Once you’ve decided that switching to solar energy is the most environmentally responsible choice for you, as well as one which will be most cost-effective in the long run, it’s natural that you’ll want to investigate the options and start your installation project as soon as possible.
However, there are several seemingly basic questions that you’ll need to answer before deciding which solar option is the right one for your property.
Is your home suitable for solar?
The first question to ask is whether your home is actually suitable for a full-scale solar installation.
Are there trees near your home, which will block out the sunlight for a good portion of the day? Is your roof strong enough to take the weight of the panels? This could be an issue, especially if you live in an older property.
If your roof is a complex structure with multiple gables, you could consider installing a range of small solar panels. In the northern hemisphere, panels should be placed facing south for all-day-long capture, although west and east-facing roofs may receive enough sun during parts of the day to make the installation effective.
If you realize that your roof isn’t suitable, there are several alternatives to consider. The panels could be installed on another structure, or even at ground level at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The disadvantage of these options is that there may not be room for a system large enough to meet your energy needs.
It is also easier for thieves to access and remove the panels installed at ground level.
Start with an energy audit
The two principle technologies used for domestic solar electricity systems are photovoltaic and thermal. Although solar thermal installations can provide a faster return on investment, they are not so commonly used in homes, so finding an experienced installer is not so easy.
Before you make any decision about which PV system or what size of solar panels to install, it’s essential to carry out an energy audit in order to understand the implications of the option you choose.
Check out an assessment tool such as PVWatts, created by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Enter your data, and no matter where you live in the world, it will estimate the energy production and cost of energy of the grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) energy systems.
It will give you valuable insight into the performance of your potential PV installation. Alternatively, ask a professional installer to carry out a detailed audit into your requirements, based on your actual energy usage and utility bills.
Should you DIY?
Unless you are skilled and experienced in handling complex electrical projects, the best option is to use a qualified contractor to avoid any issues. A qualified contractor has the knowledge to ensure your installation has the required permits to comply with local building, fire, and safety codes.
Look for one who holds a NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification, because such a contractor will not only assure the competence of the job, it will also ensure that the hardware warranties are not invalidated.
Importantly, the installation will be thoroughly checked before use, and you can be confident about its safety.
