Solar panels are one of the best ways to harness green power from the sun. When you install solar panels on your roof or any other place on your compound, it is easy for you to save lots of money in energy costs. You will reduce the carbon footprint and help the environment; on top of reducing your power bills. Installing a solar panel is not a difficult thing if you follow the instructions. Now, before you install a solar panel, there are many things that you need to consider.
You need to ensure that your solar panels are installed in a place where there is sufficient sunlight during the day. To learn more about solar power and installation, you can visit the company website of the installers or the manufacturers. Here are 4 things you should know about solar panel installation:
Basic considerations before solar panel installation
The first thing you need to consider is your energy needs. Calculate your energy requirements and deduce how much of that you can get from your solar power system. How much in peak sunlight does your area get on an annual basis? If you get a few hours per day of sunlight, you can consider the installation of a certain number of solar panels based on your energy needs. For maximum sun harnessing, you should install your panels facing south for the best sun exposure.
What other equipment do you require?
Home solar energy systems consist of other equipment other than solar panels. As such, apart from the solar modules, you will also require an inverter and a battery cell unit that will help store the energy for use later on. You will also need to have a solar power controller to ensure that the battery is not overcharged or overused. There are solar PV panels that come with inbuilt inverters. Whatever the case, you need to ensure that you have all the other equipment and accessories to have your solar system properly installed.
Is your roof suitable for solar panel installation?
It is important that one considers the kind of a roof that you have. Some roofs may not be suitable for solar panel installation while others may not. How strong is your roof? Are you planning to upgrade the roof in the near future? If so, it may not be the right time for you to install the solar panels. You see, it is difficult to get the panels off once they have been installed. As such, you have to be sure that your roof is somehow permanent and can support the solar panels for long. You may also choose to install your solar panels on a field or on your compound. It is up to you to choose whether to install the panels on the roof or elsewhere.
Solar panels work even without direct sunlight
Solar panels are more efficient when the sun is shining. However, the panels will still produce electricity even on a cloudy day. There is no electricity produced at night. Therefore, one needs to invest in a storage system of batteries so that they can store the electricity to be used at night. One may also decide to sell the excess electricity produced by solar panels during the day to the national grid. This can help you get some returns on your investment.
