Solar energy is the future and solar ready panel is your doorway to future. Within the last decade, there has been a 49% average annual growth rate in solar power use.
Some experts believe that the world can run on solar energy and eliminate the use of fossil fuels to improve the environment. Others think it is possible to power the world using solar energy. The importance of solar power cannot be overemphasized, hence the need for solar-ready power panels to facilitate solar projects’ initiation.
Before being a part of the 58% who have decided to go green with solar panels’ help, here are a couple of facts that’ll guide you through all you need to know about this energy system.
What is a Solar-Ready Electrical Panel
A solar ready panel aka dual power source system is compatible with both solar and grid power. The panels comes with distinguished markings in accordance with the code to ensure safety.
A solar ready electrical panel is a device that serves as a pathway that transfers alternate power to the varying points of supply while terminating the load of the meter socket. The energy transfer influenced by the solar ready power panel renders the common bus useless, hence placing more importance on the need to derate the main-breaker.
You’ll find either a 24 volt or 12 volt compatible panel in market.
Difference Between Solar-Ready Power Panel and General Power Panel
| Feature | Solar Ready Power Panel | General Power Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | It is the cheapest energy source in the world | The cost of installation and the initial purchase is relatively high |
| Maintenance | Requires low maintenance, once or twice a year | High maintenance required |
| Durability | Lasts for 20-25 years | Life-span is arguably short |
| Installation | Installation is easy, but calling a professional is recommended | Requires the assistance of a profession |
| Variation | There are two main types of the solar ready power panel | Comes in five variations |
What is a Solar Ready Home
A solar-ready home is a pre-designed building; structured to meet the requirements that will make the installation process of a solar energy system easier for future purposes. The roof space and orientation are considered one of the most crucial building components to focus on, as it is where the panel that absorbs solar energy will be positioned.
Solar ready homes have numerous benefits to homeowners, building contractors, and the environment at large, with increased efficiency from 6% in 1954 to above 40% today. In 2016, about 46% of homeowners had considered getting a solar panel. Since solar energy is the future, Solar Ready Home is necessary to save costs in case of future considerations.
You Have a Solar-Ready Home, What are the Next Steps
When you have a solar-ready home, the next big step is to put it to use and install a solar panel. There’s only 2 types of solar panels, either 12 Volts or 24 Volts.
Installing a solar panel usually requires an engineer’s help to check the electrical condition of your apartment and roofing. Since your house already meets the building guideline that qualifies it as a solar-ready home, contacting an engineer may or may not be necessary.
Signing some paper works with the help of your installer after signing an installation contract is also mandatory. You’ll also need to apply for state and federal incentives, government rebates, Solar Renewable Energy Certificates, and others, based on the recommendations of your installer. About three-quarters of the US residents can’t install a solar panel on their rooftops due to low credit score, which is a requirement for financing a solar panel installation. This will also need to be handled by your installer.
Based on your installer’s recommendations, the next thing you’d have to do is purchase the equipment needed for the setup. The installation is next after all contract agreements and paper works. Your installer properly inspects your roof and sets up the solar panel.
Finally, a local inspection will be done to check the connections made by your installer before being connected to the grid, which usually takes a week or two.
What does The “Solar Ready” Sticker on RV Mean
The “Solar Ready” sticker on your new RV is used to indicate that your RV has been pre-wired to facilitate the installation of a solar panel to your RV. Most times, it serves as a marketing strategy that advertises the manufacturer’s solar panel for the RV owner to purchase one.
If your RV has this sticker pasted on it, the first thing you’d need to do is get a Solar Ready.
How Do I Use the Panel on RV?
Get a Recreational Vehicle kit to make installation possible. Then you need to mount the feet of your panel and place it on the roof. You should pick a location where the panel is given enough exposure to the sun. After selecting the right spot, run your wire from the panel to the controller, bearing in mind that the controllers need to be close to the battery to increase its charging capability.
Consider running the wires from the refrigerator vent to the bottom for small RVs and vent pipes for larger RVs. For safety reasons, block the already mounted panel from the sun with the box it came in to avoid shock or accidents.
Put a fuse close to the controller for the panel wire to the controller connection, and another fuse close to the battery for the controller to the battery connection. Check that all connections have been properly made by using a voltmeter. You can then go ahead to install both fuses, and read the LED display on the controller and confirm that it is appropriately functioning based on the directions on the user manual.
Solar Ready Panel FAQs
Today, we have over two million solar panel installations in the US, and it is of no surprise, as it is safe and clean energy. Solar photovoltaic installation is the fastest-growing job in America. It’s evident that solar-ready power panel only brings good news to the world at large. However, it is mandatory to contact an installer that understands the required codes and standards to ensure that lives and properties are not at risk.
