Many people worldwide are slowly but steadily adapting to a positive trend—switching to solar energy to power their homes. This is a decision that can not only benefit the planet but also the homeowners through energy independence and cost savings on electricity bills. That being said, for those planning to install solar panels at home, it is important to know a few key facts about the system before committing to it.
1) Condition of the Roof
Since the panels will be attached to the roof upon installation, homeowners must check if the roof needs any repairs. If the roof’s structural integrity is not in the best shape, setting up a solar power system would not be a good idea. Once the system is installed, when there are any roof repairs, it will need to be dismantled and assembled again, which is a complex and costly process. Moreover, solar panels can last for over 20 years if kept in good shape. So, if there are any issues with the roof, it is advised to address them before installing the panels. Also, if homeowners discover that their roof does not have enough space or is not strong enough to support the solar panels, they can install the system on the ground.
2) Sun Exposure
The next thing that homeowners need to check is the level of sun exposure their house gets. Most rooftop solar installation guides say that the best-case scenario would be if the slope of the roof faces south. If not, west-facing roofs should ideally be the next preference. This way, the panels would get the maximum sunlight, ensuring optimal energy production throughout the day. Along with this, one must also ensure that the sun exposure to their roofs is not blocked by obstructions such as trees, nearby buildings, or chimneys.
3) Energy Requirements
Evaluating solar options for a home begins with understanding its energy requirements. The more electricity a household consumes, the more panels will be needed to meet that demand efficiently. A simple way to determine a household’s energy needs is to check past utility bills and calculate average monthly usage. Along with that, one must also consider any changes that might occur in the usage patterns in the near future. For instance, if the homeowner plans to buy an electric car or add new high-energy appliances to the home, the overall energy consumption will increase.
4) Savings and Incentives
Since a solar power panel draws energy from the sunlight and converts it into electricity, homeowners can reduce their reliance on the grid. An added benefit of this is the money saved on electricity bills. With a well-performing solar energy system, a household can save an average of $1,500 a year on electricity.
Apart from this, homeowners must also understand the key details of the billing mechanism before getting a residential solar system. A key billing arrangement, known as net metering, allows individuals to receive credits for any extra electricity their panels generate and send back to the grid. It is made possible through an agreement between the electricity provider and the solar energy system owners. However, while this arrangement benefits homeowners, not all states have it in place.
Besides net metering, certain states and municipalities also offer incentives for installing solar panels in an attempt to promote the adoption of renewable energy. There is also a national solar incentive system, called the federal solar tax credit, that homeowners can benefit from. As a part of this incentive system, homeowners with taxable income can get 30% of the total installation cost credited to their annual income tax return.
5) Solar Panels Basics and Types
Knowing a few basic facts about solar panels can also be useful for those looking to install them.
- Solar panels function on the principle of the photovoltaic effect. This means that they can transform the energy from sunlight into electricity.
- The panels are made primarily from silicon, thanks to the material’s semiconductor properties.
- Solar panels are low-maintenance and require minimal to no upkeep after installation.
Three types of panels are commonly used for solar energy systems. These are monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient and, ergo, the most expensive. Despite the cost factor, monocrystalline panels are the popular choice in residential installations. Polycrystalline and thin-film panels are used when cost is a major concern.
6) Brand Reliability
When choosing a solar provider, one must do their due diligence to ensure they opt for a reliable brand. One can make sure of this by researching top solar energy companies and reading their testimonials. Visiting the companies’ websites and checking their portfolio, including their past work, can also be quite helpful. One can also read customer reviews for the brands on third-party websites. Make sure to look for reviews highlighting factors such as the lifespan and efficiency of the panels, after-installation service, and warranties offered.
7) Cost
The total cost of installing solar panels at a house can vary based on aspects such as the size of the system, panel type, location, and labor charges. On average, however, a residential solar panel system can cost somewhere between $10,000 and $25,000 (before applying federal tax credits and local incentives).
