Solar Energy For Homes

Which of the available systems of solar energy for homes will you use?

We've put together information to help you make the right choice of home solar energy system.

We have been discussing the first of the three main systems and now move on to

On this page: Grid-Tied Plus Battery Solar Energy for Homes Advantages  Disadvantages

the second:

• Grid-Tied Systems

• Grid-Tied with Battery Backup

• Off-Grid Solar Power Systems

Grid-Tied System with Battery Backup

Grid Tied with Battery Backup systems are very useful in areas with frequent power failures. Provided there is ample sunshine, these home solar energy systems give the customer of running on solar power backed up by batteries even when the local energy grid is down.

Although more costly because they use batteries, the Grid-Tied systems with battery backup are also more flexible.

Solar Energy For Homes - Advantages of Grid-Tied with Battery Back-up Systems:

• Backup Power: Even if the weather is bad, these systems can be providing you electric during power outages, something that a basic Grid-Tied system without batteries cannot do.

• Power Management: Flexibility is one of the pluses of this home solar energy system. You can manage your power consumption, adapting it to your needs, and also control the production and storage of power.

• Possible Recuperation of Extra Cost: Depending on the utility company's policy, the cost of the batteries can sometimes make up for the rate 'gap', meaning it is worthwhile to store the excess electricity you produce as opposed to selling it back to the utility.

Solar Energy For Homes - Disadvantages of the Grid-Tied with Battery Back-up Systems:

• They are more Complex: Because of adding at least several batteries as well as the wiring and added electrical components for charging, etc, increased system complexity means more is involved..
  

• Higher Cost: Batteries are not cheap and you will need to purchase components to charge the batteries and use the power. That means you could spend up to twice as much for this home solar energy system as a simple Grid-Tied system without batteries.
  
  

  The Secrets of DIY Solar Power Revealed: How solar panels make electricity How to use a multi-tester device Basic electronics concepts and practices How to solder correctly Everything you need to know about batteries How charge controllers work How inverters work Panel mounting and fabrication Sun tracking and why you should use it System estimation and design concepts Tax incentives and rebates System payout System maintenance

  
  
  
  

• More Maintenance: Batteries require regular fluid check, corrosion cleaning, and replacement every 5-10 years.
  

• Less Efficiency: You will be using power from your solar energy for home to charge your batteries. About 15% of the power coming out of your solar array will be lost.
  

• Environmental Concerns: The manufacturing and disposal of batteries involves chemicals and metals that most eco-minded consumers would rather avoid. Hopefully, technology will be coming up with better components in the near future.

Next we will be discussing solar energy for homes using the Off-Grid Homes system. Click here.

Go Back to the simple Grid-Tied system.

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