Capturing the power of the sun and leveraging it to save on energy costs is now more achievable than ever. But understanding the exact impact of your investment and knowing what to prepare for if you install a system, is an important first step. Everyone’s situation is different so understanding your unique home factors will help you prepare for your own solar installation. Fortunately, you can perform your own research on solar panels and understand the impact they will have on your home by following these five steps:
Factor 1: Review your environment
The most important aspect to consider when choosing solar panels for your home is, of course, sunlight. However, living in a sunny place is not required but consider these environmental factors and their impact on your system:
The Sunlight
This goes without saying but the more exposure to sunlight, the better. This does not imply that you require the same amount of sunlight every day. It's worth noting that northern regions have shorter days and less sunlight in the winter, but long summer days make up for it. It’s also important to know that the sky doesn’t have to be clear every day either so don’t hesitate to consider solar just because you don’t live in the desert.
The Heat
Solar panels work in every temperature environment. However, heat can reduce their effectiveness which somewhat contradicts the idea that more sunlight is better. In cases where it is very hot but less-than consistently clear, you might find that your system will be less efficient over time.
The Cloud or Shade Coverage
Solar panels continue to generate energy even on cloudy days. A typical overcast day produces 25% of average output, while a cloudy day produces 10%. Solar panels are becoming more popular even in cities like Seattle and Portland because they still generate power when the skies are overcast.
The Rain and Fog
Solar panels that have been properly sealed and are immune to water. In fact, rain can help aid in the cleaning of panels to make them run efficiently when the sun comes back out.
The Snow
Snow covering the solar panels will obstruct sunlight, rendering them inoperable during the winter unless you clear them. There are many snowy environments that get a lot of sunlight during the day so consider your ability to keep the panels clear throughout the winter.
There are a lot of environmental factors beyond even the weather when considering solar panels but your solar installer will be able to give you a true assessment of what your expected power output will be with your home’s system.
Factor 2: Conduct a Solar Analysis of Your Roofing
We’ve covered the weather in your area but your roof might have its own set of conditions that need to be considered. A more specific analysis of your roof will be required to understand your potential energy output and will include a review of the following:
The Shade
If your house is shaded by other structures or trees, you’ll need to see how long during the day this occurs. If you are truly shielded from the sun, a roof installation may not yield enough sunlight for your system.
The Roof Positioning
Roofs facing south receive the most sunshine in North America, but roofs facing east and west also receive some. Considering where the majority of your roof faces, will be a huge factor in how much sunlight you can capture throughout the year.
The Roof Size
A home that uses 5 kilowatt-hours per month would necessitate 300 square feet of solar panels so understanding how much viable space you have to work in combination with the other factors will be an important factor in calculating your energy output.
Factor 3: Check If Your Roof Is In Good Shape
The age of your roof can have a role in determining if solar is viable for your home as not all roofs are suitable for the installation of solar panels.
The Roof Type
Metal roofing is perfect for solar panel installation due to its pre-drilled seams. Solar panels perform admirably on composite roofs as well. Solar panel installation on tile roofs is more complex due to the tiles' fragility and the possibility of damaging the waterproofing barrier.
The Roof Tilt
Solar panels work best when put on a roof that is angled toward the sun. The ideal tilt for solar panel installation is 30 degrees, but this varies according to latitude. Tilting the panels on a flat roof may be required and will mean the use of additional brackets.
Factor 4: Prepare a Long-Lasting Roof
Solar panel technology has advanced to the point that the panels themselves can last a very long time. Consider this in relation to the lifespan of your current roof. If you know you’re within a few years of a roof replacement, you may want to consider the timing between the two projects. Any solar panels installed on a roof will have to be removed for the roof replacement and then reinstalled.
Factor 5: Take Advantage of Government Assistance
Government incentives have reduced solar installation prices by up to 30%. The current federal government incentives are slowly declining from there and Congress will have to renew those incentives for future years. You can review current incentives on the Department of Energy's website.
Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for additional benefits from state and municipal governments, be sure to check there as well and you can always consult your tax professional.
Conclusion
These five steps will help you determine if your home is eligible for solar panels and the impact they will make. You can always talk to your local installer who will often perform a review of your home and give you an in-depth evaluation and potential project of your energy savings based on your local energy provider’s pricing.
Are you in need of financing options for solar panels? EnFin is here to make your solar-powered goals a reality. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services!
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