How to go solar: Your simple guide to getting started today

David Banks
Authored by David Banks
Posted Monday, May 17, 2021 - 6:53am

Many Americans are looking into a more environmentally friendly lifestyle after a chaotic year. You could be one of the millions of Texans hit with a ridiculously high power bill. These systems are making people question alternative forms of energy.

Solar energy can help remove yourself from an unreliable power grid or even reinvent a new workspace. This guide will give you all the insight on how to go solar.

Solar Panel Costs

There are a variety of kits that you can use to build a solar power system. Many of these kits allow you to build with no prior experience.

The kits will familiarize you with the four main components of solar energy systems. These consist of inverters, solar panels, racking, and monitoring.

Certain Solar Panel Kits come in personal residential models. Some of these models can even work on solar cars. These usually consist of around 60 cells. There are also commercial models which provide around 70 cells generating far more power to a unit.

One major kit is known as the Renogy 100 watt starter kit. These kits include solar paneling, wiring, and a charge controller. This kit starts at around 150 to 200 dollars.

This kit can attach to a 100 amp powered lead-acid battery ideal for solar power systems. The 100ah, 12v battery can go for as much as 250 dollars.

This battery will then connect to an inverter. There two different forms of inverters: the microinverter and the string inverter.

The string inverters are capable of handling a group of solar panels that power a commercial facility. The microinverters are more for residential use as they power individual panels. The usual 1500w inverter can run for as much as 200 dollars.

This inverter will power your AC appliances and can connect to a simple house outlet. But, once the connection is set, the sun will charge it.

A racking system will help tie the entire system together. These can strap the solar panels to your roof and secure them in place. Certain rack systems can fight erosion and provide durability over time.

Consumption monitors help keep track of your solar panel's energy use over time. These small devices lock into your switchboard and record the collection and delivery of power in your home.

This guide will give you all the insight on how to go solar.

Using Solar Energy

The Solar Energy systems split into two energy usage methods. It will either store energy to the grid or pull power to match your home usage.

If your system is tied to the grid, the power company will pay you depending on your kilowatt usage. If you use less energy, the company will pay the difference.  A solar company can help regulate these systems.

But, if you generate too much energy, the power company will charge for the energy import. So, if you're tied to a grid, it is wise to not burn too much power when the system down.

Use your consumption monitor to track exactly how much power is running through your system at all times. Without the monitor, you will only be able to tell how much power the panels are generating.

How to Go Solar

Solar Energy is a great way to monitor and conserve your energy consumption. Panels can install on any number of surfaces, providing energy to both homes and vehicles.

Are you still wondering how to go solar? Visit our blog page to find out more about energy efficiency and installing new solar panels in your home.

 

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