I built my first solar sail yacht nine years ago and currently live on my off-grid farm. We have enough solar panels, batteries, and inverter capacity for growth. I can hear the inverters swap from battery to panel feed with a beep, just after dawn breaks, well before sunrise. At dusk, another beep when switching to battery. It is a smooth system, and I can not recommend highly enough the value of unplugging from the public grid.
Any seasoned sailor will tell you that redundancy at sea is your friend, so I have always included some level of backup generator in my boat builds. Details for a crossing voyage or even a weekend cruise rarely go to plan, and it is in those times when problems multiply. I mention this so that you would be prepared when things go awry. Always use system components that can be repaired locally, or replacement parts are common.
There is no utility company hotline to call for repairs to your system. Create a good relationship with a quality solar tech company and educate yourself with the system manuals for initial troubleshooting. Always rely upon a professional for any repairs. Solar panel service is often dangerous due to extended and elevated installation locations. Attempting this on your own is not advised. One wrong step and personal injury will be added to system damage. Did I mention to only use professionals?
Professionals are identified by licensing and recognition from bodies of authority and a history of good business operation, services, and products from their customers. Ask any considered solar vendor for a customer reference you can call. Be sure to ask for a customer with a system similar to your proposed installation. Always obtain several quotes. While you interview them, verify what we discussed: power and capacity, redundancy, simplicity, ease of repair, and parts availability going forward.
Sustainability and eco-friendliness win my award for favourite words to incorporate in home improvements and upgrades. I can tell you that a zero-dollar electric bill is great. Our well is solar as well, pun intended. Both of those are very sustainable for my wallet and our environment. Start today. One step at a time. One component at a time. Begin your walk to solar power.
As it is a rare occasion when our government gives us some cabbage back, take full advantage by applying to every possible home energy improvement loan, grant, or rebate available. The repayments are near or less than your current monthly utility bill by comparison. There are qualifying criteria for all of them, and you can read through each process at this link to government solar rebates and loans.
On this site, you can find a registry of authorised solar installation companies to further vet your proposed contractors. Some programs have detailed product and source requirements as well. You can find other programs for updating your HVAC and home appliances for rebates. This excellent resource will help guide you into solar life to reduce the cost of government-maintained utility infrastructure. Win-win.
