Should I
Buy a Component or Packaged System?
If quality is not an issue, buying a package simplifies the process. The system is designed by a company that probably has one outstanding solar product coupled with quality accessories to make the package price competitive. The package should be efficient and convenient. Installation may be easier and warranty issues are resolved by one agent. This works for a lot of people. On the other hand, will a package perform as well as an all-star team of components made by world-class manufactures that work together to provide a first-class system? If installing product that is best-rated, most efficient, and highly appropriate in meeting your individualized needs, purchasing components is by far your best bet.
If quality is not an issue, buying a package simplifies the process. The system is designed by a company that probably has one outstanding solar product coupled with quality accessories to make the package price competitive. The package should be efficient and convenient. Installation may be easier and warranty issues are resolved by one agent. This works for a lot of people. On the other hand, will a package perform as well as an all-star team of components made by world-class manufactures that work together to provide a first-class system? If installing product that is best-rated, most efficient, and highly appropriate in meeting your individualized needs, purchasing components is by far your best bet.
Should I
or a Solar Design Professional Size My System?
Ideally, you should. The skills and knowledge acquired in doing so provides you a good understanding of living with solar. Sizing is all about determining the amount of power required to make solar work, the amount of time it's used, and location. In theory you control all three variables, but in reality you control only two. Unless you move to sunny Arizona, you're stuck with the amount of energy the sun makes available at your location.
If you're not confident in your work, perhaps a solar design professional should be retained. However, they are few and far between.
Your first step however, might want to be to Google a few topics inherent to solar. Your searches will provide a wealth of ideas and information from which you can begin to research.
Ideally, you should. The skills and knowledge acquired in doing so provides you a good understanding of living with solar. Sizing is all about determining the amount of power required to make solar work, the amount of time it's used, and location. In theory you control all three variables, but in reality you control only two. Unless you move to sunny Arizona, you're stuck with the amount of energy the sun makes available at your location.
If you're not confident in your work, perhaps a solar design professional should be retained. However, they are few and far between.
Your first step however, might want to be to Google a few topics inherent to solar. Your searches will provide a wealth of ideas and information from which you can begin to research.
Is It
Safe for Me to Install My Solar-Electric
System?
Absolutely, if you're physically fit, mentally alert, good at problem-solving, and don't mind getting your hands dirty.
Installation is what makes solar living so enjoyable. If you follow directions to a "T", read a book or two about solar installation, join others with similar goals, the sense of accomplishment is the reward for a job well done. However, do not attempt to do the job without all the jurisdiction permits. Also, by law, it's necessary for a licensed electrician to sign off on the job before you flip the switch. Also, if you're installing a grid-intertie, the local utility has a lot of compliance requirements. Check them out.
Absolutely, if you're physically fit, mentally alert, good at problem-solving, and don't mind getting your hands dirty.
Installation is what makes solar living so enjoyable. If you follow directions to a "T", read a book or two about solar installation, join others with similar goals, the sense of accomplishment is the reward for a job well done. However, do not attempt to do the job without all the jurisdiction permits. Also, by law, it's necessary for a licensed electrician to sign off on the job before you flip the switch. Also, if you're installing a grid-intertie, the local utility has a lot of compliance requirements. Check them out.
Solar and Wind Thoughts
I Can't
Afford to Spend $15,000 on a Solar System. What Can
I Do to Live Green?
This question is on the minds of a lot of people. It boils down to priorities. Do I want to commit to solar living and do I want to commit to making payments on money borrowed that buys and installs my solar equipment?
We all have our financial pie and it's divided according to our wants and needs. Buying a solar system for your home is not high on your list because it's new. However, once you see the advantages of solar living, you'll gain more interest and eventually make a purchase, most likely using credit.
Money is really not the issue, it's what's important to you. Is there anything else in this world that pays for itself, helps reduce your local utility bill, increases your home value, and smiles at the sun every day of the year?
Talk with us. We'll help you find a way.
This question is on the minds of a lot of people. It boils down to priorities. Do I want to commit to solar living and do I want to commit to making payments on money borrowed that buys and installs my solar equipment?
We all have our financial pie and it's divided according to our wants and needs. Buying a solar system for your home is not high on your list because it's new. However, once you see the advantages of solar living, you'll gain more interest and eventually make a purchase, most likely using credit.
Money is really not the issue, it's what's important to you. Is there anything else in this world that pays for itself, helps reduce your local utility bill, increases your home value, and smiles at the sun every day of the year?
Talk with us. We'll help you find a way.