How to Install Solar Power in Your Home
Renewable energy is very much in the news at the moment. There has been much talk of creating "green collar" jobs in the renewable energy sector.
Solar power installers are likely to become a much in demand job over the next few years. But the good news is, you might not need them. Because of the simplicity of the technology involved, it is relatively easy to install solar power yourself.
The Benefits of Installing Solar Power
If it is done right, installing solar power means that you will never have to pay an electricity bill again. In fact, in some states, you are allowed to sell excess electricity that you produce back to the grid. Solar power is also good for the environment, as it produces no carbon emissions, and for national security, as it helps reduce Americas dependency on oil, much of which comes from hostile regimes.
What You Will Need to Install Solar Power
The bare minimum that you will need in order to install solar power in your home is some solar panels, a rechargeable 12 volt deep cycle battery, a DC meter and a DC input. If you want to run AC appliances, you will also need an inverter. The number of solar panels and batteries you will need depends on the size and design of your home, and the amount of power you want to generate.
How to Install a Solar Power Generator
In order to turn these items into a fully fledged solar power generator, you will first need to connect all the components together. Using insulated wire, connect the DC meter to the negative pole of the battery by wrapping the wire around the wing nut terminal.. Then do the same for the positive pole. It is very important that you only connect one pole at a time, otherwise there is a risk of giving yourself an electric shock. Repeat these steps for the DC inlet or inlets, then do the same for the solar panels. If you like, you can put the battery in a battery box. If you do this, you will need to use a drill to attach the DC inputs and meter to the top of the box before connecting them to the terminal.
If you are using power inverters, connect them to the DC inlets now. Inverters are available up to 3000 watts. Total up the wattage of all the AC equipment in your home that you are likely to be using at any one time to figure out the wattage of the inverter that you will need. Finally, attach the solar panels to the wall or roof of your home. Make sure you place them where they will be most exposed to the sun. Leave the battery to charge up for 8 hours or so and voila! You have installed a solar power generator in your home.
Author: Noel J. Lillis
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When having a solar power system installed on your The bare minimum that you will need in order to install solar power in your home is some solar panels, a rechargeable 12 volt deep cycle battery, a DC meter and a DC input.
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