home-solar-power-system

Home Solar System Ultimate Guide

Home Solar System Intro

Today we are going to share an in-depth guide on solar power for home or home solar power system as you may call it. In other words, A solar power system installed in your home will help cut down your monthly utility bills. It can also eliminate your regular home utility bill. Yes, you heard me right, it can and that’s what we are going to find out.

In this article, you are going to learn everything and anything you need to know about solar energy, solar power system, and renewable energy. It might actually take you quite some time to go through this post but you are surely going to be happy at the end.

You have been hearing about solar power system for a while but still yet to understand how it works and probably the cost. However, I have lots of things to share with you regarding solar power for the home.

Solar power system popularly known as solar energy can be installed anywhere and not just in your home but right now we are going to channel our discussions to solar power system specifically designed for home use.

What is renewable energy

It’s obvious we cannot just talk about home solar power system without explaining the term renewable energy. Energy is classified as a renewable when such energy is generated from renewable resources, that are naturally replenished on human’s timescale, which includes sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and heat.

Types of Renewable Energy

We have various types of renewable energy that you should know about which is as follows:

  • Solar energy or solar power
  • Wind Power
  • Hydroelectric energy
  • Biomass energy
  • Hydrogen and fuel cells
  • Geothermal power

Solar power system

This can be defined as radiant light and heat from the Sunlight that can be harnessed and converted with the help of solar panels that converts the solar power into usable electricity through a process popularly known as the photovoltaic effect.

Apart from solar panels, a DC to AC converter known as the inverter will be required to install a solar system. However, you will need a Lead-acid or lithium-ion battery for power storage, we will discuss that later.

Wind Power

Just like the way we can generate energy from sunlight, we can as well do the same with the help of air flow through wind turbines to provide the habitual power to turn electric generators, it can generate electricity and as well as other works like milling or pumping, etc.

Hydroelectric energy

This is the most common type of hydroelectric powerplant that uses a dam on a river to store water in a reservoir. The water that will be released from the reservoir often flows through a turbine and then activates a generator to produce electricity.

Biomass energy

This is a form of organic material that normally extracted from plants or animals and it’s among the renewable source of energy. However, this system stores energy from the sun. The burning of biomass ensures that the chemical energy in biomass is released as heat. Moreover, it’s possible to burn Biomass directly or convert it to liquid biofuels or biogas which can be burned as fuels.

Hydrogen and fuel cells

This involves the process of a fuel cell combining hydrogen and oxygen to produce usable energy or heat. Fuel cells can as well be referred to batteries that can possibly convert the energy produced by a chemical reaction into usable electric power.

In other words, a fuel cell is a modern technology designed to produce heat and electricity for buildings and as an electrical power source for electric motors.

Grid power system VS Solar Power System (Off-grid)

Before we proceed to the solar power system for home and what you necessarily need to power your home, let first understand what solar power system (Solar Energy) is all about. However, you equally deserve to know the differences between a Grid power system and home solar power system.

While we have grid power system, we also have an off-grid power which solar power system falls into that category.

A solar power system is one of the best renewable energy widely accepted and used worldwide. Just as we have many other alternatives power solutions that draw energy from various source, Solar power system generates electricity from sunlight.

The grid power system also draws their energy through various sources and Government or corporate body owned power plants but when it comes to a solar power system. Sunlight is what you need to give your home constant electricity while cutting the monthly utility bills. Moreover, for a solar power system to work, it must involve some technologies which include solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, etc.

With the solar power system, you are fully in control to decide what you want and how you want it base on what you can afford. Trust me there are really cool reasons why you should be using solar power system but we will discuss that later.

What is a Grid power system?

The electrical grid can be defined as an interconnected network designed to deliver electricity from producers to end consumers. It consists of high voltage generating power stations and transmission lines designed to distribute energy from various sources to demand centers. The main purpose of distribution lines is to help connect consumers from one state to the other.

Power stations can also be placed close to a fuel supply, at a dam taking advantage of renewable energy sources. They are usually placed far away from heavily inhabited areas. The electrical power that is generated is stepped up to the next voltage at which it connects to the electric power transmission base.

Mostly. grid electricity transmission network is built near and far away distances, and sometimes across international boundaries until it reaches consumer base or designated power centers.

When it comes to ownership of the grid power system is usually owned by the government or by corporate power distribution network.

Now you understand what is grid power system and solar power system as well, its time to discuss about home solar power system.

home solar power system (Off-grid)

Just like the name implies, a home solar power system is alternative electricity generated from sunlight or sun heat designed for home use. With this system, you can reduce the monthly bills or completely eliminate electricity bills while enjoying total freedom.

Since the introduction of the solar power system, it becomes possible for anyone to generate reliable and sustainable electricity that can give their homes and offices constant electricity

If you are planning to install a solar power system in your home but still not sure if you need it or not. I have the answers to some of your questions and doubts.

Government and corporate bodies can build and generate electricity through solar energy and distribute it to end users. For the government to generate income or maintenance fees customers are required to pay monthly bills for services rendered.

What if you can install and generate your own electricity through solar energy that doesn’t require a monthly payment to anyone? Yes, that’s what solar power system for home is all about.

Who can use the solar power system?

Anyone can use the solar power system to power their home irrespective of who you are or where you are coming from. presently, there are some states that depend on solar energy for their electricity need.

In America, California is the number one city that uses solar power system seconded by Arizona which boasts of 2,303 MW solar capacity that can be able to provide constant electricity for more than 327,000 homes. Moreover, solar energy is now the present and future power source, you need to join the moving train.

If you are living in a remote area that is not connected with an electricity distribution system then you need a solar system or off-grid power system known as a stand-alone power system. it can also be called a remote area power supply.

How reliable is the solar power system

You might need someone to convince you about the reliability and sustainability of the solar power system. Yes, solar system, or solar energy as you may call it have proved to be reliable. Solar energy is the best form of renewable energy that can guarantee constant electricity in your home. The question is, can you afford to by and install the home solar power system.

The reliability of a solar system is out of the question as long as you go for the best quality solar materials and equally know the right capacity that your home need for constant electricity.

Advantages and benefits of a home solar system

While preparing to install a solar power system in your home the thought that comes to your mind is the benefits and what you stand to gain. However, there are more to gain compared to the cost.

  • Eliminate or reduces Electricity Bills
  • Low maintenance cost
  • Free from unfriendly sounds and carbon monoxide
  • Diverse purposes

As I have narrated earlier solar system can reduce or completely eliminate Electricity Bills. Since you can independently install a solar system in your home. The power to decide whether to supplement your main power source or to completely disconnect it is all yours.

In reality, buying and installing a solar power system doesn’t come that cheap. Most of the materials used to build a solar system are durable. It will surely last for a couple of months or years before requiring maintenance.

If you have used or visited an area where a gasoline generator is used you will be pissed off with noise. Let not forget the acidic carbon monoxide that can cause death in a few minutes when wrongly used.

Obviously, solar power system involves some toxic materials and hazardous products during the manufacturing process. Yet it’s safe to use and no threat to life or health. Solar energy can be used to produce electricity in areas without access to grid energy. It can also be used to power satellites in space.

There is no limit to what you can do with a solar power system and the only proving disadvantage is the cost of acquiring the materials.

Disadvantages of a solar power system

In as much as solar energy holds numerous advantages and benefits, it still has a little disadvantage that you should be aware of. There are no much disadvantages to talk about except.

Expensive cost of the solar system: The truth is that buying and installing a solar power system is not just like buying a gasoline generator. However, original solar Panels, batteries, charge controller and inverter will surely cost you a reasonable amount of money to acquire.

The fact being that the solar power system is a bit expensive to buy and out of reach for many makes it one of the disadvantages. But sincerely the benefit will definitely out shadow the cost.

Unavailability of the sun: Since the performance of solar energy or solar power system solely depends on the availability of sunlight to generate its energy. How will it then work when the sun is not available, knowing fully well that the sun doesn’t shine 24 hours a day.

Undoubtedly this has been the biggest challenge and disadvantage of a solar system. However, you should border much about the instability of sunlight. The situation has been taking care of. With the help of modern technology, a solar power system comes with a high quality lead-acid or Lithium batteries.

These batteries are designed to hold power for future use, It doesn’t matter if the sun is shining or not. As long as there is little power remaining in your solar battery your home will be powered.

Cost of solar power system for home

There is no permanent or specific price for a home solar power system. The total cost depends on the capacity of the solar system you wish to install in your home. firstly, you need to ascertain the amount of energy you consume in your home in other to determine the capacity of the solar system you have to install.

Are you living in a room apartment or two bedroom apartment? What are the appliances you will be powered with the solar power system? These are things to consider before installing a solar power system.

The cost of a residential solar power system has recently declined significantly. The emergence of new technologies and more manufacturers getting involved day by day helps to reduce the cost.

Solar is now more affordable than ever and advances in technology have improved system quality and design

To fully understand the cost, and average total cost of solar installation is mostly between $13,000 to $25,000 for average sized systems. A size between 3kW and 9kW. Moreover, if you need more help with the cost and right materials for your solar power system. Zhcsolar will be of great help to you.

Home Solar System kits (Equipment)

A technically enlightened person can install a solar power system following simple installation manual but you wouldn’t like to take some chances. The good news is that there are some companies or sellers who are willing to install the system for you. However, you can still hire a local electrician with knowledge of solar power system to help you with the installation

To generate energy from the sun there are things needed to make it work but the question remains, what are those equipment required to build a solar power system?

Solar Panel

The main duty of a Photovoltaic solar panel is to absorb the sun’s rays as a source of energy for generating electricity or heat. However, a solar panel needs to be mounted on top of the roof. It needs to be positioned in a place where the sun can be pointing directly to it for maximum performance.

Power inverters

In most cases, a power inverter can as well be called a converter since it helps convert low voltage Direct current (DC) to 120 volts Alternating Current (AC) suitable for none DC electrical appliances.

In other words, an inverter can be used to charge batteries if connected to a utility grid or an AC Generator. However, an inverter takes care of the input and output. Meaning that since the power inverter can help charge the battery it can as well distribute the power.

Solar Battery

Every reliable solar system requires some good amount of high quality lead-acid or Lithium batteries. The batteries are designed purposely to take care of storage and discharging of energy for distribution as required.

Sunlight can’t shine for 24 hours but the battery will help to store the energy and provide constant electricity for your home.

Solar Charge Controller

It might be impossible to determine how much power a solar panel can generate at any given time. To protect the battery in high sun exposure, a controller is needed to regulate the input and that’s where the battery charge controller comes in.

To ensure the safety of your battery and your solar system you need a high-quality charge controller designed to supply needed voltage to your battery.

If you need the best and affordable solar charge controller then Zhcsolar should be your destination right now because they have all sorts of original solar equipment you need.

The solar charge controller is the core part of the home solar system kits. usually has MPPT and PWM Types for chose, with years of experience in the renewable energy industry, an MPPT Solar Charge Controller is Highly Recommended.

Terminal connector and wires

Having all the solar equipment will not be complete without adding the necessary terminal connectors and wires need to link the whole solar system. However, some solar system designed for home use might come in full package containing everything and anything you need to set up a solar power system.

Sometimes when installing a solar power system the original wires that come with the system might possibly not be enough. Moreover, the main work of these terminal connectors and wires is to link the outdoor mounted solar panels, charge controller, battery and Dc to AC inverter.

How to Install a home solar power system

If you are living in a remote location that doesn’t have access to grid power system then solar energy is the best option. Moreover, you might still need to install a solar power system if you wish to cut the cost of utility bills in your home. The question right now is how to install the solar power system in your home.

Since have listed and explained the general requirements for a home solar power system. It will now be easier for you to learn how to install a solar power system in your home. However, some companies will help you install the solar system free of charge as a reward for your patronage.

Even if you can’t find a company that can install the solar system for you free of charge or at a moderate price don’t worry. You can do it yourself but before then you must have everything you in place.

Firstly, You have to mount your solar plan in an open environment where it will be exposed to the sun. Link it to the charge controller which regulates the energy coming through the solar panel. Connect the charge controller to the lithium-ion batteries and then to the inverter, DC – AC power distribution. Simply right?

Home Solar System Setup & Wiring Diagram

home-solar-power-system-wiring-diagram
home-solar-power-system-wiring-diagram

Top 5 best solar panel Manufacturers (Efficiency)

To build a reliable home solar system you need to use original solar panels with high-efficiency rates for sustainability and optimum performance. However, I don’t expect you to know the best. For that reason, I have chosen to help you with the list of the top rated solar panels you can go for.

SunPower Solar panel

SunPower solar panels have been listed as one of the best solar panels with high efficiency of up to 22.2% designed to help you power your home in a proficient way. However, SunPower panels are durable and boast of materials warranty of up to 20 years.

LG Solar panel

This solar panel is not far from SunPower as they are closely offering the same efficiency level and have equally listed among the best solar panels in the market. it has an efficiency rate of up to 21.2 and still offers up to 20 years warranty.

Panasonic Solar panel

Panasonic is also one of the big players when it comes to high-quality and durable solar panels as they boast up to 20.4% efficiency. With Panasonic solar panel mounted on top of your roof. You are on the right track for constant electricity.

Solartech Universal solar Panel

There are many types of solar panels in the market but when it comes to the best, Solartech Universal panels will not be left out. It has up to 20.2% efficiency, perfect for a solar system for home.

Solaria Solar Panel

Solaria falls under the top best solar panels you can go for while installing your home solar system. it boasts of 19.4% efficiency which is still perfect for your home solar system project.

There are numerous types of solar panels in the market that can as well be as good as those once I mentioned above. However, I listed them because they have been in the business for more than 20 years which has earned them some reputation.

Solar panel price

You must be eager to know the cost of solar panels but to be specific there is no fixed price for solar panels. It depends on the size, brand, and capacity of the panel you want which makes it hard to determine the original cost of a solar panel.

To build a sustainable solar system you might be needing some good number of solar panels. Moreover, don’t forget that the price differs from country to country, what solar panel cost in US might not be the same in Canada.

Best batteries for home solar system

How do you find the best solar batteries for your home solar power system? Do you know there are different types of solar batteries that can be used for the installation of your home solar system?.

There are two major types of solar batteries designed for home energy storage purposes. These types of solar batteries are recognized and used in most homes that opted for off-grid power system

The batteries used for solar power system consist of two or more chemical compositions including lead-acid and lithium-ion. Moreover, lithium-ion has proved to be the best solar battery you can use for the installation of your home solar power system. Though it’s more expensive compared to other types of solar batteries. It worth buying because it has higher DoD and longer lifespan and yet lightweight and more compact compared to lead-acid batteries.

We can not equally write off Lead-acid batteries that have been used for solar power system for many years now. However, the downside of this type of solar battery is that they normally have short-lifespan and lower DoD. Though, they are often less expensive to buy. Having short-life and lower DoD does not mean that Lead-acid batteries are not durable and sustainable. That’s not true, it depends on what you want.

You might need the assistance of an expert to choose the right solar batteries for you. Better still you can independently go for lithium-ion batteries of you can afford it.

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