subject: Home Solar Panel Time: Three Errors To Prevent [print this page] I was bombarded by a lot of problems after I had installed my solar power panels. The weekend that I thought would be a simple work has turned out to be a month-long work routine. And this is all because I made some terrible errors when I installed the system. That is why I have come up with this helpful guide so that those planning to install solar panels at home will not make the same mistakes that I did.
Mistake Number 1: Error in Calculations One major thing to do is that we have to be sure that we know very well the energy consumption of our family. The first mistake I did was that when I purchased the solar panels that can give only 5 kilowatts, when I should have chosen something higher. This is because I made my calculations from the month of April when we were not really utilizing much of the electricity. Then I installed the panels in July-the month when the air conditioner is running the whole day, daily. Therefore, I made a wrong calculation; I underestimated and arrived at the conclusion that we only need 50% of the power needed. So, what is the ending? I need to purchase some panels more-a totally waste of time.
But then, if your goal is to be off-grid, the best calculation is when you base it on your yearly electric bills. You can contact the utility company and inquire about your monthly average energy consumption. This is going to help you in coming up with the exact wattage that you will certainly need especially on a great day.
Mistake Number 2: Problems with Casings For your information, casings are the frame around your solar panels. The problem you will have here is when you had chosen the unfitted one. This usually happens when you buy something out of nothing, a scratch, or when you jump on some online offers. Casings are important to the longevity of your solar panels; hence, buying something with good quality will ensure long lasting benefits. I bought something cheap before, and before I even take it to our roof, it broke right there in my hands.
You should definitely want the casings you will get to be durable; hence you have to pick aluminum as the material. Make sure that you get plexiglass-this can make it through against all kinds of season, the whole year round too. Pick the casings that have warranty on them so that you will be ready for snaps or cracks. Do not purchase bad casings, otherwise you will find yourself losing the solar panels faster than normal. And this would definitely mean bad news for you; remember that solar cells are indeed the most expensive component of the entire system.
Mistake Number 3: Errors in Angle Installations This error can happen when you get only a certain percentage instead of a complete one. I had my error here when I realized that I was getting only 60% of the power, I know I should get more. It was then that I realized that I had placed the panels in the wrong angle. It is facing south, yes, but the location was shaded by the trees! I wasn't aware of this when I was installing since I did it in the mornings.
What matters here is that you must know the right spot where the panels would get the maximum heat from the sun; or else, you will have the same mistakes that I had. Believe me, if I had done things right, I wouldn't be spending some weekends working rather than relaxing.
