Solar Panel Installation - Will It Actually Work On My House?
The main problem people ask when they consider installing solar panels is that if it will actually work for their home
. There are a few major factors to consider before getting a solar panel system.
Just to answer my article's title, yes it will work for any home if you get the right system that will work in your area or setup.
There are a few placement issues that you have to consider like your roof's position and the trees surrounding your house. Another thing to consider is that if you want to tie your electrical system to the local utility grid. These are the initial considerations. They are very basic but will go a long way once you start installing the panels.
The most important factor to consider is whether you will setup a grid tied or off grid type of solar panel system.
The panels will generate electricity for your appliances as long as the sun is shining on them. When it's nighttime or when the weather is not cooperating (if it's cloudy or rainy) then your home will run on traditional utility company electricity.
This is how a grid-tied system works. It saves money for you in the day time and has a full backup just in case there's some weather issues or if it's night time. This is perfect if you are in a geographical location that has 4 season and changes all the time, like Melbourne or London.
For the off-grid system setup it will run independently and will store the energy in batteries for night time and weather changes. It will power up your appliances during the day and save energy at the same time to be used at night or if there are weather issues.
This setup is best for remote locations and if it is in an extremely arid region where the sun shines most of the time. It also requires a backup (usually a generator) during night time and if there are weather issues. This is to make sure that everything would run smoothly.
Both of these methods adhere to the basics that have been mentioned above, the roof placement, direction of the panels, trees that cover it. Solar Panels Need to have access to direct sunlight and the best place to put them is on the roof. But there have been situations that they have been placed on a yard provided there are no trees or other items that cover the sun.
Of course, you have to remember, basic building steps apply like: accurately measuring the roof or area, site inspection for stability and if the structure can hold and lastly deciding which solar panel configuration will work for your home.