Audrey
Solar technology is one of the fastest-growing sources of energy. It’s renewable, clean, and relatively cheap. Still, many potential users are unsure if it’s the right choice for their home. Here are some simple solutions to the question, can I install solar panels on my house?
Assess Your Energy Needs
The average household power consumption determines the size and type of solar power system you should install. For example, large profile panels put out a lot of power and can serve as primary sources of electricity for a household. You can also add large-capacity solar batteries for a steady supply. However, this setup may be overkill if you are using solar to back up a few fixtures.
Investment in solar energy is a sound move if your consumption crosses a specific threshold. This may vary from state to state depending on the cost of electricity, but a monthly bill over $75 makes solar a good alternative. It’s also important to decide if you are going completely off-grid or using solar power as an adjunct to meet your energy requirements. The two setups are different. Therefore, an audit of household energy consumption is mandatory to decide if solar is a viable option for you.
The Local Climate
Your local weather has a lot of bearing on your solar power installation. The average solar hours dictate how long your system can generate power. A more efficient system will be a better investment if you have few solar hours or heavy cloud cover. On the other hand, clear skies and long days make the perfect climate for using standard solar power systems.
Furthermore, harsh climatic zones require highly resistant solar units. If your panels cannot survive extreme weather conditions, you are limited to specific climatic zones.
Check Your Roof
Most residential solar panels are fitted on the roof. Therefore, assessing the roof for strength and suitability for panel installation is vital. The ideal roof is south-facing, with little to no shading from trees or other buildings. Furthermore, the roof should be in good condition to bear the weight of the installation. If your roof requires any repairs or replacement, put the solar installation on hold until everything is in order.
Although the south-facing, open roof maximizes solar exposure and power generation, you can achieve the same exposure from ground installations. This is an excellent alternative if your roof is not at an ideal position.
Assess the Costs and Benefits
Several things determine the cost of your solar panel system. Firstly, size and capacity drive up costs as high-power units are more expensive than small low-power panels. Furthermore, auxiliary fittings like solar batteries, inverters and capacitors drive up the overall cost. Purchasing particular brands is also more costly, and solar companies charge differently for their services.
Fortunately, all the costs of installing solar panels can be offset by how much you save on electrical bills. Furthermore, you can take advantage of the different financial incentives for solar power systems. These include tax credits, rebates, and cheap finance options.
Contact a Reliable Solar Company
Solar companies offer various services, including installing, maintaining and repairing solar power systems. Furthermore, solar companies advise on the best installation for your home, conducting professional assessments and offering recommendations on your solar needs. Nonetheless, finding a good company is challenging. You must thoroughly research the top companies in the business and look up client reviews to narrow your search. Ask for referrals to bolster your research.
A good solar company will provide reliable estimates on installation and solar maintenance, and offer reliable results on services and products. A good company also offers support throughout the operational life of your solar system. As a result, you always walk the journey with professionals.
Ultimately, every home can benefit from solar panel installation. However, it’s imperative to determine which setup matches your needs and circumstance.
