Get the Idea of Home Solar Systems

As much as we try to deny it, we’re living in a century led by consumption. Sure, this might be all about positives, such as being able to stay updated in terms of technological advancements and have the chance to buy the latest of electronics, but we aren’t that prudent when it comes to all the waste this results in, meaning not all our choices are exactly environment friendly. This is particularly true with energy consumption. Just because we’ve relied on fossil fuels for ages, it doesn’t mean they are the best option there is, taking into account their carbon dioxide emission once burned.

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The same goes for electricity (no offence to Nikola Tesla); it doesn’t take long for us to figure it’s not all it’s cracked up to be as soon as electricity bills reach our letterboxes. One might try to cut down on energy expenses by changing the light bulbs, improving home insulation and minding when and how long appliances are used, however, the real energy efficiency solution lies in home solar systems. Unlike just a decade ago when few dared to give them a try, the number of people resorting to this ingenious off-grid solution is constantly on the rise, and it’s not only remote homes, but those in cities as well.

The sun as a source is more than powerful, and on the plus side it’s a source that’s renewable – this is the kind of energy environmentalists highly approve of, especially when it comes to combating global warming. Considering our Land Down Under is known for its high amount of solar radiation, we have more than enough sunlight to be able to make use of it. Being sunsmart means protecting oneself from the overexposure to the UV rays by wearing the adequate clothing and sunscreen, but in terms of managing a household it means installing home solar systems.

Prior to opting for this energy source, it’s important that one looks into the local permits and neighbourhood requirements so as to avoid getting fined and abide by the laws. Once that’s settled, look into solar systems. A solar system is based on several components, such as solar panels, inverter, switch board, electricity metre and electricity mains grid. Whenever the sun shines (and even during overcast conditions), the solar panels absorb the sunlight continuously generating energy which is then converted from DC to 240V AC thanks to the inverter, making it available for use of appliances. The electrical mains grid step into action during night when sun is out and the panels don’t produce power.

Sure, this kind of investment can be costly, but lately with all the technological advancements it’s become highly affordable and it’s certainly an investment that pays off in the long run, especially when you have your peace of mind with a solar system with a decade of product warranty and more than two decades of linear performance guarantee. If you want to make the most of this investment, be sure to get efficient inverter as it’s the component that’s in the very core of the conversion process and the better it is the less electricity goes to waste as heat from DC to AC.

Since the mounting system is crucial for the successful operation of the solar system, no matter whether it’s roof, ground mounted or tracking system, it’s important to know it’s certified for your area, meaning it’s suitable for the conditions where you live, like wind or cyclone certified so you’d get rid of the worry something might go wrong in case of a raging storm. To be able to get the adequate system size, you should evaluate your needs, starting by examining the average and peak usage, the general monthly usage, as well as peak sun hours and ask yourself what you want to operate with the solar power, whether you’d go completely off-grid or just power water heaters.

In case you end up with more power than you get to use, you could get paid by a utility company and supply the utility grid with your extra solar power – you have to admit it’s the kind of investment worth making.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.