One popular choice homeowners are making nowadays is the installation of residential solar. Installing residential solar is increasing in viability, as panels become cheaper and more efficient. Additionally, depending on your state of residence and other factors, there may be government subsidies encouraging the installation of solar panels. However, there are many options available, and it is important to have properly done electrical installations depending on your needs.
Often, when solar panels are installed, the home will be left attached to the electric grid. This way, the homeowner can sell excess power to the grid during sunny days, and use the electricity from the grid during the night or times with poor lighting. Doing this can save quite a bit of money, but it is important to take care of the permitting and wiring steps properly. Unless you have experience, an experienced electrician should be consulted who can ensure that not only is the installation done properly, safely, and reliably, but that all local laws and regulations have been observed.
Another option that is popular among the self-reliant is installing battery banks rather than relying on the grid. This option gives you the freedom of managing your own power, and can be great if you really want to disconnect and practice sustainable living. However, this lifestyle does not come without its inconveniences. It is much more likely that your electrical supply will be disrupted, and you will have to deal with maintenance on your storage and collection systems. Therefore, it is very important when installing them that the installation is performed by a competent electrician who will be able to save you time and hassle later.
If you already have a solar system installed, protect your investment. Depending on the location and type of system you have, you could greatly extend the life of your investment. Solar panels are an attempt to leave a smaller ecological footprint, but manufacturing them can be energetically expensive. Therefore, ensuring that your system lasts as long as possible will help to further the positive environmental impact of your solar array. Every few years, you should have an electrician perform an inspection, where they can assess the function and communicate with you about any repairs that might be needed. If you simply take good care of your system, you greatly increase your chances of allowing it to last for as long as possible, saving you money.
