How to get the Best out of a Solar Power System

If the cost of running everyday appliances is eating into your pockets, then you may want to look at solar power systems to save you from the bulging utility bills. However, if you go to the market or simply do a search online for pre installed solar energy systems, then you will be shocked at the exorbitant price tags.

Nonetheless, the solution is simple and effective if you choose to build it yourself and take some steps from your side

• DIY (Do It Yourself) Solar Kits are available online that have all the information ranging from what to buy as well as how to build the same. While the instruction is easy for a person to follow, you will still need the help of a solar system expert to guide towards meeting your home’s energy requirement by building the appropriate solar power systems.
• The most expensive component in active solar power systems is the solar panel array. While new ones can cost you a lot, it will be wise to look for second hand panels on EBay. If you can buy the requisite panel this way, then you solar energy systems’ cost could be slashed to almost half of the initial costs.
• Another very useful place to look for affordable solar panels is factory auctions. Every now and then, factories dish out their old panels (they are also called solar bricks) through auctions. Here, you can get them for cheap including other connecting components like meters, batteries etc for very low prices. Better still, you can buy more than one panel and keep the other for later use in case of emergency repairs.
• Now, the installation of solar energy systems is all about cutting utility costs. So, it will be wise to do an audit of the energy usage before you actually install the system. For this, you will need to take a look at the areas that are eating out the maximum electricity when observed over a month’s time.  The first place is to look at your TVs, DVD players, set top boxes etc. These are phantom loads that draw power even when they are de-activated.
• Look to replace your lighting with different solar power systems. For example, there are next generation solar powered LEDs that you can install for the outside area. These systems store the energy during the day and use it to light up Low pored high intensity LEDs in the night.
• Finally, look to install direct gain passive solar energy systems for your heating and cooling needs. Passive systems tend to store the heat energy in thermal mass like concrete and specially constructed bricklayers. This heat energy can also be gained from isolated systems like rooftop ponds and greenhouses.