Deciding How To Add Solar Energy To Your Cabin
If you are lucky enough to own a cabin out in the woods, you may be considering adding a source of power to it. In the past, you had to rely on a power generator that uses fuel, like gas and propane, to run it. That is not exactly a clean energy source. But now, you can consider solar power as an option. This is a much better alternative to your outdoor living because you longer have to rely on fuel. Solar power is unlimited and available wherever the sun shines. It is also very quiet, so you do not have to put up with the sound of the generator running constantly. This article will discuss some aspects that you should think about when adding solar energy to your cabin.
In order to calculate how much energy you will need, think about what appliances you will need to run in your cabin. What will you be doing in there? The first thing that comes to mind is lighting. How much lighting will you need? If your cabin has multiple rooms, you will need lighting in each room. If you want to cook indoors, you will need cooking appliances. Things like a television or stereo equipment will need to be powered, as well. You will also need outlets for other incidental equipment, like for charging up your laptop, cell phone, etc.
Once you have decided what kind of appliances and equipment you would like to power, you have to figure out how much power you will need. Information on energy usage in wattage can sometimes be found on the equipment itself or in the user manuals of the appliances. These appliances will not be on all day long, so figure out how many hours you need them. Multiply the wattage per hour times the number of hours needed, and you will get an estimate of your total energy needs.
Do not forget a way to heat up your water. A warm shower is a comfort that is indispensable on a cold morning. Your solar panels can generate enough energy to power this and all of your other appliances.
Once you have done that, you should create a budget. Look at how much you can afford to spend on this project. If your budget is tight, you can reduce the number the number of panels that you purchase. That means cutting back on what appliances you want to power, and that will mean not doing with some of the luxuries, like a television or a hairdryer. Do not cut back on the essentials, however, like lighting and heat.
When you have made your decisions and have created a plan, start exploring where you can get your supplies. Contact solar companies and get estimates. Now that you know exactly what you need, it will be easy to compare suppliers.
Putting in solar power is not that hard. You just have to go about it one step at a time. Once you have your cabin fitted with solar panels, you can enjoy the comforts that solar energy can provide.
