Planning a Home Solar Electric System
Therefore, you will make the right decision if you choose to power your home
with solar energy. In any case, controlling your domestic with sun powered energy
will require a certain amount of planning to urge everything going the way you
need it to. Fortunately, we know a thing or two about the nuts and bolts of
bringing solar power to your home.
1. Determine the Energy Efficiency of Your Home
This is the first step to take when looking to install a solar power protection
system because it is a key part of your plan. The goal is to determine if you need
to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Take the time to calculate your
total electricity usage. This will assist you choose in case you wish a domestic sun
powered framework. Here's how you'll be able decide the energy proficiency of
your domestic:
● Take a home energy audit that will help you see how you use energy so you
can decide if you are wasting electricity unnecessarily.
● Take a look at your appliances. You may need to eliminate the use of some
or simply replace others with high-efficiency models. You also want to make
sure that you are using energy efficient lighting.
● Do you use a cooling and heating system? If it is feasible to air-condition
your home? If not, what are your options? HVAC systems use a lot of power
in case you didn't know.
2. Solar Potential
The next step in planning a domestic solar framework is to look at your home's
sun powered potential. Specifically, how power will be generated from the
available sites. Fortunately, there are many tools that can allow you to measure
the solar potential of your home. You must do this because not all homes are
solar-friendly, and your home could be one of those homes.
Another option is to hire the services of a professional solar installer to help you
with this. To measure the solar potential of your home, you will need to
determine the following:
Your Roof: Does It Need to Be Replaced? If so, how soon do you need to do this?
Solar panels need sturdy roofs. You will need to consider the age of your roof and
whether or not it will need to be replaced. If you think you will need to replace
your roof in the next few years, you will need to go ahead and do so before
installing rooftop solar.
Shade Trees: Are there any around your home? Shade trees will reduce the
amount of light the solar panels receive. This is why it is important to take a look
at where you plan to place your solar system.
Your Local Homeowners Association: Will They Allow A Solar System In Your
Home? What are the stipulations governing solar panel systems in your
neighborhood?
3. What are the Options for Using Solar Energy?
Today, there are several options that will allow you to enjoy solar energy in your
home, even if you do not want to rent or buy a rooftop system. These are the
available options:
Shared solar energy: In this scenario, people can share solar energy using virtual
net metering.
Solar Leases - Here, you can lease a solar system if you can't afford one.
Solarize Program: This program allows you to obtain a discount system or to
participate in one.
Power Purchase Agreement - This is an agreement with a third party where you
obtain solar power from a party that places the equipment in your home.
4. Financing
There are many solar financing options and incentives (like tax credits, for
example) available to those looking to get a home solar system. Try to understand
as much as possible about the incentives that are available to you
You can get all the information you want about available incentives from the State
Renewable Energy & Efficiency Incentives Database.
5. Making Your Decision
This is where you decide whether you want to get professional service or just go
the DIY route. The last option is certainly a possibility. All you need is to do a little
more research on the type of solar PV tools you need, the size of the panels to
install, and how to install them.
Whatever your decision, make sure you stay on the correct side of local laws.
6. Put Off
By following the steps outlined above on planning a solar home system, you will
be able to power your home with solar energy in no time.