4 Useful Tips To Keep In Mind When Getting Solar Power For Your Home

Undoubtedly, solar is the “happening” energy source in the United States today. Many industry reports showcase the increasing appeal for solar in the U.S. energy sector. According to a report by GTM Research, The Solar Foundation, and Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the overall demand for solar power has soared by about 60% annually over the past 10 years. The unequivocal penchant for solar energy by both commercial and residential consumers has delighted environmentalists and baffled mainstream industry analysts.

Low installation costs coupled with massive environmental benefits have made solar the smart, affordable and cost-effective energy option. As you prepare to savor these benefits by getting solar for your home, remember the following tips to ensure optimal returns on your investment.

Managing The Cost

Before you get a solar energy system for your home, you should conduct a comprehensive energy audit of your home to get an accurate estimate of your household’s energy needs. The energy audit will enable you to select a befitting solar system that will satisfy your energy needs. It is also advisable to implement various energy-saving strategies like upgrading to more efficient bulbs and appliances in a bid to save power consumption. To learn more about a residential energy audit and how to reduce power usage at home, you can consult any solar company in your locality. For instance, you can approach any company that offers HVAC services in Orlando, if you live in Florida. Having reduced your energy usage, you will save money by purchasing a low wattage, economical solar system for your home.

Staying On The Grid

Even after getting solar for your home, it is advisable to retain your existing arrangement with your utility company because of two main reasons, if your state even allows you to remove yourself from the grid. Many will not, and if you do, they will condemn your house and deem it unlivable. First, after installing a solar system, you might discover that it does not fully furnish your home’s energy needs. This could be due to an error made when estimating your home energy needs or your household’s energy usage could increase with time. If you retain your connection to the grid, you could plug the deficit with traditional retail energy. Secondly, if your state has a net metering policy, you can sell the excess electricity produced by your solar system to your utility company at competitive prices.

Solar Mounting Site

Mostly, residential solar panels are mounted on the roof to ensure maximum exposure and to save your home space. To ensure that your panels receive most sunlight for optimal energy production, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) insists that they should face south. If this is not possible, due to the nature of your house, you can still achieve optimal efficiency by either opting for a ground-mount or by orienting the panels by up to 45 degrees and then adjusting the tilt. And although some modern installations can track the sun’s rays, you should always ensure that the panels are not obstructed by anything.

Hybrid Systems

Finally, it is always advisable to go for a hybrid system that combines two sources of energy to power your home. Conventional residential solar systems depend exclusively on the sun’s energy to power your home. However, diminished sunlight during dull weather conditions or in winter can reduce the amount of power generated as needed by your household. The natural gas and solar hybrid system solves these natural hitches by enabling these two energy options to complement each other. This co-generation system is something larger homes and businesses should look into.