Owners of both businesses and residences are casting an eye toward solar power as they seek ways to reduce energy bills. Perhaps the simplest way to implement this type of renewable energy to your system is to purchase a DIY solar power kit. But before you make such a purchase, you should be familiar with these five important aspects.
Dimension of the Solar Panels
Check the DIY kit to ensure it indicates the solar panels’ precise measurements, which will let you know if you have enough space on your roof for the solar module. Additionally, the weight of the solar panels should be displayed on the kit, which you will need to know if you have roof tiles since they determine if the solar panels can be supported by your roof. The dimension and weight are needed to determine if your roof is structurally stable for the added load.
Total Power Generation
Prior to installing a DIY solar power kit, you should calculate the amount of power you consume in your home. You should also decide how many appliances you will connect to your solar power system. Once you’ve come up with a figure, buy the appropriate DIY solar power kit. There are kits of different sizes available to meet your requirements; additionally, some kits can be interconnected if one is not enough.
Durability
Due to their outdoor installation, solar panels suffer constant exposure to harsh elements like sun, snow, rain, and hail. Because of this, the solar cells must be covered with tempered glass and the frame must be made of a resilient material like aluminum.
Long-Term Warranty
Be aware that it can take years to see a return on investment for a DIY solar power kit. As such, it’s advisable to take into consideration the length of a product’s warranty prior to purchase. Most experts recommend getting a 20- to 25-year warranty on new solar panels.
Installation and Maintenance
Get a DIY solar power kit that’s easy to install. There are kits available on the market that contain all the components needed to start your own solar power system. Additionally, you should also consider one that will require only minimal maintenance over the years in service. Solar panels that require an annual scrubbing to keep them working at their maximum potential are your best bet.
Anna Vera Williams helps others understand how to utilize solar energy to live cleaner and more economical lives.
For more information on solar energy and how it can be used, please visit Solar Power.
This article was originally published on Anna’s blog, at Five Things to Consider When Purchasing DIY Solar Power Kits.
