Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar – The Ultimate Guide

It’s fair to say that energy prices are rising. In fact, they are rising more rapidly than they have ever done before. It’s a combination of factors, including current global events and the scarceness of supply

Fossil fuels are a limited resource and everyone needs to consider alternatives.

Perhaps the most obvious option is converting your home to solar. Not only will you discover one of the biggest benefits of solar panels is the dramatic reduction of your monthly energy bill, but you’ll also be helping the environment.

It can seem like a daunting task as there are many factors that need to be considered. However, with this homeowner’s guide to going solar, you’ll be running a green home in no time! You won’t be alone either, over 2 million homes in the US already have solar panels on their roof.

 

Know The System

You probably already appreciate that converting your home to solar means covering your roof in solar panels. This isn’t the only place you can put solar panels but it is generally the most practical.

Of course, simply strapping them to your roof, using the proper fixing system, isn’t enough. You need to connect the power to your home electric system. That means you need the following:

Wiring

You’ll need plenty of wiring to connect the solar panels together and then bring them down inside your home to your main fuse box. It’s vital that the wiring is correctly gauged and contained inside the proper conduit. This is for your safety as well as the system.

Inverters

Solar panels create power in DC electricity while the electricity you use at the socket is AC. That means the current needs to be converted before you can use it. Inverters are designed to do just that, transform direct current into alternating current. They are essential to ensure your electrical items will work.

Charging Controller

It is possible to invert the electricity and simply use it. However, this won’t give you a backup when the solar panels are not collecting sufficient energy. That’s okay if you’re connected to the grid and can sell your excess to them while buying electricity from the grid when you need it.

But, if you want to be self-sufficient, you’ll need to have battery backup. That means somewhere to store the electricity until you need it.

For the system to work properly you’ll also need a smart charger. This ensures all spare electricity is directed to the batteries until they are full.

Batteries

If you’re going to store electricity and try to avoid using any from the grid, you’ll need batteries, these are the only effective way to store electrical currents.

It’s important to note that installing lithium-ion batteries is the best option. They are more capable of storing electricity and being depleted and recharged regularly.

 

Installation Process

There are two options worth considering within the homeowner’s guide to going solar:

Doing It Yourself

It is possible to install a solar system on your roof yourself. It takes time and patience to fit the railing system and the panels to the roof. You’ll then need to run the appropriate cables to your inverter and onto a smart battery charger as well as the fuse box.

It’s possible to do it yourself but generally advisable to get professional help.

Getting The professionals Involved

Getting the professionals involved is more expensive. But, they have the knowledge, experience, and tools to get the job done safely and faster.

You should note that any solar system that is connected to the grid must be connected by a qualified professional.

 

Benefits Offered By Going Solar

One of the benefits of solar panels is the fact you are generating renewable energy for your home, therefore helping the planet. But, that’s not the only one!

Cheaper monthly bills

There is a significant cost to purchasing and installing a home solar system. However, once it is in place you’ll notice a steep drop in your monthly electric bill.

That’s a saving you can enjoy for life.

Increased value of property

Solar panels are increasingly desirable which means homes with them fitted will sell for more than those without. It means the new homeowner can enjoy all the cash-saving benefits without the initial outlay. That can drive prices up significantly, making the solar system a worthwhile investment.

Minimal maintenance

Once you’ve installed a solar power system at home you’ll find it requires very little maintenance. In fact, it usually involves no more than a pressure wash periodically.

 

Now Is The Time To Invest

With increasing concern about global energy prices and the currently available grants from the government, there really is no better time to start converting your home to solar.