Using Solar Power Kits at Home
Solar power kits are wonderful means of storing solar power and using it in place of other, more conventional energy sources like fossil fuel and hydroelectricity. This technology is especially useful in countries where bright sunshine lights the land throughout the year. However, solar power technology is still not cheap enough to be used in many tropical countries with bright sunny days. Even in countries where solar power systems are used, private homes can hardly afford solar panels. Solar power kits are used instead at homes to run some common home appliances.
Uses of Solar Power Kits
Solar power kits are used to charge batteries that can run various devices of domestic use like water pumps, home security cameras, radios, water heaters, children's toys, and many other items of daily use. Ideally, these kits are used for lighting purposes inside home and even outside, like on road trips or during camping.
Working of a Solar Power Kit
The essential components of a solar power kit are: solar panel, charge controller, output cables, and mounts. The battery connected to the kit may be charged on standby (keeping it always charged in full) or it may be set on trickle charging (continuous charging of battery). The power capacity of the kits varies, usually from 10 to 115 watts. Low-power (12 volt) electrical appliances of domestic use can be powered by the kit during an episode of power-failure at home. Larger appliances can be used if the kit has greater power capacity.
Criticism of Solar Power Kits
The use of solar power kits at home has increased notably during the past several years. However, these kits have been criticized by a number of consumers for various reasons. Some people consider them as capable of doing more harm than good. A false sense of security that the owner might assume from using solar power kits is the main reason underlying their criticism. The easy-to-use guide, accompanying these kits, may cause the user to go easy on the fact that they are dealing with potentially dangerous electricity.
Advice on Using Solar Power Kits
Using solar power kits safely at home requires the user to carefully read the complete instructions in the user's manual. Even with all the instructions provided, it is always safer and better recommended to hire the services of a professional installer for installing the system. If no professional installer can be found or afforded, the user may hire the services of an electrician for installing the system.
