Considering introducing solar power into your home? If you are, then here is everything you need to know about how much it might cost and how much work it will take.
Start by deciding how much of your house do you actually want to be run on solar power. You could use solar power to provide a water-heating system. You could go to the furthest extreme and take your home completely off-grid thus ensuring the whole house is running on solar power. It’s up to you, but you have to find out the average amount of electricity your house uses per month.
To calculate the average energy usage of your home, simply dig out your monthly electricity bills for the last two years. Get the calculator out. Be aware of the year’s peak times, like Christmas when you would normally go through a lot more power than normal. This way, we can set up your home’s solar power system so it definitely can cope with all of your home’s energy demands.
Now, for your security and peace of mind, multiply that amount by at least 1.5. If any extra electrical equipment is brought into your house you remain fully covered. So, by the end of this task you will know how much solar power you need. You will also be able to tell how many solar panels you need and what size they must be.
In this day and age, your best bet is to buy solar panels online. Go to Ebay and enter the words “solar panel pallet” exactly as is. Sit back and be prepared to be amazed by the incredible bargains you will find there. If you think they seem expensive, please don’t forget that these prices are a one time cost and solar panels tend to last 25 to 30 years.
Without exception, always employ a skilled, experienced tradesman to install your solar power. You will find plenty online or in your telephone directory. Don’t stop until you have three quotations for the job, but don’t necessarily make your decision based only on the price. Cost is important, but you may feel more confident to get a job well done from an established tradesman when installing solar power for homes.
You will also have to shop around for a good quality inverter. Solar panels give out direct (DC) current when harnessing the sun’s energy. The inverter will convert this DC current into alternating (AC) current upon which we run all our domestic electrical equipment.
Costing about $2,000 together with perhaps $500 for installation, inverters will last you roughly 10 years. Bare in mind solar panels.
If you want to go off the grid completely, it is essential that you use good quality batteries to store the excess solar power harvest on sunny days. Use this reserve of power to run your home’s electrical needs at night-time. The deep-cycle batteries you will need tend to cost $50 to $100. You will probably need to buy about 10 of them. Their longevity is not so good as the inverter. Expect to have to get new ones every 3-5 years.
Always ask if you can get any support from local government for the cost of installing solar energy. Most local government agencies offer tax credits. Ask your local electricity company as well. They may give you a special deal or give you some incentive package perhaps. Do this right and you could save 50% off the total cost or more.
Although it is essential you get a qualified electrician, it’s reassuring to know that installing solar energy doesn’t mean you have to have a lot of electrical work. Generally. However, this is rarely an extensive job. Just don’t forget to be sure to use a qualified, experienced electrician.
Solar power is a long-term investment. When calculating the value of installing solar power, you want to be asking, “What is the payback time?” After everything is all paid off, you have can sit back and relax with a house that will run on free solar power for lost of years to come!
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