Did you know that every year in the United States, solar power offsets 70 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of planting 1.2 billion trees? Solar power, a growing trend in America, does a lot to help the environment because it does not produce greenhouse gases or pollution.
The benefits on the environment are just one reason that solar energy has grown in popularity 42 percent in the last decade, powering an estimated 18.6 million homes in the United States. Other great reasons to go solar include affordability, self-sufficiency, and low maintenance.
If you are considering going through the solar panel installation process but aren’t sure how to start, here is what you need to know:
How Do You Prepare Your Home for Solar Panel Installation?
The best way to prepare for solar panel installation is to ask yourself the following questions:
1. What are my needs?
One of the first things you need to do is determine how much power you need to produce by Kilowatts. This will let you know how many solar panels you need to install, and what size they should be.
You can determine how much energy you need by looking at past utility bills and considering how much sunlight your roof gets during peak sunlight hours. You will also want to consider battery storage.
At the end of the day, you may choose to have partial solar energy and partial fossil fuel energy rather than going 100 percent solar.
2. How much will it cost?
Installing solar panels does cost more upfront, usually around $15,000. However, it saves money in the long run, reducing or eliminating monthly bills and qualifying you for a tax credit.
According to Consumer Affairs, “Electricity from fossil fuels costs between 5 cents and 17 cents per kilowatt-hour. Solar energy costs average between 3 cents and 6 cents per kilowatt-hour and are trending down, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.”
For more on how much solar panel installation can save, go to https://blueravensolar.com/blog/how-much-do-solar-panels-save/
The type and size of panels will also affect the price. If you purchase a less-efficient or smaller panel that produces lower wattage, you may need to buy more. However, a solar panel with higher efficiency may cost more upfront and take more space on your roof but will require a smaller quantity.
3. Will I get enough sunlight?
If you live in a place like Alaska that only gets sun for half the year, you will need to install a higher quantity of solar panels than you would if you lived in, say, sunny Florida or Nevada.
You may also need to consider the tree coverage in your yard and around your roof that may provide too much shade.
The best way to know for sure if you have enough space on your roof for the number of solar panels needed to compensate for the amount of sunshine is to call in a professional and get a quote from a solar panel installation company.
The Solar Panel Installation Process is Worth It!
Helping the environment, saving money, and becoming self-sufficient are all great reasons to go through the solar panel installation process.
If you’d like to learn more about this topic, please keep reading more on our blog!
