Installing Your Own Solar Energy System
If you are an inveterate do-it-yourselfer, you may be wondering whether you could install your own solar power system. If you have some experience with electrical systems and don't mind working up on a roof, the answer may be "yes." You will need to learn before you start. There are online courses that can help you with this. The following tips are given to help you decide whether a do-it-yourself solar project is right for you.
You will need to do a lot of figuring before you start. You will need to calculate the roof area available for solar panels, as well as the number of kilowatt hours you use each month. Find out how much wattage each solar panel will produce, and figure how many you will need to deliver the kilowatt hours you use. Here are some tips to help with your planning. The company that sells solar panels will almost certainly provide a free consultation to help you determine your needs and how best to meet them. You can also get information from the Federal Energy Agency about the average solar radiation where you live. This figure will tell you the amount of solar energy available, in terms of "solar hours." This figure will be higher in a southern location than in a northern one. Knowing this amount will help you know how much solar power your roof area can produce.
You will want to research different solar panels that are available, and different companies that sell them. Choose an established, reliable company. They will give you good advice on installation, including examining your roof and advising where best to place panels.
Once you choose the right solar panels for your home, there is still a lot more to the installation. You will need batteries for storage, cables and mounting structures. Another important piece of equipment is a power inverter. It converts DC to AC electrical current, thus enabling the power from the solar panels to be integrated with your home's electrical system. Investing in a top quality power inverter will help deliver quick and efficient power.
Internet websites makes it easy to check out different suppliers in your area. But be sure to get a business reference before you decide on one. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations.
Installing solar panels on the roof goes better as a two-person job. Find a friend to help, or hire an assistant. There is a lot of lifting and carrying during the placement. You will be glad you got some help.
When you are choosing solar modules, be sure they are Energy Star rated. The federal government requires this rating in order for you to claim the 30 percent tax credit for solar energy. This tax credit helps bring down your initial cost for converting to solar power, which can be high even if you do the installation yourself.
We hope these tips have helped you decide whether to install a solar power system. The long range cost savings can be considerable. And you will be doing your part to convert to clean energy and decrease global warming.
