Reducing Energy Consumption and Other Earth Friendly Tips

Live In New Hampshire? Is Solar Energy Out Of Reach?

If you're a proud resident of the Granite State, you may find yourself wondering about the feasibility of using solar energy to power your home. This state's northern location and snowy winters stand in stark contrast to the sunnier states in which solar energy has gained a significant foothold, like California, Arizona, and Texas -- however, this doesn't necessarily rule out solar energy as a viable power source for New Hampshire homeowners.Read on to learn more about how solar panels are designed to function in less-sunny environments, as well as some of the factors you may want to consider when pursuing solar power for your own household's energy needs. 

Can solar panels work well in regions where cloudy days are common?

The answer to this largely depends on the size and capacity of the battery unit attached to the solar panels. In sunny states, many homeowners can get by with a relatively small battery that stores only enough solar energy to power a home for a day or two, as it's unlikely any cloudy or inclement weather will last long enough to completely sap your battery. However, those in states where week-long snowstorms aren't an unusual event will need to install a much larger battery, capable of storing days' worth of electricity at once.

It's also important for the solar cells feeding into your battery to be as efficient as possible. Relatively inefficient solar cells may be able to soak up only enough energy to power your home while the sun is shining, storing relatively little excess energy even during the sunniest days. On the other hand, efficient solar cells will be able to simultaneously power your home while siphoning off additional energy for storage. Combining a large battery (or even multiple batteries) with ultra-efficient solar panels installed on the southern, eastern, and western sides of a home can ensure a sufficient energy supply even during the coldest days.

What should you consider when determining whether to install solar panels on your home? 

Your primary consideration will likely be your home's solar exposure. If your house is surrounded by trees you aren't willing (or able) to remove, it's unlikely any solar panels you install on your roof or in your yard will be able to pick up enough energy from the sun to provide much power. Those whose neighbors are close enough to block your roofline with their own may also find it hard to locate a good placement for solar panels. 

You may not want to view solar energy as an "all or nothing" prospect. Even if you're unable to fully power your home with the solar energy your battery stores, any reduction in the amount of electricity you use will lower your energy bills while conserving resources. For more information, contact companies like New Hampshire Solar.