Solar energy is one of the simplest and cleanest energy sources to be found on the planet. Yet there there are still a number of precautions to take before households can install and fully enjoy the benefits. Although these parts of the world are mostly a solar gold mine, geographically speaking, certain aspects must be given consideration. Here are a few items to look out for before carrying out an installation.
Roof condition, direction and shade
Since the sun is your most prized asset in solar energy, you need as much sunlight as possible. Therefore, the roof should be open to sun rays for most if not all hours of the day, and for most days in the year. So if you have tall tree barriers you may want to cut them down. Also a house near a taller building is a real problem for solar. Additionally, solar installations are long term and so any due repairs on the roof should be done before installation to avoid further expenses down the line. Roof direction also matters with the North-South orientation having more advantage because it receives sunlight uniformly throughout the day.
Know your consumption rate?
The average household uses 200 kilowatt hours of power per month according to Africa Check. Knowing your consumption helps you to determine the capacity of solar panel that you will need. Although this may be a little complex procedure, solar installation companies like chloride exide provide such pre-installation surveys.
Which kind of solar makes sense for your house?
There are basically two types of solar solutions to choose from depending on which areas of your energy consumption you need to subsidise. If your major concern is lighting, you can contemplate photovoltaic cells which convert sunlight into electricity by use of cells but if your main focus is heating then you will need to look at solar water heaters which commonly use thermal energy from the sun to heat water in the collector tank. Depending on your energy priorities, you may select what suits you best. A good place to start is following this link to the chloride exide shop.
Can you trust your installer?
Who installs your solar panel is also an important factor. It helps to get a certified technician to do the installation properly. Acquiring solar panels can be a substantial investment and a substandard installation may not make it count. Many people wonder who will do the plumbing and electric works without messing up or overcharging them for substandard work.
The answer lies in getting professional with the installation. Chloride exide offers free site assessment and estimate, based on your current plumbing, number of people in your home and structure of your roof. In addition, they have certified and experienced technicians to do proper installation with annual after sales contract service arrangements. The advantage in having a trustworthy installer is that you are insulated if anything goes wrong since they usually have warranties.
Financial arrangements
Getting a solar panel installation can be an expensive financial exercise for many households. It is imperative to have a solid financial plan for the acquisition, installation and maintenance of the system. The best way may be to pay off once and for all but there are options for everyone. For instance, chloride exide has partnered with KCB and HFC banks to offer a flexible payment plan which can be negotiated. So you don’t have to brake your back raising the entire amount all at once.
Warranties and Maintenance
Warranties act as a protective cushion against faulty or impairment of equipment without adding to your costs. Different manufacturers offer different incentives but the bottom line is that you need to get equipment from a manufacturer or supplier who offers a warranty. Chloride exide for instance, offer a manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years and stock quality spares to keep the systems running perfectly beyond the stated warranty period. The buyer should also know how to get maintenance for example spare parts if they get to need them.
