What will happen to all of the solar energy that has been generated but not stored yet? The sun sets faster and faster every day, and the hours grow shorter. On some days, the sun simply does not rise at all, as the world becomes more concerned with the COVID-19 pandemic. Will this affect the global demand for solar energy? Perhaps, but not in a negative way. As more and more people become worried about the environment, they will turn to alternative energy sources, especially since the sun provides an energy source that is completely free. In this article, we will discuss some of the major issues that you may encounter when implementing solar energy on your property, and how you can work around them.
Cost
The cost of installing a solar power system is incredibly minimal when compared to the cost of buying energy from traditional sources. While the price of solar energy has dropped significantly in recent years, it is still significantly more expensive than traditional energy sources. The cost of solar energy is largely determined by how much power you need, and how large your system is. For small systems, this may not be much of a financial issue, however, as the cost of solar energy can reach as much as four to five times the cost of traditional energy. This makes solar energy an expensive choice for those who are tight on their finances.
Size
Another important thing to consider with solar energy is the size of your system. The cost of having a small system is far less than the cost of having a large system, simply because you will not have the luxury of excess capacity. The size of your system is also determined by how much power you need, and how well you plan on using it. Larger systems are capable of producing more energy than you actually need, which is great if you have a great deal of space and can run wires all over your property. However, if you are tight on space and need to find ways to fit everything in, smaller systems will be your best bet. You should make sure that you buy a system that can accommodate your specific needs and situation. You should also purchase a system that is within your budget, so you do not incur any unnecessary financial obligations. When it comes to installing solar energy, everything else will be secondary.
Durability
The last thing anyone needs is a power system that slowly degrades in performance over time, due to constant use and overuse. When you purchase a solar power system, you need to make sure that it is built to last, and will be functional even after years of heavy use. To an extent, this depends on how well you take care of it. You must ensure that your system is appropriately sized and installed so as to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. Make sure to purchase a brand that you know and trust, as this will largely determine how well your investment will stand the test of time. Even if you plan on storing some energy for later use, you should still buy a system that is designed for continuous operation. In the event that you do run into problems in the future, it will be highly beneficial if you have a backup plan in place. You should not rush into purchasing a solar system without taking the time to do your research and ensure that you buy a reputable brand.
Wondering How Much Electricity You Need?
One of the major issues that you may encounter when implementing solar energy on your property is determining how much electricity you actually need. The truth is that this will largely depend on how much power you want to store, and how often you intend on using it. For example, if you have a large system, and you decide to store some energy for later use, you will need some way of tracking how much energy you actually use. This is why so many people choose to monitor their energy use with a power meter, so they know exactly how much electricity they are using. You should set a realistic energy use target for your household, as well as an emergency backup plan in case you forget to turn off your appliances when you leave the house. Remember, the more power you use, the more you will have to pay for. A good rule of thumb is this: for every watt you use, you will need to pay for one kWh of electricity every month. This may seem like a lot, but it’s a small price to pay for a free energy source!
Location
A common problem that homeowners encounter when implementing solar energy is having the wires and components hidden underground. This is a major cause of major disruption if you have limited space, and it can be a safety hazard as well. If you have a large system, and you are running power lines all over your property, it’s inevitable that you will come across major disruptions as wires are constantly being pulled, and laid underground. Depending on your neighborhood, you may require a permit to lay underground cables, and this will certainly increase the cost of your installation. If this is the case, it would be best to choose an area that does not require a permit, so you do not have to worry about possible hidden fees. In most cases, these fees are taken care of by the energy company, however, if you are looking for a more affordable route, you should consider installing solar energy on your property, even if this means running wires underground. The truth is that underground wiring is a major inconvenience, and it can really cut into your profits if you are running a business, or just want to use electricity regularly.
Budget
Budget is always a major consideration when purchasing anything, and it’s especially important when investing in energy. You should always opt for the cheaper solution first, and then upgrade to a more expensive one later, if you see fit. The truth is that you cannot always predict how much electricity you will use, and this is why it’s important to set a limit on how much you are willing to spend. You should start by looking into all of the alternative energy sources that are available, and see which ones suit your needs best. Once you’ve found an energy solution that you like, it’s time to move forward and begin implementing it. In most cases, the cheaper the solution, the more limited the functionality, so you may find that you have to upgrade your system later, after it’s already been installed, in order to take advantage of the additional features that a more expensive product provides. It would be best to invest in a quality product from the start, as this will largely determine how well your system will perform, and how long it will last. A good rule of thumb is to choose the cheapest option first, and then evaluate whether or not this is actually quality material, or simply plated metal. It can be difficult to tell the difference, which can prove to be quite expensive in the long run. If you are looking for an economical and quality solution, it’s best to invest in a branded product from the start, as you can be sure that you will not be spending extra money in the future, due to poor quality control and defective parts, that become faulty after just a few months of use.
Inconsistent Energy Output
Another issue that you may encounter when implementing solar energy is that the energy that is generated is inconsistent at best, and this can be highly frustrating if you are reliant on it for daily living. The truth is that the sun does not always shine, and when it doesn’t, it creates a problem for anyone reliant on this for their electricity needs. If you have a large system and you intend on storing some energy for later use, you will want your pump to operate when the sun is not available, simply because this is when it’s most effective. Inconsistent energy output is also a safety risk, especially if you have young children or animals in the vicinity. For this reason, it’s best to avoid locations that get a lot of shade, and pick areas that receive a lot of sunlight. The more consistent the energy is, the better, and this will largely depend on how well your pump was designed and installed in the first place.