Solar panels have been rapidly decreasing in cost to the point that putting up an installation is feasible for more homeowners than ever. A large part of the installation cost nowadays is labor. Those who have a bit of skill with carpentry, or can hire their own labor, have the option to go with DIY solar in California. Solar panels do require correct installation in order to maximize their capability to collect the sun’s rays, but it’s not impossible to achieve when doing it yourself.
The way in which a solar panel system functions is relatively simple. The first step is to determine the best angle for collection of the sun’s rays, which can be done with an online calculator. From there, it’s getting the panels onto the roof, then setting them at the predetermined angle on mounts. DIY solar in California for a residence is best done on the side of the roof with southern exposure for maximum sunlight. When using angled mounts, the solar panels are going to be obvious, and may be deemed unsightly. It is possible to use flush mounts that put the panels along the angle of the roof, but the panels are not going to be as efficient. However, it may be that a loss of efficiency isn’t as big of a concern as appearances.
Once the panels are installed and wired in the proper sequence, the wiring then comes down into the house. An inverter is used to change the power from direct current, which is how the panels create energy, into alternating current for the household. It’s possible to get an inverter that connects to the grid, sending excess power to the electric company, or to a battery bank. The batteries used are deep cycle batteries connected in a series. When something in the household demands power during the evening, the power is drawn from the batteries instead of the power grid.
Having a solar system installed and functioning means that the household no longer needs to rely on the electric company for power. Instead, when peak energy hours roll around, the solar system supplies the power instead of the utility, saving money in the long run.
