Having the right solar energy system can mean the difference between enjoying peace and privacy at home and being able to provide your own power on the go. This article will discuss the various solar options available for homeowners in Brevard County, Florida, as well as some of the things you need to know before deciding which solar power system is right for you.
Which Type of Photovoltaic (PV) Cell Will You Need?
The first and most important decision you need to make is which type of photovoltaic (PV) cell you will need for your solar energy system. There are three categories of solar cells: crystalline silicon (c-Si), thin film, and dye-sensitized solar cells. Which one you choose will depend on your overall needs and the price you’re willing to pay.
Crystalline silicon cells are what most people think of when they think of solar cells. They are also the most common type of solar cell and are relatively inexpensive. They are, however, not indestructible and can become costly to repair or replace. Fortunately for homeowners, these types of cells are considered inexpensive enough to be largely covered by the Federal government’s solar savings program (also known as the solar tax credit). This means that you could potentially benefit financially from the installation of a crystalline solar energy system if you are eligible.
Thin film solar cells are much more durable than crystalline silicon cells. They are also considered more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, which makes them a better choice for a home solar power system. They are, however, more expensive to manufacture than crystalline silicon cells and require a bit more precise and careful installation to be beneficial. Because of this, they are not eligible for the solar tax credit and are generally more expensive than crystalline silicon cells without receiving any benefits from the government.
Dye-sensitized solar cells are a newer and growing type of solar cell that is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners, due in part to their durability and efficiency. Less expensive than both thin film and crystalline silicon cells, dye-sensitized solar cells are made using materials more resistant to the elements than traditional solar cells. This makes them more able to withstand extreme weather conditions like storms and hurricanes.
The type of cell you choose will also depend on the overall size of your solar energy system. Larger systems will require more cells to generate the same amount of power. This is why it’s important to consider your needs before choosing the size of the system you want.
Size Of System
The size of your solar energy system is another important consideration. There are two different sizes commonly used for residential solar systems: small and large. The larger your system, the more powerful it will be. Larger systems also produce more electricity than smaller ones – but only if they are sized properly.
If you have a small roof, a small system may be all you need to generate enough electricity for your needs. On the other hand, if you have a bigger roof, a bigger system may be necessary to generate enough electricity. In that case, you will have to decide what is the maximum capacity of your roof and how much power you need on the go. If you go larger, you may want to consider an engine-based power plant to be more efficient. This could be either a gasoline or diesel engine depending on your needs.
Overall Budget
Before you commit to making an investment in a solar energy system, you will need to consider your financial situation. There are a few different financing options that you could use to pay for your new system, such as a federal solar loan or a power purchase agreement. When it comes to paying for your solar system, the choice is yours.
However, regardless of which option you choose, you will need to consider how much money you have to spend. Most individuals don’t have enough money lying around to spend large sums of cash on expensive items like solar panels and a power system. So, if you’re looking for a financial break-even point or you want to save money in the long run, consider other options.
Electricity Usage
The final thing you need to consider before committing to a solar energy system is how much electricity you use at home. If you’re on the grid, you will need to consider how much electricity your neighbors use as well. If you don’t use much electricity at home, it may not be cost-effective for you to have a solar energy system. You will need to determine how much electricity you use and how often you need it to be able to make a decision. If you have a plentiful supply of electricity, a smaller system may suffice. On the other hand, if you use a lot of electricity, a larger system could produce more for your needs.
To be able to generate enough electricity to power your home, your system must be rated to at least 125 volts, and you must use at least 1,500 watts of power. If you’re not sure about how much electricity you use, you can contact your electricity provider and find out. They should be able to give you an idea of how much power you use in comparison to the rest of the homes on the grid.
With these considerations in mind, you can decide which type of solar energy system is right for you.