As well as providing our vital heat and light, advances in solar energy have now enabled the sun to provide us with energy.
Home solar panels can be installed on the roof to capture sunlight to be converted into the energy needed to run appliances, heating and lighting in our homes. By utilizing a process known as the photovoltaic effect, it is possible to use the sun’s energy as a replacement power source.
This article helps you understand a little more about solar energy, and solar panel cost.
What does a home solar energy system consist of?
Home solar energy systems are becoming very slick and efficient. The main parts are the panels, inverter, racking, batteries and charge controller.
Do a solar company near me search to assess your property for its suitability for solar energy, and create a configuration based on your roof layout. They will also take other factors into account such as shade, the direction your roof faces, and the hours of sunlight per day.
These elements combine to create a completely self sufficient solar energy system at your property.
How does the system work
The first step of a solar energy system is to capture the sunlight. This is achieved by the panels that work best when on an unobstructed roof. In simple terms, the larger the panels your roof can support, the more wattage you can generate from your solar installation.
This can mean you can generate sufficient energy from just a few panels if your roof can support the bulkier, heavier commercial panels. On the flip side, the industrial panels can be more complex to install and maintain.
The inverter conveys power from the captured sunlight and turns it into energy. This component is pretty small, with the largest (string) inverters measuring in at a similar size to a regular briefcase.
Architecting your system
The racking of the system is the basis to keep the whole system safe and solid. Your solar power installation firm will recommend the best aluminum system for your requirements and budget.
Different manufacturers produce racks to suit certain layouts and premises. Depending on the quality, you may see different levels of customization in the design, and varying lifespans.
It is also vital to consider how you will store the energy your system creates. To this end, batteries are a vital component. If you purchase a higher range battery, you may even have the possibility to store more energy than you need to power your premises. If so, you can reap the rewards of your system by selling the surplus energy to the grid in return for a profit.
The pros and cons of solar
The pros far outweigh the cons with solar energy. However, you will need to factor in an upfront investment of at least a few thousand dollars. You also rely heavily on sunlight for your power, and the entire system can be a little bulky, especially in smaller properties. Batteries can also be expensive as well as bulky.
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