Solar panels are not for everyone and every house. This evaluation will help you decide if a photovoltaic system is right for you.
Home owners should invest in energy efficiency measures before considering residential solar panels. In terms of impact per dollar, proper insulation and environmentally conscious behavior are the best tools for lowing utility bills and helping the environment.
Step 1: Roof Type, Slope, and Orientation
You will need to perform a roof assessment during your solar panels for homes evaluation. Pick the side of your roof that faces south. Optimally this roof will face due south, but it can vary off due south by up to about 15 degrees. On this side of the roof, make sure there is a section at least 25 feet by 8 feet large that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. A 25 foot by 8 foot system will produce roughly 2 kilowatts, enough to meet the two-thirds demand target of a typical home.
The optimal slope of your roof for solar energy production is equal to your approximate latitude, minus fifteen degrees in the summer, and plus fifteen degrees in the winter. Ideally, the slope of your roof is between the optimal summer and winter latitudes.
The materials your roof is made of and the condition of your roof are major considerations. Wood shake roofs are not good candidates for solar installation and older roofs can be problematic. Composite shingle is the best roof material for photovoltaic installation. Ideally, you want to install on a new composite shingle roof.
Step 2: Determine Electricity Needed
Each home will need a different amount of electricity to meet it’s demands. Review a twelve month history of your electric bills to calculate your average monthly use.
Expect your solar energy production to be greatest in summer months and considerably lower during the winter. If you are connected to the power grid, consider selling excess electricity production back to your utility company or, simply purchasing a system that produces around two-thirds your home’s total energy demands.
An average system is typically between 1kW and 3kW. If you decide to purchase a solar power system, buy the largest one your budget will allow. The cost of installation is only slightly greater for larger systems, and the larger your system is, the more energy efficient you solar inverter will be.
