Solar energy is yet another ecologically renewable power in a natural form that will help you save expenses for electricity and reduce carbon emissions. However, the process of installation of a solar power system may become really complicated when you know little about all of its components and how they relate to each other.
In a bid to address this, there are some manufacturers who now make solar panel kits that contain pre-assembled packages of equipment that encompass everything one may require in their starter quest of making solar power. They install more easily and lead to saving on time and costs as there is no need for continued comparison of various components.
In this discourse, we are going to explain what solar panel kits are, what they contain, the types that there are, and how you can determine the one that is perfectly appropriate for your home. We will also explore the advantages and disadvantages of having such a kit installed while giving advice on making the most use out of it.
What Are Solar Power Kits?
A typical set of solar energy kits includes two main components, which involve the solar panels and an inverter. Solar panels refer to those devices designed to collect sunlight and convert it into direct current electricity. An inverter has been defined as a machine whose role is to alter direct current electricity into alternating current electricity (AC), being the conventional standard applied in running most appliances and devices.
Depending on your preferences and requirements, you'll probably still need to consider installing a solar battery, some wiring, and mounting tools, plus an appropriate solar charge controller. A solar battery is a type of appliance used to reserve any amount of excess solar energy that one can use at any other time later. A solar charge controller is that kind of device functioning to check both the battery voltage and current while in and out of the solar panels. Wiring and mounting equipment are the parts that link and fasten the components of the solar panel kit.
Components of a Solar Panel Kit
Just the plain installation of solar panels does not simply harness the power of the sun. You would also need a series of parts that, when added together, take in, store, change, and dispense solar energy to your home or RV.
The parts that come with a kit for solar panels:
- Solar collectors: Devices that actually capture sunlight and turn it into direct current. Most common include monocrystalline and polycrystalline along with some variations, each having a set of distinctive advantages and disadvantages. The collectors should be those of leading manufacturers known for maintaining high quality as well as long durability with a warranty.
- Solar battery: This is a type of cell that stores excess or surplus solar energy to be used later. If you will be using it as a full off-grid or backup system, then certainly go for one that features deep-cycle capabilities. Other important factors are type, size, voltage, and capacity of the battery.
- Inverter: This device is used for conversion purposes; the direct current produced by solar panels or that flowing from the battery would be converted into alternating current-which is practical with most appliances and devices. You will need an inverter which can handle power output from your solar system, have higher efficiencies, along with a few reliability and safety-related features.
- Cables: These refer to the wires used in joining components within the solar panel kit. You need cables that are compatible with voltage, giving the current flowing through the system and possessing adequate insulation besides protection. Equally, you have to keenly follow the instructions while drawing the cables and grounding them in order to avert hazards or losses.
- Mounting hardware: This comprises components used to connect the solar panels into the roof, ground, or any other surface it will be placed on. You need one that is able to cope with harsh weather conditions and environmental extremities at your installation site. By that, you must as well conform to requirements governing installation to have your system safe and solid.
Types of Solar Panel Kits
These come in many shapes and sizes, depending on what one would want to use them for and where they will be mounted. There are three broad categories of solar panel kits:
- Rigid solar panel kits: This is the most common and robust type of solar panel kit. It comprises very rigid, flat, heavy panels designed for permanent installations in a house's roof and other large, flat surfaces. Therefore, this type of kit is very efficient and has the highest performance level among all the panel types. Nevertheless, they also cost much during purchase and fixation and transport. They are not well adapted to curve or uneven surfaces or for a portable application.
- Portable solar panel kits: This is the handiest and most flexible kind of solar panel kit. They have folded and lightweight portable solar panels ideal for movement. It is also the cheapest and easiest to install and carry around among the various types of solar panels. However, it is the least efficient and performs worst, being able to do no more than power very low wattage appliances and devices.
- Flexible Solar Panel Kits: Flexible solar panel kits are the most innovative latest developable efficiency of solar panels. There are thin and flexible adaptations with adaptable photovoltaic cells or solar panels that can easily adapt to curves or even a shape that is irregular. They make for an excellent option for inflexible installations on small homes, vehicles, or boats. More rugged are they versus portable solar panels but less rugged versus rigid solar panels and less energy-efficient too. They are also costlier and more difficult to install than portable solar panels but cheaper and easier to set up than rigid solar panels.
Factors to Consider Before Installing Solar Kits
Here are the basics to keep in mind while selecting a solar panel kit:
- Types: Monocrystalline collectors are efficient but expensive. On the other hand, polycrystalline panels are inefficient and cheaper. Amorphous panels are the least efficient and cheapest.
- Roof type: Steep roofs don't give an easy installation base. Flat roofs are easy to install. Check your roof's condition and orientation.
- Energy consumption: Use a solar calculator to approximate energy use. Do the price and features comparisons among various kits.
- Sun-hours and Climate: Check on your place solar radiation map and local weather. Think of all possible factors that may hinder or cover the sunlight.
- Cost vs. Time: Your calculations must include initial cost and recurring expenditure in its case. Benefits like saving on electricity bills, income from the generated energy by selling it back to the grid. Compare cost vs. time for several kits.
- Warranties: Check warranty terms of service. Choose a kit coming with a comprehensive warranty from a good source.
What Size Solar Kit Do I Need for My House?
One of the most basic of things to consider before you buy a solar panel kit would be its size. The size of your solar panel kit should be quantified against how much quantity of electricity consumed, space available to place them, and also the solar irradiation available. It has to be such that you are able to meet the requirements of loads without wastage of huge money or resources.
Let us illustrate with two examples of solar panel kits from an industry leader brand:
BLUETTI PV350 Solar Panel Kit
It has an incredible power output of 350W, with an impressive 21% conversion efficiency. It is easy to set up and fold, coming with a kickstand. This means it is splash-proof in design and can even connect to BLUETTI AC180/AC200P/AC200MAX/AC300/AC500/EP500Pro power stations. Best for small to medium-sized homes using around 1.5 kWh per day, with an estimation of peak sun-hours availability of 4 hours daily.
BLUETTI PV420 Solar Panel
It is a 420W solar panel kit with 23.4% high conversion efficiency. It is also foldable and comes with good durability and longevity. Besides, it's perfectly used with BLUETTI Power Stations like AC200P, AC200MAX, AC300, AC500, and EP500Pro. This solar kit is suitable for larger to medium-sized home applications with peak-sun-hour insolation of about 5 hrs/day and daily electrical loads of about 2 kWh.
Is It Worth to Install Solar Panel Kits?
Yes, they are worth it when properly installed. The solar panel kits shall reduce bills, improve property value, create clean energy, and provide backup power. Still, some disadvantages include them being expensive; they require care and are prone to certain weather and seasonal conditions as well as to technical troubles where professional needs to be sought out for fixing.
Final Thoughts
Solar panel kits offer a perfect way to harvest sun power for your house in the most ecological way, and they are able to save an abundant amount on electrical energy expenses, raise property value, and cut carbon.
However, solar panel kits are not something tailor-made to fit all. Before you go ahead to buy and subsequently place the purchase into installation, it's important that some considerations about your own system are put into place, such as which type, size, price, warranty of the purchase, the structure of the roof, sun exposure of your region, use of energy, and local climate.
You should undertake serious studies and compare available kits in order to be certain that you have found the right one for your house, so that you can begin enjoying solar energy.
