A recent study by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) found that solar installations increased by 30% in 2021. This growth is largely due to falling prices and increasing awareness of the benefits of solar energy.
If you’re thinking of installing solar panels in your home, it’s a good time to do so. One way to make the most of your solar setup is by using solar accessories. These are items that can help you optimize your system and get the most out of your investment.
Here are three examples:
1. A Solar Inverter
A solar inverter will convert your solar panels’ direct current (DC) output into alternating current (AC). This is the power you’ll use in your home for appliances, lights, and other electronics.
There are different types of solar inverters. One is string inverters. Solar power companies use these for large solar installations. Their major downside is that they are inefficient.
The other type is microinverters, which are more expensive. Your installer will attach these to each solar panel in residential solar setups. Microinverters are more efficient and have a longer lifespan than centralized inverters.
The final type of inverters is power optimizers. Solar energy companies will install these inverters on each panel if you opt for them. The inverters will optimize the output of direct current for each PV module.
2. Solar Batteries
Solar batteries will store the power generated by your solar panels so that you can use it at night or during a power outage.
If you live in an area with frequent power outages, solar batteries can be a lifesaver. They’ll keep your lights and appliances on until power from the electric grid is available. Your solar power company will recommend batteries if you want your solar system to be more reliable.
You’ll need solar batteries if you have an off-the-grid or hybrid solar system. However, you will need more batteries for the off-the-grid system because it cannot fall back on the grid if you have less energy.
3. Solar Panels
Solar panels will be the major element in your solar setup. Without these, you’ll have no way of producing electricity from solar energy. Solar panels are made of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
The number of solar panels you’ll need will depend on your energy needs and the amount of space available for installation.
If you’re not sure how many solar panels to purchase, a solar company like Blue Raven can help you calculate this. Check out this solar service locations list to see whether you can get the company’s services in your area.
When shopping for solar panels, you’ll come across different types. One is monocrystalline solar panels. These panels are made from a single silicon crystal.
You can recognize monocrystalline panels by their dark look. The panels are more efficient than other types, but they are more expensive.
The other popular type is polycrystalline solar panels. These panels are made from multiple silicon crystals and are less efficient than monocrystalline panels.
You need to know that polycrystalline panels are less heat tolerant. This means they’ll be less efficient if you intend to use them in an area with high temperatures. However, they’re also less expensive.
Get the Most Crucial Solar Accessories to Complete Your Solar Setup
Solar accessories can help you get the most out of your solar setup. If you’re considering transitioning to solar energy, remember to add these accessories to your list of must-haves for a successful solar installation. They’ll help you optimize your system and make the most of the sun’s energy.
