Solar energy is a great way to reduce your energy use and your energy bills. However, you need to determine your solar needs before you can install a system.
To figure out how many panels you need, look at your energy usage over the past year or two. You can find this information on your utility bills (in kilowatt-hours).
Solar Panels
Solar panels capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity, enabling homeowners to power their appliances and reduce their utility bills. They also help cut down on the amount of carbon emissions.
When deciding to install solar panels in your home, it’s important to determine your needs carefully. There are several factors to consider, including your wattage requirement, the number of peak sunlight hours your area receives and your budget.
First, calculate your hourly power generation need using your current energy consumption. Then, multiply your hourly usage by the number of peak sunlight hours your area gets, then divide that result by the wattage of the solar panels you’re considering buying.
The average residential solar panel can produce from 150 to 370 watts per square foot. This is about half the output of an inefficient grid-tied panel, but it’s still enough to power a standard American household.
Solar Batteries
Solar batteries store the excess energy that is generated by a solar panel system and bring this power into use when required. This is particularly useful in areas that suffer from frequent power outages and blackouts.
Unlike the solar panels that generate electricity during the day and then send it back to the grid, the battery stores this excess energy so it can be used in the evenings when the sun is not shining. This storage of power helps to take control of a homeowner’s energy costs.
There are many factors to consider when deciding which type of solar battery to purchase for your solar energy system. The most important ones are the technology that is used, the battery’s capacity (kilowatt hours or amp hours), and its lifespan.
Solar Chargers
Solar panels are a natural energy source that can provide us with clean electricity. They do this by collecting photons from sunlight and converting them to electrons.
A solar charger is a device that uses the sun’s energy to supply power to your devices and charge up your batteries. These chargers are a great option for those who travel a lot or who may not have access to an outlet when on the go.
The right solar charger can make a big difference to your outdoor adventures. They can be used to recharge a phone, charge up a battery for a device or even as a backup power source for camping.
Ideally, you want one that’s portable and light enough to fit in your backpack or rucksack without taking up too much room. Luckily, there are several options on the market that meet this requirement.
Solar Inverters
A solar inverter is a piece of equipment that transforms direct current (DC) energy from your solar panels into alternating current (AC) for use by your home and the utility grid. Without this essential piece of technology, your panels won’t be able to produce power and your home won’t have access to clean, renewable energy.
The best solar inverter for your system depends on the size of your panel array, energy needs, and budget. There are three main types of inverters to choose from: string inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers.
The most common type of solar inverter is a string inverter, which converts direct to alternating current for multiple solar panels in a series. These inverters are typically centrally located and are easy to service when needed.