Solar energy is one of the most popular forms of renewable energy and it’s becoming more and more common for buildings to have solar panels installed. This is in response to the global demand for renewable energy sources in the face of a serious climate change crisis.
Solar energy can be harnessed using solar panels also known as photovoltaic panels. These panels contain
If you’re thinking of getting solar panels installed on your building, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure your building is suitable for solar panels. Second, you need to find a reputable company to install the panels. And third, you need to be prepared for the cost.
When it comes to compatibility with the building, it’s mainly buildings with flat roofs that are most suitable for solar panel installation. This is because the panels can easily be placed without much need for special anchoring tools. Flat roofs also give the panels the most optimal exposure to the overhead sunshine.
When it comes to the condition of the roof, the roof on which the panels are to be placed must be in good and sound condition. This is because not only do the panels have some weight that needs to be supported, their installation and maintenance involve hands-on technicians climbing onto the roof and inspecting the panels. The roof has to have a sound roof cover and a well-maintained inner roof structure to handle the weight.
One also has to consider the costs of installation and maintenance and ensure that they fit within one’s budget. Such costs involve mainly material and labor costs.
Installation process;
The first step is the choice of position of the panels. The position of the panels should be such that it maximizes their exposure to the sun’s rays. The best position is often the roof which has no obstacles blocking the sun’s rays. A flat roof is preferable since it has better exposure to sun’s rays, especially in the middle of the day when they are most intense.
The next step is the preliminary assembly of the parts of the panel before they are taken onto their position.
The third step involves the installation and final assembly of the panels. This is where anchoring tools are used to firmly hold the panels in place. The rest of the parts like the battery are also connected.
The final step is connecting the panel to the house’s already existing wiring. The connection depends on whether the solar energy is to be used solely or complemented by another form of energy.
Pros and cons;
Pros;
Cost savings; The primary advantage of solar energy as an alternative energy source is that it cuts expenditures and reliance on other sources of energy like hydro or thermal electricity. Unlike those other sources of energy where one is charged per unit of energy consumed, solar energy comes from an endless source of solar power which is the sun. This significantly reduces one’s power bills or cuts them down to the cost of maintenance of the panels.
Sustainability; From an environmentalist point of view, solar panels are an ideal substitute for the less eco-friendly energy production options that are mostly based on non-renewable and environmentally degrading fossil fuels. Reliance on solar energy is a step in the right direction in the fight against climate change.
Control; Reliance on solar energy gives property owners control over their access to energy. Unlike other forms of energy that are sold to households by big companies that control the energy supply, for solar panels, the energy source is under your control. Thus a user isn’t affected by things like large-scale power outages.
Cons;
Costs; Setting up and maintaining solar panels comes at a cost and such costs tend to be high initial investments in terms of equipment and labor. Aside from the solar panels, one needs to also purchase a battery to store the energy as well as accessories like anchoring tools.
Burglary; Solar panels are usually left outside, in most cases on the roof. This leaves them at risk of theft and loss.
Limited power; Compared to alternative energy sources, solar panels generally generate less power in terms of watts. This implies that their utility is limited to small-scale residentials but inapplicable for industrial uses and production.
Stress on the roof; The weight from the panels as well as the installation and maintenance crew can damage the roof, especially where the roof is made up of a soft roof cover or an old and worn-out roof structure.
Conclusion
Having that basic understanding of solar panels help guide a house owner into making a decision of installing them on one’s property. One has to consider the installation process, weigh the pros and cons, then consider factors like the compatibility of the building, the condition of the roof as well as the budget available for the project.