solar electric system

October 22, 2008 by SolarInfo
Filed under solar power energy

What to Know Before Purchasing Home Solar Electricity

Getting home solar electricity is much more affordable today than 10 years ago. Right now, many state governments and the federal government as well are currently offering tax rebates to homeowners that choose to convert to home solar electricity.

If installing a photovoltaic system to supply your home solar electricity is too far out of your financial abilities, there are also programs available to purchase your utilities from an accredited green energy supplier.

Green energy suppliers offer only utilities fueled by renewable resources, such as solar , hydro and wind generated electricity. However, if you made the decision to switch to solar for your home it is important to determine your electricity needs before you start shopping.

The first thing to determine is how much power you will need from your home solar system. Different arrays and solar panel set-ups offer different wattage outputs.

Take the time to determine your average daily electricity usage. You want to achieve a number that includes the entire year and affords for the different amount of energy used during winter and summer months (more lights, heaters, air conditioners and so on).

When shopping for the right photovoltaic system to supply your home solar electricity definitely research the quality of the product. A product offering 13% efficiency and a lifetime warranty will be far more valuable than the panel offering 15% efficiency and a one-year warranty. Ask neighbors, friends and even strangers currently using home solar electricity, to learn more about the differences in systems.

Sufficient time should also be spent interviewing installers and researching manufacturers as well. Though if budget is an issue then there are also some do it yourself methods that you should look into.

Solar electricity systems provide reliable, pollution free energy from a renewable resource better known as the sun. Solar electricity systems are becoming more affordable as advancements are made in photovoltaic designs and construction.

It is important to realize that solar electricity systems work intermittently or only when the sun hits them. This is not a problem if you utilize battery backup systems or are connected to the grid. Installing a solar electricity system can also come with an initially high investment cost and it can take years before the system pays for itself. However, with net metering and government funded rebates, many are able to pay off systems much more quickly. Before you invest in a solar electricity system for your home or business, it is best to understand exactly what you are purchasing and how solar electricity is generated.

The building block of any solar electricity system is the photovoltaic cells, which are wired together to produce solar electricity modules. The electricity produced from the modules or panels is then passed through an inverter that changes the current from AC to DC, making it usable to power household appliances and the utility grid. It is often a popular choice to include batteries in a solar electricity system to store backup power to be used in times of low sun light and power outages.

A final decision needs to be made as to what kind of system you would like to use to supply your home solar electricity. There are generally three types of solar panel systems used to supply home solar electricity.

The first type is a grid-tied system in which your solar panels are tied into your current power meter. You are using both electricity supplied by your panels and your supply is then backed by electricity from your electric company.

The second available solar panel system for supplying home solar electricity is a grid-tie with battery backup. With this system you are collecting electricity from your panels, filling your batteries for emergencies and then the excess is sent back to the electric company through your meter.

The final system is a stand-alone system. Very similar to the grid-tied system with battery backup except that you are completely disconnected or maybe never connected to a major utility provider for your area. I think a grid-tied system with battery backup would be best since in America at least the power company will send you a check if you produce more power than you use.

Once you educate yourself on providing your home solar electricity, you are probably ready to start shopping. Remember that converting to home solar electricity is an investment and you will reap the rewards over time. And don't forget the pride you will have with reducing your carbon footprint by converting to home solar electricity.

You definitely don't need to know the physics of solar electricity systems to understand its appeal. A solar electricity system will never run out of fuel nor will it increase our dependency on foreign oil. Stop just thinking about a solar electricity system for your home or business and start investing in your freedom by starting your research of solar electricity systems today.

About the Author

Mike Jansen writes about his favorite subject of solar power today. Check out his blog on the subject at http://makeelectricy.blogspot.com/ or a do it yourself site at: http://tinyurl.com/EnergyIdeas

Solar electric system