What to Know Before Purchasing Home Solar Electricity

Getting home solar electricity is more affordable today than 10 years ago.  In fact, many state governments are currently offering tax rebates to persons that choose to convert to home solar electricity.  If installing a photovoltaic system to supply your home solar electricity is too far out of your financial abilities, there are also programs available to purchase your utilities from an accredited green energy supplier.  Green energy suppliers offer only utilities fueled by renewable resources, such as solar electricity, hydroelectricity and wind generated electricity.  However, if you made the decision to switch to solar electricity for your home it is important to determine your electricity needs before you start shopping.

The first thing to determine is how much power you will need from your home solar electricity system.  Different arrays and solar panel set-ups offer different wattage outputs.  Take the time to determine your average daily electricity usage.  You want to achieve a number that includes the entire year and affords for the different amount of energy used during winter and summer months (more lights, heaters, air conditioners).  

When shopping for the right photovoltaic system to supply your home solar electricity definitely research the quality of the product.  A product offering 13% efficiency and a lifetime warranty will be far more valuable than the panel offering 15% efficiency and a one-year warranty.  Ask neighbors, friends and even strangers currently using home solar electricity, to learn more about the differences in systems.  Sufficient time should also be spent interviewing installers and researching manufacturers as well.

A final decision needs to be made as to what kind of system you would like to use to supply your home solar electricity.  There are generally three types of solar panel systems used to supply home solar electricity.  The first type is a grid-tied system in which your solar panels are tied into your current power meter.  You are using both electricity supplied by your panels and your supply is then backed by electricity from your electric company.  The second available solar panel system for supplying home solar electricity is a grid-tie with battery backup.  With this system you are collecting electricity from you panels, filling your batteries for emergencies and then the excess is sent back to the electric company through your meter.  The final system is a stand-alone system.  Very similar to the grid-tied system with battery backup except that you are completely disconnected or maybe never connected to a major utility provider for your area.  

Once you educate yourself on providing your home solar electricity, you are probably ready to start shopping.  Remember that converting to home solar electricity is an investment and you will reap the rewards over time.  And don’t forget the pride you will have with reducing your carbon footprint by converting to home solar electricity.