Due to the low cost of solar energy, many businesses and households are installing solar panels for their own use. Appliances like the security camera solar panel reduce energy consumption and result in significant savings on electricity bills. How do you install solar panels if you want to go solar completely? Here are six things to think about before installing a solar panel:
- Select the appropriate technology
- Measure your energy consumption
- Analyze your local financial incentives
- Determine the proper positioning
- Determine whether you want a battery
- Select a reputable installer
Before investing in a solar panel, let us discuss these essential things to know.
All About Choosing the Right Technology
When choosing the appropriate technology, you must learn everything about solar panels and inverters.
Solar Panels
There are various kinds of solar technology available. Solar thermal, for example, can only heat water, while photovoltaic can generate electricity. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon are the two main options for photovoltaic systems. Monocrystalline silicon panels have slightly greater efficiencies than polycrystalline. But the factors discussed below make us understand that they usually outweigh monocrystalline advantages. Another critical fact to consider is to opt for a solar panel brand that is renowned so that it will offer a significant impact on the amount of energy the system produces. People have started moving to solar powered cameras for the same reason: to make little contribution to the environment.
Inverters
The solar system includes not only solar panels but also an inverter. This device transforms the direct current (DC) generated by the solar panel to alternating current (AC), a more widely used form of electricity. Inverters are classified into two types.
A string inverter is also known as a centralized inverter and is the most widely used inverter in the world. It is typically less expensive and centrally converts DC power generated by solar panels. The disadvantage is that if one panel fails, the entire setup suffers. The solar installation is only as productive as its weakest panel, which means the whole system suffers if one panel is in the shade.
The microinverter is a little more expensive than the string inverter, but it has some advantages. The microinverter is mounted on every individual solar panel. This means it is more shade tolerant, allowing for more energy to be produced even from a partially shaded solar panel.
Choosing a high-quality inverter is critical because they are a limitation for any solar power plant. In most cases, the inverter will be the 1st component in the system to fail. Inverters have a lifespan of fifteen years, whereas solar panels have a lifespan of 30-40 years. Go with the inverter if you want to spend less money.
Learn How to Measure the Energy Consumption
In order to measure energy consumption, you must first seek a professional solar installer. They will assist you in calculating your energy consumption. This is critical in determining how much energy your solar system will generate. You can make an informed choice on how many solar panels to set up and how much of your power consumption can be enclosed by solar by learning the average quantity of energy you will be consuming.
What time you utilize energy is also essential. Is it in the morning, evening, or during the daytime? This is vital when considering the placement of solar panels and the significance of net metering and feed-in tariffs for you. Examine previous utility bills to determine your home’s average energy requirements.
You can figure out how many solar panels you require by multiplying your household’s hourly energy consumption by the peak sunlight hours in your area and dividing the result by the panel’s wattage. It is important to note that how much sunlight your roof receives and factors such as the size of the roof and battery storage will all play a role.
An Overview of Solar Panel Positioning & Battery Usage
Most electricity is consumed shortly after the sun sets, when air conditioners, televisions, and hand kitchen appliances are frequently used. The location of your solar panels may have a significantly greater impact on the amount of power generated. The sun is located in the south of the sky if you reside in the northern hemisphere, and solar panels can thus be positioned on a south-facing roof to gain the highest exposure to the sun. Similarly, solar panels are best located on a north-facing roof in the southern hemisphere.
However, if you don’t use much electricity in the middle of the day, as most homes do, and instead use most of your energy in the late afternoon, a west-facing solar array may be more helpful. An east-facing orientation is preferable if you prefer more solar energy generation in the early hours. Tilt frames can also be used to tilt solar panels toward the sun. The best angle to tilt a solar panel is determined by the latitude where the panel will be placed. Increasing the tilt angle increases efficiency in producing electricity, and if you have a flat roof, tilt frames may be worth the extra cost.
Batteries can be costly when compared to potential savings. Each case is unique, and batteries may take years to pay for themselves. But you have to understand that if it takes more than ten years for the battery to pay for itself, it is not worth the investment, as it is likely to fail sooner. Batteries frequently enable the extensive use of renewable solar energy. However, battery production processes significantly impact the environment as they generate a lot of carbon. With emerging technologies like redox flow batteries, things are likely to change for batteries, which have a lower price. So, keep an eye on costs and guarantees.
Wrap Up
Transitioning to solar can be intimidating, but don’t let that deter you. There should be sufficient reasons for choosing renewable energy, given its advantages to the environment and your finances. With this comprehensive guide, it should be easier to take steps toward a more environmentally friendly way of life. Check out the Arlo solar panel online, and do not hesitate to invest in it.