5 Common Questions About Solar Panels and Their Answers

With the widespread knowledge about the importance of sustainability in 2025, solar technologies have gained popularity. 

The role that solar panels play in promoting sustainability is unquestionable. From being energy independent to saving on energy bills, there are so many benefits of solar panel installation for your home.

5 common Q&As about solar panels

What are solar panels made of?

A solar panel is primarily made up of semiconductor materials like silicon. Along with the primary material, these panels are made up of multiple layers, including a conductive metal frame, an anti-reflective coating, and glass as a layer of protection. The main function of the primary material silicon is to convert sunlight into electricity. 

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels are designed with materials that convert sunlight into electricity. If you opt for solar batteries, you can store and use the extra solar electricity, if any, when need arises. 

A solar panel is made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells that enable the conversion of sunlight into electricity. These cells are connected to each other in a circuit that enables transferring the generated power. Then, an inverter in the solar panel converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) for use in residential or commercial buildings. 

How many solar panels do I need?

The number of solar panels that you need depends on the amount of electricity required to run your house (or office), the wattage of solar panels, the amount of sunlight that your region receives, and the size of your roof. Typically, each solar panel produces close to 250–400 watts of electricity. 

Top “solar companies near me” that are reliable “roofing contractors near me” will be the best to analyze your roof and tell you more about this. 

How much do solar panels cost?

Although the cost of a solar panel depends primarily on its quality, other factors that determine the panel’s final price include its brand, your location, and installation by one of the reliable “solar companies near me.”

In California, the approximate price of solar panels is $2–$4 per watt, with the final price adding up to around $11,000–$15,000, plus installation. However, you might be eligible for incentives and tax rebates, which might bring down the cost. Check with an experienced “roofing contractor near me” in California to get a better insight. 

How long do solar panels last?

Solar panels can last approximately 25 years or more if maintained well, which is quite a long time. 

However, even high-quality solar panels might have some annual degradation in the production of electricity, which could be around 0.5%.

The top “solar companies near me” might have warranties on solar panel installation, so be sure to do your research well and choose a reliable contractor for the installation.

Sustainable Living Builders is a company that supports sustainability through green living solutions and solar solutions for both residential and commercial properties. It uses reliable, high-quality materials in every project. 

Offering a free estimate within 48 hours, Slb Inc. offers the best sustainable solutions for residential and commercial projects in the regions of Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties in California.