Is Installing a Solar Energy System Right for Your Home

With the increasing costs of energy, many people are considering alternative energy sources. While wind or water turbines may not be practical or even possible to generate electricity for your home, the chances are you may have considered solar energy. Solar energy has received a great deal of attention in recent years. However, installing a solar energy system is not something to play around with, so it is important to ensure that it is the right decision for your home.  In order to assess the viability of installing a solar energy system, there are a number of factors, which should be considered.

Installation costs:

The developments in solar technology have brought the cost of equipment and solar panels down in price. However, it is important to be realistic about how long it will take for the savings in your energy bills to allow you to break even against the installation costs. Some companies offer packages for financing the initial costs of installation or leasing of equipment and this seems to be the best option for most because you're able to see financial savings your very first month! That's what we like to call a, "No-Brainer".

Solar performance:

Solar energy is generated through the panels collecting energy from sunlight. This can still be accomplished during overcast weather, but it is not as effective. The collected energy can be stored using deep cycle batteries, which are attached to your solar energy system or your city Net-Metering program. This excess energy can be used when it is dark or dull outside. However, in order to have the optimum solar performance, you should live in a geographical area, which receives a good quantity of sunlight regularly. If you live in an area of the country that is regularly overcast with a high level of rainfall, you may find that it would take far longer to recoup the cost of the initial installation.

No noise pollution:

Many forms of alternative energy produce green energy; however, solar energy is the only alternative form of energy generation, which does not contribute to noise pollution. Sunlight is a renewable source of energy and with minimal maintenance on your solar energy system you can indefinitely generate power. Solar energy systems are completely silent, which can be preferable to being disturbed by system components such as noisy turbines.

The need for a backup:

Many experts agree that even with a comprehensive solar energy system, it is a good idea to have a backup in place. A great number of people remain on the mains electricity grid; this also provides the option of selling surplus energy back to their supplier. However, if you wish to go off-grid there are other options you may wish to consider such as a diesel generator or wind turbine.  

Suitability of your home:

Some properties are not suitable for the installation of the solar panels and equipment. If you are considering a solar energy system, it is a good idea to have a site survey conducted by a reputable professional (most solar companies do this for you). This will assess whether installation is viable. The surveyor will determine whether the roof structure of your home could bear the additional strain from the weight of the panels. They will also assess the optimum placement for the panels to produce the most efficient results.

If you are considering a solar energy system, it is important to determine whether it would be financially and structural viable for your home. Solar power can be an excellent way to reduce the carbon footprint of your home and reduce your energy costs, but it is worth taking the time to fully research your options before committing to an installation.

Feel free to give us a call: 702-758-7727