Why are solar panels important for monitoring energy use?
With the recent increases in the cost of fossil fuels and electricity, more and more people are turning to alternative methods of energy generation. One such way is the use of solar power. If you think that you might be interested in solar power or are just curious about what they are, then this article is for you.
The most basic reason for having solar power in your home or business is to reduce your dependence on fossil fuels. As the article title suggests, solar energy provides a way for you to generate your own electricity which you can use on a daily basis. This is different than what many people think. Fossil fuels are not the only energy source that you need to generate electricity. Any type of power generation, whether it be solar or otherwise, can be used to create electricity. Hence, reducing your dependence on fossil fuels is one of the many ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint.
How does solar power work?
The sun provides us with an unlimited supply of energy which we can harness for use. The only thing is, the sun won’t always shine and the light it provides can be faint and in some places, completely opaque.
To generate electricity using solar power, you will need to use photovoltaic solar cells or panels to absorb the light and convert it to electricity. There are many different types of solar cells which can be used and depending on your intended application, you will need to consider the type of solar panel that you will use.
When should you expect to start seeing savings from your solar panel installation?
The amount of electricity that you will generate from your solar power system will depend on many factors. Some of which are the size and type of solar panel that you install, the location of the sun throughout the year, and the time of day that you use your solar panel (if it has a dedicated roof mount or heliostat).
Once you have determined your daily energy usage, you can work out how much electricity you will need to generate to meet your demands. Once you know this, you can begin to estimate how long it will take for you to start seeing savings from your solar panel installation. This will depend on the size and type of solar panel that you have chosen and how long it takes for you to reach your daily energy usage. If you are interested in energy conservation and would like to reduce your daily energy usage, then it is recommended that you install a small solar panel with a capacity of no more than 10 watts (continuous usage). You will likely start seeing savings in your bank within 2 to 3 months.
Types of Solar Panels
There are many different types of solar panels which you can choose from depending on your budget and the type of electricity that you need. For smaller applications, you can get away with simply using solar cells which are individually connected to wires that lead to a charge controller. If you are in need of more capacity, then you can look into the different types of solar panels which are connected in series or parallel to increase or decrease the amount of electricity generated. You can also incorporate a battery bank to store the electricity which is generated during the day when the sun is bright and to provide power during those times when the sun is not strong enough to directly drive the panels.
How much does it cost to install solar power?
The cost to install solar power will depend on your location, the time of day when you connect the electricity generation to the grid (whether this be during the day or night), and your chosen solar panel type. It is a good idea to get a rough estimate from an expert before committing to any significant investment. The cost of solar panels has decreased significantly in recent years and is now more affordable than ever before.
To give you an idea of what approximate costs might be like, let’s take a look at a few different scenarios:
- Brisbane, Queensland – Sunpower B110S panel (rated at 11.1% efficiency) with Maxi-Fit solar controller (maxi power version) for residential and light commercial application
- Brisbane, Queensland – Sunpower B110S panel (rated at 11.1% efficiency) with Maxi-Fit solar controller (mini power version) for residential and light commercial application
- Melbourne, Victoria – 12 Watt single-cell solar panel by Sunpower (rated at 12% efficiency) with Maxi-Fit solar controller for a residential application
- Sydney, NSW – 5 Watt solar panel with built-in storage by Sunpower for residential and light commercial use
- Adelaide, SA – 13 Watt single-cell solar panel by Sunpower for commercial use
- Perisher, NSW – 10 Watt single-cell solar panel by Sunpower for a residential application
- Sunny coast, NSW – Soluxion SL9 solar panel for residential and light commercial use
- Hobart, Tasmania – Small solar panel by Sunpower for residential and light commercial use
When determining your costs, it is important to remember that you need to purchase the complete system which will include the solar panel, the electrical wiring, and the battery bank or inverter. Depending on your location, you might also need to purchase a battery to store the electricity which is generated. If you are connecting to the grid, then you will need to purchase a charge controller and electrical meter to monitor and measure your electricity consumption. In some cases, you might also need to purchase a backup generator in case the power supply to your home is disrupted or fails for some reason.
Where can I go for more information?
If you would like to get more information about solar power or would like to find out where you can purchase a solar power system, then you can visit the following websites which are all reputable and have a good reputation: