Buying a Solar Energy Kit

Many people want to change over to using solar energy to save on their power bills and to do their bit to save the earth from the harmful effects of greenhouse gases. As getting a solar energy system installed professionally is expensive, you could consider installing it on your own. This is quite a painless affair as solar energy kits are readily available in the market. However, you need to do your homework properly to ensure that you get the right kit for your needs and from the right manufacturer.

Some Things to Look Out For

Firstly, you need to check out the energy needs of your home. The size of the solar kit you purchase also depends on whether you are converting entirely to solar energy or only partially. If you intend to convert only partially, figure out the quantum at which you will be most comfortable.

Next, check out the after sales support and services availability of your solar kit. Choose a supplier who is willing to come on the phone in case you are stuck in spite of the instruction manual and e-mailed help.

You also need to check out your home to see if can support a solar energy kit. Does your house face the sun? Are there trees and buildings surrounding your house that block the sun? What is the average out door temperature in your area? You need answers to these questions before you can start on your solar power project.

Also, ensure that you have a back up or alternative source of power for rainy days and nights. Inverters and rechargeable batteries are readily available in the market. However, take an expert along to ensure that you get the best deal for your money.

Solar kits are available in a wide range of voltages and amperages. This partially explains the price differences between kits. You will have to calculate the base voltage and ampere each kit gives per $10 to get a fair idea of the price. Even then, it is not advisable to simply opt for the cheapest kit – choose a supplier who has already established some amount of goodwill in the market. Ask neighbors who have already installed a solar kit who their supplier is and how they rate them on service quality.

Many well-known companies too have now entered this market with their own solar energy kits. These start at as low as $50. The total cost, however, of installing a solar panel works out to $200.

Solar kits as you can see for yourself are very affordable. All you need is a couple of days and the willingness to put it together into a viable electricity system.

Most kits are well designed and come with clear instructions. Kits can include just the basics or come with extras such as batteries, controls, fuse panels, and a mounting rack, and installation modules.

The instructions are usually a step by step set, which are easy to follow. In case you have any difficulty following the instructions, you should be able to contact a company representative who can guide you through the tricky parts.

Before installing your solar generator, perhaps even before you get the kit, check if your roof can stand the additional weight of the solar panels. If not, find an alternative location for your solar panel. The power inverter too needs to be placed in a safe location as it emits electromagnetic radiation. Leave enough space around your panel for future upgradation projects.

Remember that the government offers subsidies for using solar power. Factor this in when you calculate the cost of your kit and the savings you will make from lower electricity bills. This will show you how soon you can expect the system to pay for it self and this in turn will help you decide the component of solar power you will use in your home.

If you are building a new house, it is best to install a solar power system now. The additional modifications you need to make are very small and will come at negligible cost. You will soon be able to recoup these costs.

There are bad apples in the solar energy business too. So be aware of them. For instance if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Some scams introduce `free’ solar kits to you. These are not free in the truest sense of the word.

When you are comparing prices, make sure you are comparing like with like. Some kits include wiring, some do not. Check out these details before you start comparing prices.

Some companies advertise shade tolerant solar panels. This is clearly incorrect as no solar panel works in the shade.

Ask for quality certificates, warranties, and buy back guarantees if the product does not work. This will eliminate low quality products from your list of potential suppliers.

Understand what you are buying. In case you have doubts do not let the salesperson brush these aside. Insist that the doubts be cleared. After all this is a new technology and something that is developing each day. You are entitled to ask questions. Do not succumb to high pressure tactics to close the sale before you have made up your mind.

In comparison to professionally installed solar panels, the do it yourself kind gives one immense satisfaction. They also come at a fraction of the cost of the professionally installed energy system. This is a good way to spend the weekend if you are handy with tools and want to save a couple of hundred dollars or more over the weekend. The amount you save depends on the size of your kit and the electricity it can generate. This last factor depends on the location of your home and the amount of sunlight it receives. In any case this do it yourself project can be a fun way to spend time outdoors in the sun and save some money too in the bargain.