There is an increased awareness these days about green technology. As the world faces energy problems, the demand for solar power equipment and services has grown tremendously. Solar energy is free and environmentally friendly. So why not seriously consider solar power as an option for your home?
Homeowners are now installing solar power systems, and the growing number of such installations indicates the increasing interest in energy conservation worldwide. There are three critical elements in a solar power setup: solar panels, solar power converters, and solar mount. All three can be installed by homeowners, however, for those who know a great deal about these energy-efficient devices, installation can be a little more complex. For those homeowners without a lot of experience with these devices, professional installation is advised. However, most experts would suggest residential customers that are up for the challenge to do the work themselves.
The panels or solar cells, as it is called, are used to collect the sun’s rays and convert them to electricity or gas. The number of solar cells required to produce sufficient energy will depend on the household electrical needs. Typically, each panel can hold enough energy for one or two standard-sized American houses.
The solar panels installed should be mounted on the roof, ideally at an angle so that maximum sunlight is received. A flat surface is preferred, but a slope can be used if desired. Mounting the panels is the first step in the process, followed by installation of the battery and the power inverter. Battery installation is important because the amount of energy needed to charge the battery depends on how much total energy is available during the day. Without the battery, the total cost of the system is going to be much higher.
In many areas, the cost of purchasing and installing a solar panel system may be covered in one or two payments. In some areas, the amount of money homeowners spend on the system will include the cost of batteries and other equipment. The number of months the system is expected to provide adequate energy is another factor that must be considered before making a purchase. The longer the system is expected to last, the more energy is needed to recharge the batteries. Most people are able to pay for the panels and batteries over the course of several years, with the balance paid back after the energy is used.
Installing the solar panel system may be required by local authorities. In addition, utility companies may need to approve the installation. Before a homeowner installs the system, he or she should be sure that there are no energy interruptions due to inclement weather, such as cloudy days or overcast skies. Also, the homeowner should make certain the system receives plenty of sunlight during the day. Although some areas are known for having plenty of sunlight, others do not have sufficient sunshine to meet the energy needs of the panel system. If the homeowner wants to use less solar energy, it’s a good idea to find out ahead of time how much sunlight will be available in the area.
In areas where the amount of sunlight is known to be scarce, solar systems might not be the most practical option. Even if the amount of sunlight is abundant, homeowners should realize that using the sun’s energy requires more energy than is required by utility companies. In most cases, installing a solar system will require a large upfront investment.
Many people decide to go solar power systems because they want to do their part in helping the environment. The system is relatively inexpensive and most people are able to pay the initial installation costs, which will then pay for itself over time. For those who live in remote areas where access to electricity is limited, the power system can often meet all of their energy needs, with a little bit of added help from utility companies.
