Reduce Your Dependence on the Power Grid by Adding Solar Panels to Your Home
The first step in installing a solar panel system is to calculate your energy needs and survey your home’s roof, said solar power specialist from Eco Energy. Installers then mount the panels on your roof and connect them to the solar power inverters that are usually installed outside the home. The next step is to connect the solar power system to your electrical system. You can then use the energy you generate to power your appliances and lights, or sell it back to your power company.
The solar panels are then fixed to a mounting structure with bolts and nuts. Care must be taken to make sure the panels are securely fastened. A proper mounting will make them last longer. You may want to connect the system to a solar inverter, which is usually installed near the main panel. This will increase the voltage it produces and match it with your battery bank. Another option is to connect the solar panels in parallel with each other. In this way, you will be able to monitor how much electricity they produce hourly.
Solar panels need to be cleaned regularly. When they get dirty, you can use a garden hose and soapy water to wash the panels. Alternatively, you can hire a solar panel cleaning service to clean them for you. You should also make sure to have the panels inspected every four to six years. It is also important to ask your installer about the specific maintenance requirements of your solar panel system. Using a professional solar installation service can be expensive, so be sure to ask about the price before signing the contract.
A solar panel system can also be built at home. You can save money by using pre-made equipment and wiring. If you decide to do it yourself, wood is an ideal material to use. Wood is easy to drill holes for wiring and the solar cells can be soldered or glued to the wood. Once the cells have been installed, you will need a charge controller to regulate the voltage of the energy produced by the panels. Depending on how many panels you need, you can also use wood to build a protective box for the cells and lay plexiglass over it for moisture protection.
Adding solar panels to your home is an excellent way to reduce your dependence on the power grid. A solar panel system will pay for itself in as little as two years, which is an excellent return on investment. You may even be eligible for no-money-down solar energy programs. You can also use tax credits to reduce your electric bills.
After your solar panel system is installed, you will need to connect it to your home’s consumer unit. You will also need a generation meter to monitor how much electricity you produce from your solar panels. By doing so, you’ll know whether you are getting the maximum benefit from your solar power system. This will also help you determine when to use your power company’s services.
A solar panel system typically costs anywhere from $6,000 to $14,400. The cost per panel can vary based on wattage. A high-end solar panel can produce up to 600 watts, while a standard one can produce as much as 250 watts. The higher-end panels are generally more expensive, but they will generate more energy than low-end panels.
If you want your solar panels to produce the maximum possible amount of electricity, it’s important to install them facing the south. Depending on your location, the optimal angle will be between 30 and 45 degrees. In addition to this, you’ll need to consider the angle of your home’s roof, as panels that face west and east will produce 10 to 20 percent less electricity than those facing the south.