What Is Solar Power?
Solar energy is a clean and renewable power source. It's one of the most sustainable existing energy sources and is far less prone to power outages than fossil fuel energy sources. By using solar power, you can reduce fossil fuel demand and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
As long as your panels face direct sunlight during the day, they'll produce power. Utilizing solar energy can not only cut carbon emissions but may also provide financial incentives, including lower utility bills. Since energy is gleaned from the sun's infinite power source, it's often far cheaper than conventional electricity sources. Some homeowners might earn credit if their panels produce more energy than they need. Additionally, homeowners in certain areas may enjoy tax incentives or receive a percentage of the panel installation fee back as a refund.
You might be concerned about solar panel costs and installation fees. Not all homeowners want giant, expensive solar panels. Many want solar options that are easy to install and affordable. Luckily, such options exist. These include portable solar panels, solar panel kits and off-grid panels. Off-grid solar panels can harness enough power to supply energy for your entire home, while portable solar panels are better for on-the-go solar power usage.
Small Solar Panels
Large rooftop solar panels are much more expensive than small solar panels — they can take decades to completely pay off — and can only be installed by professionals. In contrast, small solar panel kits are less expensive, easier to handle and can be installed by most homeowners. Many of them are also portable. They're an ideal option if you're going on a camping trip, only want to power a few devices, don't want to rely on battery usage or want to travel light. Other small panels can be installed on any level surface on your property with unobstructed access to sunlight, which is fantastic if you want plenty of power without depending on an electrical grid.
In general, small solar panel kits offer many different options and cater to a diverse population of homeowners. If you're not ready for conventional, technician-installed solar panels, look for a convenient small solar panel kit that will provide you with the power you need without breaking the bank.
Portable Solar Panels
Seeking a lower-maintenance solar power option? Then consider purchasing portable solar panels. Panel sizes range from a couple of inches to a few feet, offering a range of convenience for users. Whether you only want to power your phone or seek to power multiple devices, these options are perfect for those who are mainly interested in the convenience of portability. Remember that there are no portable solar panels big or powerful enough to provide energy for a mid-sized or large home.
The Best Solar Panels for Your Home
Before you commit to solar panels, understand what to expect from their installation. Regardless of the size of your solar panels, ensure that they'll have access to plenty of direct sunlight. If your locale doesn't provide enough sun, you may not be able to rely on your solar panels on an everyday basis. However, this may be irrelevant if you purchase small solar panels specifically for travel. Solar panels can't produce power all day. Most geographical locations experience twelve hours of sunlight at most. After that, you'll have to rely upon stored power in a battery or draw energy from the grid if you have a grid-tie system.
Large Solar Panels
If you're looking for an energy source option to power your entire home, then you might be better off with large solar panels. Keep in mind that most solar panel installation companies will not allow homeowners to install fewer panels than the number required to power their entire home, which leads to inflexible installation costs.
Regardless of their limitations, large solar panels are very powerful energy sources. They can also increase the value of your property, which will pay off if and when you decide to sell your home.
Solar Panel Kits
Solar panel kits provide solar energy without the need for expensive technicians and installation fees. Even homeowners who aren't too familiar with home improvement projects can install panels and access solar power for their homes.
These kits feature portable, fixed and off-grid solar panels. As opposed to grid-tie solar panels, off-grid solar panels aren't connected to the utility grid. Instead, they provide energy from the power stored in their battery bank. Keep in mind that they must also be powerful enough to power your entire home. In this case, you won't be able to supplement inadequate solar energy output with fossil fuel energy, as you might with conventional large solar panels.
Modernize Your Home With Solar Energy
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for good reason. But you may be hesitant about incorporating solar panels into your home life due to cost, commitment or other factors. Luckily, there are plenty of different solar energy options that let you enjoy clean power from the sun.