5 Things to Know Before Going Solar

It’s the age of alternative energy and the movement is fast growing . In the wake of things, solar energy emitting from residential solar panels has been at the forefront as an alternative to coal, and fossil fuel continues to be a growing popular choice amongst many and across the world for some good reasons.

With solar-powered energy, you don’t have to pay those over-bloated energy bills and those tyrant power companies your hard-earned cash. You will also be saving the world from severe consequences that result from the use of coal and fossil fuel such as the climate change disaster. The benefits associated with the use of solar power for generating energy cannot be overemphasized.

While the use of solar power is being highly advocated for and has been generating momentum, and no doubt it is a good thing. It is, sadly, not compatible or an efficient choice for every house.

So, before going solar you should do thorough thinking and consider the compatibility of solar power with your home, what benefits will it bring to your home, and if it will efficiently serve the purpose you want it for.

For those thinking of going solar, here are some things that should be given thoughts to and considered.

Is Your House Suitable For A Solar Power System

There is no doubt the first thing you need to find out before deciding on going solar is the suitability and compatibility of solar power installation with your house.The question now is, how can you determine the suitability and compatibility of your house with solar power installation? To do so, there are indicators you can use.

The amount of sunlight that gets to your roof: As you probably know, solar power installation needs the sun to function properly and the more direct the sunlight, the better. This makes it apparent that solar power installation won’t work great in the shade.So if your house is built next to a colosseum, or stands in the shadow of trees or a skyscraper you may have to drop the idea of going solar as you will not get value out of it and your huge investment may go down the drain and yield nothing.

Your power bill:It is very important to ask yourself the question, how much costs will you be cutting off from your energy bill if you invest in a solar power system? Truth be told, it is not everyone that gets the most out of solar power installation. Those who get the most out of solar installation are those with huge power bills.So, as a rule of thumb, you should have a power bill of, at least, $300 to $400 per quarter before thinking about solar power installation. Also, you have to use not less than half of your energy during hours of sunlight.

Roof direction: Although this is not critical, it is, however, quite important. The rule of thumb as regards roof direction is that you should install the solar panel on the side of the roof facing the direction of sunrise or where the panel can enjoy a huge amount of sunlight.

Strength and status of your roof: Before thinking about solar power, be sure to check the health status of your roof. Is it aged? Does it need some repair or upgrade? If yes, it is best to sort this out first before installing solar panels. This will save you a lot such as having to dismantle the panel for roof fixing.

The Cost of Investing in Solar and How Much Energy Cost It Will Save You

The price of installing a solar power system costs as much as $15,000. It is important to get an idea of how much you will have to pay to have a solar power system installed before you invest in it. If you choose to go with the cheap ones, there are chances you will neither get value for your investment nor the quality of service you desire.If you choose to go for the most expensive ones, you may have to wait as much as 10 years to recoup your investment.

Also, the question of how much you will save on energy bills if you invest in solar power systems is a tough one to answer and there is no accurate answer to that. A lot of things will have to be considered to determine how much a solar power system can help you cut off energy bills.

What Solar Technology To Choose

There are two solar power technologies to choose from – photovoltaic and thermal solar panels.

The photovoltaic solar panels convert sunlight to electricity, while the thermal solar panels are used to heat air or water for use in the home.

For those who require a lot of energy to heat their home during winter or stay in areas where heating fuel is expensive and tough to get, an investment in thermal energy may be ideal. Otherwise, an investment in photovoltaic may be the best option.

The Brand of Panel or Inverter

There are several brands of inverter and solar panels in the market. It is always best to consider the following when thinking of installing solar panels.

Choose a reputable brand and one that has been in business for a long time.

Get a few quotes from different sources. Compare and contrast and choose a good product with a reasonable price.

Warranty

The warranties on solar power systems vary. This largely depends on the brand. However, most reliable brands offer a 20 to 25 years guarantee. Also, the warranty should cover an assured level of power output, say around 80%, throughout the warranty period.

As for inverters, the warranty ranges between 5 and 10 years and can be upgraded to 25 years.

There are, no doubt, complexities associated with installing solar power systems in a home. From the technical requirements of the installation itself to maintenance. To get the best value on your investment, therefore, ask your service provider about government plans, incentives, and tariffs available for you.