With so many homeowners looking to make a transition to independent energy, you may be considering doing the same. Investing in a solar energy system for your home is a great way to ensure power grid independence, but the process does require some preparation and careful considerations. Before you buy any solar power system, there are a few things that you'll need to think about. Here's a look at some of the things you need to know before going solar.
Where Will You Install The Panels?
The installation location of your solar panels is important for a few reasons. First, if you need to install them on your home's roof, it's essential that you have the roof inspected to ensure that it can sustain the weight of the total number of panels that you need.
Additionally, you'll have to be sure that, wherever your panels will be installed, there are no potential obstructions. Think long-term when you think about obstructions, though. For example, those small trees or saplings in your yard right now will eventually grow into large trees later. Make sure that there are no potential obstructions that you may encounter later, or address those issues now to ensure proper energy production over the long-term.
Finally, consider how easy it will be to clean your solar panels. If you're choosing to install them on your roof, you'll want to talk with your solar installation contractor about the best and most effective way to keep the panels clean. Failing to clean them regularly can reduce your solar energy production due to the dirt on the surface.
Are You Aiming For Independence From The Grid?
For some people, the investment in solar panels is designed to just minimize their energy dependence on the grid, reducing electric bills from the local utility service. For others, independence from the grid is more important.
If you install a solar panel system without a battery storage infrastructure, you'll still be dependent on your local grid for the power converter, and regional blackouts will cause you to lose power as well. You can avoid this hazard by investing in a battery storage system as well as your solar panels. That way, the battery storage system can supply energy to your converter and your home when the grid is down.
Additionally, it's important to consider whether or not you're seeking independence from the grid before you choose how many solar panels you're going to install. Complete grid independence means needing far more energy production from your solar panels, so you'll need more panels in your system.
How Much Energy Do You Use?
In order to determine how many solar panels your home will need, your solar energy technician will ask you about your home's energy consumption. You'll want to provide him or her with a look at your home's daily energy consumption reports from your local power utility. That way, it's easier to determine how many panels your home will need to meet your average daily usage.
When we purchased our first home, we realized that there was a problem with some of the electrical work. Some of the lights flickered when we turned them on, and others really seemed to have issues if they were left on long term. I thought the issues was the light bulbs themselves at first, so I replaced several of them. However, after making those changes, it seemed like things were still having trouble. I began going through and thinking carefully about how to identify and resolve the challenges, and it occurred to me that working with an electrician could be helpful. I turned to the professional for help, and it was a good thing I did. Read more about electricians on this blog.