The Tools You Need to Go Solar

To implement solar heating and power for your home requires a number of relatively expensive items; which over the long run can be cost effective. Changing to effective solar systems requires the right technology and some planning. First, you need to estimate how much electricity you require to run your home. If all you want to do is supplement your power needs; that is fine just calculate the percentage you want to offset.

The cost should be offset against what you would pay for electricity from the power company over the lifetime of the system..

A glance at your electricity bill will make the task easier as most utility bills will show a chart of month by month usage throughout the year. You can average the total, or use the peak demand. If you plan to go ‘off grid’ i.e. stop using power from the utility company completely, then you need to focus on the peak. Those numbers will allow you to estimate how many and what size PV modules you need. PV is short for photovoltaic, the method almost all solar cells use to convert sunlight into electricity. Matching the area of your south-facing rooftop section to the number and size of modules needed is a matter of simple arithmetic.

Each module will generate a certain amount of power at a given cost, when connected the right way the modules add up, so finding the total output (and cost) is equally easy. For a modest-sized home, the cost of panels is about $10,000-$16,000 at current prices. But bear in mind when you are planning the expense that there are tax rebates and other programs that will help you offset the amount invested.

..uncontrollable factors reduce the amount of sunlight available this means that almost anyone going ‘off grid’ will want a battery storage system.

Modules alone will not do it, they have to connect to something. The connectors, clamps, wires and other components add to the total. These vary considerably and you will also need to add something for installation costs as most homeowners don’t have the skill to build the system themselves.

The sun doesn’t shine all day every day it is dark at night and rain and heavy cloud cover will reduce the amount of insulation, as it’s called. Other uncontrollable factors reduce the amount of sunlight available this means that almost anyone going ‘off grid’ will want a battery storage system. Those not taking the complete plunge can draw power from the local utility company during those times.

If your system generates more than you need at any given time, some utility companies will enter into an agreement to buy any excess you put into their system. This is usually done technically by running your meter backwards when you’re supplying the utility company – normally it runs forward as you draw power from their system.

The company will insist on inspecting your system before finalizing any agreement and most municipalities will require that you have your system inspected and approved even if you go entirely off grid. They need to ensure that it’s implemented to a standard that is safe for local lineman. During power outages they have to assume there is no power running through the lines – your system has to be installed in a way that guarantees that.

Between panels, batteries, installation costs and other expenses most modest-sized solar panel systems will cost around $32,000-$50,000 – some less, some more. The cost should be offset against what you would pay for electricity from the power company over the lifetime of the system, usually about 20 years without substantial replacements.

Costs are falling and efficiency is improving as time goes on while the price of electricity continues to rise. In the near future it may well be worth your while to have a solar powered electrical system for your home.