Using solar panels for electricity at home: Become eco-friendly this year ;)

If there’s one thing that’s abundant in more than 75% of our planet, it’s sunlight, which is why quite a number of households are turning to solar panels for electricity. With electricity rates rising up and news about energy sources running low, can you blame them?

Solar panels aren’t just good for your savings, though. They also let you enjoy modern conveniences without having too big carbon footprint. By installing this source of energy-efficient generation in your home, you can save more money and save the planet at the same time. Here is a full list of advantages that come with a solar upgrade: https://greentumble.com/solar-energy-pros-and-cons/

Taking full advantage of your solar system

To maximize the benefits of solar panels for electricity, make sure that solar panels are installed in the right place. Your solar panels should be mounted on surface where direct sunlight can be absorbed. Rooftops are perfect location if you’re maintaining a small to medium-sized home.

Those who might need larger wattages of electricity may invest in more heavy-duty solar towers. Of course towers and other ground-mounted solar devices require more space. Hopefully, you have enough space outdoors for this solar equipment.

When mounting your solar panels, check for possible obstructions. You would want to situate your panels where they can absorb direct sunlight for as many hours of the day as possible. This means observing the shadows created on your rooftop or ground throughout the day. The higher the mounting point is, the less likely there will be shadows to worry about.

Cost-per-wattage

The size and the manufacturing date of your solar panels may or may not affect its efficiency. What you need to look at is the dollar-per-wattage percentage. This information is available on the websites of the solar panel manufacturer. Compare solar panels first before you finalize your purchase. The good news is that the solar panel industry has been around for decades, and while these panels cost a fortune 20 years ago, the prices have generally fallen since then. Upgrading your home with these solar panels is probably cheaper than you first expected.

Purchasing residential solar panels

The type of solar panel you want for you home depends, there are three different types too choose from, you have the monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous/thin film types. Let's take a closer look on some off the options you have when considering some new residential solar panels.

1. Monocrystalline solar panels

If you are considering a new solar panel for your home and want the best quality available then you should perhaps consider buying one system made up of monocrystalline panels. These panels are known for their high efficiency at low light conditions, not losing efficiency when heated up, and for their long lifetime.

2. Polycrystalline solar panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are cheaper to produce and therefore more affordable for people considering new solar panels. Their drawback is that they have a slighly less efficiency in shade or when they get hot.

3. Thin film solar panels

Roll out thin film solar panels are easy to install, and look like any mat you roll out over a surface. They are light, easy to handle and most important of all, very affordable at a rate of up to 20% less per watt. This means that if you are on a budget these “panels” might be for you.

Thin film is a new technology, but they are showing improvement in regards to overall efficiency and can now offer an output nearly half of what normal solar panels do. Because of this you will need a lot of extra space for them when compared to ordinary solar panels.

Changing your lifestyle

Adapting to an eco-friendly lifestyle means more than just installing solar panels to your home. You should also learn to conserve more energy by maximizing sunlight and natural air flow, combining solar power with hydraulic and wind-power generators, and choosing appliances which generally save more electricity. Choose energy-saving light bulbs and appliances which have been labeled with the energy-saving star.

Keep your home naturally lit and well-insulated for all the seasons to come. It is even recommended to buy energy star windows and doors to help you. Choose your roofing material carefully too by making sure that it is ideal for your local climate and is able to carry solar panels.

Instead of using air conditioning systems and heaters which consume a lot of energy, you may want to encourage your family to dress aptly for the season. Wear lighter fabrics during the summer months and learn how to layer your clothing during the winter months.

These little things can help you conserve energy and rely solely on your solar panels for electricity. If you want to learn more about solar power, here are some reading materials which inspired me to write this article:

• Renewable energy future by Greenpeace
• Solar energy basics from Natural Renewable Energy Laboratory
• How solar energy works from the Union of concerned scientists.