GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR RESIDENTIAL SOLAR SYSTEM
If you're like most cost-conscious and environmentally concerned folks, you've probably considered going solar. But before you make the leap to solar energy, there are some important things to consider. So what variables should you take into account when evaluating the merits of solar power for your home or business?Climate Concerns With Solar Power
Contrary to what you might think, solar power can offer substantial benefits in just about any climate. That being said, you should certainly consider your climate when installing a solar system. If you live in the southwestern U.S. you probably get plenty of sunshine, but if you live in the Pacific Northwest, your solar panels will be drawing energy from ambient light and UV for much of the year.
Solar still works quite well under cloud cover, but it doesn't produce as much energy -- that's just how solar power works. Other variables such as average snow and rainfall, smog, air density, average temperature, and fog should also be figured into the equation when evaluating solar power's value proposition.
Charting the Sun for Solar
Climate isn't the only variable that will affect your solar system's effectiveness. The amount of sunlight your location receives can also impact solar power's efficiency. Before opting for solar power, you'd be well advised to create a sun chart. It's not as difficult as it sounds. Get a piece of graph paper and picture it as the view from the south-facing side of your home.
Plot the sun's position throughout the day. You can create sun charts for summer, fall and winter, and add obstructions such as buildings, mountains and trees. Your sun chart can help you determine how much direct sunlight your solar panel will receive.
Choosing the Best Location for Your Solar Panels
Your sun chart will certainly have an influence on where you put your solar panels, but it may be secondary to the construction of your home. Ideally, you'll have a south-facing roof with few obstructions and an uncomplicated roofline. Of course, that's not always the case. If you don't have a south-facing roof, you can have your solar panels mounted facing southeast or southwest, or even due east or west, but you'll lose a certain amount of efficiency.
DIY OR HIRE A SOLAR INSTALLATION PROFESSIONAL?
Some consumers go for the do-it-yourself option when installing solar panels, but there are significant advantages to enlisting the services of a professional solar installer.
* They have extensive experience, and their will be able to quickly pinpoint the ideal location for your solar panels.
* Getting up on your own roof can be a dangerous proposition, especially if it has an especially steep pitch.
* Hiring an expert eliminates the potential for the sort of costly errors that DIY enthusiasts sometimes make.
* Some utility companies do not allow homeowner-installed panels to be connected to the power grid.
* DIY solar systems can impact your ability to acquire homeowner's insurance.
* Most solar installers guarantee their work. There's no warrantee if you go it alone.
* Working with electricity can be extremely risky, especially to the novice.
[Photo Via: WRI.org]
