How to Set Up Solar Energy
Homeowners have many reasons for installing solar power -- energy generation from a free natural resource, no emissions and low maintenance. While new construction can have systems custom built to suit the building's need, adding a solar array to an existing home can realize similar benefits. The typical process combines solar power with traditional power systems, and you will need a contractor's assistance. However, the rewards can be worth the work. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Utility bills
- A solar energy kit including photovoltaic solar panels
- Contractor's services for roof installation
- Electrician's help
- Power inverter
- Extra power switch
Instructions
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Study your home's energy costs and consumption, including gas and electricity. Map this out using your utility bills so you can see the monthly or annual costs.
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Use the data to estimate how much power your home will need. Add an additional 30 percent to that figure as a cushion. Plan for this figure to be the target energy production your new system will need to produce.
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Purchase a solar energy kit to match the dimensions and wiring of your house. Consult an electrician, if needed, to get the right kit. Confirm that each panel can produce a minimum of 250 watts of power captures from sun exposure. Have a contractor install a sufficient number of panels on your roof to produce the power figure you need to match your estimate. Position the roof panels depending on the best sun exposure.
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Have an electrician integrate your solar system with your home's existing electrical system to ensure it's done per building code. Have the solar contractor position and secure the solar panels to your roofing with the rail system that comes with the kit; buy the rail system if your kit does not include it. Avoid placing any of the panels where they would fall under shade -- it's a waste of money.
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Purchase a power inverter to convert the solar panel to electricity you can use in your house (i.e., convert DC to AC). Connect the solar panels directly to the inverter. Run the inverter connection into the home grid via its junction box and breaker panel. Have a switch installed by your electrician to be able to cut off the solar power system if needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Solar panels are easy to clean. Aim your hose up at the roof so that the panels get washed off as the water arcs back onto the roof. Do this every two or three months.
Purchase and install a battery bank if you want to use solar power 100 percent. A battery allows you to draw power when it's dark outside.
Do not perform the connection to your house grid if you are not a trained and licensed electrician. Such connections need to be installed to building code, which can change from year to hear.
References
- Photo Credit solarenergie image by Holger B. from Fotolia.com
