With the increasing costs of oil and gas, the price of electricity is rising all over the world. If you are as worried about your electricity bill this month as all of us, you might have thought of going the solar route. However, one prominent question that comes up at this point is, "is my house good for solar panels?”
The good news is that there are many home solar companies available that offer market competitive installation prices, but is your home even a viable option for solar energy?
Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular. Moreover, they are operational in extreme temperatures and do not need much in the way of regular maintenance. These appealing features make at-home solar panels a must-have.
This article will discuss the cost of a home solar system and if it is even an option for your home. Let’s get started!
How Much For a Home Solar System
Solar energy is all the rage right now, and rightfully so, but that doesn’t mean it's a cheap option. The home solar system cost depends on the origin, state, and solar system type. Regions with more sunny days and higher usage will have better prices to offer than places where solar systems are not as widespread and have minimum use.
On average, the cost of a home solar system is $16,000 but can reach up to $35,000. Many factors affect the final cost of home solar systems, such as:
Home solar system companies
Home solar system installation
Model type
Number of panels and the final size and weight
Manufacturer
Location
Roof pitch
Thus, besides buying the home solar system, you must consider the costs mentioned above and ensure everything falls within your budget. Home solar system installation alone can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000, depending on where you’re located.
Overall, a solar system is a hefty investment, but the pros outweigh the cons easily. For instance, you can improve your property value, lower energy costs, and reduce your carbon footprint.
Is My House Good For Solar Panels?
Now that we know all the benefits of a home solar energy system, let’s see if it's the right fit for your home.
Energy Bill
To ensure your house is an ideal candidate for a home solar system, you first need to check your electricity bill. The major reason people invest in at-home solar panels is that they frequently get high monthly electricity bills, and solar panels can help reduce that cost and help homeowners see a significant return on investment after a few years.
According to some home solar system companies, households with a monthly electric bill of $75 should invest in a home solar system because $75 is the threshold at which residents will start seeing solar savings.
Amount Of Sun
Another determining factor for at-home solar panels is the amount of sunlight your roof receives. There is a misconception that solar panels work best in locations with more sunny days or where they’ll receive the most sunlight. This is partially true. Yes, the more sunlight, the more solar energy the panels generate.
However, that doesn’t mean solar panels won’t work in cold or shaded areas. In fact, solar panels can work in colder regions as well, although the initial system and installation price will be costlier than in other areas.
For this, we recommend calling a professional and consulting them. They will help you determine the solar panel size and model depending on your family’s energy needs. They will also guide you on the location and whether a solar panel will help you save money.
Roof Type
Did you know certain roof types work better with home solar systems? Among the many options available, metal roofs are best because they already have seams that are easier to drill into. Aside from metal, composite, asphalt shingle, concrete, and standing seam metal also work well with solar panel systems.
There are some roofing materials you have to avoid or consult professionals for help with, such as tiles, as they can break easily, and wooden or clay roofs. Such roof types can’t handle the added weight or high temperature and can damage your roof’s structure and integrity.
Roof Orientation
Aside from the roof type, there are other things you need to consider for a home solar energy system. This includes roof size and orientation. Ideally, your roof should be strong enough to handle the installed solar panel model. For instance, if your house uses 5 kilowatts per month, you will need to install panels on about 300 sq. ft. of roof.
Similarly, your roof should also be titled or designed on an angle. This is not a requirement but helps in generating more energy. For example, roofs tilted at around 30 degrees or have southern exposure get more sunlight than roofs that are flat or have west or east exposure.
Your roof should also be free from obstacles like chimneys or vents that can hinder installation and throw shade on the panels, reducing their capability to generate solar energy effectively.
Local Climate
Sunlight is one of the major things to look out for when considering a home solar system. Besides sun exposure, other climate conditions also affect its efficiency. For instance, many believe that solar panels function only in hot weather. That is false. In fact, hot weather makes solar panels inefficient and wears them down quickly.
Moreover, if you live in an area with frequent rain and fog buildup, your home is still viable for a solar panel system, as long as it is sealed well. However, snowy and cloudy weather affects the functionality of solar panels. Snow covers the panels and prevents sunlight from reaching through. On a cloudy day, solar panels produce only 10 to 25% of solar energy.
Another thing to consider when installing a home solar system is to check for permission. For this, you need expert consultation. For instance, if your house isn't on a listed building or located within an area marked for conservation, and as long as you don’t hang the solar panels off the side of your roof, you won’t need explicit permission to install solar systems.
Conclusion
Now that you have the answer to the question, “is my house good for solar?” you should get one for your home. A home solar energy system is a profitable investment that saves money and ensures your electricity bill doesn’t go through the roof.
For more information, contact Solar Connect for a customized solar solution that meets your unique energy needs
PHONE: (888) 528-4101
EMAIL:Info@SolarConnect.Energy
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