The amount of solar power products available to individual homeowners and business owners can be very confusing for someone not entirely informed on what is necessary to set up a solar system for the property’s needs. Most customers are interested in solar panel installation as a part of a solar energy generation system designed to reduce costs. There are additional systems available which can also provide heating to the structure or hot water as needed by the homeowner.

Generally speaking, the solar power products needed for a solar power generation system include solar collector panels, a generator that converts sunlight to electrical current, and a net metering system that will connect the structure to the local utility grid. Systems that will heat a structure or will be utilized in a more traditional tank hot water system will need solar PV panels that can heat water as it runs beneath them and channel it into insulated tanks, or through specialized plumbing that runs into the house to help heat the structure. The installation of this latter type of system generally works better in a new build, rather than trying to retrofit it into an older structure.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has an extensive database surrounding solar energy and what is likely to be needed for different uses. In addition, there are links to other organizations which can help offer answers to your solar needs. A couple of the resources listed can even recommend a number of qualified contractors and technicians that can do solar panel installation and solar power systems for you.

Boots on the Roof, a leading Renewable energy training institute, is enrolling students into its Solar Energy Training classes. For more information on qualifications, Training Dates and Locations, click here.