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Planning a Home Solar Electric System
Given the tons of benefits it brings you, solar power is the future.
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 a solar protection system to your home.
1. Determine the Energy Efficiency of Your Home:
This is the first step to take when looking to install solar 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:
1. Take a home energy audit that will help you see how you use energy so you can decide if you are wasting electricity unnecessarily.
2. 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.
3. 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?
Read more: Surge Protection Devices.
Read more: Looking for electrical or appliance service.
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.