If you’re looking for a way to cut your energy bills, you’ve probably considered investigating solar energy equipment.
The idea behind using solar energy equipment is to harness the power of the sun. By doing so, you not only reduce your energy costs but also become more environmentally conscious.
While there are many different models of solar-power equipment available, not all of them are made equal. In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose the right solar energy equipment for your needs.
Features You Should Look For
When selecting solar-energy equipment, you want to make sure that you get a model that is high-quality and has all the features you need. When shopping for a unit, always consider the system price, quality, and reliability in addition to the operating cost. To help you make the right choice, we have compiled a list of the most essential features to look out for when buying a solar energy system.
Type Of Battery
The most basic difference between solar-energy systems is the type of battery used. You will generally find two types of batteries commonly used: rechargeable and non-rechargeable. Rechargeable batteries allow you to charge up at any time using an outlet, while non-rechargeable batteries will only provide power when fully charged.
Let’s take a look at each type of battery in more detail:
Rechargeable Batteries
If you plan on using your solar energy equipment often, then rechargeable batteries are what you need. These types of batteries will allow you to build up power fairly quickly and use it when needed. The most popular brands of rechargeable batteries include:
- LG
- Mynew
- Duracell
- Siemens
- A123
- ELI
Now, let’s take a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of using rechargeable batteries:
Advantages
Rechargeable batteries have several advantages over non-rechargeable ones. First, you don’t need to worry about running out of power since your battery will auto-charge whenever available energy is sufficient. Second, you can be sure that your battery will retain its charge for years so long as it is not exposed to extreme temperatures or circumstances that would cause it to lose its capacity.
Disadvantages
There are a few things you need to be aware of when using rechargeable batteries. First, make sure that your battery is not damaged or old. Second, make sure that your battery is not exposed to extreme temperatures as this could cause damage. Third, make sure that you fully charge your battery before using it as this could potentially cause damage.
Non-Rechargeable Batteries
If you plan on using your solar energy equipment infrequently, then non-rechargeable batteries are what you need. These types of batteries will only provide power when fully charged and cannot be recharged. The most popular brands of non-rechargeable batteries include:
- NiMH
- NiCd
- Lead Acid
Now, let’s take a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of using non-rechargeable batteries:
Advantages
As the name implies, non-rechargeable batteries have several advantages over rechargeable ones. First, they do not require maintenance and charging as they are indestructible. Second, non-rechargeable batteries do not heat up during use like rechargeable ones so they are more efficient. Third, non-rechargeable batteries can handle extreme temperatures without any problems. Finally, non-rechargeable batteries save space since they do not need to be recharged and are already charged when put into use.
Disadvantages
As with any other battery, make sure that your non-rechargeable battery is not exposed to extreme temperatures or circumstances as this could potentially cause damage. In addition, make sure that you do not overuse or underuse your battery as this could potentially cause problems. Lastly, make sure that you have all the necessary accessories for your non-rechargeable battery as this could make charging more convenient.
Size Of Battery
Another thing to consider when buying a solar energy system is the size of the battery used. Smaller batteries usually are cheaper but you will need to spend more for high-quality equipment to ensure efficiency. To put it simply, bigger is better when it comes to batteries.
However, bigger does not always mean better. Depending on what you need the battery for, you might need a smaller size.
Size Of Charger
When buying a solar energy system, you will need to decide how you plan on using it (portable or fixed). If you have a fixed system, you will need an additional charger to fully charge your battery. However, if you have a portable system, you will not need an extra charger as it will charge itself whenever connected to an electrical source.
To put it simply, if you want to use your solar energy equipment often then you will need a medium or large charger. If you want to use your solar energy equipment occasionally then you will need a small charger. Don’t get fooled by the smaller sizes of the portable chargers as they are still capable of providing the necessary power for a fixed system. In some cases, you might even need a bigger one. It depends on your personal preference and what you need the equipment for.
Amperage Of Charger
Another important thing to consider when buying a solar energy system is the amperage of the charger. Remember, bigger is better when it comes to the amperage of a charger. For example, many car chargers can handle up to 12 volts while most desk chargers can only handle 6 volts or less. Therefore, if you have a 12-volt car battery, you will most likely need a 12-volt charger to charge it. In this case, you don’t need a big deal outsmarting your car’s electrical system by plugging it into a normal outlet. If your car battery is less than 12 volts then you might need a 6-volt charger. In some cases, this could even be a problem as some batteries are designed to work with certain types of chargers. If you have a dual voltage system, choose a charger that can handle both voltages. This will make sure that you get the most out of your system.
Operating Current Of Load
Yet another thing to consider when buying a solar energy system is the operating current of the load. Just like the amperage of the charger, bigger is better when it comes to the operating current of the load. For example, many home thermostats operate at 12 volts while most garage door openers operate at 6 volts. In some cases, this could even be a problem as some loads are only designed to handle a certain current. If you have an opening that is controlled by a garage door opener then you will need to get a 6-volt model as these can handle up to 150 milliamps. In other cases, you might even need a 12-volt model as these can handle up to 300 milliamps. Don’t get fooled by the small size of the low-power garage door openers as they are still capable of performing their tasks effectively. The important thing to keep in mind is that you choose a model that can handle your specific needs.
In addition to the above-mentioned essential features to look out for when buying a solar energy system, there are a few other things you might want to consider. First, make sure that the system is designed for your state of residence as some companies provide additional rebates and incentives based on where you live. Second, look into the warranty as this will protect you in case there are any mishaps. Third, try to find a system that is aesthetically pleasing as you will be spending a lot of time with it so make sure it compliments your home’s design.