A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Energy Systems

All over the world, awareness about sustainable energy is increasing rapidly, and people are looking for alternative ways to power their homes. A common practice to save energy and reduce one’s carbon footprint on the earth is to install a solar energy system.

Every day more and more people are looking into installing solar energy systems to their homes. Apart from being environmentally friendly, using solar panels can also save you money in the future. But, the problem is that many people don’t know much about solar energy systems.

Installing a solar energy system is quite an investment, and unlike buying some other thing like a car, you don’t really see many people that have experience with solar-powered homes. That is why many people don’t get solar panels for their homes and the ones that do sometimes make mistakes that cost them later. So, to make sure that it doesn’t happen with you, we have prepared a comprehensive guide to install a solar energy system to your home.

Read this article, and you will have all the knowledge and understanding you need to implement an effective and long-lasting solar panel system to your home.

Step 1: Determine the Effectiveness of a Solar Power System in Your Climate

One of the first things that you need to consider when you are thinking about installing a solar power system for your home is your climate. You need to have an environment that is suitable for solar panels. You must get the required amount of sunlight daily. If you live in an area like California, Nevada, Florida or New Mexico, you can save a lot of money and have a very effective solar power system, because the sunny climate of these states is best suited for solar panels.

On the other hand, if you live in areas like Ohio, Michigan or New York, you may not be able to get the best results from solar panels. Generally, solar panels need to get around four to six hours of direct sunlight to stay operational. When you get more sunlight than the required time daily, your systems become exceptionally useful. So, consider the climate and see if getting a solar power system is the best option for your location.

Step 2: Determine Your Energy Use

The next step is to determine the amount of energy you will need. Start by figuring out how much energy you are using in a month, on average. It can simply be done by taking the average of the units you have consumed in the last three months. The amount of units you have consumed is usually mentioned in your electricity bill.

If you’re using solar panels, then you will need to make your home more energy-efficient. So, make sure not to waste any energy in your home, try to use daylight as much as possible and replace your home appliances with energy-saving alternatives. An energy-efficient home is more accessible to power with a solar system, and it will help you break even on your investment more quickly.

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Step 3: Check Up On Your Roof

Another important task that has to be done before a solar power system is installed is the maintenance of the roof. Of course, the roof of your home is the best place to install the panels. But before you do so, check the condition of your roof and see if it needs renovation. Even if the roof doesn’t need repair right away, and you expect it to need one in the next few years, it is a rational decision to get it done now.

Once the panels are installed, you will have to deal with them as well when repairing the roof. You can hire an expert to judge the condition of your roof.

Step 4: Hire a Trustworthy Installation Company

Once you have made arrangements and determined that the solar panels are useful for you, the next step is to find and hire a trustworthy installation company. Installing solar panels is not a simple task, and many electricians don’t have experience in installing a solar power system. So, look for companies that hire NABCEP approved technicians who have experience at the job.

Installing solar panels is a big investment, so you don’t want to hire a company that won’t be able to do the job effectively. Many amazing companies install solar panels in Illinois, California, Nevada, Florida and all the sunny states in the US.

Step 5: Determine Which Kind of Panel to Use

There are two main kinds of solar power panels, Photovoltaic and thermal solar panels. Photovoltaic panels are the ones most commonly used, and they use the light of the sun to create electricity. Thermal solar panels, on the other hand, use the heat from the sun to heat air or water to be used inside the home.

In some situations, thermal solar panels are a good option as they are quite cheaper than Photovoltaic panels, but they don’t save as much energy. In my opinion, the best application is a hybrid system that has some thermal panels as well.

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Step 6: Create a Plan for the Installation of the Panels

Once you have determined that solar panels will be useful in your climate and you have hired the right installation company, you need to make a plan with them for the installation. Create a layout that will maximize the amount of sunlight the panels get.

Determine which components of the house you want to be powered by the solar panels and which parts will need traditional energy. Making an effective plan for the installation of the solar system will increase its productivity and effectiveness.

Step 7: Learn About the Maintenance of Solar Panels

The final step, of course, is the maintenance of the solar panels. As these panels do not have too many moving parts, they don’t require any special mechanical maintenance. However, you need to keep them safe from extreme weather if you want them to stay active for a long time.

Also, make sure that you regularly clean off the dust from the panels if you live in a dry environment because if too much dust and dirt are deposited on the panels, the effectiveness of the system can be affected.

About the Author:

Louis Paulson is a graduate of California University and is currently working on his dream project of creating organic energy mixes. In his leisure time, he likes to write about climate change, energy, and clean tech. To read more of his blogs, you can visit here.