Steven Hudson’s Home After Going Solar
How do residential solar panels work?
Solar panels are basically made up of solar cells which convert sunlight into electricity. To be more specific, the semiconductor which composes the solar cells absorbs a part of the light’s energy and sets the electrons free. After doing so, the freed electrons are subjected and controlled by electric fields from which electric currents can be drawn.
Why are solar panels becoming popular?
The key words here are “low maintenance.” Solar panels require very low maintenance. This is because unlike other power sources, main or backup which require parts replacements, solar panels do not have moving parts that usually rust or which may break down. Aside from this, solar electric system enthusiasts greatly help in advertising the use of environment-friendly renewable energy.
The rise of the solar-powered residence
Solar panels are surely in demand nowadays for installation in homes. However, before getting one installed at your house, you should first know if such solar electric system would really work in your home. First, there is the factor of sun exposure. Second, do you have enough space needed to accommodate such installation of the system? Third, have you secured the necessary permits to undertake the installation of solar panels for your home? Lastly, have you done evaluations regarding your average electric consumption and the corresponding system size that needs to be used?
Solar panels or solar electric systems, also known as “photovoltaic (PV) systems,” make use of either direct or scattered sunlight. The amount of electricity produced is dependent on the amount of the sunlight that reaches the panel. As mentioned, you should carefully evaluate your electric consumption to be able to match it with the correct PV system which can cover it. This evaluation is called solar site analysis. You have the option of hiring an individual to do it for you, or you can do it by yourself.
How you may get a rough estimate of your electric consumption
Before you even buy a solar electric system, you should be able to know the size and capacity it should have to cover your current consumption. You can make a rough estimate of such through the following:
- Looking at your average electric bills over the past months or even years
- Calculating energy consumption based on the appliances you use by basing it on the duration it has been used
In the end, knowing your energy consumption habits will help you become more energy efficient while making it easy for you to evaluate your consumption and invest in solar panels for your house.
