Is Your Site Suitable for Solar Panels?

<!– @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } –>

Solar energy is increasing in popularity, especially with the potential for rebates and tax incentives. The federal government is offering a 30 percent tax credit this year for installing solar systems. Each state has its own legislation to encourage the development of solar and other options. Be sure to check any requirements before installing a solar system.

To evaluate whether solar panels will be suitable for your location, there are some critical factors to consider. In the U.S., we have enough direct and scattered sunlight to support photovoltaic, or PV modules, and produce electricity using solar resources. But the amount of electricity that can be created depends upon the amount of energy from the sun that reaches these solar units. Obviously, in the southwestern region of the U.S., where the sun’s rays are strongest, solar energy systems will be most efficient.

When thinking about the purchase of solar panels, the first issue to determine is whether you’ll be able to create enough solar energy to make your system economical and efficient. Perhaps not all of your solar electricity can be generated through photovoltaics, but you’ll want to be able to create enough power to make this system worthwhile. Perform an analysis, or have a qualified contractor do one for you to be certain that your location is appropriate for a solar system.

There are a number of factors to consider, including the angle of the solar arrays and the surrounding landscaping. The most effective positioning for panels in the U.S. and Canada is facing south, but they can be positioned up to 45 degrees east or west of true south and still be effective.

Most people choose to mount the arrays flat on the roof, and that means further considerations, such as the angle and condition of the roof, the position the roof faces, any landscaping (including trees) that might block sunlight, and weather conditions that could have a bearing on electricity production.

If using your roof isn’t feasible, there are still other options, including placing the system on the ground or a platform. Panels can be fixed on a “tracking” mount that follows the sun. The best tilt for your modules is an angle equal to your latitude.

So even if your property isn’t optimal for a roof mount, solar arrays might still prove an attractive option to the local utility.  As long as there is enough sunlight, the possibility of more creative panel placement exists.  And as the technology continues to improve and costs decrease, and the government creates incentives toinstall solar, this will become an attractive alternative.

ICP Solar 04027 BatterySaver SE2

Using the energy from the sun, the BatterySAVER SE 2W will replenish your 12V battery by sending a constant maintenance level charge to the battery of your car, light truck, van or SUV. You will never be caught with a dead car battery again!

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars It works
I drive my 04 Taurus maybe once every 4 months. With an alarm system my battery needs help. This thing works.

2 Stars Truely a trickle
I have used a very similar product before with good results. I take the battery out of my boat between infrequent uses, and attack to the solar charger mounted to a window in my garage. The last time I used the battery, it was dead. I was able to charge it and use it later, so I believe the battery was not the problem.

3 Stars meaaaaa
Received different panel than what was advertised.

Will not work when attached to windshield or any tinted glass; requires direct sunlight.

Shipped in a couple weeks.

Works fine.

1 Star Booooo
This unit did absolutely nothing for my Lexus RX300 (2000). Direct sunlight — I live in Southern California — produced zero effect. I’m on my second battery in 12 months — keeps dying, even with this product installed.

5 Stars For infrequently driven vehicles
If your vehicle has to sit for a length of time, this trickle charger is just the ticket.

Buy/More Info

Low Profile Solar Accent Light White

Its distinctive construction designed for high safety and illumination by pathways and steps. Only 2 hours of solar charging will keep it illuminated all night. It Charges by day and automatically turns on at night. No wiring needed. Comes with hardware and installation instructions for ground, rail and fence installation. Features:No Wiring Needed Low profile construction for high safety Auto Dusk to Dawn Operation Super Durable Weather resistant Construction All Hardware included 2 mounting options: In the ground or On a fence Save money-by using free energy from the sun Set of 2 lights

Buy/More Info

Bell and Howell 7812V Solar Flood Light by Emson

Light up your landscaping with this solar powered flood light! Easy to install, it’s great for spotlighting or backlighting the outdoors. During daylight solar collectors gather energy from the sun and store it in rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries housed internally in a weatherproof unit. At night it turns on automatically and stays on for 12 hours, when fully charged.
This light is fully articulated, so it can be positioned in any direction. Ground stake and custom mounting offer custom installation

Buy/More Info

Bell and Howell LED Solar Powered Flood Light 2 pack Lighting Flashlights

Light up your landscaping with these two Bell & Howell Solar Powered Flood Lights! During daylight solar collectors gather energy from the sun and store it in rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries (included), housed internally in weatherproof unit. At night, it turns on automatically and stays on up to 8 hours, when fully charged. Easy to install, Solar Powered Flood Light is great for spotlighting and backlighting the outdoors. It is fully articulated, so you can position your Solar Powered Flood Light in any direction. Ground stake and wall mounting bracket offer custom installation. Features: Automatically Turns On at Night No Wiring, Instant Installation Includes 2 Ni-Cad regrargable batteries in each light!Multi Positioning, Fully Articulated Oversized Solar CollectorsGround stake and wall mounts includedMeasures 6.25 x 3.25 x 15 inches with ground stake

Buy/More Info

Next Page »