Is A Solar Power Electrical System Right For Your Home?
Are you considering installing and using a solar power electrical system, but you're not sure if it's a good idea? A solar power electrical system can definitely save you money on your monthly electric bill, but certain considerations can be the difference between a solar power electrical system that is both cost effective and efficient, and one that is not.
Determining whether or not solar power electrical is practical for you, will take a bit of research and study. You should familiarize yourself with all the different facets of a solar power electrical system, including; solar house panels, solar panel mounts, solar electrical charge controllers, solar power inverters, and solar grid ties. Before this research, there are some basic elements which should be considered before you decide to use a solar power electrical system for your home.
First you should consider your homes environment. What type of climate do you live in? Are there many cloudy or overcast days each year, and does it rain often? Is your home shaded by trees and or buildings? These questions are all important because a solar power electrical system will require an ample amount of direct sunlight in order to operate efficiently at its maximum potential. A cloudy environment with many days of rain, or a shady environment will prevent your solar power electrical system from reaching optimal output and be less cost effective for you to implement. If your home is in a climate where it is sunny most of the time, and your home is not shaded or obscured by trees, then you would most likely receive maximal benefits from installing a solar power electrical system.
Your second consideration should be placement of your solar house panels. Figuring out where to place your solar house panels is vital and will be a determining factor in overall installation cost, and whether or not your solar power electrical system will run at it maximum efficiency level. Where is the best place on your home or in your yard to place your solar house panels? Should you place the solar panels on your roof, or in your yard on a solar panel mount with a tracker? Where will you tie into the existing electrical grid?
If your home's roof has southern or western exposure, and if it is not obstructed or shaded, then the roof will serve well for placement of your solar house panels. If your home's roof has northern or eastern exposure, or is shaded or obstructed from receiving direct sunlight, you may want to consider placing your solar house panels in an open area in your yard. Solar house panels can be installed in a special solar panel mount, on a pole with an automatic sun tracker to run a maximum efficiency. The distance from where the solar power electrical system will be tied into the existing electrical grid will determine cost and difficulty of the installation. Heavy gauge wire will be necessary to carry the electric current all the way to the grid tie in area without voltage drop. The more wire, the more expense. Solar panel wiring from remote long distances will be costly in both materials and labor. Whether or not you have to bury a couple hundred feet of wire is definitely something you should take into consideration.
Lastly you should consider whether or not you can install the solar power electrical system yourself, or whether you should hire a qualified professional to complete your solar energy installation. Do you have any knowledge of electricity and electrical wiring? Are you handy and proficient at home improvement projects? Are you physically able to do a little hard work? If you answered yes to all three of these questions then you may consider installing your own solar power electrical system. There are many DIY, "do it yourself" solar electric packages and kits on the market that will guide you through the installation. If you answered "No" to any of the three questions, then you should seriously consider hiring a qualified professional to install your system. Professional installation will increase the cost of a solar power electrical system and surely will be a determining factor in its cost effectiveness
In closing, if you are considering implementing a solar power electrical system in your home, there are certain factors to consider before you delve into the intricate research and installation work. Environment, placement, and who will install your solar power electrical system will determine whether or not it will be practical and cost effective for your home. Deciding practicality and cost effectiveness are the first steps in making the right choice for your home.
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