Natural disasters and emergency situations are capturing countless headlines these days, placing them firmly in the forefront of our minds. How can you protect your family and prepare for the worst? It is important that you plan ahead and installing a solar power generator is an excellent and affordable way to ensure safety and sustainability.
What Is a Solar Power Generator?
Solar panels can be installed on your roof, against the exterior walls of your home or on sturdy stands in a field or large yard. These power generation systems use photovoltaic technology to create and capture energy from the sun's rays. Batteries and inverters store and transfer that energy into your house power system, allowing you to use electricity without being hooked into the main power grid.
A solar power generator usually has a larger battery or storage capacity, allowing access to power even in the dark. This is essential when the main power grid is down due to an emergency or disaster situation.
What Are Your Options?
There are various solar power generators on the market today. Portable solar panels with a battery pack can be transported from your home to a cottage, campsite or cabin. Convenient and dependable, these systems tend to offer around 1800 Watts of power - enough for the basic appliances.
Wired in generators are good permanent systems. These solar panels are installed on your house - either on the roof or walls. If you have a large property - such as a farm or acreage - you may be able to install the solar panels on sturdy metal frames. Tracker panels are useful in that type of installation. These units will move with the sun, capturing the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day.
Permanent systems can be wired into a secondary panel, switched on only when needed. These systems may also be used for every day power, allowing them to automatically take over when the main grid collapses. Some companies will also wire in your permanent solar power generator based on your personal specifications. This allows you to design an ideal set up for your family, customized to your preferences and requirements.
How To Decide Which Option Is Best For You
Consider the needs of your family first. Would you be more comfortable with a portable system that can be moved if necessary? This would also give you the ability to generate power in outlying areas, nice for camping and hunting trips.
Some families prefer a permanent system. They generally have a higher level of storage and generation, allowing more power to flow through your home. In some cases this excess power can be fed back into the grid. With careful planning your solar power system may be able to pay for itself.
Budget is the second consideration. Portable solar power generators are very reasonably priced. Expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000 dollars, depending on the size and design of the product. Portable systems have a wider variety of applications as well, increasing the overall value.
Permanent systems vary in price - from $5,000 to $20,000. There are many factors involved in determining the price, including your location, installation configurations, size and scope of the system.
In any case, be sure that the system is manufactured and distributed by a reputable company. There may be warranty issues and routine maintenance is unavoidable - investigating the reputation of the company ahead of time will pay huge dividends.
There may be grants and financing plans in place to help cover the initial costs of these systems. Research online and ask at your local government office to find out about their offers. Green energy is a growing industry and more organizations and governments are getting on board, encouraging homeowners and businesses to install these systems.
What To Do In Case of Emergency
Your solar power generator will come with directions for operation and maintenance. Be sure to read through these instructions carefully ahead of time. Train two or three people in your household to operate the system. And lay out a plan to decide when and how the system will be turned on.
Maintenance is a reality with this system. Solar panels need to be kept clean in order to be efficient. And all of the connections, wiring and batteries should be serviced on a regular basis to ensure reliability. The system should come with a maintenance schedule, including regular inspections and tasks.
Complimentary Plans and Systems
Solar power generators help your family to be prepared in the case of an emergency. These systems provide reliable power that allows your home to be self-sufficient. When the main grid is down your home will be warm, your food preserved and your safety more assured. But there are other ways you can equip your house in the event of a disaster or emergency.
Wood stoves are an excellent choice for alternative heat. With a supply of seasoned firewood your home can be kept comfortably warm all season long with an efficient and easily maintained wood stove. Pellet stoves are another option, although sourcing out the fuel may be more difficult.
Diesel, gasoline and propane-powered generators are another option to provide power when the grid is down. But these fuels will become precious and much sought after in the event of an emergency. Wouldn't you rather rely on solar power that is dependable and available everywhere?
Equipping your home with other sustainable systems - like a water well or energy efficient light bulbs - is also a good plan. Stocking your food supplies and keeping some cash on hand are wise. Remember to keep medications handy and provide sufficient power with your generator to run any necessary medical equipment.
Installing a solar power generator is a smart electricalinvestment that will provide dependable and sustainable power during a power outage. There are certain considerations to keep in mind, including what type of generator system is best, where to install it and how to implement its use in an emergency. Planning and research will help you make the best choices for your home and family.
Posted by: dianaSuggested Reading For You
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