With everyone being concerned about the environment, turning to renewable sources of energy has become a popular choice for many. Those seeking to bring solar energy to Vancouver houses can directly install photovoltaic panels to help power homes. Homes with access to solar energy can save on power bills and have an always-ready back-up source of electricity.
Before you begin counting how much you can save, however, you have to make sure that your home can handle solar panels.
Is Your Home Ready?
The biggest factor in checking whether a house is ready for solar panels is space. The ideal situation is to have a large, flat south-facing roof. This maximizes the amount of light that the solar panels can be exposed to. It would even be better if the roof was completely flat instead of sloped.
Other directional orientations can still be effective, but they may not be as efficient. If you don’t have space on your roof, then you may have other places on your property where you can place the panels. The main requirements are to have 260 square feet of clear space and an area that is not in the shade, or obstructed by trees or buildings, so direct sunlight always falls on it.
You will also need space inside your home. This is for the inverter, which converts the direct current produced by solar panels into useable alternating current. Around five by three feet of space will be required. If you do have the space, you’re free to install solar panels above your Vancouver home with the help of companies like Terratek Energy Inc.
Installation and Maintenance
Professional services are needed in solar panel installation because wiring up the panels and ensuring proper placement would require skill and experience. Depending on how many panels you want to have installed, the process may take a day or two. Keep in mind that other considerations may likewise delay the installation.
For example, building codes need to be met, and a structural inspection has to be done if you’re planning to install the panels on your roof. This is to ensure that your roof can handle the weight. Completing the inspection could take weeks so you should plan for it.
Once the system has been installed, you’ll need to maintain it. Clean the panels every two weeks so they remain efficient in fully absorbing sunlight. Just direct a garden hose on them.
Don’t use cold water, though, since hot solar panels exposed to the cold will tend to crack. Furthermore, have the installer check on the inverter and wiring on a regular basis to ensure everything is in good condition.
(Source: Is Your Home Right for Solar Energy?, EcoLiving)