5 Things to Know Before Going Solar
The US Department of Energy predicts that 3.8 million homes will be solar-powered by 2020. Are you thinking about going solar? Here are 5 questions to consider before making the leap.
What incentives are available?
Solar has become affordable in recent years, with payment options now offered to homeowners based on tax incentives and legislation on a state-by-state basis.
To close out 2015, the top 10 states for solar were: Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York (all tied at #1), Maryland, Connecticut, Oregon, Minnesota, New Mexico, Vermont & Colorado.
These rankings are based on legislative policy and incentives, not the climate. Don’t see your state listed? Find out where your state ranks on the solar scale: 2015 United States Solar Power Rankings.
What direction is your house facing and how much sunlight does it receive?
The direction your house is facing, how much sunlight your roof receives, and the angle of your roof are all important factors to consider.
Southerly-facing roofs are ideal, but it’s not a deal-breaker if they don’t because your roof may still capture enough sunlight to qualify. Western facing, southeast, east and north-northwest facing can work as well, especially with ample roof space and minimal shading, as panels work best in direct sunlight.
If your roof is partially shaded, less of your electricity will be offset by solar energy. How much of your roof is shaded and how much solar energy you can generate can be assessed during a free solar consultation to ensure you’ll be getting the best savings.
What is your average electricity bill?
Savings are not only dependent on roof size and shading. You’ll also need to consider your utility rates and how much electricity you’re currently using. The more you currently use and spend, the better the chances that solar will save you money each month. Solar companies will want to talk about this during a consultation, so it’s good to have a history of at least 6 months to a year’s worth of utility bills on hand.
Want to learn more? Get a free quote today.
Can I install solar panels on my roof?
Provided there’s enough space and sun, solar can be installed on most roofs. But you will need to talk to your solar provider about what type of roof you have since different types of roofs require different attachment techniques. A solar specialist will provide a roof assessment and determine what the best design is for your home.
Is my state’s climate good for solar?
Whether you live in New York, California or somewhere in between, solar can work for you. While solar panels are most effective with direct sunlight, they still generate plenty of electricity when it’s cloudy. It might surprise you to learn that rainy and snowy climates also work well. Rain washes away the dust and dirt from your panels, so even rain can help the system to operate more efficiently. It’s normal to generate more power during certain times of the year than others, but you can feel confident that your solar panels can produce electricity in a variety of weather conditions.
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