3 things homeowners should know about today’s solar installations
By Dave Conway
By now, we all must know that solar is the cleanest and most environmentally friendly energy option today. From cutting down carbon emissions to local air quality benefits, solar energy undoubtedly has its payoffs. Not only is it the cleanest energy source, but it is also relatively cheaper than electrical energy.
While we may know all of this, there are other pieces of information homeowners should know more about if they are thinking of installing panels or additional panels to their home.
As more and more people are switching to solar power in the last ten years with an average annual growth of 50%, in the U.S., according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, all options must be covered during this process.
Since there has been an uptick in solar panel installations, the industry has made improvements to sizing, styling, and other variables making the variety and options of solar panels much more comprehensive than in previous years. Any addition to your home requires research before making any final decisions, that especially includes solar energy installations.
As mentioned, in the last decade, solar panel styling has become more efficient. Panels are looking less obnoxious and, overall, there is no more bulkiness to them.
Due to these stylistic transitions in the solar energy industry, panels are taking up less roof space but packing more power. The number of panels installed is based on the amount of electricity homeowners typically use in one year.
Roof and House Orientation
Speaking of how much space panels take up on a roof, the amount of energy produced is based on how much surface solar modules cover on a roof. While some may think covering 100% of their roof will provide the most efficiency, this is not the case.
The placement of panels can affect the efficiency of energy production. Panels are most often placed facing the south for maximum production, east and west facing modules can do well but more modules are required than southern roof surfaces to get the same amount of production, and modules should never be put on a north facing roof in the U.S.
Costs Are Decreasing
Overall, costs for installations have dropped over the past decade, along with improvements in styling and design. This cost decrease has seen a hiccup recently with the manufacturing interruptions caused by Covid-19. The marketplace is scrambling to catch up on production
and delivery, but this is taking time resulting in higher prices over the past two years. As the component manufacturing and distribution channels even back out, prices should start to level off again.
Homeowners also need to consider shipping costs, interconnection costs, and if permits are required.
Communicating with an installer is key to a smooth sailing solar panel installation experience. For more answers to some common questions about solar, click here. If you’re in North Central Indiana, the Green Alternatives team would love to help you walk through the process with you.
