Nowadays, there are many stories about how we should all go green and use renewable energy sources whenever and wherever possible. Solar energy is becoming one of the common choices when it comes to powering homes, so more and more people are considering this option. And hey, it is a great one! We have enough solar energy to be able to use it to convert to other forms of energy, and this approach offers a number of benefits. It is fully sustainable and eco friendly and cheaper to install than ever. However, like any other change, it comes with a set of advantages and disadvantages that you need to keep in mind before making your final decision. Can you run your home entirely on solar power? Find out below.
How does solar power supply work?
When it comes to solar power, there are two basic approaches that are used and that allow solar energy to be converted into electricity. The first technology is PV (or photovoltaic) and involves the use of solar panels that we can see today on the roofs of houses and buildings. These panels aim to collect the sun’s rays falling on them, whereby the panels absorb the forts and form an electric field and thus generate electricity.
The second approach is called CSP (or concentrating solar energy) and involves technology that uses mirrors to concentrate the sun’s rays on receivers. This approach is not used to power homes, but exclusively within large power plants. These receivers have the ability to convert solar energy into heat. And then the thermal energy is used to get electricity.
As we know, we never lack solar energy. It is estimated that, using only solar energy, it would be possible to power the entire planet, which means that there is certainly enough to power your home. However, there are some factors to consider before deciding on this option. Not all homes are suitable for using solar energy, so your first step should be to determine if this option is also an option for you.
How do you know if your home is suitable for using solar power?
Before you get into the whole story you need to determine if your roof is suitable for installing solar panels. You can do this yourself, with prior education and gathering the necessary information, or call in experts who will do the assessment for you, which is definitely an easier option. As for solar panels, they are made so that they can work in almost all climatic conditions. However, this does not mean that every home can use this type of energy, and it mostly depends on the roof.
Depending on the age and the slope, size and shape of the roof, it may be more or less suitable for the installation of solar panels. For example, solar panels have been estimated to work best when installed on roofs with a pitch between 20 and 40 degrees, as well as on south-facing roofs. Of course, this does not mean that other roofs do not fit the criteria for installing solar panels, but it is necessary to make sure that they are a good fit before you start making big changes in the power supply system of your home.
Another thing to keep in mind is the age of your roof. If the roof is too old and you are considering replacing it soon, then it is a good idea to wait with the solar panels until you install a new roof and it is completely ready.
Also, keep in mind that, if you have trees around the roof, this can be another deciding factor that will prevent you from installing panels and replacing your electrical system with solar power.
What if a solar expert determines that my roof is not suitable for solar power?
The fact that your roof is not completely suitable for installing solar panels does not mean that you should immediately eliminate the possibility of powering your home with electricity. There is something called community solar which involves setting up a solar array at a specific location, from where solar energy is used by several participants. This is then classified as a shared solar system and all participants share the costs but also the benefits of using this type of energy.
Can I install solar panels by myself, or should I hire someone to do it for me?
If you have done all the necessary checks and found that your home is suitable for the installation of solar panels, you will probably wonder if you can do this installation yourself or if it is better to hire an expert for it. Although there are indications that in the future users will be able to install the panels themselves in a quick and easy way, this is not possible in most cases today. Therefore, we suggest that you leave this job to professionals who have the necessary knowledge and skills in this field and who will ensure that all the work is done in the fastest and best way.
Of course, this does not mean that you cannot be involved in the whole process. One of the things you can do is look for solar components that seem to be the best choice for your home, and then consult with experts about whether they are a really good option. At SolarBuy.com you can find various solar-powered gadgets, solar components and various innovative products for advanced adoption.
Conclusion: Using solar energy to power homes is becoming an increasingly popular option nowadays, and for many reasons. First of all, we have enough solar energy to use it to obtain other forms of energy, in a completely sustainable and eco-friendly way. However, before you decide on this option, it is necessary to determine whether your home is suitable for the installation of solar panels, or it is not an option, so you should start thinking in the direction of community solar systems. Make sure you hire experts to help you with the installation and ensure that the work is done in the fastest and best possible way.
