Tag Archives: Solar Controllers

Solar energy can help sell your home

Anyone who is trying to sell a house knows that some improvements like adding a new bathroom or a complete kitchen renovation may increase the value of a home however most people might not consider that an investment in solar panels or other renewable energy sources may be another positive investment in their home.

According to a study that was recently published by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), solar photovoltaic (PV) panels added on average between 3 percent and 4 percent to the value of a home. This study, which examined homes in California, suggests that homeowners might fully recover their costs of purchasing and installing solar panels when they sell their home. Since solar panels require very little maintenance and are becoming increasingly more affordable to buy and install, this is another way to increase the resale value and marketability of your home. Some of the most common installations in homes are for water heaters, pool heaters and outdoor lighting. As the technology improves and the cost of solar panels continues to drop, more and more homeowners (and potential buyers!) will be looking for solar energy systems for their homes.

Grounding Wire in Your Solar Energy System

As they become increasingly popular among both homeowners and businesses, solar energy systems are helping to create a world full with the possibilities of clean, renewable energy.

The efficiency, affordability, and environmentally friendliness of solar panels and accessories are a far cry from the costly, wasteful, and polluting methods of power generation traditionally used to secure energy for the booming population around the world. But this innovative technology is not without its perils, the foremost of which is the danger of electrical shock and related fires. This serious risk is easily mitigated by the practice of grounding a solar energy system. It’s easy, fast, and inexpensive, and in many places, including the United States, it’s required by NEC laws for most systems and applications.

To “ground” a given electrical system means that it is connected to the earth, which provides a shield between the power conductors and a person or separate object. The practice of grounding solar energy systems is important for a variety of reasons. Most modern systems are installed on rooftops and other similarly elevated spaces to achieve maximum sunlight exposure. While this positioning is optimal for efficient solar panel usage, it also exposes systems to electric wiring, antennae and satellite equipment, and telephone and cable systems which can be prone to breakage and hanging, especially in areas that experience turbulent weather. The common positioning also exposes systems to objects such as tree limbs and debris.

These objects, if brought into contact with a non-grounded solar energy system, can contribute to shortages and create a fire risk too dangerous to ignore. In addition to these accidents, non-grounded systems can cause electric shock when touched by humans and animals, especially those systems which carry a high voltage or are in their veteran years of use.

The process of grounding a solar energy system is a basic one; a “ground” or rod is driven into the earth, preferably at a depth of at least a foot or two, and a proper grounding wire is tied to it. This wire is then attached to the solar energy system, completing the barrier. It is important to note that the grounding set ups of AC and DC systems must absolutely be kept separate, and that excess grounding wire can become a hazard all its own.

With the proper length grounding wire, a simple rod, and a careful attention to detail, you can render your solar panel system both safe and reliable while complying with important regulations.

The post above is offered as an opinion. If you are installing a solar energy system, please consult an expert for exact instructions to protect yourself and your property. West Florida Components accepts no liability for you, your property or your solar system.

Solar Energy Systems – Are They Right For You?

Solar energy systems, once reserved for massive industrial and agricultural operations, have seen dramatic developments in efficacy and accessibility over the past few years, allowing business owners, building planners, and homeowners to incorporate these important pieces of green technology into their everyday lives.

Far from being a second-best energy option or merely comprising a fashionable way to power a space, solar energy systems present excellent solutions for entrepreneurs and consumers alike, and are great for the environment, too. But what are the main benefits of these systems, and why are people so excited about this rapidly evolving technology? The answers lie in the ability of solar energy systems to provide efficient power use at an affordable price, resulting in a better environment in our lifetime and for future generations.

Solar Power Controller

Solar Power Controller

As the mainstay of modern solar energy systems, solar panels have become a hot topic amidst the green community. These panels operate by collecting light radiation from the sun and converting it to electric energy, which we can in turn use for a variety of applications. But while many traditional means of acquiring electric power, including coal, water, and nuclear systems, create a significant amount of waste product during processing, and often absorb resources that could readily be used for other applications, solar energy systems with the use of solar panels are entirely efficient, wasting no materials while creating sufficient stores of energy.

But though a smoothly-operating system with great output and a lack of waste may seem to warrant high costs, solar energy systems are actually a very cost-effective way to power homes, buildings, and beyond.

A relatively simple set up consists of components that are easily affordable for both business and home owners. Many users who set up solar energy systems including solar panels find their initial investments recouped with remarkable speed, thanks to the alleviation of costly electric bills and related expenditures. Imagine saying “goodbye” to your monthly electric utility statement and never being shocked by a hiked rate again. It’s an ideal achieved by many through the installation of solar energy systems. And this advantage of price extends to the Earth itself, as well.

Our planet is ruthlessly taxed of its natural resources, providing modern civilization with a host of necessities and luxuries at a rapidly accelerating pace. In the quest to find and implement clean, sustainable sources of energy, solar panels and related technologies are leading the fight against the depletion of Earth’s bounty, and can deliver the promise of a green and healthy planet for people today, tomorrow, and into the next centuries.