What To Think About Before Adding Solar To Your Home
If you’re looking to cut down on the energy costs in your home, to live a much greener life, or to improve the value of your property, then investing in solar energy can be a great idea. However, it’s not something that you should jump into without thinking seriously about it, first and foremost. It can be a big investment, even if it is becoming more accessible with every passing year. For that reason, here, we’ll look at a few considerations you need to make before scheduling a solar panel installation.
Find Out How Much Sun Your Home Gets
Not all homes are going to benefit from solar in the same way. If you want to make your home as energy efficient as possible, you should evaluate how much direct sunlight your home gets throughout the year. Solar panel technicians can help you get the clearest answer, but if your home is shaded by trees or tall buildings, it can diminish how much power it can draw from the sun. Even seasonal weather can affect it, so it may be worth looking at solar maps ahead of time to get accurate data on the solar potential of your property. Panels do work in cloudy conditions, but areas that get some sun offer much more efficiency.
Working Out The Best Placement For Panels
In order to make your solar panels as effective as possible, it’s also worth seriously thinking about where, exactly, you should place them. Typically, they go on the roof of the home, but panels that face south in the Northern Hemisphere, or north in the Southern Hemisphere, tend to capture the most sunlight during the day. The angle of the roof is important, too, as depending on where you are, steeper pitches might get more sunlight during the day. However, if you have limited roof space, then your choices might be limited too. In some cases, homeowners will install solar panels on the ground, but your technician can help you find the best place.
Whether Or Not You Get Batteries, Too
Solar panels are able to generate power that can be supplied directly to the home when the sun is shining. What happens when the sun isn’t shining, however? If you don’t have solar storage batteries, then you might be back to relying on your traditional fossil fuel-based electrical grid. Not only does adding batteries allow you to use solar power even when the sun isn’t out, but it can also provide the backup power source you need when there is a power outage, as well. Adding a battery storage setup does bring an additional cost to the installation, but it can greatly improve your independence from the grid. Before deciding, evaluate your energy use patterns, budget, and whether energy security is a priority for you. A storage battery adds resilience but isn’t always essential.
Weighing The Costs And Savings
Perhaps the biggest consideration of all is how much you can expect to pay for your solar installation vs. how much you might be able to save in return. Aside from installation costs, you need to budget for inverter expenses, battery storage (if you choose to add it), and maintenance costs. There may be government incentives, rebates, or tax credits that can make your installation more affordable, as well. Also consider your utility rates and how much you’re likely to save by switching to solar. The majority of homes can see returns on their expenses in 6-12 years. However, after that point, their power generation is effectively free. Think about how long you plan to stay in your home as well, since moving too soon can affect return on investment. A thorough financial analysis is key before committing to solar.
Taking Care Of Your Panels
One of the best things about solar panels is that they don’t require much maintenance at all. However, that doesn’t mean that a little upkeep doesn’t help. Positioned outdoors as they are, they can get hit by dust, pollen, bird droppings, and all kinds of debris, especially in the fall. Over time, this can reduce panel exposure, reducing how much sunlight they can absorb. While rainfall does provide a light wash, investing in a routine solar panel cleaning can make sure they’re at their most effective throughout the year and prevent long-term dirt buildup. In addition, annual inspections of wiring, inverters, and mounting systems are recommended to prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs.
Future Expansion Plans
If you get in touch with a professional to install your solar panels, they typically help you choose a system that will meet your existing energy needs. However, if your energy needs grow in future, whether it’s because you get an electric vehicle, extend the home, buy new appliances, or simply have more people living in and using the home, you might need to plan for an expansion, as well. Often, this is best done from the start, such as by ensuring your inverter can handle extra panels, leaving roof or yard space for additions, and possibly considering modular battery systems. It’s always worth talking long-term with your supplier so they can leave a little room for growth in the future. This is only if you foresee your energy costs growing at some point, however.
Check The Local Rules
Depending on where you live, some areas do have the ability to restrict you from installing solar panels. As such, it’s important to take a look at local zoning rules, building codes, as well as any requirements if you have a homeowners’ association in your area. There may be limits on where you can place panels, or you might be required to get special permits. Understanding the policies in your area can help you avoid delays or set aside more in your budget to clear the red tape before installation begins.
Solar panels can be a legitimately great investment for your home, but it’s worth taking the time to seriously consider the specific benefits available to you, as well as what additional care you might need to provide to ensure they work as best as possible.
