5 Easy Steps to Solar Power Design

Essentially, there are five basic steps to planning a solar power design.  From this article you will learn how to reduce the amount of energy you use, determine how much electrical energy you require daily, choose the system that is right for you, determine the size of the system you need, and choose what components to use everything you need to know to plan your solar power design. 

Step 1: Reduce Your Energy Consumption

Since, if you are considering a solar power design, your ultimate goal is probably to save on your energy costs and to protect the environment, the first step is to reduce the amount of energy you are currently using. 

CLICK HERE FOR EASY DIY SOLAR PANEL PLANS

One of the best ways to do this is to add more insulation to your house.  The best place to focus is usually the attic, as attics are typically under-insulated, and this is where you typically lose the most heat.  If you are considering building a home, remember to consider the position of the sun at all times of day and year in relation to your new house. 

For most people, the cost of running a water heater accounts for at least 13% of the electricity bill.  Great ways to reduce your energy consumption include lowering your water heater's thermostat, insulating your heater and hot water pipes, and using less hot water in general. 

Using fluorescent light bulbs will reduce the amount of energy it takes to light your house by about 70%.  Also, these days energy efficient products are all the rage; replacing old appliances with newer, more efficient ones will greatly reduce the amount of electricity you use. 

You have probably heard this all of your life turn appliances like computers, televisions, and DVD players off when you are not using them and it is truly good advice when it comes to energy conservation.  Also, remember to unplug chargers and adaptor when they are not in use. 

Step 2: Calculate How Much Energy You Use

Many DIY energy-reduction guides found online, like Earth4Energy, and elsewhere have formulas for calculating how much energy you will need in a given day.  Knowing your usage will be very helpful in the steps that follow. 

Step 3: Decide What System Is Right for You

Step 3 is deciding whether you want your system connected to the utility power lines in your area.  If so, you are setting up a grid-intertie system.  Otherwise, it is an off-grid system.  With an off-grid system, supplementing your solar power with grid-based power can be tricky, and you cannot sell any excess electricity you happen to produce back to the electric company.  Nonetheless, an off-grid solar power design can be easier to set up.

Step 4: Determine the Size of Your Prospective System

To do this, it is best to use a grid-size calculator, which can be found on the Internet.  These calculator's determine the size of your solar system by taking into consideration your energy consumption and the way you plan to use your system

Step 5: Seek Help Choosing Components

This step usually requires help from an expert picking out your racks and mounts, disconnects, charge controllers, batteries, cables, and inverters.  It is important unless you are an expert on all of these components that you seek help. 

Following these five steps and using the DIY solar power design guides reviewed on this site, you will have everything you need to get your solar powered system up and running and start saving cash and helping the environment.