Basic Information You Need To Select Solar Power For Homes
Basic Information About Residential PV Systems you will need to select solar power for homes.
Why should I buy a PV system?
There are excellent reasons to invest in a PV system: A PV system is cost-effective and produces clean, reliable energy that reduces the load on the utility grid.
With a PV system, you will decrease or eliminate the amount of electricity you buy from the power company.Solar power for homes will provide a hedge against future price increases.
Often, the cost to finance a PV system is less than the cost of the power it will offset. The equipment will last for many years, is relatively low-maintenance, and will appreciate the value of your property -- without increasing your property taxes.
Will a grid-tied system work during power outages?
Due to safety regulations, a grid-tied PV system will automatically shut down during power outages. If continued power is essential, you can invest in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or generator.
Grid-tied systems with battery backup are also available, although they will increase the installation costs, maintenance and toxicity, and decrease performance efficiency. Fuel cells are a more appealing technology for storing power, but are not yet widely available or cost-effective with solar power for homes.
Is my home a good site for a PV system? Click the button above to the right for toll free call to get a personal consultation.
A site is most suitable for a PV system if there is clear and unobstructed access to the sun for at least six hours during the middle of the day. Shading from trees, buildings or other vegetation will compromise the performance of a PV system.
Usually, the most ideal site is a large roof area with good southern exposure, although other orientations may also work. If the roof is not suitable, a PV system may be mounted on the ground. Although the cost may be higher, it will be a good tradeoff if there is an increase in the amount of sunlight available for the PV system.
How many PV panels will I need?
The number of PV panels needed depends on your electricity demands and system design. If you have energy efficient appliances and a relatively energy conservative lifestyle, it's possible to meet up to 100% of your electricity needs with a 2.5 kilowatt grid-tied system.
Such a system typically uses 18-20 PV panels. If the PV system design includes battery backup, you will need about 20% more panels to provide the same amount of energy.
How much area will my PV array need?
Plan on one square foot of roof or ground area for each 10 watts of power, or 100 square feet per kilowatt. For example, a 2.5-kilowatt system will require approximately 250 square feet of space to provide enough solar power for homes.
Where will the PV panels be mounted?
Usually, PV panels are placed on an existing roof, using an aluminum mounting structure. If the roof is not suitable, PV panels can be mounted on the ground, using a freestanding support structure.
Pole mounts are often used for smaller arrays, such as those used for well or pond pumping systems, but not for larger grid-tied systems.
How long will my PV system last?
Most PV panels carry a 25-year limited warranty. Although panels have a useful life expectancy of more than 40 years, it is normal for panels to slowly degrade as they age, causing some decrease in output.
Inverters, like other complex electronic components, have a limited life span and most likely will need to be replaced within 12-to-15 years.
Look for a 5-year warranty on inverters and all other materials and labor, to assure that you won't have additional costs during this phase of the system's life. Even with the cost of service and repairs, which are very minimal. The new technologies are a lot more reliable and more efficient and cost effective than earlier solar power for homes were.
How long will the installation take?
The installation of a PV system usually takes up to five days, depending on the size and scale of the job. However, The entire process generally takes several weeks, due to the lengthy and detailed process of filing for the interconnection agreement.
What other issues may need to be considered?
When considering solar-power-for-homes it is a good idea to find out about: (1) Required approval from a homeowners association, including covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CCRs) that may exist; (2) Permit problems or illegal structures or issues you anticipate if a building inspector visits the property;
(3) Roof condition, including need for (and cost of) repair or replacement before installation; (4) Need for (and cost of) removing trees or other vegetation that may shade the PV system area; and (5) The likelihood of your PV system's visibility raising any issues with neighbors.
To see all of our alternative energy options we offer for solar power at your location.The more you read and learn about solar power, the more you will understand just how much does solar power cost. Solar power is a free natural source of energy from up above, it's a gift of God, we call it the sun and it is for everyone.
