Many people dream of living off the grid, independent, and free from the tyranny of the electricity companies. The dream is not impossible, thanks to alternative energy and the wonderful technology that is solar power. With solar power, energy can be generated on-site, reducing your dependence on fossil fuels and eliminating your electricity bills. If this sounds like something you’re passionate about, then read on and discover how you can make it happen.
Key Facts About Houston
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the fifth-largest city in the world. It is the capital of Texas, the 4th most populous state in the country. The estimated population of Houston is 2.3 million people, and it is considered to be one of the most multicultural cities in the country. If you’re thinking of moving there any time soon, then make sure to brush up on your geography because you will undoubtedly have to look at a map frequently! Let’s take a look at some of the top facts about Houston.
Solar Power Is A Popular Choice
Whether you love the idea of living in a small eco-community or you want to go the extra mile and generate your own electricity, many people have chosen to go the solar power route. There are many companies that sell and install solar power systems, and many homeowners choose to go this way themselves. The appeal of solar power is that it allows people to generate their own energy, and they no longer have to be reliant on the electricity companies for supply.
Many Different Options Available
With many companies selling and installing solar power systems, it would be easy for the technology to become oversaturated. However, this is far from the case because there are so many options to choose from. You don’t need to run around looking for the best rate either, as most companies offer attractive discounts for homeowner projects. If you do some research online, you’ll discover a whole host of different solar power options that are suited for different situations and different pockets. If you have a large residential area and plenty of sun, then you should look into a PV system with an array of solar modules. If, however, you have a small plot of land and only need a small solar system, then you should opt for a small system with a single module.
Space And Architecture
One of the biggest appeals of living in a house wrapped in solar power is that it allows you to reap the benefits of living in a space-saving manner. If you have a large area of land, then you can install a grid connected system that generates electricity even when the sun isn’t shining. This ensures that your household will always have electricity at its fingertips. The power will be there when you need it, and it will reduce your electricity bills by a significant margin. Some people choose to run cables from their solar panels across the floor, embedding them in the concrete to create an artistic pattern or theme throughout the house.
Cost-Effective And Family-Friendly
The cost-effectiveness of a solar power system is something that cannot be overlooked either. Even with the energy companies offering some of the best prices around, solar power still represents a great value for money compared to traditional energy sources. The average cost of electricity bills is extremely high, and with plenty of competition, the prices can’t be maintained. Many solar companies offer great family deals as well, ensuring that even the smallest and the richest family can enjoy the benefits of clean energy. Most systems come with a guarantee too, protecting you from any glitches that may arise with technology.
Going Green
Going green is more important than ever now, and it’s a trend that will continue to grow as people become more cognizant of the environment around them. If you’re passionate about preserving resources and the planet, then a green dream home is exactly what you should be looking for. However, if this is somewhat of a foreign concept to you, then opt for a more traditional home that you can upgrade with green features once you realize their advantages.
Saving Money
Money is always a key consideration when you’re looking for ways to save, and with solar power, you can easily save a significant amount of money each month. You don’t need to make any major changes to your daily routine to make use of the energy you generate yourself – simply watch the bills and see how much money you’re saving. These savings can be used for anything you choose, from paying off debt to sending your kids to college. Interested in generating your own electricity? Here’s a quick guide to go from zero to hero in just 12 easy steps.
Step 1: Follow the guidelines and make the right decision
A crucial first step to going green is understanding the fundamentals behind going green. You need to start by cutting down on your electricity consumption, and you can do this in a number of ways. You could change your light bulbs to LEDs, consider switching off things like appliances that you aren’t using, or even invest in a power strip with a switch so that you can turn off all of the electronics in your house temporarily when you leave the room.
These are all simple things that you can do to reduce your energy consumption, and it’s vital that you do this if you want to generate your own electricity. You also need to set a clear-cut goal, and considering the economics of solar power, this should be relatively easy. The goal could be as simple as wanting to simply reduce your electricity bills by 10%, and with the right support and guidance, this is entirely possible.
Step 2: Pick the right location
It is important to pick the right location for your solar power system. You want to pick a site that gets at least 8 hours of sunlight per day, and if possible, the sunlight should be strong and concentrated. This is vital if you want the most out of your system. If you have a large area of land, then you can install a grid connected system that generates electricity even when the sun isn’t shining. This ensures that your household will always have electricity at its fingertips. The power will be there when you need it, and it will reduce your electricity bills by a significant margin.
Step 3: Gather the right equipment
The right equipment is essential for any home-based power generation project, and this includes everything from your solar panels to your inverter. Your solar panel determinants how much electricity you can generate, so make sure to get the best quality panels that money can buy. If you already own solar equipment, then you can skip down to step 5. Otherwise, it’s time for a little research.
Step 4: Connect the panels to the grid
Once you’ve picked out your solar panels and they’re in good condition, it’s time to connect them to the grid. Even if you have a grid connected system, there are still steps you need to take before you can use it. This involves connecting the cables that bring electricity into your home and plugging them into the electrical socket. Make sure that you do this safely and correctly, and if you’re not comfortable with electricity, then hire an electrician to do the job for you.
Step 5: Inverter and storage
Once the grid is connected, the next step is to install an inverter and storage. An inverter takes electricity generated by the solar panels and transforms it into usable forms, like electricity or heat. When the sun doesn’t shine, the electricity generated by your solar panels will still be lost unless it is stored somewhere. This is where storage comes in handy because it can help you reduce your electricity bills by supplying your home with electricity when you need it. Your battery bank can help prevent blackouts, and it will also allow you to make the most of the energy you generate. When it comes to your battery bank, make sure to get a brand that is known for its long life and high capacity.
Step 6: Calculate how much electricity you need
Now that you have everything connected, it’s time to start generating electricity. Your first step is to calculate how much electricity you need, so consider how much power your devices consume and how often you use them. You can use these two factors to determine how many solar panels you need to buy. Keep in mind that your electricity needs will vary depending on the time of day and the temperature outside. For example, you will use more electricity in the summer and less in the winter.
Step 7: Buy the equipment