Have you thought about taking your house off the grid and running it off the energy from the sun’s rays?

Making the switch to a solar power house doesn’t have to be some pipe dream you have for when you get rich. It is more accessible (and necessary) than ever. Today, we are going to look at why and how to start powering a house with solar panels.

Let’s look at the myths and separate them from the facts. Read ahead to more about how to bring your house into the 21st century.

Separating Fact from Fiction

Can you run your house on solar power? Can solar panels power a house or are they just a waste of money?

Let’s look at some of the myths surrounding solar.

Too Complicated

You might have the idea that there is no way you could imagine yourself living in solar power housing. Maybe it seems ‘too new’. However, this technology has been around for decades and only has improved.

The truth is, solar panel installation is relatively quick but requires climbing on the roof and the use of special tools. Your best bet is to let the pros take care of it, but your panels will be up and running with no time.

Too Expensive

Technically speaking, solar power is free in the sense that you can’t be charged for the sun’s rays that hit your house if you own the solar panels.

However, a solar-powered house will have a higher upfront cost. This is because you need to factor in the price of the installation. Some companies might offer free installation to lease their equipment, but be aware that they might charge you for the energy their panels produce.

How to Convert to a Solar Power House

When we say going off the grid, we don’t mean turning off the GPS on your phone and using a fake name. Of course, we are referring to the electrical grid.

Planning

Although anyone can get panels installed, it doesn’t mean that it is a decision that should be taken lightly.

The efficiency and practicality of solar energy are greater in some regions than others. Also, take into consideration the current state of your electrical system. It may be more expensive to convert an old, dilapidated system to solar.

From the Sun to Your Living Room

Most people choose to have the panels installed on the roof of their garages, houses,  back yards, or in a different location altogether. If you’re conscious about the appearance, you can consider solar shingles.

The panels catch solar rays and convert to DC power, which is then transformed into AC power by an inverter. AC, or alternating current, is what powers just about everything in our homes.

Inclement Weather

You may have wondered what happens during rainy days or, more importantly, at night?

Since the amount of power being generated is often less than what is being used, your system can store excess energy. Like a battery backup, this is then used for power when the sun isn’t out.

Water Heating

An item of major expenditure on our electric bill is from heating water for showers, wash machines, etc. 

You should configure your solar panels to heat your water as well. A solar-powered water heater requires a significant initial investment but is cheaper in the long run.

Getting Lit With Solar Power

Sunlight is necessary for life on Earth. Ancients civilizations knew this and even worshipped the Sun. 

Today, we can harness its rays and convert our home into a solar power house.

Do you want to harness renewable energy or continue to depend on the grid? Check out the blog for more articles about solar and other types of energy.