Solar Energy
Why Solar?
Getting solar panels can lessen your energy bill … IF you’ve done all the rest. Once you’ve insulated your house against heat loss or gain, and once you’ve done something to stop the incoming or outgoing heat transfer through your windows, solar energy makes more sense. In fact, getting a “back-up” battery installed in your garage can be a life-saver, especially if you need electricity just about all of the time.
Battery?
Sure. I chose to have a battery installed – it is in my garage – attached to my solar panels. It is designated to support 4 “outlets” in my house in case of a loss of electricity. Think about it. We lose electricity when there are fires, when it’s too hot for the electric company to adequately service an area, when something has happened to a nearby transformer (for example: accidents), when the electric company is doing maintenance, and so on and so forth.
I have panels on the west facing slope of my roof (the front) and I have panels on the east facing slope (the back). The pitch of my roof (fairly steep) allows the back part to catch early morning rays. Not all roofs are built the same, so be sure to check with any company you decide to use for installation on whether or not having panels face east is a good idea. It isn’t always the case.
More on the battery
I had to rearrange my garage in order to fit the battery in. It needed to be installed close to (almost exactly on the opposite side of) the electrical box which was on the outside of the garage. That meant I had to remove the previously installed garage cabinets for that area. (Yikes!)
Once that was done, there was plenty of empty wall space for the battery and its components to fit. During the process of installation, I chose 4 “outlets” – the garage freezer, the refrigerator and two regular outlets that would allow me to recharge phones and tablets, and run a microwave or a fan, etc.
How would YOU use the battery’s electricity in a black out? Medical equipment, like electric scooters/wheelchairs, inhalers/oxygen delivery, beds and chairs that assist with movement of people, and even continued use of a television. Some people ensure they’ll be able to use the garage door! There are many reasons why you might NEED electricity during a power outage.
The days have only gotten hotter and hotter and even if I have to find cooler shelter in an emergency when my house becomes a sweatshop, I am guaranteed that I won’t lose certain things! It’s a bit of piece of mind.
Here, you can see the tool bench for the cabinet area. It’s the only thing that’s left of the cabinets on that wall. The installer has gotten up the frame for the battery and is working on the battery’s extra pieces and parts.
Both electrical technicians are now finalizing the battery. It has to meet all County and Electrical standards so these gents are highly trained! The lines in the electrical box outside are connected to the battery and the battery is then programmed to serve its purpose.
Word to the Wise:
Not all solar companies offer a back-up battery. If you really want a battery, be sure to ask any sales people who come calling. I used Horizon Solar Power.