Using Solar Energy as a Renewable Energy Source

For any installation, the optimum location for the solar panels would be on the south / southwest side of the roof or property. Although direct sunlight is not necessary for the panel to generate solar power, direct sunlight creates the highest form of power, which means that anything, such as trees or tall buildings that prevent direct sunlight from hitting the panels, will significantly affect the panels ability to provide its optimum output power.

One drawback with solar power as you go further north, is snow cover and short winter daylight hours. Solar panels that are installed on a home's roof will not be readily accessible for removing snowfall. This means the snow will have to melt on its own in order for the panels to resume creating power. Since sunlight can penetrate a few inches of snow, you still may get some minor power output, plus the sun's infrared light may also heat the panels slightly, accelerating the melting of the snow cover.

Ideally, you would mount the panels at ground level on racks that pivot to track the sun and that are at least two feet above anticipated slow levels for your area. This option does require you to have land and that the view to the south and west is somewhat unobstructed by trees or buildings, but it would provide the optimal solution for obtaining the highest level of performance from your solar power system.

Overall, you simply can't lose when you choose to install a solar power system. If you engineer the job properly and install the panels in a way where they will have the optimum exposure to the sun, you will generate your own power, while helping to reduce the worlds carbon footprint. If we could step 50 years into the future, it's very likely that we would see solar panels or solar roofing shingles being used exclusively on all new home construction and retrofitted on most existing homes. Solar power used to be a science fiction idea, then a NASA method of powering satellites, then an expensive toy for the rich and now, now it's a reasonably affordable alternative to generate power from an unlimited and totally green source.

SunWize Grid-Tie Systems - Complete, Engineered, Pre-Packaged Solar Photovoltaic Systems

SunWize Grid-Tie Systems contain top quality, UL listed components. SunWize Grid-Tie System packages allow you to choose from a multiple selection of solar modules matched with a variety of grid-tie inverters. Every component needed for a successful installation is included in the package. In addition to modules and inverters, each package includes SolarMount flush PV racks, and necessary hardware and electrical components. The installer supplies the wiring from the solar array to the main panel and roofing anchors. Packages also include complete documentation, an installation guide and operation/owners manual.

8000W Residential Grid Tie System, 40-200W Sanyo modules, IG Plus 7.5 Fronius Inverter

7200W Residential Grid Tie System, 36-200W Sanyo modules, IG Plus 7.5 Fronius Inverter

6000W Residential Grid Tie System, 30-200W Sanyo modules, IG Plus 6.0 Fronius Inverter

5000W Residential Grid Tie System, 25-200W Sanyo modules, IG Plus 5.0 Fronius Inverter

4000W Residential Grid Tie System, 20-200W Sanyo modules, IG Plus 3.8 Fronius Inverter

2800W Residential Grid Tie System, 14-200W Sanyo modules, IG Plus 3.0 Fronius Inverter

2400W Residential Grid Tie System, 12-200W Sanyo modules, IG3000 Fronius inverter

How To Make The Greenest Choices

Using Solar Energy as a Renewable Energy Source

Solar energy has some restrictions that can make it difficult to implement when restricted to just the amount of available rooftop space of a home, but it can provide significant high output power that may help overcome other concerns.

SunWize Grid-Tie Systems - Complete, Engineered, Pre-Packaged Solar Photovoltaic Systems