers a rebate if you install solar battery storage with the panels
Property tax exclusions for solar panels
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) allows you to pay back a solar panel loan with your property taxes

In Massachusetts, where solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) programs are now closed to new solar panel systems, the net metering program offers great saving opportunities. Massachusetts net metering results in a 1:1 exchange, or “true net metering,” which means that every credit customers receive for pushing excess energy (measured by kilowatt-hour) back onto the grid comes at an exact exchange rate of what it would be to pull the energy from the electric grid.

How Does Net Metering Work? As mentioned above, net metering is the process of receiving credit toward your electric bill for any excess energy generated from your solar energy system. It’s a win for users, especially during the summer when electricity costs can increase dramatically due to air conditioning use. Net metering is also a win for the environment since users are working together to take advantage of the energy that is produced without letting any go to waste.

To help optimize your solar use with the times your panels may produce the most energy, you can take advantage of peak hours. This means you would operate and complete any activities that require the most amount of energy during the day.

You can also position your solar panels to roof panels that face southwest. Some localized rebate programs require specific positioning of solar panels, so make sure to pay attention to the program specifics. For example, the Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations Solar Rebate Program requires panels to face between 90° (east) and 270° (west). Qualified solar installers can position your panels for optimal sunlight.

Massachusetts has classified its net metering into different sections depending on how much power each type of facility generates. To qualify for net metering, the facility must fall into one of the three categories. According to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, most Massachusetts residents can take advantage of some type of net metering program since “the state’s investor-owned utilities are required to offer net metering.”

Net Metering Rules
There is a participation cap in Massachusetts’ general net metering program, and there are separate caps for public and private net metering facilities in the general net metering program. Private and public cap allocation is set according to the percentage of each electric company’s highest historical peak load or the most electricity used by electricity customers at any given time.

Some entities are not eligible for net metering credit. A customer of a municipal electric company would need to contact the electric company to see if they are eligible to become net metering facilities or net metering host customers. Massachusetts Solar Buyback Plans
When it comes to electricity, Massachusetts is a deregulated energy state, which means that customers have a choice of which electric company they want to purchase energy from. Retail electricity providers (REPs) buy electricity and offer it to customers at a reasonable basic service rate. Users have the option to add renewable energy sources, like wind or solar.

Enrolling through Just Energy can also provide fixed-rate electricity plans that do not change despite market fluctuations or a variable-rate electricity plan depending on your preferences and needs.
Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program
The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program allows customers to receive payments from their electric company for every kilowatt-hour of solar power they generate for a decade. Credits are paid directly by the utility to the solar owners once a solar program administrator and the Department of Energy Resources approve their application. To benefit, you must be a customer of one of three associated investor-owned utility companies in Massachusetts—Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil. A solar system owner can also apply for low-income or agricultural-specific programs.

The potential savings depends on the size of the solar panel system and your electricity company. Additional resources and information about Massachusetts solar incentives can be found on the Massachusetts Department of Energy’s website.

For residents looking for local, town-specific options, there are rebate programs available to further help offset your solar panels cost. For example, Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations Solar Program or the Town of Ipswich Electric Light Department Solar PV Rebate Program both offer regionally specific rebates with incentives up to $3,000. These programs include stipulations as to what solar systems are eligible for the full incentive.

Not a Homeowner? Here Are Some Solar Buyback Plan Options
Many Massachusetts residents think that only those who own their own homes can benefit from solar buyback programs. This is not true—renters have options. For example, if you are a National Grid customer, you can enroll in a community solar program. The user agrees to purchase clean energy from a local energy plant at a discounted rate and then receives a credit on their utility bill.

If you are a commercial property owner or own an apartment building that you are renting out, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Massachusetts can help. Apartment buildings with 20 rental units or more can apply for a competitive solar loan with lower interest rates to update their solar panels. You can explore options as to whether community solar, direct ownership, or leasing is right for you based on the location of the solar energy system.

As solar technology advanced, solar arrays became smaller, more flexible, and more efficient. With these advancements, integrating them into electric cars gained traction, giving savvy automakers a promising solution to one of EV’s biggest struggles: overcoming driving range anxiety while reducing carbon emissions.

A big challenge in developing electric cars with solar panels was finding the optimal placement that maximized sunlight exposure without compromising design and aerodynamics. Engineers and designers worked to develop innovative solutions, including integrating solar panels into the car’s roof, hood, or even windows. These advancements improved solar panel efficiency and created a futuristic, eco-friendly vehicle design as a plus.

Ongoing research in solar technology continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. Scientists are exploring new materials and manufacturing techniques to make solar panels and other solar technologies more effective for automotive applications. Some advancements include more flexible solar panels and photovoltaic paint.
What Are the Benefits of Solar Panels on Electric Cars?
You likely know the benefits of solar panels on your home. However, solar panels on an electric car offer numerous advantages too.

Extended Driving Range
The biggest advantage of solar power on electric cars is providing an additional power source while driving. This means the solar panels can extend an EV’s driving range by harnessing sunlight as you make your daily commute.

Charge Anywhere
When you own an electric car, finding a charging station can be difficult in some areas. Electric cars with solar panels can recharge their batteries anywhere they can access sunlight. So, as long as you have an open outdoor parking area, your car can charge while parked without needing a public EV charger.

Higher EV Adoption Rate
One of the biggest issues facing EV adoption is range anxiety — people fear they will not have enough range to get where they are going or access to a charger to continue a longer journey. With solar panels adding to their driving range, more car shoppers are likely to purchase an EV, increasing their adoption rate and helping fuel even more advancements to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Reduced Electricity Costs
Home energy savings is a potentially hidden benefit of an electric car with solar panels. Having solar panels charging your car any time the sun shines helps reduce the cost of EV battery charging at home.

A Big Step Toward Sustainable Transportation
Nationwide, we are making strides toward a more sustainable future, but sustainable transportation always seems a step behind. Even EVs aren’t fully sustainable as they still require energy from an electric grid, which may use fossil fuels to produce energy and will increase your overall carbon footprint.

Integrating solar panels into electric cars is a significant step toward sustainable transportation and increasing our adoption of renewable energy sources.
Spatial Limitations
A vehicle has limited real estate to place solar panels, as a vehicle’s available surface area is considerably smaller than a rooftop. This limited space subsequently limits the solar panels’ power generation capacity.

Lower Panel Efficiency
Flexible solar panels, which are the best option for maintaining design and durability, are far less efficient than standard panels. The top-performing rigid solar panels are 20 to 23% efficient, while flexible panels are only 7 to 13% efficient.

Climate Differences
Other drawbacks of electric cars with solar panels are geographical factors and varying climates. Depending on where the vehicle is located, sunlight exposure and weather conditions can vary significantly. If you live in an area with less-than-ideal conditions, such as prolonged overcast skies or limited daylight hours, you may see less benefit than someone in a sunny area. This can leave some buyers missing out on the bulk of the benefits of owning an electric car with solar panels.

Panel Durability and Lifespan
Solar panel durability and lifespan on electric cars are important considerations. Being mounted on a vehicle means these solar panels get constant exposure to harsh weather conditions and road debris. If you’ve ever had a cracked windshield from a rock, you can imagine what the same rock could do to a solar panel.

On top of this, regular wear and tear from driving can affect the performance and longevity of the panels. The body flexes slightly as the car maneuvers corners, adding stress on these panels.

Manufacturers are continuously researching and developing new materials and protective coatings to enhance solar panel resilience on vehicles, ensuring they can handle daily use over an extended period.

Solar Investment Tax Credit for Homeowners
Let’s start with the solar panel ITC. Homeowners can claim up to 30% of the cost to install solar panels on their homes as a tax credit through 2032. Unless Congress renews the program, the maximum credit decreases to 26% in 2033. It decreases again to 22% in 2034 and then expires at the start of 2035.

This credit has no cap, so it’s 100% based on the cost of the photovoltaic (PV) panel system you install. For example, if the solar system costs $30,000 in 2024, you can claim a $9,000 credit on your income taxes.

Is this credit refundable? Yes and no.

It is not directly refundable, as it’s limited by your tax liabilities for the year you claim it. So, if you only owed $5,000 in taxes that year, you can only claim $5,000 in credits. However, with your tax liability going to $0 for that year, you have a good chance of receiving a refund for all income taxes you paid that year.

On top of this, you can spread the tax credit over multiple years. For example, if you are eligible for up to a $9,000 tax credit and only use $5,000 in the first year, you can use the remaining $4,000 in the following year.
Businesses and homeowners can enjoy federal tax credits on solar panels, though they differ slightly in amount, qualifications, and time frame.
Virtually any taxpayer can qualify for the tax credit on solar panels regardless of income level.
The residential solar panel tax credits start phasing out in 2033 and reach zero at the start of 2035, so now’s the time to act.
Installing solar panels on your home or business comes with a wide range of benefits. The most noticeable of these benefits is the savings you’ll see on your monthly electric bill, but you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint and potentially increase your home or business’ value.

As if those advantages weren’t incentive enough to purchase solar panels, you can also enjoy other financial incentives that help offset solar panel installation costs. One such incentive is the solar panel tax credit.

Below, we’ll explore the solar panel tax credit and cover what it is, how to qualify for it, and how to maximize your savings. We’ll also help guide you through the tax credit application process and discuss the future of solar panel incentives.
Solar Investment Tax Credit for Business Owners
When businesses install solar photovoltaic panels, they get very similar tax credits from their version of the solar ITC. What differs are the credit amounts and how far into the future the program lasts.

Through 2033, businesses can get up to a 30% full-rate tax credit for the tax year the company installed the solar panels. After 2033, things become more fluid, as the program phaseout is based on a soft expiration date of 2036. However, the expiration also depends on when the Treasury Secretary deems we’ve achieved a 75% reduction in annual greenhouse gas emissions. This date of reaching a 75% reduction is called the “Applicable year.”

If a business installs a solar panel system in 2034 or two years after the applicable year, whichever is later, it receives up to a 22.5% full-rate tax credit. If they install one in 2035 or three years after the applicable year, whichever is later, it receives up to a 15% full-rate tax credit. Without Congressional renewal, the plan expires at the start of 2036.

The business only receives the full rate if it meets specific labor requirements. These change yearly, but the basics are:

All construction, alteration, and repair wages for the first five years of the project for the ITC must at least meet the area’s prevailing rates.
An apprentice must perform a certain percentage of the construction labor hours for the project.
If the business fails to meet these requirements, it receives the base-rate tax credit. The base-rate credit has the same time frame terms as the full rate, but the percentages fall to 6%, 4.5%, and 3%.

Potential Bonuses in the Business Solar ITC
The business solar ITC is also subject to various rules that can increase and decrease the tax credit, including domestic content, energy community, and low-income bonuses. Let’s review this complex web of bonuses.

We’ll start with the domestic content bonus. To meet this bonus, the business must:

Use only structural steel and iron produced in the U.S.
Have a specific percentage of the total cost of manufactured products produced, manufactured, or mined in the U.S. The percentages are 40% for all projects beginning before 2025, 45% for all projects starting in 2025, 50% for all projects starting in 2026, and 55% for all projects starting after 2026.
Businesses can also get an energy community bonus for building their solar project on specific sites. To qualify for the energy community bonus, the business must build in an area that:

Has been contaminated by the presence of pollutant, hazardous substances, or other contaminants
Has 0.17% or more direct employment or 25% or more local tax revenues related to extracting, processing, transporting, or storing coal, oil, or natural gas. The area must also have an unemployment rate at or above the national average for the previous year
Has a census tract showing a coal mine closed after 1999 or the retirement of a coal-fired electric plant after 2009
If the business meets either the domestic content bonus or energy community bonus, it receives a tax credit bonus of:

10% for projects started by 2033; 2% if the business fails to meet the labor requirements
7.5% for projects started in 2034 or two years after the applicable year; 1.5% if the business fails to meet the labor requirements
5% for projects started in 2035 or three years after the applicable year; 1% if the business fails to meet the labor requirements
Businesses can also qualify for two low-income bonuses. They can receive a 10% tax credit bonus for building their solar projects with under 5 megawatts (mW) of power in a low-income community or on Native American land. Alternatively, they can get a 20% bonus for building a sub-5-mW solar project classified as a “qualified low-income residential building project” or a “qualified low-income economic benefit project.”

During the lease period, the solar provider handles the solar panel installation and maintenance, and the homeowner enjoys benefits, such as clean energy generated, reduced utility bills, and energy independence. In return, the homeowner pays a monthly lease fee. This fee is generally lower than their current electricity bill, so it’s a financial net positive for the homeowner.

Unlike a cash purchase, the homeowner does not pay upfront for the solar panel system. Nor is the homeowner responsible for maintenance and repairs. The solar lease company handles everything: installation, monitoring, maintenance, and solar panel efficiency. This ensures maximum energy savings with minimal work or cost for the homeowner.

Some solar panel lease agreements offer the option to purchase the solar panels when the lease term ends. This gives homeowners the option to eventually own the system and reap the clean, renewable energy benefits for years.

If you choose not to buy out the home solar system at the end of the lease agreement, the lease contract simply expires. At that point, the leasing company or a third party will schedule a decommissioning, which includes removing the solar panels and restoring your roof. This will likely not happen the day your lease expires, so there will be a delay between contract expiration and removal.

What Are the Benefits of a Solar Lease?
We all know solar panels have numerous benefits. But what are the benefits of leasing them?

Lower Upfront Costs
Solar panels generally require a large upfront cost that often involves the homeowner dealing with solar loan payments, interest rates, down payments, and more. Solar leasing bypasses all this, as the solar leasing company takes on the expense of purchasing and installing the solar panels, minimizing upfront solar panel costs. Some solar leases even require zero down payment, further reducing upfront expenses.

Immediate Savings
Solar leases also allow homeowners to immediately reduce their electricity costs. The electricity the system produces power for the home, reducing or eliminating the demand on the electricity from the grid. This often results in huge energy bill savings over the lease term.
A solar panel lease is a great way to enjoy the electric bill savings of a solar panel system without the upfront cost.
Solar panel leases aren’t for everyone, so review your situation to determine if it’s the right decision.
Solar panel leases have many benefits, but you must also consider their drawbacks, such as missing out on the federal tax credit.
Solar panels continue to rise in popularity, as people and businesses realize their dual benefits: reducing carbon footprints and energy independence. But not everyone is a good candidate for purchasing solar panels for various reasons. This is where a solar panel lease can help.

Solar panel leases allow homeowners to rent solar panels from a solar provider, eliminating many of the upfront costs that stand in the way of getting solar.

While this seems like a straightforward agreement, there’s more to a solar panel lease contract than that. Below, we’ll dive deep into these lease agreements, how they work, and if they are right for you.
How Do I Know if a Solar Lease Is Right for Me?
Is a solar lease right for you? It depends on various factors. Let’s run down how you can determine if a lease is right for you.

Financial Situation
If the solar’s upfront costs are out of your budget or you’d rather not make a significant upfront financial investment, a solar panel lease may be the best option. You can enjoy solar energy’s benefits without laying out a bunch of cash upfront.

Long-Term Plans
Review your long-term home plans. If you plan to remain in your current home for many years, a solar panel lease can provide energy savings during this period.

If you’re unsure of your plans or plan to move within a few years, other options, such as a solar loan or power purchase agreement (PPA), may be better for you.

Current and Future Income
Owning solar panels comes with long-term maintenance and repair costs. If you’re on a fixed income or will be on one soon, that added cost could strain your budget. With a solar panel lease, your monthly costs are fixed, and the solar panel lease company handles the added cost of maintenance and repair. This makes a lease a good option for you.