Solar panels have grown in popularity, because many homeowners are looking for ways to lower their energy costs. But despite their financial and environmental benefits, they can also come with a high installation cost (which has to be paid upfront). So, it’s not practical for every home or homeowner.
If you want to know if a solar panel installation is right for you, you need to think about the following:
- The weather conditions in your area.
- The slope of your roof.
- Your average monthly energy usage.
- How long you plan to live in your home.
Before you can move forward with the installation process, you need to get a better understanding of all the possible financing options and policies that your local utility company has in place.
Here are some other factors to consider before you decide to go solar.
#1: The Amount of Sunlight
If your home is in an area that doesn’t get a lot of sunlight most of the year, you probably won’t benefit from a solar panel installation. You must carefully evaluate your specific energy needs and how much sunlight your property receives. Do you live in an area that gets a lot of sunlight, or is it cloudy most of the year? Knowing the answer to this question will help you to decide if solar panels would be a good energy solution for your home.
#2: Roof Size and Slope
Your roof’s orientation will be a determining factor on whether it can support a solar panel installation. Even the direction and angle of your roof can affect their efficiency. The ideal position is to the south at an angle of 30-45 degrees, because it will maximize the amount of sunlight the panels will receive.
If your home has a flat roof, you might still be able to install solar panels, but an experienced installer will know how to mount them in a way that will capture the most amount of sunlight. You also want to minimize the amount of shade or tree cover over your solar panels. If there are trees around your home, be sure to have enough in your budget to have them trimmed or removed.
#3: Roof Age and Condition
Solar panels can be installed on most roof types (including asphalt shingles as well as metal and flat roofs), but age and condition can affect the solar panel installation process and how efficient they will be once they have been installed. You should think about whether your roof is getting close to the end of its lifespan. If you have a tile roof, it’s a good idea to have some extra tiles in case they get cracked during installation.
#4: Current Energy Usage
Understanding your energy usage and how much your energy bills are each month will help you determine how much solar power you need to generate. A reputable installer will be able to estimate the cost per unit of power (which is measured in Watts), but you should also verify these numbers by comparing them with what’s listed on government websites. That way, you can be sure it will produce enough energy to replace what you currently generate on the grid.
#5: Budget and Financing
While solar panels can save you a great deal of money over the long term, it can cost more upfront to get them installed. You need to think about your installation budget to decide if the extra cost is worth the long-term savings. There are a number of financing options (such as solar leases and power purchase agreements).
Most systems will also come with long-term warranties and limited maintenance, but you need to think about any additional costs that may be associated with homeowner’s insurance and roof care. A solar panel installation may not be a good investment if you plan to live in your home for a few years before selling it. But if you want it to be your “forever home” and see those long-term savings accrue over the course of many decades, solar panels may be a good long-term investment.
#6: Incentives and Tax Credit Programs
There are a lot of programs that offer incentives to homeowners who switch to solar energy. There are also state programs for which many homeowners may be eligible, and many of them are rebate programs that will reimburse you after you have paid the upfront costs. You must be able to absorb the initial costs. You must also prepare all the necessary documentation and take steps to maximize every rebate incentive you’re owed.
If you’re looking for one of the best places to install solar power systems in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Solar Power Integrator.