Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S. It is not only known for its big skies and endless sunshine, but it is also one of the most energy-efficient states. In fact, Texas takes saving energy seriously – so much so that it’s become a common practice to use solar panels on homes and businesses there. If you’re looking to save money on your energy bills and generate your own power, then Texas is the place for you. Here’s how you can get started.
Find The Perfect Location
When considering a home or business in Texas, it is important to consider where you will install the solar panels. This should be taken into account since a lot of the state is made up of uninhabitable desert regions where temperatures can rise above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you decide that you want to go ahead with a home solar power system, then it is advisable to look for a place in a more temperate climate where temperatures do not pose a threat to your electric appliances. Hot springs and greenbelt areas in the state are perfect for this. You should also bear in mind that locations near the ocean are prone to severe weather conditions that could damage your solar panels.
Do Your Research
If you have decided that you want to install solar panels at home and begin generating your own power, then you should familiarize yourself with the jargon and technology behind them. This will help you understand what is entailed in getting the system installed and what are the possible pitfalls that you might face. Familiarize yourself with terms such as MPPT (maximum power point-trick technology), PWM (pulse-width modulation), and inverters. Doing your research for the jargon entails simply looking it up in a dictionary or searching for definitions on the Internet. Going through this process will also help you identify the best time to put in place your solar panels and what sort of equipment you will need to get the job done.
Take Your Time
Even though solar power generation is a relatively simple and straightforward process, it is still a job that needs to be done properly. Installing and connecting the parts of the system to create energy can be a tedious process that requires patience and some skill. It is advisable to take your time with this process and be deliberate about each step you take. Set aside some weekend hours to get your solar power system up and running smoothly. This will not only save you money in the long run, but it will also allow you to enjoy the benefits of clean electricity without worrying about whether or not the power is going to cut out due to an overload.
Choose The Right Size
The next step is to decide how much power you need and want to generate. This will largely depend on how big your family is, how often you cook, and how much you travel for work. If you have a large household, then you will need a lot of electricity to power all the devices that you use regularly. Determine how many solar panels you will need to cover your home or business and how large they should be to produce the amount of electricity you need. You can use energy calculators to help you determine the exact amount of electricity you will need to generate. You can also contact your local utility and ask them for help with energy calculations. They will be able to tell you how many kilowatts of electricity you will need to generate to sustain your household.
Look For Sponsors
If you decide that you want to pursue this route and begin generating your own power, then it is highly advisable to look for sponsors to help you get the project started. The energy industry in Texas is a lucrative one and there will be many companies in line to help you out. Contact your local power company and see if they can provide you with any kind of incentive to get you started. There are various tax credits and grants that you can rely on to lower your electricity bills.
Make Sure The Place You Choose Is Safe
When considering a location to put up your solar panels, it is critical to make sure that you have checked for safety issues. In a lot of instances, utilities find themselves on the dangerous side of things since they must keep the power flowing and avoid power outages as much as possible. If you decide that you will be living in a place where your utilities are serviced by lines that come through the area, then it is imperative to ensure that these lines are not overhead power lines that pose a threat to you or your family. Always check with the local power company before beginning any sort of work that might be dangerous or risk-inducing.
Get A Reliable Contractor
You will need to get a reliable contractor to do the installation for you. There are numerous pros and cons to doing this yourself, but if you are inexperienced or unsure of what you are getting into, then it might be best to hire a professional. You will need to get a contractor that has the proper permits and is insured to do the job. This way, you will not be financially responsible for any accidents that might happen during the installation process.
Be Selective Of The Branches You Will Work With
The final step is to be selective of the branches you will work with. You will need to take your time and do a bit of research on the companies that you are considering working with. Check their reviews online or ask for references from previous customers. Look for signs of reliability and make sure that they have the proper permits to do the work. Once you find a company that you think you can trust, then it is time to sign the contract and get the work done.
As you can see, installing solar panels in Texas is not as difficult as you might think it is. The main challenge is in deciding where to put the panels and how big they should be to produce the right amount of power. Once you have taken care of those two issues, the rest is simply following the instructions and be sure to do the job safely. You will find many communities in Texas that pride themselves on being “solar-friendly” and environmentally aware, and it is important to note that this does not necessarily mean that all their residents have solar power systems installed. If you live in Texas and are interested in installing solar panels at home, then it is advisable to contact your local utility and see if they can provide you with any sort of incentive to get you started. You can also look for grants and tax credits that you can apply for to help reduce the costs of installation.