In the not-so-distant past, the majority of people had to rely on their local gas station for their energy needs. Whether it was for daily commuting to work or for maintaining a household, people had to rely on oil companies to provide them with fuel. As society changed and became more energy conscious, companies started to adapt to the new climate and introduced new energy sources to meet the demands of customers. One such new source was solar power. Although its production entails a lot of technology and investment, getting your own solar power system now is much more viable than purchasing gas from a company every few weeks.
The following paragraphs will walk you through the steps necessary to install a residential solar power system. We will cover everything from design to installation, and even some common mistakes that you might encounter.
The Benefits Of Solar Energy To Your Daily Life
Whether you live in a small town or a large city, the energy you consume in your daily life affects everyone. When oil companies start raising prices because of the increase in demand, it becomes clear that we need to find alternative sources of energy. For years, people have been turning to gas stations to fuel their cars and trucks. However, those gas stations become less convenient as people become more fuel conscious. People are looking for ways to save money and reduce their carbon footprint, and solar power plants provide the perfect solution.
When the sun shines, it provides us with more energy than we could ever use. However, most of that energy is wasted because we don’t capture it in a usable form. With a residential solar power system, you can start capturing that energy and using it in various ways. You can use solar energy to heat your home, provide you with power for your electronics, or even run some small appliances like a water pump or an ice cream machine. All of these things are possible because of residential solar power systems.
Residential solar power systems are great for people who live in larger cities where space is at a premium. People who live in small towns and rely on public transportation frequently benefit from residential solar power systems as well. When the sun doesn’t shine, that power is still generated and can be used later when the sun does shine. This means your electricity bills will be low regardless of whether its cloudy or sunny outside, and you won’t have to worry about running out of electricity any time soon.
The technology required to manufacture solar cells has drastically decreased in cost, and this has allowed more and more people to get involved in the industry. Essentially, solar power systems are very affordable, and its price will continue to decline as more and more people adopt it. In the near future, you will undoubtedly hear more companies offering consumers cheap solar panels with a 20-year warranty to back them up.
How Do You Know If You Need A Solar Power System Or An Energy Storage System?
If you are reading this article, chances are you are either considering or have considered a solar power system. If this is the case, you need to determine whether you need an energy storage system or a standalone solar power system. To understand why, let’s examine the different applications for each one. As you will discover, there is more than one type of solar power system for various scenarios, so knowing which one is best for your needs can be challenging. This is why it’s important to do some research before committing to one option over the other.
Standalone Solar Power Systems
The first and simplest type of solar power system to consider is one that will generate electricity solely for your use. This is also known as a standalone solar power system. When installing a standalone solar energy system, all the technological complexity is taken care of for you, so all you need to do is connect the panels to an energy meter and start generating energy. Because they are standalone, these solar power systems are typically more expensive than some of the others but are a great value for people looking to generate their own power. Standalone solar power systems are the simplest type of solar energy system to set up and use because all they require is an understanding of how solar electricity works and basic wiring skills to connect the panels to an electricity source.
Energy Storage Systems
The next type of solar power system is one that stores the energy it generates for later use. This type of system still requires some energy to run it, so you will have to generate at least as much as you use. This is why it’s called an energy storage system. When you use more energy than what a particular energy storage system can generate, it becomes necessary to purchase more energy from an outside source. This could be expensive, so it’s important to determine how much energy you use and how much energy the system can store before committing to one option over the other.
What Are The Different Types Of Solar Panels?
Depending on how much sun you get, your solar panels will determine which type of solar energy system you need. To understand this, let’s examine the different types of solar panels and their advantages. As you will discover, there is more than one type of solar panel that performs differently depending on the circumstances and what you want from your system. Knowing which type of solar panel is right for your needs can be difficult, so do some research before purchasing any type of solar panel.
Mono-Crystalline (traditional)
The first type of solar panel is called a mono-crystalline solar panel. This type of solar panel was originally developed for use in space because of its strength and ability to withstand extreme conditions. Although traditional mono-crystalline solar panels are extremely strong and can handle significant amounts of stress, they are also quite fragile and break easily if improperly handled or installed. Traditional mono-crystalline solar panels are also quite expensive, so they are not practical for most people or situations.
Poly-Crystalline (newer, cheaper, but less efficient)
The second type of solar panel is called a poly-crystalline solar panel. This type of solar panel is newer than the traditional type, and it was developed to replace it because of its cheaper price and increased efficiency. The catch is that it is less efficient than a traditional mono-crystalline solar panel, so you might need more of them to generate the same amount of power. Poly-crystalline solar panels are also much cheaper than traditional ones, which makes them more affordable for everyone.
Multi-Junction (newer, more efficient, but more complex)
The third type of solar panel is called a multi-junction solar panel. This type of solar panel is more efficient and affordable than a traditional or a poly-crystalline one. However, its efficiency is increased through the use of multiple junctions, which allow for more sunlight to be converted into electricity. For maximum efficiency, you need to use at least a triple junction, which makes these types of solar panels more expensive and more complex to manufacture.
Which One Is The Best?
With all of this information, you might be wondering which one is the best type of solar energy system for your needs. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your location, the amount of electricity you use each month, and how much money you are willing to spend. One of the best things about solar energy systems is that they are completely customizable, so you can choose what features you want and need for your home. It also helps that solar energy systems are relatively easy to install, so you can do it yourself or enlist the help of a handyman in a small business like HomeAdvisor. When you purchase a solar energy system, you will receive detailed instructions on how to install it yourself, so you can save money in the long run and minimize any potential risks. In the end, it comes down to personal preference and what you are willing to spend. With the right amount of research and consideration, you can select a solar energy system that will be effective and affordable for your needs.