Since 2008, hundreds of thousands of American homes shifted to use of solar panels to power their daily lives with the sun’s energy. Today, you are probably considering the option of installing a solar energy system to your home’s roof to harness the power from the Sun.
Installing solar panels for your home is a comparatively new and favorite kind of home improvement. Hence, solar panels will boost the value of your home and provide enough savings over time to pay. Solar panels are energy saving home power solution that can dramatically reduce both your power bill and your carbon footprint.
Installing solar panels is relatively simple. Although the one-time installation cost can be high, however, the saving you generate will be like a return of investment from a long-term perspective.
Essential Considerations when installing solar panels at home
- You calculate your approximate energy requirements and how much of the condition you can cover with a solar array of any size you can afford.
- If your energy bills are significantly high, then you consider ways to lower the consumption.
- Consult Pacific Energy | Maui Solar PV, a professional electrician optimize your electrical wiring and lighting locations at home to reduce your overall electricity consumption.
- Know how much peak sunlight you can expect for your particular region.
- Furthermore, install the panels on a southward facing surface for maximal sun exposure.
Best tips to install your solar panels
1. Get help a solar panel system professional
A professional knows the process. The professionals can typically help you avoid making costly mistakes.
2. Check your available space (e.g., rooftop)
- Check if there is still enough space available for the solar panels.
- Assess your electricity consumption for you to know how many panels you will need. In knowing this, you can figure out where to put them.
- Assess the sun’s movement to make sure that the location of your solar panels will get constant and reliable exposure of sunlight.
- Avoid placing solar panels in the shaded areas
- If you want to put the panels on the roof, you must check if your roof is durable to support the weight of the solar panel and its racks.
1. Calculate your energy needs
Calculate your energy needs by averaging out the KW/H located at the bottom part of your electricity bills. Make sure that the energy the panels can produce and store can supply your requirements, especially during peak times.
2. Research, research, research
Educate yourself. Knowledge is essential to be safe and never being caught without enough power.
3. Decide on a type of system
Learn the difference between a Grid Tie and an Off-Grid System. The knowledge will help you decide what kind of system is fit for your home
4. Calculate how many panels and budget you will need
Set a realistic budget. It will be better to compare the different systems.
5. Check if there solar subsidies
The government is offering some solar subsidies such as local and provincial or state incentives, federal tax credits, and utility rebates.
6. Comply on local building codes
Ensure that you comply with the local building codes. Do some research online to factor-in requirements for geography. To comply will also qualify you for incentives.
Why should you seriously consider installing solar panels at home? Imagine yourself enjoying a savings of as much as up to 20%-80% on the cost of your electricity. In a big picture, you contribute to fighting against climate change.