The Ultimate Guide To Going Solar With Your Home's Energy Solutions
Choosing solar energy to power your home does more than save you money. Solar power provides clean, sustainable energy, and it helps create local jobs in your region. Solar panels can also increase the value of your home. While all these benefits sound appealing, going solar may seem daunting. However, the process is not complicated. Also, you can check out price to compare to learn more about how much you can save by switching to renewable energy sources and better energy plans.
What Are the Requirements for Solar Energy?
Start by determining if solar energy is a good investment for your home by focusing on two criteria.
Strength and Amount of Sunlight
Solar power experts say that a solar panel power network needs an open, sunny area without obstructions. This area should have access to the sun’s rays for most or all of each day.
Online calculators can help you determine if your home is a viable candidate for solar power. Another method for checking viability that is perhaps the easiest and certainly the most relevant to your specific location is to study your roof throughout the day. Pay attention to what areas get sun. Things to notice include:
- Surrrounding buildings or trees that could block sunlight and reduce energy output
- The south side of your home’s roof, which is the best location for solar panels if it does not have a chimney, vents, or antennas that could block sunlight
- The east and west sides of your home’s roof, which are also good candidates for placement of solar panels if they are not obstructed
A roof that lets solar panels lie flat is ideal, but slanted solar panels make for easier long-term maintenance, as rain washes away debris that may have collected.
Roof Space
Check to see if your home’s roof is large enough for solar panels. To do this:
- Check your bill for your home’s average monthly kilowatt usage
- Measure your roof, remembering that most solar panels measure 17.6 square feet and produce 256 watts per day under unobstructed sunlight, which comes to 15 watts per sqaure foot
- Divide the square footage of your roof by 17.6 to determine how many panels will fit
- Multiply the number of panels by 265 watts
- Multiple that sum by 365 days
If the total sum is less than your home’s monthly kilowatt usage, you may still be able to use solar power as a supplemental energy source. An expert in solar panels Austin can answer your questions and explain options.
Excellent Questions You Should Ask Solar Contractors
As you make the decision about solar panels, there are questilons you should ask.
- How much can I save using solar power?
- Does your system include panel monitoring? If not, can I add it?
- Is my roof structurally safe to hold solar panels?
- Does my area offer additional incentives for going solar, such as Texas solar incentives?
- What if new construction casts shade on my roof?
An expert in solar panels Dallas can answer these and other important questions before you sign a contract.
Solar energy is a good choice to power your home. Before you commit yourself, though, make sure your home is a feasible candidate for solar power, and compile a list of questions to ask a knowledgeable solar contractor. This ensures you can enjoy the benefits of solar power without worry for years to come.
With a solid foundation in technology, backed by a BIT degree, Lucas Noah has carved a niche for himself in the world of content creation and digital storytelling. Currently lending his expertise to Creative Outrank LLC and Oceana Express LLC, Lucas has become a... Read more