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Retrofitting Solar Power in Residential Homes
How Much Available Space Do You Have?The amount of space needed for solar panels depends on how much energy you need. A good location for producing solar power should be easily accessible and have unobstructed access to sunlight. For established homes and yards, such a premium area may or may not be available. The amount of open space will determine the maximum number of solar panels that you can install. For most dwellings, the roof or a south or west facing wall of a home, garage or shed is the best places for unobstructed access to the afternoon sun (peak energy production occurs when the sun is highest in the sky). Try to avoid locations where shadows from trees or fences will block the sun during parts of the day when peak power will be generated. A shadow cast upon only a portion of a solar panel will drastically reduce the efficiency of the unit. In most cases, roofs are the ideal location for solar panels as they are unhindered by trees and not easily damaged by children’s toys and soccer balls. But even if the roof is a candidate, the pitch may not be ideal to align the panels directly with the sun. Solar panels work most efficiently when positioned perpendicular to the incoming sunlight. Unlike large solar power generating stations which automatically rotate panels to follow the sun, these aligning mechanisms are too costly for residential use. An ideal roof pitch for stationary solar roof tiles depends on where you’re located in relation to the equator and the time of year that you want to produce maximum power. As a rule of thumb, a good pitch would be your latitude + 10 degrees. If your roof pitch is not ideal, then you can build a wood frame to correct the angle. This may be difficult and awkward on a roof but easier for a ground installation. Since you’ll be enjoying solar power for years to come, ensure the supporting structure fits with the aesthetics of your yard and neighborhood. How Much Power Do You Need?The maximum available area of your roof or yard will limit the amount of solar energy produced. If this isn't enough power, then first try to implement some energy-conserving techniques such as new energy-efficient appliances. If your energy needs still exceed this capacity, then your other option is to find more area for additional solar panels. Required EquipmentYou can power your equipment directly from the solar panels, as long as it can use 12 V direct current (DC). DC electricity will be produced only during daylight hours and whenever the skies are clear. Use a charge controller to maximize current output and check to see if your equipment can tolerate unfiltered DC current that has variable current and voltage output (10V 18V). If you need uninterrupted power, then you’ll also need a battery bank, inverter and possibly a transfer switch. This equipment can be located outside but should not be exposed to severe cold temperatures (batteries hold less charge when cold). The battery banks require good ventilation as deep-cycle batteries release small amounts of hydrogen gas when recharging. Plan for the FutureIt’s best not to install more solar panels than needed. Additional panels will produce more electricity and charge the battery bank faster, but once the batteries are fully charged, the charge controller will electrically disconnect the load to ensure they will not be damaged from overcharging. The extra current will be wasted. Use your system for a complete season to determine how it performs through the different seasons. Keep the panels clean of accumulated dust and debris to ensure it operates at peak power production. If your power needs grow, you’ll still have the option of retrofitting solar power into the remaining space.
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