Installing solar panels for your home is not just a matter of fixing them down. Where you place them will greatly influence their efficiency, not to mention, you need to make sure they are protected. Getting the right amount of sunlight in the right way is probably left to the professionals. For those of you still going for diy lighting, there are a number of issues to think about. Make sure you get plenty of advice, and in the meantime, here are some points to think about.
On your roof. This is the most obvious place you will install solar panels. There are several advantages. Your roof is normally recommended because it’s a solid surface. Normally, you can get full sunlight because there are fewer chances of obstructions, such as trees and the like. If you do have shade issues, you will have to rethink your plan.
Outdoors. Always remember you will need some form of protective fencing. You want to do this for safety, local regulations, and damage by animals. If someone walks into your array at night, they could make a real mess of your expensive system. Again, you will need to look at the potential of obstructions, such as the shade from nearby trees. They might be small trees now, but what about the case in a few years?
Getting the right angle. This can be the tricky part. You need the right angle. There are a few calculations that need to be done to make sure you are getting the sun that the solar panels need. The angle will depend on your location on the planet. A tiny miscalculation on the angle could mean a drastic drop in diy lighting. Northern hemisphere panels need to face south, while those in the southern hemisphere need to have their panels facing north. It can be easy to think you are getting all the information you need online, and the calculations you make turn out to be completely wrong. Make sure you research for locality.
Close to the electricity consumption. It’s always better to have your solar panels close to where the power is consumed. It means saving costs in making arrangements for power transfer to your home. If you are installing on the ground, you will probably be installing away from your home, and it is advised to take the necessary precautions. Underground is always a good idea.
Local laws. Installation may require the help of a solar panel installation specialist or at least an electrician with the necessary licensing requirements. Messing with your home power system can be very dangerous. It is highly suggested you check your local laws and know what professionals you will need for what stages of your installation. You may be able to save money by doing some of the work by yourself, but it is highly unlikely you are legally allowed to do it all.
Government rebates. It is important to check what rebates are available at your time of purchase. These rebates seem to come and go with the sun. If one is available, grab it as fast as you can. Don’t think you will have another six months or a year to decide.
So, make a plan before going for solar panels, whether you want them for indoor lighting or any other issue, solar panels prove to be effective and irreplaceable for indoor lighting at least.
