What Is The Climate Where You Live
Generating solar energy can be possible in many different climates. Even if you live in Seattle where it is rainy, or if you live in Arizona where the sun often shines year-round. Because our solar panels are high-efficiency panels, they will be able to convert both direct and indirect light to electricity. When you have one of our solar consultants come to your home, we can let you know what your potential savings might be.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need
A 4kW solar panel system would require approximately 16 solar panels with a 250W power output, while a 5kW system comprises 20 solar panels.
As these factors differ from home to home, so it is important to assess each household uniquely.
The first step is to identify your current energy consumption. You measure this in kilowatt-hours , and its important to take the time needed to calculate this as accurately as possible.
- Check your electricity bills to get your power consumption . You can either calculate month by month or add your monthly/quarterly consumption together for an annual figure.
- Decide on how much of your electricity bills you want to cover with your solar panels this can be anything from 10-100%. Your decision will affect the system size and costs.
- Calculate how many solar panels actually fit your roof. An average solar panel takes about 1.44 m2 of roof space. Don’t forget to include at least 30cm from the roof’s edge. Adjust the system size if you realise that you don’t have enough space for all the panels you calculated.
Portable & Folding Design
The outer layer of the solar panel sales is made of thick, breathable material. The portable design is easy to carry, suitable for camping, hiking, trekking, and can be used as a backup power source for mobile phones and car batteries. This solar energy panel is made for adventure, it can be folded into a briefcase for easy transport.
Don’t Miss: How To Calculate Solar Needs
How Strong Is Your Roof
Solar panels in themselves are not particularly heavy, but if you are considering photovoltaics, then a whole solar array and the mounting frames used can weigh around 275kg. The majority of modern homes will have no issue in supporting this weight, but make sure your installer conducts an integrity survey to be absolutely sure.
For solar thermal, youll only need around 4 square metres of unobstructed space to mount the panel. If you are considering PV, it is closer to 10 square metres, about the size of a car parking space. For most homes this wont be an issue, but check for vents and skylights you might have forgotten about to make sure you have enough space.
How Many Solar Panels For 1000 Kwh Per Month
A house with a monthly consumption of 1000 kWh usually needs 20 to 30 solar panels. The exact amount will depend on the specifications of the panel model selected and the amount of sunlight available.
Outdoor light timerHow to set a plug in timer?Press the reset button to clear the previous programming.Set the hours using the Clock, Hour, Minute and Week buttons.Set the timer for different events using the Program/Prog button.Use the on/off button. On off. / Auto for the timer to wake up your device automatically.Press Hour and Min simultaneously to activate daylight saving time.What is an outdoor lighting?The outdoor lighting is
Recommended Reading: Does Pine Sol Kill Mosquitoes
Are Solar Panels Efficient In The Uk
Solar panels are very efficient in the UK. Although the efficiency of solar panels is higher on sunny days, they do not need direct sunlight to work. Solar panels can also produce a considerable amount of electricity on cloudy days and during the winter season.
In fact, solar panels are more suited to cooler temperatures. Solar panels can overheat in countries with very warm weather. Therefore, UK weather is most of the year ideal for the efficiency of the product.
effective even in snowy climatescleared off the solar panels
A typical commercial solar module has an efficiency rating of 15-20%. One important challenge of the PV industry is to improve the module efficiency, and at the same time, keep down the cost per cell.
Naturally, there are many factors that can affect the efficiency of your system, from the type of solar panel to angling, and seasonality.
There’s a common misconception that solar panels don’t work well in the winter. However, solar panels can be effective even in the winter if you prepare and maintain them properly.
The image below shows the average energy output produced throughout the year by a south-facing 4kW domestic solar panel system on a roof angled at 40 degrees. Solar panels produce enough energy to power 33-51% of a home during the winter period.
Solar Panels in London are effective and can help you reduce your utility costs. The chart below outlines the monthly energy output of a 4kW system in the greater London area.
The Setup Cost Of These Solar Panels
If solar panels and the usage of solar energy are quite popular in your area, the chances are that the cost would be more affordable and doesnt break your back. If it’s quite expensive to install solar panels, then you might have to reconsider it as it takes a lot to recover your initial investment.
The cost of setting up the solar panels usually depends on the availability of the suitably sized solar panels, labor costs, and the difficulty level of fixing it up on your roof.
Don’t Miss: How To Keep Pigeons From Under Solar Panels
Wire The Solar Panels
Now that the panels are fastened securely to the frame, the next step is to wire them. In most cases, the panels come wired from the manufacturer. However, these wires must be connected to the inverter, which would typically be in the attic.
The inverter is a component of the solar array that converts the absorbed energy from the panels into AC electricity, which can then be used by household appliances.
During the time of the wiring installation, the electricity supply to the household will need to be shut off.
Contact Freedom Solar To Learn More
Whether your Sun Number Score is on the low or high end, youll likely benefit from speaking with a professional to weigh your options for acquiring solar panels for your home or business.
For more information on purchasing and installing a solar panel system, or to discover your homes solar power potential, contact Freedom Solar by calling +1 795-0577 or submitting an online inquiry!
Also Check: Can I Have Solar Panels On My House
Cost Of Solar Panels For 3 Bedroom House
How much does it cost to install a solar panel system? Cost of solar panels. The average cost of installing solar panels is between $10,626 and $26,460 for a 6 to 12 kW system to power the entire home. The average payback period for solar panels is 7 to 12 years and solar energy saves between $600 and $2,000 per year on electric bills.
How To Determine If Solar Energy Is Right For Your House
Now that youve educated yourself as to some of the factors professional solar panel installers consider when making recommendations to prospective buyers, you may still have some questions about whether or not its a smart investment for your house. We have compiled a list of some of the concerns that many of our customers have had when theyre considering a solar panel purchase.
- I dont live in a sunny state This may be one of the biggest misconceptions about solar energy. While its true that an overwhelming majority of solar power homes are in southern states that are not as affected by winter elements, modern advances in photovoltaic panels have improved performance in winter conditions. Solar panels draw energy from light, not heat. That means as long as the sky is clear, it doesnt matter if its hot or cold outside.
And while winter often brings overcast skies, quality solar panels can absorb diffused light as it comes in from different angles. Winter days are shorter, however, which means that there are fewer solar energy hours. So, generally speaking, solar panel energy output can be lower in the winter than during the longer summertime days.
Don’t Miss: How To Start A Sole Proprietorship In Minnesota
Do You Live In The Woods
It might sound like a silly question, but shading of any type can adversely affect the performance of your solar system. When it comes to PV, if any portion of the array is shaded, the efficiency of the entire system is drastically reduced. Dont forget that the angle of the sunlight changes over the year, so ask your installer to do a seasonal variation model to see if your roof becomes shaded in the winter.
If, after asking yourself these questions, you think your home might be suitable for solar, its time to call in the installers to conduct more detailed investigations. Always choose an installer who is a member of a professional body such as the Solar Trade Association, and they will be able to conduct additional tests and surveys to establish how suitable your house is for PV.
Free Solar Panel Quotes For Your Roof
Theres likely to be a way for solar panels to be installed onto the vast majority of properties. And even if you have a north-facing roof, the panels will still generate renewable electricity. To find out how suitable your roof is for solar panels, we highly recommend getting the opinion of an MCS certified solar installer.
By completing our simple online form, well be able to connect you with up to 3 solar installers based in your local area. Each will provide a free quote for the installation of solar panels for you to then compare. Comparing multiple quotes in this way will give you the confidence that youre getting the most competitive price from the best installer for the job.
Read Also: How To File Taxes As A Sole Proprietor
How Pitched Is Your Roof
The angle of your pitch is another important factor in the efficiency of your panels, but unlike orientation can be rather difficult to measure yourself. The ideal pitch will be between 30 45 degrees, but you can still expect good performance from pitches as shallow as 15 degrees or as steep as 50. If you plan to mount your panels on a flat roof, your installer will often be able to use a mounting frame to angle your panel at the perfect pitch.
Your Roof Will Last For Decades
Solar panels can last up to 40 years, so you want your roof to be ready for them. If you end up needing a new roof after the panels are installed, youll have to have a solar specialist take the whole system off, then reinstall it after the roof is rebuilt.
If you have a new roof, youre ready to install solar panels. If you need a new roof, you may want to install solar panels during the process. If the installation is done at the same time, there wont be any problems drilling through roof membranes or trying to attach new framework.
If your roof isnt new, how long will it last? Different types of roofs are built to last for different amounts of time. Asphalt and tar roofs last about 20 years, wood shake roofs may last 30 years, and tile roofs can last 50 years. If your roof is near the end of its lifetime, you should replace it before getting solar panels.
A reputable solar installation company should be able to inspect your roof and check for damage before installing solar panels.
Also Check: How To Clean Solar Panels Diy
Find Out If Your House Is A Good Candidate For Solar Energy
Sun, space and location can determine if your home can be updated with solar panels.
Is your house ready for solar?
Saving money and the planet though solar energy has a lot of appeal. Not every home is the ideal candidate, though. Here are some tips to help you decide if solar energy is a viable option for your home.
What Is A Solar Panel Warranty And Do I Need One
Solar panel warranties protect your solar investment and are an important part of any solar installation.
Stick built home Are modular homes cheaper than buildings?Generally homes and RVs are modular cheaper This house was built on site. And on account of their simplicity, they are wont to benefit from inferior repair and maintenance costs. The time to build these homes is much less than the time to build homes on site from scratch. How do you build your house?Build your house Step
Don’t Miss: How Fast Do Solar Panels Pay For Themselves
Is My House Suitable For Solar Panels Factors That Affect Your Homes Sun Number Board
Solar is a perfect alternative for electricity. However, not all homes are suitable for solar power due to many factors, among them the sun number score. This score ranges from 1-100, and it shows how efficient your home can harness solar power or how suitable your home is for solar installation. The number helps you determine whether the conditions are worth the investmentthe higher the number, the better the conditions. A score of 100 shows high efficiency, with the efficiency declining as the numbers fall.
However, you can still enjoy solar services even with a low score. This is taking into consideration that there are other small details involved in the process of solar installation. An excellent installer will be able to guide you on these details. Always opt for experts such as SEM Power who can design and modify the system, such as having solar panels on multiple sides of the roof to beat the score. There are four key scoring categories that, when combined, are used to determine the sun number score.
Building Solar Score
This is the most important aspect with a score of 80 points. It looks at how suitable your property or structure is for solar installation. The roof pitch, size, orientation, and shading are all key. A score of 60 and above is ideal. An ideal roof should be south facing with zero shading, an appropriate angle, and adequate space for the panels.
Regional Climate Score
Electricity Rates Score
Solar Cost Score
The Sun Number Score
Look Into Rebates And Tax Incentives
While solar panels can seem expensive, especially as you are facing the sizable up-front costs, you’ll want to keep in mind the fact that some places have incentives to encourage you to go green.
The federal government offers tax credits to home owners who install solar panels. Some states similarly offer tax breaks and rebates when you embrace solar power. Make sure to capitalize on these opportunities to shrink the cost of switching to solar.
Also Check: Are Tesla Solar Panels Available
What Kind Of Roofing Material Do You Have
Another important criterion to fit the solar panels on the rooftop is to check whether your roofing material is durable enough to hold it. Solar panels fit like a dream on durable and strong roofing materials such as concrete tile and standing seam metal. Always go for professional help when finding out the type of roofing you have.
Also, check if your roofing needs to be replaced or repaired any time soon. If your rooftop is due for fixing, repair it as soon as possible before fitting the panels. Once the panels are fitted, it will be quite difficult to change the roofing tiles or do the necessary maintenance.
Install The Solar Panels
Once the frame has been attached, the installation of the solar panels can begin. The panels are clamped to the aluminium frame but not too tightly at first, in order to have some space to adjust them slightly later. Once all panels are set up in their position, they are firmly secured to the frame.
Read Also: Is There A Solar Powered Car
How Much Internal Space Do You Have
The internal space requirement for a PV system is minimal, as the only bulky piece of internal equipment is the inverter. This requires around a metre squared of space, which can normally be accommodated in the loft without major problems. However, if you have a loft conversion or dormer bedrooms, make sure youve thought through where you plan to place this equipment.
Check To See If You Have Enough Room
Now that you know the best places for panels, you need to see if you have enough space for them. Here’s how to get a rough estimate:
Does the number match up with amount of electricity you use per month? If not, you can still use solar panels to supplement your energy usage.
Read Also: Can You Convert A Solo 401k To A Roth Ira
Solar Panels From Installers You Can Trust
We want to make your solar journey as smooth as possible. That’s why we only work with MCS accredited solar panel installers. Once you’ve had your solar panels installation you can start to reap the rewards of generating your own renewable electricity. Plus all of our works are backed by HIES, the Home Insulation and Energy Systems insurance backed guarantee.
