Tips For Homeowners To Maximize Solar Panel Conversion
With solar energy estimated to provide as much as ten percent of the power in the United States by 2025, it's no surprise that more homeowners are looking to make the conversion. If you're looking to covert to solar power, there are a few things you should consider as you start planning. Here's a look at some tips to help you ensure that your solar panel conversion lives up to your expectations.
Don't Re-Use Cooling Water Inside
If you opt to install water cooling systems for your solar panels to keep them operating at their most efficient, you might think that the heated water that results would be great for your hot water needs in the house. While you could re-use this water for irrigation outside, it's not going to be safe for use inside. In addition, since solar panel optimal temperature is much lower than the standard 120-degree water heater temperature, the water from solar panel cooling simply wouldn't get hot enough for those purposes.
Don't Expect To Run Energy-Demanding Appliances On A Small System
Many homeowners assume that if they install a small system that serves as a stand-alone energy source, they can power the most energy-demanding stuff in the house, like the heating/cooling system and the refrigerator. That takes the demand of the standard power grid down significantly. Unfortunately, small stand-alone systems aren't likely to produce enough energy on a regular basis to consistently power things that are drawing energy nonstop. Instead, you're better off to install all of your intermittent items on the stand-alone system, because there's less power demand on it that way. It still reduces your use of the energy grid, but it doesn't leave you with insufficient power for your major energy sources.
Don't Budget Your Solar Panel Conversion On The Cost Of the Panels Alone
Some homeowners overlook the amount of preparation and labor involved in solar panel conversions. If you base your budget on the price of the panels alone and you only add a small amount for the installation, you may find yourself with sticker shock when you call for estimates. Remember that you're not just paying for the panels themselves. You're also paying for the property assessment to find the best positioning for them, the expertise of the technician who will install them, and the time and effort required to actually complete the installation. Don't set your budget until you've gotten a few quotes so that you can be sure you're planning for a reasonable amount.
Don't Skimp On The Battery Storage System
When you're mapping out your solar panel system, make sure that you allow plenty of space and money for a battery storage system. This will be valuable for you on those days when the sun isn't at its best, especially if you live in an area where weather can be somewhat unpredictable. Just make sure you have a large enough battery storage system that you'll be able to sustain your home during a stretch of poor weather. Your solar panel installation contractor can help you evaluate your home's energy demand to help you ensure that you have enough batteries in place for storing solar overflow. That way, you'll always have something to fall back on.
Tips like these will help you to plan your solar energy conversion successfully. When you know what to expect of the process and what the real potential is, it's easier to be realistic about your plans. Talk with a local solar panel installation contractor today about what kinds of panels would be best for your home so that you can get the process started.