What to Know About Solar Panels in California
Why Are Solar Installations So Effective In California?
Are you aware that California has sunny and warm weather throughout the year? Yes, the merits of sunny weather are that you can power your entire home by solar panel energy while the demerits are that you are likely to incur higher energy costs to combat the extra heat.
Why are modern solar panels so environmentally friendly?
Are you aware that solar electric panels use photoreactive cells in their panels to transform sunlight energy into electricity? Solar electric panels are some of the most reliable and efficient sources of renewable energy generators in the modern era. Solar electric panels are among the main contributes of electric energy in the national grid and also considered a milestone in the energy industry in the creation of renewable energy usage.
How does a solar panel function for your home?
How does a solar panel function? As stated above, a solar electric panel uses photovoltaic cells to absorb sunlight and then convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Since some of the electrical appliances in your home operate by alternating current (AC), the direct current from the solar panel is converted into alternating current, which in turn powers most of your home appliances. Today, Photovoltaic solar panels are the most popular solar panels which comprise of an array of photoelectric cells made of high-quality silicone material, just like semiconductors found in computer chips.
Why you need a reliable Solar Panel company to finance your solar panel installation cost?
Are you aware that the solar panel technology has been advancing for decades and now reaching a new milestone? For instance, the innovation of bio-hybrid is today’s most fantastic breakthrough by the solar panel manufactures. For this very reason, installing some of these modern solar panels isn’t that cheap, which means you need a reliable financing company. For instance, Semper Solaris has a connection of reliable and affordable solar panel financing options. The power purchase agreement is one of such financing options that involves a dual contract between the homeowner and the solar installation company. Here, the homeowner purchases the solar power at a fixed rate rather than owning the solar panel system. The homeowner comes into an agreement with a solar company to buy power per kilowatt-hour for the electrical power spend from solar panels. One advantage of this agreement is that you will be paying only for the power consumed at your home rather than paying for the entire solar panel system. Besides, you don’t pay for maintenance, repairs and monitoring costs. It, therefore, means you will be enjoying the entire benefits of installing solar panels without worrying about the occasional costly expenses.
Solar Energy loans
Just like the home improvement loans, these are convention bank loans that make your solar panel payment arrangements convenient by making a fixed monthly payment with reasonable interest. Remember to choose your primary lender keenly for they are the best source for relevant information about your specific financial position. One advantage of a solar panel loan is that it gives a chance to leverage your debt by owning an asset that helps you minimize the huge electrical payments and also enhancing your home value.
Why does your solar panel require regular maintenance services?
Do you know that just like any other electrical appliances at your home, your solar panel requires maintenance to maximize their efficiency? The solar panel design and also the installation procedure determines the frequency and type of solar panel maintenance.
Simple steps on how to set up your solar panels with the help of a certified solar power installation company.
Although modern solar installation is somehow more straightforward when compared to traditional solar panels, you still need a certified solar panel installation company to ensure everything is done in the right way. With the advancement of solar installation technology, you can do most of these tasks by yourself but due to the technical bits requiring professionals, always ensure you contract a certified solar panel installing company.
Below are simple steps to follow when installing your solar panel system.
Although there are no dangerous or risky issues involved during solar panel installation, it is essential to observe all the stipulated safe measures before you can decide to install your solar panel system. Remember this a system that can produce several hundreds of electrical power voltage during a sunny day. Yes, there are several safety issues you should understand even before you decide to install your solar panel onto your home.
1. Ensure the roof or the place you’ll be installing your solar panel is not only healthy but also open and spacious. Remember, most of these solar panels require a robust supporting material to hold their weight. Indeed, it won’t be prudent to install your solar panels on a surface that would eventually cave in or collapse, costing your unexpected repair cost. Besides, your solar panel requires direct sunlight; hence you need to install them on an open area for maximum sunlight intensity to generate more electrical power. Hiring a roofing company is usually the best choice.
2. Install your solar roof tiles or measure the dimensions of your solar panel and that of your roof to ensure that your panels perfectly fit in the open space. Besides, you may consider installing your solar panels somewhere with considerable large space to accommodate more panels later. Ideally, a proper solar panel installation will ensure your panes are on a surface/ rooftop facing the direction where the sun comes from since this ensures your panels are in contact with sunlight for an extended period. For instance, if the sun rises in the north around your area, then ensure your panels are facing the northern direction hence maximum exposure. Moreover, ensure there are no shades from other taller buildings and trees. Yes, shades can decrease your solar panel performance since they convert the direct sunlight into electricity. It is therefore very critical to ensure that your solar panels won’t be affected by the season changes in the future or other future developments around your neighborhood. For this very reason, ensure your solar panels aren’t near the roof edge, preferably 12 inches away from the edge and 16 inches from the roof eaves. Such an installation will ensure your solar panels are in the right position even in the future.
3. Ensure to install brackets particularly on sloped roods/ mount rails on your flat roofs.
Are you aware that you can improve your home appearance by installing modern solar panel mounts today? However, your standoff for instating your rails or brackets must be secured to trusses rather than only on the sheathing. Remember you need brackets on Sloped roofs when installing your solar panels although they must be positioned such that they allow direct sunlight exposure for at least 9 hours in a day.
Besides, it is recommended to keep your entire solar panel system at the same height and angle even where there is a varying roof gradient since this keeps your solar power production at the same voltage across the different panels. Remember to use authentic roof sealants (Prevent rainwater from leaking into your home through the holes left in the roof) in case you drill several screws into your roofing during attaching of the mount rails/ brackets. It is very critical to strictly follow all the instructions indicated on the rail/brackets installation manuals to ensure that your entire solar panel installation has got no errors that would otherwise cost you in the future.
4. The next step is to fix your solar panels by raising them to the already installed mount nails and brackets. Ensure you fasten them on to the rail system correctly since this prevents them from sliding down. Note that you must pay extra attention when installing your solar panels so that you don’t end up accidentally sliding parts or the entire solar panels off the gentle sloppy roofs.
5. Next, connect your solar panel wiring according to the pre-existing wiring connection and also the desired power output requirements. Remember this is done once you are sure that your panels are secure and properly installed. Besides, ensure all your connecting wires are not only adequately insulated but also waterproof since this can result to electrical shock when connecting a ground wire from the solar panel mounting hardware to earthling in the future solar installation.
6. Run your conduit while still underneath the panels directly to your junction box, which is mainly fitted at one of the side of your home and also to one of your photovoltaic component in your solar panel system. Remember your wiring should comprise of the three main wires, namely the positive, negative and the ground wire since your solar panel produces direct current. Set your photovoltaic system according to the manufactures guidelines before installing your inverter. You can now run your power from the inverter into your appliances through the primary AC circuit breaker.
