How to Tell if Your Home Can Be Optimized for Solar Energy

Solar energy is a fantastic way to help the environment [and your wallet]. Solar panels are considerably cheaper to run than more traditional forms of power, and they do not contribute to greenhouse gasses and global warming. Thus, governments throughout the world are recommending that their citizens opt for solar energy instead of grid energy. Solar energy can provide hot water and electricity, leaving only the gas on the grid. Deciding to optimize your home for solar energy is a decision you will not regret. If we all pull together and begin harnessing the sun's power, we can counteract the damage that we have collectively done to the environment over the years.

This page will hope to tell you whether or not your home can be optimized for solar energy. It is essential to thoroughly research whether solar energy is a viable source of power for your home before deciding to have it installed.   

How can you tell if your house can be optimized for solar energy?

Geography

Unsurprisingly, solar energy relies on the sun's energy to get its power. Some countries and places in the world do not have sunlight for up to six months of every year [countries that fall upon the North and South pole]. If geographically located in one of these areas, you can still benefit from solar panels [more so during the six months of daylight], but you can only use your solar energy for half of the year. Solar is a decision that you will have to carefully consider, for, in the other half of the year, you will have to provide energy from the grid or generators. Consider your geography before investing in solar panels.

Climate

Additionally, it would help if you considered your climate; you may live in a country with a typical day and night cycle, but your country's weather may be constantly overcast and cloudy. You should carefully consider the climate of your country before investing in solar energy. While you can still benefit from solar power, you may even have to spend money on electricity and gas. In this situation, you might want to consider having an electricity meter installed in your home on a pay-as-you-go scheme so you can pay for the energy that you need when solar energy cannot provide.

Finances

Not only should you consider external factors when deciding whether or not to invest in solar energy, but internal too. You should carefully assess your household finances to see if you can afford the initial installation costs. Rather than blindly going for it, consider saving up some money and making the investment when you can afford it. For overtime, according to the solar specialists of fireflyenergyllc.com/orange-county/ladera-ranch/, you can make massive savings by using solar energy. That solar panels cost less to maintain than your household appliances, which make the investment worthwhile. Crazy, right? It may take some savings, but you can eventually get there.

Size and Shape of Roof

Your roof's size and shape play considerable roles in whether or not your home is suitable for solar energy. The angle of your roof will affect how much power your panels harness from the sun. If you have a flat roof, you can mount the panels on a bracket and face them toward the sun, but this can cost a lot of money to do. If you have an awkwardly sized and shaped roof, you may need to consider external panels bracket-mounted and sit in your garden. A technician will be able to explain all of this to you. In an initial survey of your home, as well as make recommendations to you.

Shaded Roof

If you have a roof that is shaded by trees, buildings, or other parts of your home, then this may affect the power you receive from your solar panels. In this situation, it may be best for you to have external meetings, as recommended in the previous paragraph. A shaded roof does not necessarily mean you cannot use solar panels; it just makes it somewhat more difficult to install and set them up. Even so, it is worth contacting a technician to discuss it further with you, as there are alternative options and ways you can still harness the sun's energy without roof-mounted solar panels, providing you have a large garden. You may also be able to have solar windows installed.

With the help of this page, you should now be able to determine your home's suitability for solar energy. Solar energy is an excellent alternative to traditional power and a great way to protect the environment. We hope you found this page useful!