In the last several years, the cost of solar power has decreased significantly, making it more accessible to home and business owners. In the right location and with the proper installation, solar power can be a viable option for homes and businesses alike. However, in order to maximize your investment and take full advantage of all the benefits that solar energy has to offer, it is essential to consider a few key points before designing and installing your system.
Consider The Size Of Your Roof
The first and most fundamental step to harvesting solar energy is to consider the size of your roof. That is a lot of solar energy waiting to be harnessed! The larger the better, as the more surface area you have, the more solar energy you can harvest. The key tip here is to try and maximize the use of your space. For example, if you have a very large roof and it is attached to your house by a single pole, that is very stable and strong, you can install two panels of solar energy on it; one on either side. This will not yield the same results as compared to installing four smaller panels on the top of your roof. The reason behind this is simple: less surface area = less energy.
Location, Location, Location
An ideal location for a solar power system would be somewhere in the direct sun, facing east or west, receiving at least six hours of sunlight each day. You can find plenty of places like this all over the world, and even in your own backyard. Another important factor to consider is the height of your roof. The higher the better, and if that is not possible, you can always install a solar greenhouse that will provide some of the benefits of being in the great outdoors, without having to worry about the environment. It is always best to choose an area that is as close to the equator as possible, so you will get the most energy out of the sun directly above you. That way, you will not have to tilt your solar panels excessively to collect the sun’s energy.
What Size Battery Do You Need?
The next step after considering the size of your roof is to determine what size battery you need. This is a crucial decision and it is strongly recommended to consult with an expert so you make the right choice. There are several different sized batteries on the market, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. For example, you have the classic 12V car battery designed for cars and small boats, and then you have the larger 24V battery designed for large vehicles like tractors and construction equipment.
The 12V car battery is perfect for smaller devices like personal watercraft, garden tractors, and small cars like golf carts. These types of applications only need enough power to start the vehicle and then keep it running for a short period of time, typically less than three hours. The 24V car battery is perfect for bigger equipment like backhoes, bulldozers, and forklifts. You will also need a slightly larger battery if you plan on running longer than three hours at a time because of the decreasing charge in the battery over time. This will also impact your choice in terms of the solar charger to use, as the larger the battery, the more power it will take to charge it up.
How Much Voltage Does Your Solar System Need?
Once you have determined the size of your battery, the voltage of the solar system you are designing needs to be considered. This is important because most solar systems are only designed to deliver a certain amount of voltage. For example, most systems are set at 12V, which is suitable for driving smaller appliances directly from the battery. However, if you have a larger piece of equipment like a backhoe, you will need a higher voltage system so you can use all the available power. The main thing to keep in mind here is to select a system that is capable of delivering the right amount of voltage for your specific application. If you are still unsure of what voltage your solar system needs, it is always best to contact a specialist so they can advise you on the matter.
How Many Watts Do You Need?
The final step before embarking on any type of solar power system installation is to determine how many watts of power you need. This is an easy step because you will simply have to multiply the number of devices you have running directly off the battery by how much power they require. For example, if you have a water pump that requires 500 watts of power and you have eight hours of daylight, you will need a 24V system that is able to produce 1680 watts of power so you can continue to operate your water pump. You will also need to consider the amperage, which is the measure of electrical current produced by your system, so you do not overload your electrical system. A common mistake people make is using a higher wattage system than required, which can lead to severe damage and even failures of their devices.
Now that you know the fundamentals of solar energy collection and storage, it’s time to get back to designing the perfect system for your needs! To help you create a fully functional solar power system at home or on the go, we have compiled a list of the best portable solar chargers 2020 has to offer. Whether you need a portable charger for a smartphone or other small electronics, a power system for cars or bikes, or an in-depth look at the best solar ovens, this list will help you find the best solar power solution for your needs.