Solar Kits For a Better Life

Green technology, green housekeeping, and energy efficiency are all popular catch phrases at the moment. We have all heard about improving the efficiency of our homes and the smart grid but what many people don’t realize is that they can actually purchase a solar kit for their home. While not cheap they are reasonable priced over the long term.

If you have made strides to reduce your carbon footprint and improve the energy efficiency of your home you are headed in the right direction. Problem is that you will get to a point diminishing returns. When you hit this wall the best thing to consider is generating your own electricity. You have a couple of choices so I will explain why a solar kit is the way to go.

KISS

The old acronym, keep it simple stupid. This will come up again so I won’t say too much here, except that this method of generating electricity is amazingly simple. There are no moving parts, very little maintenance, and the solar kit manufactures spell out everything you need to know. You can even get on numerous websites and calculate the required electric load for your home. If you have a good place to put solar panels, as most people do own a roof with some southern exposure you are set.

More KISS

Told you it would come up again. This time I want to mention that most companies selling solar kits will also supply a load of set up support. It may be in the form of videos, downloads, or a detailed installation guide. Most companies will also provide a setup hotline for additional questions.

Set up of the system itself is fairly simple. Making roof penetrations and tying together different lines are the most complex steps you will have to take. If you have any electrical or construction experience you will most likely have not problem. Once connected you will need to connect the power supply to an inverter to change the electricity from DC to AC so that it is usable for your home.

At this point you will still be wired into the grid, most people choose to stay this way because of the lack of consistent sunlight and the possible necessity that they may need to pull from the grid. You have the added benefit of providing electricity to the utility company and actually turning your meter backwards. Utilities will insist that they make the connection to the grid.

A Kit is a Kit

They put it together for you. This is technical stuff and chances are that you have not done this before. You will not be able to foresee all of the hardware and accessories that you will need. Let the experts assemble the kit and tell you how to do it. Turn key projects usually go much more smoothly than attempting to go it alone.

Competition

This is a huge fast growing business with major competition. If you do your research and buy from a reputable company chances are you will get a product that far surpasses your expectations. The will make it as user friendly as possible and include all relevant installation instructions. Many companies are going as far as selling homemade solar panel kits.

Legalities

Building in general is a heavily regulated activity, add electrical generation on top of that and you have a situation in which you could very well have a difficult time obtaining permits, especially if you are a do-it-yourself. Most solar kits will be able to smooth this process because they have delt with it numerous times in various parts of the country. The know how to negotiate the system and will be able to help. They will be able to provide detailed schematics, plans, and other required documentation.

Any Way You Want It

Everyone is different and has different wants and needs. Having the ability to customize your solar kit is important. Most companies will be happy to help you put together a system that meets your needs.

Expandable

One of the great things about solar kits is that you don’t have to do it all now. It is easy to add on to a kit later and most are build with this in mind. Solar is expensive so having the ability to add on over time can help insulate you from feeling the cost all at once. Your energy demands tend to change over time as families grow and people add more electronics to their house hold.

Rebates and Tax Cuts

Alternative energy is heavily subsidized at the moment. It won’t be for ever so you might as well take advantage of the opportunity. State and federal programs vary but it is possible to get much of your system paid for by the government. Check with your local tax office for information or do research through the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) it is a great resource for finding the answers you need.

Solar kits are the way of the future and a way you can make a difference right now.