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Many companies and families are transitioning to solar power energy for their homes and buildings, and with good reason. There is a long list of benefits to using solar energy for your home's power, including cost savings, environmental health, and convenience. Many more people want to join the movement by installing solar power systems into their own homes. Unfortunately, a great number of people have the desire to transition to solar power, but they are unsure of where to start. This article will help to point you in the right direction and map out the general process of installing a solar power system in Seattle. How it Works Before you install a solar power system, it is important to know the basics of how it functions. Solar cells, which you may have seen before on the roofs of buildings, are semiconductors made of many materials, such as silicon. When sunlight strikes a solar cell (even on a cloudy day), a chemical reaction occurs in which electrons are released. This generates an electric current powerful enough to be absorbed into the system and converted into useful energy for your home. Energy is also stored in your system so that your home still has plenty of power when the sun goes down, too. System Components A solar power system consists of 6 main components: - A group of solar cells (also known as solar panels)
- A battery or multiple batteries
- A charge regulator (for a stand-alone system)
- An inverter, which converts solar energy to useable energy
- Wiring
- Mounting hardware
Because there are many components, it is important that an educated professional handles the installation of your system. If you lack experience in this field, it is very easy to make an error that could branch out and cause multiple errors, and it may be difficult to diagnose where the original problem began. To avoid this completely, hire a professional from the very beginning. If you install a system yourself and something goes wrong, you will need to hire someone to fix it. Maintenance Solar power systems have very few moving parts, so they require very little maintenance. That’s a benefit that attracts many homeowners and business owners. As long as your system is installed properly, it should last you up to 30 years. Simply ensure that the panels are always exposed, and if you ever have any concerns, contact a professional contractor to check it out right away. Solar power systems are designed to meet durability standards to withstand the elements all year long and in many different climates. Location and Size The location of your solar panels should be on your roof, which has direct sunlight during the majority of the day. Shade can significantly reduce the amount of solar energy that is absorbed and should be avoided as much as possible. Find a portion of your roof that gets plenty of sun, and that is all that is needed for the placement of your solar panels. The size of panels you’ll need depends largely upon 3 factors: How much energy you want to generate, how much heat or water you use, and how much money you want to invest. Because size requirements are different for everybody, it is recommended that you contact a contractor for your future solar power system in Seattle. Professionals will be able to answer any questions you may have about size and cost when you discuss with them your wants and needs. Be sure to find an experienced contractor in your area with satisfactory customer service and a reasonable warranty policy for your installation, and you will fall in love with your solar power system.
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