Going Off the Grid
Going off the grid has become a popular choice for many people all over the world. Sustainability is important for our loved ones’ futures no matter where in the world you reside. With one of the highest solar radiation levels in the world, South Africa is perfect for solar-powered homes and businesses. Despite the initial solar investment being a hefty one, the cost of solar goes down every year making it more affordable to install. It is also a well-known fact that solar power can significantly help you reduce the running costs of your property.
Converting your home to solar may take some preparation and changes around the house. We share the most important ones in this article.
Info First
Solar jargon can be confusing. It is important to do as much research as you possibly can to school yourself on the topic. This is important because one of the first things you will need to do is find a reputable company that will help you convert your home. The more you know about solar, the better informed you will be to choose the right company.
Suitable for Solar
Solar works in most climates, but it is important to consider the environment where you will be installing your system. Large, shady trees surrounding your roof could be a problem as it will have a direct impact on the output of your panels. Your roof’s age and design also need to be taken into consideration. Solar panels can last for up to 25 years, so it is important to make sure that your roof can outlast your panels. Solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees.
Power Up
Now is a good time to figure out how much power you use. This will ultimately determine how many panels you will need to power up your home. Try your best to improve the energy efficiency of your home at first. This will help you reduce your energy consumption and you will ultimately be able to reduce the size of the energy system that needs to be installed and reduce the costs involved. Start with installing energy-efficient windows, using energy-efficient appliances and using environmentally friendly insulation.
Take the first steps towards solar and contact a specialist right here on HOMEMAKERS!
