Solar Power – Residential Solar Power Systems – How Do You Pick the Right Contractor?

So, you’ve seen the many residential solar power systems out there, and you want one for your home? How do you choose who to install it for you? There are at least two things you must do before you settle on a contractor to do the solar power system install. If you do these things, you’ll help ensure you’re making the best choice. Would you like to know what to do prior to deciding on a contractor to install?

OK, first you’ll need to find a list, or make a list, of all the contracting companies who can install residential solar power systems. You need to have a list of many different providers, so you can be sure you’ve got something to compare against. This also protects you in the sense that you will get the most out of your investment: you want to know what each will give you for your money. Is one company running specials on installs? What about warranty information?

After you have this comprehensive list of companies that will be chosen from, then you’ll have to do research on the particular company. Narrow the field to 3 or so companies at most. Look online for reviews from customers, and pay attention to the negative comments to see if there’s a pattern. You don’t want just anyone installing residential solar power systems in your home. Check the forums online for these unbiased opinions.

You also should check your company out with the Better Business Bureau. Be sure your chosen company hasn’t had complaints from people who said they couldn’t install a solar panel. This is vital, as you don’t want them in your home making the same mistakes. Keep searching and you’ll find one.

Another thing you want to check is to simply contact the companies you’re thinking of using, and just ask them your questions. Be sure that they communicate well, and that they show you they’re reputable. You want good customer service. Don’t deal with those who won’t bother with your questions.

After you’ve done all of this research, you should be in a better position to make an intelligent decision on who should be in your home installing the residential solar power systems. Don’t just rush in without heavy consideration, take the proper amount of time to do the research needed. This way you can be sure that you’re making the best decision in getting your solar power system installed.

To get all your questions answered about Powering Your Home With Solar Energy, visit Solar Panel Homes and claim your free Special Report. See more articles by Jeff Yuan at Sun Powered Homes

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4 Steps To Convert Solar Power Into Electrical Energy

Solar power is free energy given by the sun to the earth. Recently, with the growth of demand for renewable energy that is clean and environment friendly. Many countries have invested their resources on the production of useful electricity from solar power as the alternative and future replacement for current fossil fuel energy.

Solar panels that are commonly made from silicon, convert the sunlight into electricity. The conversion of solar power into electrical energy basically involves 4 basic steps. These steps are:

Step #1: Solar panel for sunlight absorption

Set-up the solar panels at a sunny location. There are three common types of solar panel array mountings: fixed, adjustable or tracking solar panel mounts that you can choose to mount the solar panels. Mounting the panel on the tracking mount provides the best energy efficiency because the solar panels can move with the sun from east to west and they can make declination with the sun on seasonal changes throughout the year.

Step #2: Solar charge controller for power regulation

The solar panel is connected to a solar charge controller. The main function of a charge controller is to regulate the power and to fully charge the battery without overcharge it and it prevents the reverse current flow at night when the charging process is stopped. You should follow the instructions that come with the controller unit for properly and safely installation.

Step #3: Deep-cycle battery for power storage

Connect the solar charge controller to the posts of a deep-cycle battery. The battery will start the charging process whenever there is sunlight if the battery is not full. The solar charge controller in step 2 will prevent the battery from overcharged. Once the battery is fully charged, the regulator will stop the charging process and the charging process will be restarted whenever the power indicator detects the battery is not at the full-charged level and there is sunlight shines onto the solar panels.

Step #4: DC-AC power inverter – to power AC home appliances

The power generated by the deep-cycle battery is a 12-volt DC voltage, so you have to convert it to AC current in order to support most home appliances t
1000
hat run on AC power. Therefore, you will need a power inverter to take-in the DC power from battery and convert it to an AC power for supporting the AC devices.

Tips & Warning

There are many types of power inverters in the market. Every inverter has printed the maximum voltage and current output. You have to choose an inverter with the right rating to support your home devices. Check the devices you intend to plug into the inverter and ensure they are not exceeded the maximum capability of the inverter.

Summary

The process of generating electrical energy from solar power starts with the sunlight collection by the solar panels and it follows the above 4 basic steps to convert the sunlight into useful and free electrical energy for home uses.

By: Dave Stilman

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Dave Stillman reviews various Home Energy Guides at www.wind-solar-power.info. Read his reviews before you buy any of these guides. Find the best step-by-step on how you can convert the Solar Power To Electrical Energy at low cost from Dave’s resources.

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