Ready Rooftops – How to Install Solar Panels

Published on: 23 October 2018 Last Updated on: 04 November 2024

Solar power has risen in popularity rapidly all over Australia since the sudden decrease in costs at the beginning of the turn of the century and the advances in solar technology which have made commercial solar power much more accessible and affordable for all. With the continuing rise in the use of solar power, more and more home and business owners are moving to this renewable energy source and enjoying the benefits of green power.

If you are deciding whether or not to make the switch to solar power, there are some things you need to consider before you go solar. Understanding the installation process is important to ensure that you install your solar panels for optimum efficiency. Most homeowners and business owners can install panels right away but there are a few things to be aware of so that your panel installation is a success and you can enjoy the benefits of solar power for many years to come.

Let’s take a closer look at a few things that individuals and businesses should keep in mind before and during the installation of a new solar panel system.

Determine How Much Power Will Be Produced:

Before you install solar panels on your property, it’s important to take some time to do the necessary calculations in relation to the property you want to install your solar panels on to find out how much your solar system will produce. It doesn’t take long to do the calculations and once you have the results, you can determine how much power you can expect from your solar installation. Most solar installation companies can do an evaluation of your property before you install your panels to ensure it’s a suitable match for solar energy.

Evaluate Your Roof:

Evaluating your roof to see that it is appropriate to generate solar power is critical before you install your panels. This is usually done by the company before any contract is signed to ensure that the user will be able to make the most of the solar energy collected. However, it is not a bad idea to consider assessing your roof and position beforehand yourself too. If a roof is very shaded or the property is hidden from direct sunlight by another building or foliage, it may be necessary to reconsider your decision to go solar or come up with a different approach. For example, it’s possible to build solar installations on lawns which can equally benefit your property.

Decide How Many Panels You Will Need:

Prior to your installation, you should find out how many solar panels you will need, in terms of the size and scale of the solar installation and the number of photovoltaic cells. In order to find out this information, you should analyse your property and the energy capacity it currently works off. By carrying out an energy audit, you should be able to say with certainty how much power you need to use to fuel your home or business and therefore be able to decide on the measurements for your installation without any problems.

Structurally Sound:

If you have decided that installing a solar panel system on your roof is the right move, you will have to make sure that your roof is structurally sound and can take the weight and physical attachment of the system. Solar panel installations can last up to 30 years without any need to remove them so it is best to know that your roof will not need to be refurbished a few years down the road.

Install Your Solar Panels And Enjoy A Greener Future:

Once you have evaluated your home to ensure that the property is a good candidate for a solar installation, you will need to call your installation company. They will give the property one final look-over before and give you the green light before you complete the necessary paperwork. After the contract has been signed, you will be able to go ahead and prepare the orders for photovoltaic or thermal cells and the right inverter for your electric wiring.

As soon as everything is set in place, you can set a date for the installation of your solar panels. Your installation company will do the rest of the work for you, install the panels and connect you to the national electricity grid so that you can take advantage of any excess energy that is produced through your system. With your solar panels installed, you can enjoy all of the benefits of solar power and look forward to a greener future.

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What You Need To Know Before Installing A Greenhouse

If you decide to up your game in gardening by widening your space and growing more crops, plants, fruits, and veggies, it’s time to consider investing in a greenhouse. Nothing beats the convenience of harvesting organic ingredients and producing straight from your garden. Not only does this help you save money, but it also allows you to explore more variety of seedlings to grow. Greenhouses are an excellent environment for fruits and vegetables to grow in their best state. Because of the safe enclosure, insects and external conditions cannot adversely affect their growth and condition. This safe haven ensures your plants' nourishment to reap the best quality of produce later on. However, before installing a greenhouse, you should acquire more knowledge and learn helpful techniques. Here is everything you need to know before installing a greenhouse. Type Of Greenhouse Design In order to buy or build a greenhouse, you first need to figure out how much-growing space you will need and what type of greenhouse design is best for you. You will have to continue using the same greenhouse for many years, so choose a size that will provide ample space for all the crops you wish to grow and care for. Opt for a reliable greenhouse company that includes installation services. Purchasing With Installation Included Some greenhouse specialists like Swgreenhouses.co.uk will include installation with your purchase, which means you don't have to worry about installing it yourself in your own garden, which can save a lot of worries. Upon choosing the company or provider, don’t forget to seek advice on what type of greenhouse would best fit your needs and preferences. Here are two types to consider: Attached A lean-to or attached greenhouse offers the advantage of not having to build all four walls. It can significantly reduce greenhouse construction or installation cost. Since the foundation is already within your house, the greenhouse will remain stable and sturdy. Many home gardeners choose this greenhouse option because it’s easier to construct and cost-effective. The ideal area in your home to install an attached greenhouse is to find a place with enough sunlight. Freestanding The other option you can choose is freestanding greenhouses. It is the best bet if you want to place your greenhouse in different locations within your home. While they may require a heftier initial investment, you can see how cost-effective they can be in the long run since you can grow more plants in them. It also enhances your curb appeal as they become an extended sanctuary of your home. You can add decor or furniture and keep your greenhouse an additional space to entertain guests or spend time with the family. Because of their multiple purposes, freestanding greenhouses can be an excellent investment. Consider The Plants You Want To Grow Another important step before constructing or installing your greenhouse is deciding the kind of plants you’ll grow. This will help you determine the requirements for growing them and guide you in designing the greenhouse. If you don't know what kind of plants to grow in your greenhouse, you can't properly plan the proper temperature or lighting. To care for your plants and vegetables, you have to factor in their sunlight and water requirement, temperature, humidity, and other factors. Choose plants that are matched to how your greenhouse can supply these elements. Also, note that you'll need to buy greenhouse tools, equipment, and accessories based on your chosen plants. The good news is that you can grow any plant in your greenhouse. This is because the greenhouse's main benefit is that you can control all these necessary elements to keep your plants strong and healthy. But you will need to decide what types of species grow well together and keep your greenhouse successful and effective. Whether you’re thinking of growing spiky plants that can be used to decorate houses or fruits and veggies that can be grown organically, the key is to be familiar with several plant species and their corresponding care requirements. After all, you'll be able to plan which plants can grow together if you have a broad understanding of the plants you're growing. Choose Your Location Choosing your location is important when deciding to invest in a greenhouse. If your greenhouse is near your home, you can visit and monitor it more often. However, if it’s a bit far, you might not be able to care for it frequently. Make sure it’s strategically located somewhere you or your family can easily access. When choosing the best location, the general rule is to select a place where the sun shines much longer and more often. Thoroughly study and assess your residence, and see where the sun rises and sets daily. Consider these factors when deciding where to install your greenhouse. Find an area where your greenhouse will have protection against strong winds and frost pockets in case these instances occur. Light, Water, And Ventilation Finally, you have to ensure that your greenhouse will have convenient power sources, water, and air ventilation. This will enable you to install lighting and water fixtures easily. Your greenhouse must meet some requirements regardless of style, size, or construction method. Consider the aspects below: Electricity You can control temperature easier when you install fans within the greenhouse. Wire the outlets safely and securely, and acquire all permits when installing a greenhouse. Aside from using a commercial power supply, you can consider installing solar-powered panels to generate electricity for the lights necessary in the greenhouse. Air Ventilation Air ventilation can be increased through the use of indoor greenhouse fans. They help alleviate extreme temperatures and climates. Airflow prevents warm air from rising, whereas cold air gathers below near the plants without airflow. Install fans or roof vents to promote more ventilation. Water Your greenhouse must have water access. Many greenhouses use garden hoses that are attached to a nearby resource. However, you can also go for automated sprinkler systems, which can be scheduled or turned on manually without having to go through all plants one by one. Conclusion Your greenhouse investment will ultimately depend on you. You can do it yourself or hire professionals to install them successfully in your home. However, it’s crucial to know the details and aspects mentioned above to make your greenhouse construction project a breeze. Additional: Best Paying Jobs In Energy Smart House Technology for Saving Energy What You Should Know about Solar Energy for Schools Benefits Is The World Shifting Fast Enough To Renewable Sources Of Energy?

Everything You Need To Know About Mobile Solar Generators

Solar power has been around for quite some time, and the first photovoltaic cells were created in the 1950s. Since then, technology has been improving, and the efficiency of modern photovoltaic cells has increased immensely, making solar power a viable option. If you are considering getting mobile solar generators, here is everything you need to know. What Are Mobile Solar Generators? Most solar generators are static, which means they do not move. However, there are mobile ones that you can transport to any location and use if there is enough sunlight. These items are common with people who love camping, RV camping, and boats, and they come in a variety of sizes. They are also popular for use in infrastructure projects, agriculture, and even remote communities. Mobile solar power generators have a bank of photovoltaic cells. These cells turn sunlight into energy, which can then be stored in batteries. This type of power generator is handy for your next outdoor adventure. What Do You Need for Mobile Solar Generators? When you are looking to purchase or make mobile solar generators, four components make the device, which are: Solar Panels An Investor A Solar Charge Controller Solar Batteries The solar panels and batteries are the parts of this device that can vary in quality. You will want to select the most efficient solar panels you can afford and high-quality batteries to store your electricity. How Do They Work? You first need to transport your system to where you want to set it up and then assemble the solar panels. The solar panels collect energy from the sun, which is converted to a Direct Current (DC), and it is then passed through the solar charge controller. The controller regulates the voltage of the electricity when charging the battery, where you store the power to be used later. When ready to use the energy collected from your solar panels, the inverter converts the DC power into AC (Alternating Current), which most electrical appliances use. The Pros & Cons of Mobile Solar Power There are a lot of benefits to using solar power, but there are some drawbacks as well. One of the best things about solar power is that it is 100% clean and renewable energy that you are using, and there are no fuels to burn, which will create pollution. They are also relatively simple to maintain, and the biggest task will be to clean the solar panels and ensure that they are running at maximum efficiency. There are some cons to solar power as well. The biggest one is that there is a significant upfront cost required to purchase the equipment you will need. You are also limited to the amount of power you can store, depending on the size and efficiency of your batteries. The charging process is also slow. The expense of solar technology can pay for itself in a short time, so it is worthwhile to invest in. You will have the luxury of being able to use your electrical devices wherever you go, safe in the knowledge that you are doing your part for the environment. How Mobile Solar Generators are Good for Digital Nomads As a digital nomad, one of the things you will love about this lifestyle is that you will have all the freedom to work from wherever you may be. That said, it can be challenging to stay connected or keep your devices charged, and that is where mobile solar generators come into play with an easy eco-friendly solution. Whether you’re working in a coffee shop or camping in the wilderness, mobile solar generators will keep your devices charged. Here’s how. On-the-Go Power Mobile solar generators are lightweight and compact, so you can take them with you on the road. No matter if you’re driving in a van or RV or backpacking around the world, your generator comes with you to power your mobile office no matter where you set it up. Minimize Digital Nomad As a digital nomad you can minimize your carbon footprint by using the sun as your source of energy, instead of relying on fossil fuels. Most of us tend to be living a sustainable and minimalist lifestyle already, so this suits us well! The initial investment for a mobile solar generator may seem high, but it pays for itself over time. With the sun as its fuel source, you save on fuel costs. Additionally, many nations provide tax credits or reimbursements on renewable energy usage. Quiet Operation Traditional generators can make a lot of noise, which isn’t necessarily something you want in a quiet, natural environment as a digital nomad. Mobile solar generators don’t produce any noise pollution. So, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings without a constant drone running a petrol engine. Independence from the Grid Modern mobile solar generators are equipped with advanced batteries that store energy efficiently. This means you can have a consistent power supply even on cloudy days or at night. Many models also offer multiple output options, including USB ports, AC outlets, and DC carports, to charge various devices simultaneously. Since you don’t need electricity to generate more electricity with these gas-free solar generators; you are not chained to the local electricity grid. Especially when it takes weeks for electrical companies to get everything up and running again. Yes, it’ll not affect you at all. Read Also: The Benefits of Solar Lighting in a Nutshell 10 Steps To Take To Set Up Solar Panels At Home What You Should Know About Solar Energy for Schools Benefits What Are Solar Incentives? Prepare Your Solar Panels for the Fall

What Are Renewable Sources And How To Introduce Your Household

In the face of exhaustion of so many natural resources and ever-increasing pollution some of them cause, the need has arisen for renewable and less aggressive sources of energy. You must have heard of so many alternatives to fossil fuels which, unlike them, can be regenerated or replenished. If you are environmentally conscious or trying to become so, you are probably thinking about introducing some of those alternative resources, at least partially, since any decrease in CO2 emission or electricity usage is helpful to the planet. Numerous tech companies are attempting to introduce these technologies into our everyday lives like https://www.streetlights-solar.com/solar-street-lighting.html. Here is a brief overview of the most popular and most convenient renewable energy sources. The most popular ones are biomass, geothermal, wind, solar and water. They are all very useful and applicable in the industry, however not all of them can be easily introduced in your household, so here some more info about that, too. Solar Energy Systems Photovoltaic (solar) systems have become the most widely spread renewable source of energy in households. Solar modules turn solar energy into electricity. They can be used to provide electricity, heating and hot water. These photovoltaic modules, better known as solar panels, have no movable parts, so they’re quite reliable and don’t require much maintenance. The most common way they are made is a group of photovoltaic cells in order to reach a size and electrical output which makes it viable and usable. They are really practical and suitable to use both in rural and urban areas because they don’t take up too much space, they don’t make any noise and aren’t heavy. Once installed, these devices are completely independent of the electrical grid and can power the devices that are connected to them. There are several types of photovoltaic cells, so always contact solar energy experts for help before you make a decision which ones to install. Solar panels come in different sizes, from 2 to 350 Wp electricity output, but the most widely sold and used sizes are from 160 to 240 Wp. Photovoltaic modules are either stand-alone, usually installed in a frame, free-standing or on a roof, or most often integrated into the building itself. Wind Generators I’m sure you’ve all seen those huge wind turbines beside the road, but did you know you can actually have a wind generator at home? Wind turbines normally use horizontal axis with propeller-like blades, but wind more aerodynamic wind generators and the ones with the vertical axis are also being developed in order to try and overcome the problem of noise in urban usage. They are less efficient than the horizontal axis turbines but offer a compromise which can bring them to the urban households. Household wind generators are normally used to charge the battery bank for stand-alone electricity systems. They are usually installed in distant, semi-rural locations in order to optimize the output potential. Wind generators for domestic use are usually sized from about 300W to as high as 20kW. It is necessary to assess the location’s potential before choosing the size. Combination of wind and solar systems is ideal for the whole year-round, as the photovoltaic panels are the best in the summer, and wind generators are the most efficient in winter. Small Hydro Generators These generators are the least frequent domestic source of renewable energy as they operate by converting the flowing water energy to electricity and locations with sufficient source of the flowing water energy are incredibly difficult to find. Again, just like with the two previous systems, it is necessary to consults the experts assess the potential of hydro system site. Despite the apparent difficulties, more and more people are opting to use some degree of renewable energies in a bid to combat the worst of climate change and global warming. Read More: Grow These Flowering Plants In Your Home Garden To Remove Vastu Related Problems Additional Ways To Keep Your Home Warm Five Efficient Uses Of Propane In Your Home 5 Good Luck Plants That Deserves A Place In Your Home

Ready Rooftops – How to Install Solar Panels