The drive to create balance in the environment is not new. Yet, it’s only been recently that people are actually embracing this concept and want to know more about what they can do to help. Suddenly, carbon footprint, alternative sources of energy, renewable sources of energy and solar energy are becoming popular and mainstream subjects. So is solar PV installation.
What is Solar PV Installation?
To understand how it works, it is necessary to know what solar Photovoltaics (PV) are in the first place. Photovoltaics is an effective method of making and generating electrical energy into usable electricity by using semiconductors that have photovoltaic capability.
Photovoltaic power generation uses solar panels that are made up of many solar cells, each one containing photovolatic material. These could be silicon – monocrystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous. They also could be cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide or sulfide. Easy enough with solar panels explained.
It is good to note that at the present time, more than 100 countries have solar PV installation projects that are ongoing. These solar PV installations may be mounted on the ground or built and integrated into the roofs and walls of newer buildings.
It is interesting to note, too, that aside from the actual savings that a solar PV installation brings, one can also educate others about it. A lot of people are still on the fence about it, but are willing to try it, in fact embrace it, if they see someone do it first. First read our post on finding the right solar photovoltaic installers, then read on.
Tips on Proper Solar PV Installation:
- Direct exposure to sun is the best location for any solar PV installation. In fact, if you are installing your solar PV panels as free-standing and stand alone, you should make sure that the location gets the most sunlight and has the most constant sun exposure. If your solar PV panels are to be installed on the rooftop or side of building, then be aware of where and when sunlight is at its maximum strength. It’s been found that if the panels are facing south and are pitched at an ideal 30 degree angle, then they perform better than if they were mounted differntly.There are a lot of sun tracking devices in the market that you can use to help you determine the best location and the best position of your solar PV panels. Solar PV installation, for it to be successful, must be optimized to gather as much sunlight as possible.
- Remove all natural obstructions to your solar PV panels. Before you start your solar PV installation, survey the area and make sure that natural obstructions like leafy branches are trimmed and cut. This is true when installation is mounted on the roof or the side of a building. These obstructions will affect the efficiency of your unit and will greatly diminish its capacity.
- Put your solar PV panels to use. Install a water pump that’s solar driven. This way you have a good supply of water that is a direct product of your solar panels. It is also the best way to see if your solar panels are working properly and at what capacity.
What happens when you have excess capacity?
First, there are a lot of benefits in solar PV installation. Because of the governments push to “go green,” there are programs that will actually pay you for your effort! Also, if you produce more electricity than you can use, you can sell it back to the grid and get paid for it!
Solar PV installation will cost you out-of-pocket expense. But the long term benefits, in terms of cost savings and helping the environment are well worth it. Minimizing each individual’s carbon footprint will only be achieved if each one of us did his share. Solar PV installation is a great start in this direction.
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