solar installation manual

solar installation manual

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Now is the time to get on board with the green energy movement, but it's important to choose your home solar power system carefully. With new technologies being released every year, there's a chance that the system you install today will be obsolete a year from now, or that you'll miss out on some exciting new product that's not quite ready to hit the market. That's one reason why it's often a good idea to rely on professional assistance when it comes to green energy at home. But sometimes it's easier and cheaper to do it yourself. It all depends on a few important factors.

Professional Installation

The reasons to go with a professional installation for your home solar power system are obvious. It's probably best to go with a professional if:

• you're not particularly handy;
• you don't have hours of time to spend on the installation;
• you don't have much knowledge about green energy;
• you're not comfortable lugging around heavy equipment;
• or you have little or no experience installing systems at home.

When you hire a contractor, you know that everything will be done right. Be careful, though. As with any expensive product or service, it's a good idea to do your research first. Check to see if any local installers have been reviewed online. Also, get a guaranteed quote, and make sure your installer is friendly and professional. This person will be working around your house for hours, so it's best to have a good rapport.

Self Installation

On the other hand, if you are good at installing things, and if you've done all of your research, why not install your home solar power system yourself? Especially if you have a smaller house and don't need anything too elaborate, there are some systems that are both relatively cheap and easy to install. For these, all you need is your toolbox and the product instructions.

Of course, there are other important considerations. Self-installation is cheaper, and it can be done on your own time. If your primary reason for installing green energy is monetary, then it wouldn't make sense to pay an installer as much as $50 an hour for work that you could do yourself. It costs you nothing to read up on solar power, research products, and teach yourself how to install your system. Plus, it can be a fun learning experience, which is even better if you have kids who can help you.

Rodney Ian is an Australian writer and entrepreneur who specializes in business and sustainable energy. For more tips and ideas for sustainable home power systems, visit Rodney's website at http://solarpowersystemforhome.com/.

Solar panel installation, for installers (HD) pt 1 / 2