Solar Buying And Installation

Now that fossil fuels are becoming scarcer every day, many are considering solar. The buying and installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems has become far easier than even just 10 years ago. In the 1970s, installing solar panels was a lifestyle commitment and a bold statement. Today, solar installation is seen as among the most reliable of renewable power sources and more likely to garner the envy of your neighbours rather than their ridicule.

Back in the day, the largest obstacle was the cost of solar panel installation. What was once over $100 per watt, PV systems are now becoming very cost effective – often under $1 per watt. This is partly due to advances in materials science but also, the popularity of solar cells and those who buy at economies of scale.

In the 1980s, there was a surge in sales of solar water heater units. A buyer had only to purchase the panels and there was no reason to buy batteries. Other common applications of this sort include the installation of a solar pool heater or an agricultural pump.

Today, a great many who buy solar panels are interested in PV systems as a way of offsetting their energy bills and moderating their carbon footprint. These systems can be as simple as a series of LED lamps for solar accent lighting or the installation of a solar powered, uninterruptible backup power supply to keep critical equipment going when the power flickers or until a generator switches on in the event of a major outage.

Some people try to mitigate their solar panel installation cost by doing the work themselves or putting the system components together from kits. However, like any other homeowner project, a majority of homeowners will rely upon the talents of a local solar panel installer.

Like any other major home remodel, the installation of solar panels can be a very major undertaking that you’ll want to get multiple bids upon once you get a clear idea of just how much you’re willing to spend and the sort of system your energy needs will require.

Often the first step people make, even before beginning on solar module installation, is to get an energy audit and determine how much electricity they use in a given day. This will very often result in some modifications that reduce your energy consumption, such as replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents or LED lamps or installing energy saving double paned windows.

Many people will want to watch the incidence of solar radiation that strikes various locations around their house over the course of the year with a radiometer. This simple device will spin according to the amount of usable light that hits a glass bulb. You can buy a large solar radiometer yourself, or the company you hire to assist you with your solar installation can help you make those measurements.