Solar energy has gained mainstream popularity over the years due to its efficiency, reliability and low maintenance cost.
Most vitally, solar energy is eco friendly and is in fact seen as the most viable and accessible renewable source. Its role in the future will be hugely significant as the world transitions to clean energy sources.
How is Solar Energy Produced in a Home Solar System?
The Sun is an almost infinite reservoir of energy which is readily available for our consumption. A typical home solar system is made up of solar panels, an inverter, a battery, and sometimes a mounting structure (for installation in a place other than the rooftop).
Briefly, when the sunlight reaches the solar panels, the photon energy in the light particles collides with the electrons present in the PV cells in the solar panels producing a direct current.
The inverter converts this direct current into alternating current which is stored in a battery for home use. The current capacity may be impacted by the number of solar panels on your roof (smaller panels produce lower current to power only a few appliances) and presence of shades.
Tips
You don’t have to live in a sunny region to enjoy the energy from your solar installation, because solar panels are effective through all seasons – even during snowfall, as snow reflects light.
Contrary to popular belief, a large amount of energy is produced on a clear winter day due to enormous collisions arising from the temperature difference between the light particles from the Sun and electrons from the voltaic cells of the solar panels.
Planning your Home Solar System
In order to maximize the efficiency of your home solar power installations, you need to be strategic with installation and usage. This starts with deciding how many solar panels that will satisfy your home or commercial energy requirements to working out constructive storage plans for the excess energy produced.
Here are some vital steps to note and follow.
Know your home’s energy demand
Before installing a home solar system, it is expedient that your home’s energy consumption rate is known. You should also do a low-cost measure, to know the allowable capacity of the solar system to be installed.
I always advise people to seek professional service from a solar company from this stage as a professional can do a better assessment than you. That said, you may also review your electric bills to know your monthly electricity needs. Usually energy efficient appliances and lightings make for optimum results, with a home solar system.
Know your home’s solar potential
This is another vital role of the home solar system installation professional, depending on your choosing solar power installation company, the professional will access your home environment to know the extent of the Sun’s exposure available at your home location.
This is important since the home solar systems work by absorbing energy from the Sun, shady areas are usually avoided.
Even though the solar panel size is essential in generating energy, the positioning of the same is equally important. The expert works with various mapping tools that helps him determine the best positioning for your home solar system. Some things to consider are; the potency of your home’s roof, trees, and shades nearby, to mention a few.
Hire a professional
Most people try to DIY at some stage to save a few bucks, but as an expert I always advise against a DIY at any stage. This is because apart from DIY being rife with risks and uncertainties, a professional will always give a more accurate judgment and recommendation.
In fact, apart from evaluating and accessing the solar power installation, the company will come up with designs that’ll fit your home or business while also addressing the problems of shading as stated earlier.
The professional also helps in acquiring a construction and/or electrical permit from your local authority which you may not have license to acquire.
It is therefore imperative that you secure the service of a certified professional from a reputed solar energy company as early as possible for the best result.
If you’re a West Coast resident looking for a reliable installation company, I recommend Harness Power. Since 2015, they’ve served over 5,000 customers in both residential and commercial settings.
Research and Explore more
While working with a professional, you need to ask questions bothering on cost management, maintenance options, etc. That way, you will have great insight on metering, as well as appropriate maintenance measures after installation. You can also do your own little research on the types of home solar systems available before inviting a professional in order to have an idea.
How Much Does the Home Solar System Cost?
Cost is usually dependent on your home’s energy capacity and consumption rate. You need to figure out based on your home’s allowable energy, the amount you are willing to accommodate. There are various home solar systems, ranging in different system capacities, and of course, pricing.
For example, a small-sized household, say 1-3 occupants, might require about 3kW capacity, this may cost about $6000. An average-sized household, say 3-5 occupants, may need 4kW, while a relatively large household of say more than five occupants may require about 6kW. The average cost for these is about $9000 and $11,000 respectively.
This is to give you an idea of what to expect as you make your inquiries. There is a lot of solar energy capacity available out there. Some solar power installation companies even customize the PV systems for their clients.
Conclusion
From both the economic and environmental perspective, the long term benefits of home PV solar systems far supersede the initial installation cost.
This is because the system is cheap, reliable, efficient, has low maintenance cost and is eco friendly. Home solar systems also improve the resale value of your house for resale.
Also, by installing a solar PV system on your roof you can qualify for tax credit, and if your PV system produces more energy than you consume, the surplus energy is sent back to the national grid, which makes you extra money.