Installing Solar Panels

Installing Solar Panels

The concept of solar power is familiar to many people, but they may not understand precisely how solar panels work. Even though solar energy is becoming a popular way to create electricity, there are many intricacies to the process that the average person may not know. Unlike buying a car, those interested in purchasing solar panels for their home can’t just ask their neighbors or friends about the process. They need to speak with a knowledgeable and specially-trained solar consultant to determine if they should install solar panels.

Something you’ll want to look at while weighing the benefits of solar panels is the pitch of your roof. Since solar panels are typically applied to your roof, they can be challenging to install. Also, not every roof is designed to accommodate solar installation. You should determine whether or not the extra weight of the solar panels will pose a risk to your roof’s structural integrity.

The pitch and direction the roof faces can have an impact on the effectiveness of solar panels. The panels provide power to the house as long as the sun is shining. Depending on where you live, you may find that during certain times of the year, you don’t get enough daylight hours to sustain a solar energy system. You may also find that even though you have plenty of sunlight in your area, your house faces a direction that prevents panels from getting sunlight during the full span of daylight hours. Additionally, if you enjoy the shade of many trees, you may find that those trees also impact how much power your solar panels generate.

If you determine that your roof will be a good option for solar power and that there’s nothing that will inhibit your home from producing all the energy you need, you then have to determine what kind of solar panels to get. Before you buy anything, you should talk with a solar consultant to learn about the best solar panels for your home.

Different types of panels collect various amounts of wattage so you must first determine how much wattage your home requires. An expert can help you determine the amount of wattage by reviewing your utility bill. From this, they can derive the daily electrical consumption of the household depending on the time of year. If you want your home to be entirely self-sufficient, your solar energy system must be able to match your consumption levels all year long.

An expert can help you determine how many panels your home needs based on your roof type, pitch, and the area where you live. One resource that can help you make an informed decision is a SunFacts report. This report provides you with a detailed and comprehensive survey of your home and its potential for solar power. The report is produced by Solar Engineering Group, a firm of engineers who are dedicated to providing homeowners with information so they can make an educated decision regarding solar for their home. The company doesn’t sell or install solar panels, so you can be assured that they won’t try to steer you toward purchasing a system that may not be right for your home.