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Step 1
Whether you are installing solar panels, solar roof shingles or simple solar windows, be sure that they can get the sun they need to generate energy. Track the sun's rays for several months to see where to install your new system, watching for shadows that could inhibit energy generation. If you live in snowy areas, put your solar panels in a place that is not susceptible to a lot of snow build-up.
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Step 2
Charting the sun is the best way to see the direction it moves and the intensity is has. This will help you determine where to place your solar panels for best electric production. The nice thing about using a basic sun chart is that they are easy and cheap, as well as very accurate.
To create a sun chart, simply draw a sample house on a piece of graph paper. Next, decide how you will be charting the sun's movement--either by the angle from the true south, called azimuth; or by elevation, or the angle from the horizon.
Next, begin charting the movement of the sun in relationship to the house at different times of the day. If there are things along the skyline that may cause shadowing, add them to the chart. Remember, trees, buildings and high fences can all affect your ability to make the electricity you need.
Another trick to tracking the sun's path and heat is to buy or rent a solar pathfinder. This is an especially useful tool in figuring out the variables that may occur with the change of the seasons.
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Step 3
There are many types of solar powering system to choose from:
Grid-Intertied Systems
Remaining tied to the electric grid can offer two benefits: It provides a backup energy source should your solar system fail to generate enough electricity, and it gives you the opportunity to sell any extra electricity back to the utility company. Although expensive, a grid-intertied system is often considered the best of both worlds. There is one danger to having this type of system, though: When the grid is down, your system will stop producing electricity.
Portable Solar Systems
Portable solar power systems can be a great alternative to a permanent solar energy system. It can also be a great way to "try out" solar power. Using the same basic technology, a portable solar system turns sunlight into energy and stores it in a portable generator that can be moved around your home or property. The size of the panels you use can fluctuate, depending on how much electricity it needs to produce.
Off-Grid Solar Systems
Going completely off-grid can be difficult for many people. It requires a total rehaul of the way your family thinks about and uses energy.
When you go off-grid, you rely on the sun and wind to power every aspect of your home. Although an inconvenience at times, it is much cheaper.
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Step 4
Before you can install your solar energy system, decide what voltage it will run at. Here are your choices in voltage options:
12 Volts: This is the least expensive system, but it is also the least powerful and not recommended for permanent dwellings.
24 Volts: Recommended for most homes, 24-volt systems offer the most options, including the ability to increase your power capacity should you need to.
48 Volts: If your power outsource is located away from your home because of interference or safety concerns, you may need to consider a more powerful 48-volt system. This is also the preferred system for deeper wells since you'll need extra power to pump your water from the ground.
To determine what system voltage you need to run your home consider these important factors:
1. Size and application of your system
2. Amount of power needed to run your home's normal loads
3. Distance of your power source from your home
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Step 5
Not every contractor is experienced in installing solar energy systems. Be sure that the one you hire is.
