| Residential solar kits have found their niche with | | | | appropriate kit will vary depending on budget, space, |
| energy costs and demand for sources of efficient, | | | | power needs, and sun light available to be converted |
| green energy on the rise. Several manufacturers of | | | | into electricity. The grid-tie inverter is needed to change |
| solar power systems, such as Kyocera and First Solar, | | | | the DC electricity from the panels into the AC |
| have found a growing demand for residential | | | | electricity we use in our homes. This is then stored in |
| installations. Solar technology is continually advancing, | | | | the battery, so the system can supply energy in times |
| becoming cheaper and more efficient, and home solar | | | | of low light. Wiring to connect the entire system is also |
| kits are becoming more readily available and | | | | often included. Solar kits, after installation, are usually |
| affordable. | | | | expandable, additional or more efficient panels and |
| Residential solar kits can range from small, | | | | larger batteries can be integrated as desired. |
| complementary systems designed to reduce energy | | | | Generators can also be added, switching on when |
| costs, to larger systems that include greater power | | | | battery power is low, making it possible to power |
| output and storage capacity. Generators can be | | | | homes away from the commercial power grid. |
| added to automatically switch power on and off as | | | | When considering the installation of a solar kit, it is |
| the need arises. Homeowners can choose to supply | | | | important to take into account energy requirements |
| power to a specific area of their home, perhaps a | | | | and personal budget. Only individuals who are |
| garage or small workshop, or to invest in a larger kit | | | | experienced in working with electrical systems should |
| that could power an entire house. Solar kits can also | | | | attempt self-installation. As with any use of outside |
| be used as charging stations for electric or hybrid | | | | labor, it is recommended to obtain multiple quotes, |
| vehicles, essentially eliminating the owners' carbon | | | | preferably those with previous solar installation |
| footprint. | | | | experience. |
| The main advantage of the residential solar kit is its | | | | The benefits of installing a solar kit are many. In the US, |
| convenience and ease-of-use. Generally, a kit includes | | | | tax-breaks, grants, and incentives can lower base |
| all of the essential equipment to suit the user's specific | | | | costs dramatically. From those of us trying to do our |
| needs. The typical residential solar kit includes a set of | | | | part in reducing pollution and erasing our carbon |
| PV (photovoltaic) panels, power inverter, charge | | | | footprint, to those that simply need to chip away at |
| controller and battery, although individual kits vary. The | | | | some expenses, solar energy is an exciting solution. |