One of the best things you can do is invest in solar power for your home. Not only does it put less strain on the environment, but the sun is not going to send you a bill for the energy you use. So, while the equipment to harvest solar energy is going to require an initial investment. You will never have to put down money for the sun, or at least not for the next 5 billion years.

But this article is not going to focus on the benefits of using solar power in your home, seeing as these are pretty obvious. Instead, it will look at how to use solar power in your home. For those who are just learning about solar power, all the rumors and information can be a little overwhelming. So, let’s break it down to basics and help you get your solar array installed.

Decide How Much Solar Energy You Want

The first thing you want to think about is how much solar energy you plan on using. This is a crucial question because it speaks to the type of array you ultimately get installed. Here are some basics about the two common systems homeowners typically choose between.

• Grid-Tied:

With a grid-tied system, your home remains connected with the power grid. However, you also have a solar array that provides a degree of energy depending on capability. For example, homeowners like to use solar power throughout the day. Then they switch to grid power at night, or if cloudy days hinder solar energy harvesting. You can consider a grid-tied system as having the best of both worlds.

• Off-The-Grid

When you go off the grid, your solar array is powerful enough to cover your maximum energy needs. You will also have a battery bank for storing energy that is not used throughout the day. The stored energy can be used during the night. And while you can’t tap into grid power, you are not vulnerable to blackouts.

How To Choose?

Solar arrays are incredibly versatile in terms of choosing one for your particular situation. In this case, you first decide if you want to depend on solar entirely, or do you want to supplement the energy you use from the grid. Once you decide, it is a matter of purchasing enough panels and a strong enough inverter.

What Does The Inverter Do?

Energy collected by solar panels needs to be converted from DC to AC. Otherwise, you will not be able to use this renewable energy inside your home. Hence the reason for installing an inverter. The inverter is responsible for making this conversion happen.

Buy Quality Equipment

For the most part, solar panels can harvest solar energy for up to twenty years or more. But they lose efficiency over time. Just like the battery bank and the inverter. If you want to get the most out of your investment, buy quality equipment that will stay effective for longer.

Consider Adding A Battery Bank

It is not mandatory to have a battery bank when you install a solar array. But it can be very useful if you like the idea of using solar at night as well. There are many different types to choose from and they typically last several years.

Do Not Worry Too Much About Maintenance

Finally, don’t worry too much about maintenance. Solar panels do not have any moving parts. So, it’s a matter of keeping the panels clean and checking the health of the inverter. Other than that, you can just enjoy the free energy you get.

And this concludes this basic guide on how to use solar power in your home. See? it’s not as complex as you thought.