A Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar for the First Time
Did you know that the average home can save between $10,000 and $30,000 over the lifetime of a solar panel system?
If you are thinking of going solar but are not sure where to start, we are here to help. We have put together this short guide to share our top tips when opting for solar energy.
Read on and get ready to go solar power!
1. Make Sure Your Home Is a Good Candidate
Before deciding on going solar, it is important to verify that your home is a good candidate for solar panels. Some of the factors that you have to take into consideration include the shade your home receives, the orientation of the roof, and the structure of your roof.
Solar panels will need a good amount of space in order for them to be effective and do their job. The number of panels you will need will all depend on how large your home is and how much power you typically use on a monthly basis.
We recommend consulting with this solar company to verify that your home is indeed a good candidate to harness the power of the sun.
2. Choose Your Panels
Once you verify that your home is a good candidate and you live in an area where you can take advantage of solar energy, it’s time to choose your panels. There are movable panels, shingles, and mounted solar panels available to choose from.
The most commonly used panels are mounted ones that are made of silicon. The price and efficiency vary but by the rule of thumb, the more efficient monocrystalline silicon panels will have the most longevity and will be the most expensive.
If you are on a tighter budget you can opt for polycrystalline silicon panels. The con with these panels is that their average span is around 15 years.
The more expensive panels are movable solar panels that move depending on where the sun is beaming. These have integrated technology to help them follow the sun’s path, making the price tag higher.
For those that really do not like how panels look, you can choose solar shingles. These are more discreet but they produce less energy.
3. Off-Grid or Not
If you don’t want solar power to be your only source of electricity you can choose an on-grid solar panel system. This means that your house will be connected to the electricity grid for your city. This is helpful if you live in an area that does not have consistent sunlight.
Does Going Solar sound Good to You?
We hope that now that you are aware of the ins and outs of going solar, we hope you can make an educated and informed decision. If you choose to move forward, make sure to consult a professional to ensure you have the best possible setup for your home and needs.
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