Whether you are considering installing solar panels purely for ecological reasons, or as a means to reduce your energy costs you have questions that need answers. You may in fact be contemplating of using solar power in order to be kinder to the planet and your purse. Whatever your motivation, you still want the facts. So whata does setting up a solar-powered powered electricity system involve?
Many people usually ask yourself how long it will need to transform their home from one that is conventionally powered to one that utilises solar energy. In this instance it’s very hard to steer clear of the ‘How long is a piece of string adage.’ The length of time required to install solar screens to a property will vary. It depends on the size of the property and the amount of panels needed to effectively supply enough useable energy to it. In addition, fitting times will change based on the type of roof or other surfaces the panels are being affixed to. In most cases, installation is fairly straightforward and the ways in which the panels can be connected to the surfaces are varied. Some panels come with screw fixings but others involve the use of bonding agents. Several types of solar panel use mountings and some can even be held in place by Velcro fixings. As a guideline it is worth allowing at least an hour’s fitting time per panel. The smaller panels may take less time to install, and of course the location will have a bearing on the amount of time needed. When ladders and roof work are involved it’s not worth rushing the job.
Another query you may have when considering solar power as an energy option for your home is whether it is necessary to consult an electrician. The answer is a resounding yes. Even if you are fitting the panels yourself it is of paramount importance to at least have the equipment safety checked by a qualified operative or green electrician before it is put into use. Solar panels connect directly to your property’s existing wiring, that’s why this part of the job needs to be overseen by a qualified or registered electrician.
If you have decided to fit your own panels you’ll be pleased to know that very few tools are needed to carry out the job. As previously described, solar panels can be mounted in a number of ways, none of which demand any specialist equipment. A power drill will be required for some types of fixings though. More importantly, ladders or even a scaffold set-up will be necessary in cases where the panels are to be fitted on a ceiling, or situated high up on a building. Therefore safety helmets are a must.
In most cases the fitting of solar panels is a work that requires a minimum of two people. The larger panels can be very heavy and cumbersome to handle and again, because they are most likely to be fitted on roofs or high surfaces, safety is a major concern. Many hands, in such cases, really do make light work. If needs be you can hire labour to assist you, or if you have able and practical friends or family members, enlist their help rather than attempt the job single-handed.
In theory solar panels can be fitted anytime but they make best use of the sunlight when positioned on roofs or other areas where no obstructions will prevent them being fully exposed to the light.
In order to work out how many solar sections you would require for your home, you need to consider the following:
1. How much electricity you need or wish to generate.
2. The amount of sun you get at the area.
3. The electrical power or size of the solar cells you will be employing.
Adding solar panels will definitely help reduce your existing energy bills but in most cases solar energy does not entirely replace the need to be place on the power system so to speak. And bear in mind too that poor weather conditions, or a lack of enough sunny days, can significantly affect the efficiency of your solar energy system.
And recall, regulations regarding the installation of solar panels may vary depending on your locality, so be safe rather than sorry and consult your local council or municipality office for advice about the laws in your location