Investing in a solar energy system for your home is only one of many potential avenues for going green, and what’s more, there are companies that can help you achieve this goal.
On top of that, in some areas of the country a solar energy system for your home can save you money if not entirely eliminate your dependence on the grid. And, some utilities companies will pay you for excess energy generated, if there is any, in addition to the federal tax credits for which you are eligible.
This short post will cover some of the basic equipment needed for and associated with home solar energy.
The Main Equipment You Will Need
First, let’s talk about the equipment you’ll need, with which you’ll want to be familiar, especially if you intend to do the installation yourself.
- Solar panels: There are two main types of solar panels; monocrystalline panels which are more expensive but which offer better performance, and polycrystalline panels which are more affordable but less efficient. Regardless, they all work in the same way, collecting energy from sunlight. Usually they are mounted on a rooftop, which economizes space, or on an open area on the ground.
- Inverters: Solar panels produce direct current electricity, but homes in America run on alternating current. The inverter is a piece of electrical equipment that converts (inverts) the electricity from DC to AC so it can be made available to the home.
- Mounting: Mounts and hardware are the parts that actually secure your panels to the roof or ground. It is critical to invest in quality mounting hardware because it provides the physical support for your panels, as well as weather-resistance.
- Wiring and connectors: The wiring and connectors you use for your solar system should be rated for solar panel use. Solar panel cable is UV-resistant, weather-resistant, and physically durable. Also be certain to use wire of an appropriate gauge, as the use of inappropriate gauge wire increases the risk of overheating and fire.
- Monitoring: Basic monitoring systems tell you how much electricity has been generated in a day, more advanced systems track trends and monitor system health. However, all systems should have some sort of monitoring equipment.
- Solar energy battery storage systems: For some setups, solar energy battery storage is necessary to sequester excess energy produced from the system. Solar energy battery storage is also always necessary for off-grid systems, future-proofs the system, and helps secure any unused energy produced during peak times when consumption might be low.
You’re Halfway There
While this short post covers the major components of a home’s solar system, you’ll still need to get approval and permits, communicate with your utility company (unless you’re off-grid), determine if you are eligible for any tax credits, and figure out if you want to complete the installation yourself or work with a local company that can do it for you. Some companies will provide installation, making the process fairly hands-off for you as a homeowner.
Either way, green energy is within reach. Get started by working with a local solar company in your area to investigate your options.
