Fossil fuels are finite, and that’s a fact. In fact, from our current standpoint, there are very and imminently finite.
Now, while everyone is aware that we will have to do something in the near future, everyone is expecting someone else to take action. People either hope that the government will step in big time or that a major power company will suddenly switch to renewable energy. This way, the power will come to their homes the same way (without them having to make an effort). Only it will stem from a cleaner source.
This idea is idealist, convenient, and, frankly, hypocritical. If you really want this positive change, you should be the one to see it through. Here’s how you can incorporate solar power into your building plan and do just that.
Integrating solar power into your home
The system of solar power is pretty simple:
- The sun generates DC electricity in your solar panels.
- The DC electricity is converted to 240 V in your solar inverter.
- Your appliances can use 240 V.
That’s really all there is to it.
So, with that in mind, it’s clear that you need solar panels, a solar inverter, and a battery that can store all the power that you’re not currently using.
When we start with solar panels, they are usually mounted on the roof. This is important for several reasons. First, they’re unlikely to be shaded and utilize space normally not used for anything else. At best, other than protecting your home from rain (which it does even with solar panels), your roof serves a decorative function, at best.
This can also be a problem because many people don’t like how solar panels look on their roofs. However, modern solar panels look sleek, and with some roofing materials, they can even seem like a natural fit.
The most important part of this installation is ensuring that your roof structure is strong enough to support the added weight of these solar panels.
You also need special conditions for your battery. It must be out of direct sunlight or rain and in a structure with proper fire hazard safety. In other words, you can’t just improvise a wooden shed.
In general, you can’t just “wing it.” You need to have a proper solar audit done on your home before you even consider incorporating solar power into your home.
Taking full advantage of your location
Some people believe that moving into a region where there’s no heating season means that they’ll save a small fortune. This can be true until you realize how much money you spend on your AC.
Before you assume that we’re presenting this as a no-win scenario, nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is that warmer regions have one massive advantage – a greater number of sunny days and a longer average daily duration of sunlight. In other words, they’re just perfect for solar power.
For instance, if you buy a house in Boynton Beach and install solar panels on top of it, they can pay off in as little as six years. This is a huge improvement over the period where you would have to wait 15 years for your solar panel to pay itself off.
In other words, here, you can create a scenario where your relocation to a tropical region is not just for convenience but also an ethical migration.
Being independent
Last year, we had one of the biggest energy-shortage frights in history. People were buying power generators and barrels of gas for their homes (even with those prices), and everything went pretty berserk. People who have their homes running on solar power were not as scared.
We may have dodged a bullet last year but don’t look at this as a save but rather an early warning. Sure, living in a hyperconnected world is the most convenient way to handle issues, but being independent is more reliable.
Even the gas shortage has a solution in solar power. Let’s say, for instance, that you have a powerful solar power system on your roof, a charging station at home, and an efficient electric car. In this scenario, you’re also producing your own gas (so to speak).
Batteries are increasingly impressive, so you can now take full advantage of every second of sunlight available. If you exceed this storage capacity, some utility companies allow you to sell the excess power you produce back to the system. In other words, you’re no longer a zero-energy home; you’re in a net positive.
Positive societal impact
Another thing you need to keep in mind is the importance is the idea of installing solar panels is contagious. What this means is that if you install solar panels on your rooftop, the probability that one of your neighbors will follow suit skyrockets.
This can cause a domino effect since more homes with solar panels create even greater (positive) societal pressure. By being the first to install solar panels in your neighborhood, you can kickstart an energy-friendly revolution in the area, which is a huge thing on its own.
This way, you’re not just being the change you want to see in the world but also encouraging others and leading by example.
Wrap up
Ultimately, research is everything when you decide to incorporate solar power into your building plan. First, do the calculation of what kind of ROI you can expect. Second, contact professionals to audit your home, so you are positive it is doable. Finally, don’t focus on the difficult part. Focus on the payoff and everything you stand to gain from the project. This will get you through it quite effectively.
