If You Decide Solar Panels Are Right For You Find A Registered Installer And Get Three Quotes
As we’re MoneySavers, not electricians, picking installers isn’t our speciality. You can see the firms shortlisted for the British Renewable Energy Awards 2020, run by the Renewable Energy Association, or ask friends and colleagues for recommendations.
The system and the installer should meet the standards of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme . And make sure the installer is a member of the Renewable Energy Consumer Code.
As always, get at least three quotes, and get ’em in writing. When comparing quotes, check the following are included: scaffolding, removal of the existing roof and other roofing works, internal wiring works, sorting out a connection agreement with the energy supplier, electrical connection work, and a generation meter. Fitting the panels themselves is a one or two-day job.
Once they’re fitted, registering your panels is a must you’ll need an MCS certificate, which you’ll use to register for smart export guarantee payments with a licensed energy supplier.
Never borrow from solar companies to pay for the panels
Some installers let you buy solar panels on credit. If you don’t have the cash upfront, panels aren’t for you. The loan’s interest could dwarf the savings.
Solar panels are generally low maintenance
The Energy Saving Trust says little maintenance is required on a properly installed, well-designed solar PV system, though you’ll likely need to replace the inverter a gadget that is a key part of the mechanism within about 25 years .
Do I Need Planning Permission For Solar Panels
Contact your council to see whether you need to apply for planning permission for your solar panels. You wont need planning permission for most domestic solar panels, as long as they’re below a certain size.
However, exceptions apply for listed buildings, buildings in conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.
How Much Do Solar Panels Save
Switching to a solar energy system could potentially cut your energy bill by 75%. The savings you and your family see will depend greatly on where you live, what the climate is like and your particular energy needs. For instance, an average homeowner in Portland, Oregon, will see total savings of $38,000, whereas a homeowner in Los Angeles could save as much as $90,000 over 20 years.
Many solar energy companies provide a free calculator tool to help you easily estimate the cost and savings of installing solar panels on your home. Different solar calculators may estimate electricity costs in different ways. Numbers can be based on the national average, regional averages or other information you provide.
The average American electric bill is between $100 and $200 per month, and the average yearly energy cost is about $1,500. Depending on how much you pay out-of-pocket for the solar panel system, it could take five to 15 years to break even. To calculate how long it will take you to break even on savings versus the cost of your solar panels, first subtract your incentives and rebates from your costs. Divide that number by the amount you are saving on utility bills per year.
Even if your solar panels generate 100% of your electricity needs, you may still receive a utility bill. However, instead of asking for payments, you will get net metering credits for the month.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Solar Panels On Garden Lights
Do I Need A Building Permit To Add Solar Panels To My Home
If youve made the decision to install solar panels in your home, youre making a smart choice that can save you money and help protect the environment. Green building and green living are the wave of the future, and solar panels can be a big part of that.
However, you may be wondering if you need a building permit to add solar panels to your home. The answer is yes you will need a permit. Any addition to your home is likely to require a permit, and adding anything, including photovoltaic panels, without learning about and applying for the proper permissions can have serious consequences.
Remember that regulations can vary from state to state, so its important that you follow the regulations specific to the state in which you intend to add solar panels to your building.
Is My Home Good For Solar Power
Most homes are suitable for a solar panel installation. Some homes are more capable of generating solar energy than others though, but overall, the solar energy potential in Alberta is fantastic.
If you are building new, consider designing your home for solar panels.
Ideal Home
The ideal tilt and orientation of solar panels is due South at a tilt close to the latitude. For Edmonton, the latitude = 53 degrees but a 45-degree tilt or a 12:12 pitch is nearly identical in energy production and is a much more common pitch/tilt.
If your home does not have a 12:12 pitch facing south, dont worry. There will be energy losses, but nothing detrimental.
The average Alberta home has a pitch of 4:12 or approximately 18 degrees. If this home is facing due south, it will experience approximately 9% energy losses relative to the ideal tilt/azimuth.
If you your home is facing East and West that is ok too. Some energy is lost, but the solar panels can still generate 100% of your annual demand.
East/West faces do provide advantages though. Homes with gables running North/South typically have a very large area to install solar. The additional area often makes up for the slight drop in energy output. Similarly, East and West faces will generate lots of energy in the morning and evenings, when people use electricity the most, helping the payback period of solar power.
Obstructions
Vents, chimneys, trees and other shading sources will negatively affect your solar power system.
Also Check: Can You Take Solar Credit On Rental Property
Can You Run Air Conditioner On Solar Power
Solar energy is an effective way to generate renewable energy for your air conditioner to use, while also providing power to the rest of your appliances. Solar panel systems will generate thousands in electricity savings for over 25 years, and outlast your air conditioner plus all the other appliances they power.
Make A Diy Plan And Design Your System
This is the trickiest step in the whole DIY process, especially if you dont have any prior experience working with energy systems.
A. Decide on your goals
What do you want from your system? Financial savings? Backup power? Independence from the grid?
The goal youre shooting for will determine the best system type for you, how complex the installation will be, and how much the project will cost.
B. Choose the right solar system type
The next decision is to choose the right solar power system type to match your goal.
All system types have many features in common: they all involve solar panels, inverters, mounts, and wiring.
There are, however, some crucial differences, and they can impact the projects cost and complexity. Heres a brief summary of each.
C. Check solar rules and regulations
There is a wide range of rules governing solar installations. They can vary greatly between states, and even between local jurisdictions.
Be aware that some states dont allow a solar system to be connected to the grid unless the installation was performed by a licensed contractor. If this is the case where you live, you won’t be able to install a DIY grid-tied or hybrid solar system.
If DIY is allowed where you live, then youll probably need a building permit and a utility permit before you start your installation. This generally involves an onsite inspection by either a structural engineer or a licensed electrician.
D. Design the system
- Your energy needs
Don’t Miss: How To Wire In Solar Panel To Home
Frequently Asked Questions About Diy Solar Panels
If youre considering a DIY solar panel kit, but still have concerns about the best options, process, and general cost, check out a few of the most common questions we encounter when talking to solar shoppers:
Are DIY solar panels worth it?
DIY solar panels may be tempting to install, but their long-term worth may be up for debate due to quality alone. Typically, a solar panel system should continue to generate electricity for 25 to 35 years, so its important to invest in quality equipment and a reputable installer. If you purchase a home solar panel kit from a retailer, you may be paying less per watt, but youre not going to get the same efficiency or quality that professional installers usually offer with their products. Youll also likely forgo any warranties that come with your solar panel system, as warranties often only apply when the system is installed by a certified installer. Its also important to mention that if you still need to rely on some utility power and need to remain connected to the grid, DIY solar panels are not worth itthey are best used for small off-grid projects.
Do you need to be an electrician to install solar panels?How much do DIY solar panels cost?
You can find reliable DIY solar panels at retailers like Home Depot, manufactured by Grape Solar, for anywhere between $6,000 to $11,000, depending on your system size needs. For lower cost options, some manufacturers sell DIY solar panels on Amazon for anywhere between $1,600 to $2,500.
Assess Your Solar Potential
Before deciding on the best way to use solar electricity at home, assess the potential solar energy that can be produced at your address. Because PV technologies use both direct and scattered sunlight to create electricity, the solar resource across the United States is ample for home solar electric systems.
However, the amount of power generated by a solar energy system at a particular site depends on how much of the sun’s energy reaches it, and the size of the system itself.
Several mapping services and tools are available to help you determine your homes solar energy potential. Some of the services also offer information on the estimated system size, potential costs and savings, and local contractors.
These tools are an excellent starting point and can help you determine whether your home is suitable for solar, and if not, the best path forward for still benefiting from solar. While these tools are helpful, they don’t account for all of the variables that need to be considered for your particular system. For that, you will need to work directly with a solar installer who can provide an accurate assessment of your solar potential as well as detailed recommendations, estimates, and equipment expertise.
Consider the following:
Don’t Miss: Can Solar Panels Run A Whole House
What Is Solar Power
Lets start at the top! It begins with the sun. Solar panels generate power by absorbing light from the sun in photovoltaic cells, Transforming that energy into electricity.
Thats why solar power also goes by the label solar PV. The PV stands for ‘photovoltaic’.
The first solar panel was invented almost two centuries ago, and solar PV has become increasingly efficient and commercially attractive over the last few decades.
In the 1950s to 1960s, solar panels were just 10% efficient, meaning ONLY 10% of the energy absorbed from the sun was converted into electricity.
Nowadays, solar panels can convert around 20% of the energy. If that doesnt sound like a lot, remember: You dont have to pay for sunlight!
Solar power generated at home can save you cost on electricity, as you source and consume electricity on your own, rather than buying it from the grid.
The excitement doesnt stop there you can even apply to SELL that energy back to Tenaga Nasional Berhad or Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd .
You can do this through Malaysias Net Metering Scheme. The scheme is an initiative designed to reward both domestic and commercial solar power generators, by selling any extra renewable energy back to the electricity grid.
Now, thats a very green way to earn some money! There’s a total quota of 500MW for domestic Net Metering accounts, up to the year 2020.
Why Are Solar Panels Illegal In Florida
The short answer to this question is that solar panels are not illegal in Florida. However, you may have come across this question while researching solar power options in Florida and wondered why people are asking this question. Dont worry, were here to let you know not only is it legal to power your home with solar panels in Florida, but its also a pretty smart investment. Lets go over why this question comes up when considering solar power in Florida as well as a few secrets on how going solar in Florida can benefit you in more ways than one!
Recommended Reading: What Is The Current Efficiency Of Solar Panels
What Is The Best Roof Direction For Solar Panels
The table below shows the percentage of the maximum output you will get from a solar PV system, depending on your roof orientation and tilt angle .
Most UK roofs are angled at between 30 degrees and 45 degrees. Solar PV panels are not recommended for roofs that face north.
You also need to consider both the age of your roof and how strong it is, as PV panels are heavy.
Shade could be a big problem for solar panels, so no panels should be installed where there is shade from trees, chimneys, walls or other obstructions. Consider whether nearby trees are likely to grow and overshadow your roof.
See our top tips tomake the most of your solar panels.
How Do Solar Panels Work Addressing Misconceptions
When exposed to the sun, solar panels capture light particles in order to generate voltage or electricity. They thus offer a cost-effective way for households to supplement their electrical supply and lower their electric bills.
Related article: More Sunlight, Ventilation and Nearby Amenities: How to Pick A Home You Never Want to Leave
There is, however, a misconception that solar-powered homes experience electrical supply disruptions at night.
In Singapore, all houses with solar panels are still connected to the electricity grid. Homeowners can sell excess electricity generated in the day to the grid and will not experience any electrical outages. There is also no need for battery storage to supply electricity at night, says Solar AI.
So even on rainy or cloudy days, youre not at the risk of experiencing electrical outages at home.
Read Also: Who Is Eligible For A Solo 401k
How Much Does It Cost To Install Solar In Your House
With installation, an average residential 5kW size system costs between $3 and $5 per watt, according to the CSE, which results in the $15,000 to $25,000 range. That cost is before any tax credits and incentives. If you know your current energy usage, you can calculate how much youll need to pay for solar panels.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Solar Panels
Did you know that analysts estimate there will be more than 100 million rooftop solar panels installed globally by 2024!? Thats a whole lot of rooftop sustainable energy to be generated!
So, the question is whether home solar panels are a good idea in Malaysia? Lets look at the potential benefits and challenges:
Read Also: What Is The Cost Of Solar Panels For A House
Can A Hoa Prohibit Or Restrict Solar Panels In Texas
Texas Property Code Section 202.010: HOAs and POAs cannot prohibit or restrict a property owner from installing a solar energy device as defined by Texas Tax Code Section 171.107 . However, the following exceptions do give HOAs the power to restrict solar panels if one of the following conditions exist:
Why Should I Get Solar Power
The two main reasons are: it saves you money and saves the planet.
Solar is the cleanest and most renewable form of energy, because rather than needing to release greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, the electricity is sustainable, as it is created from direct sunlight and can be used for electrical items in your home.
Plus, because you will be generating the power naturally, using solar energy in your home or business can help reduce the cost of energy bills, as well as create an energy back-up system.
Also Check: How Many Solar Panels For Rv
Can I Install My Own Pv System A Diyers Checklist
Its time for the litmus test that tells you whether to proceed boldly as an amateur solar installer or to hand over the reins to a professional. For most of you, the decision will come down to the rules of the local building authority or your utility provider, either of which may require that solar installations be done by a licensed professional. This is also the best time to confirm that your project wont be nixed by your zoning department, historical district standards, or your homeowners association.
WARNING: PV systems are inherently dangerous and potentially deadly. As a DIY system installer and owner, you must understand, respect, and mitigate the risks involved with all installation and maintenance tasks. Pay special attention to safety warnings as well as all requirements in the local building and electrical codes and equipment instruction manuals.
Text excerpted from Install Your Own Solar Panels © 2017 by Joseph Burdick and Philip Schmidt. All rights reserved.
Is Your Home Rooftop A Good Candidate For Installing Solar Panels
Checking the durability of your rooftop is extremely important. Your rooftop should be equipped to withstand the weight of the panels and the mounting structures. If your rooftop is not firm, dont consider going solar until you have repaired it well. Also, since most houses in India are built too close to each other, it is imperative to check that your rooftop is free from any shadows being cast by nearby buildings/objects.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Benefit Of Llc Over Sole Proprietorship
Potential Problems Selling A House With Solar Panels
While its likely that solar panels will be an asset to your homes sale, its also possible that youll run into some complications, specifically with leased solar panels. Here are some things to be aware of:
You might need to buy out the lease, first. If youre worried about would-be homeowners feeling nervous about your solar contract, the smart path might be to pay off the rest of the lease before you sell the property. This reduces the new owners responsibility and allows you to transfer your panels outright.
You can transfer solar leases. If youre not willing to pay off the lease and you find a buyer who is ready to take it over, the next step is to transfer it into their name. This is a simple process, although it requires the cooperation of both the buyer and the seller.
Your new buyer will need to meet some credit requirements. If youre planning to transfer your solar lease to a new buyer, theyll need to meet specific credit requirements set by your third-party solar installer. While this isnt usually an issue, it can be a problem for buyers with low credit scores.
Youll want to maintain your panels before you sell. If your panels need any routine maintenance, carry this out before you sell your property. This makes them more attractive and accessible to new homeowners.
