Using solar power is good for the environment, and it can greatly reduce your energy costs at home. Contrary to popular belief, the installation process is not that difficult. Here are the factors to consider when thinking about shifting to solar power.
1.Size
The size of the system you will get for your home depends on your energy usage and consumption. Different households have different needs when it comes to power generation, and together with your residential real estate broker, a solar professional is just the right person to assess your specific requirement. It will be based on:
• Your location
• The number of people in your household
• Your heating and cooling methods
• The number of appliances you own and use
• The time of the day when energy consumption in your home is at its highest
These will help measure your needs and will be the basis for the size of your solar panel system.
2.Lease, rent, or buy?
Solar power systems do not come cheap, but there are different financing options for those who are interested in acquiring the technology for the home. First, you have the option to buy the system. It’s a huge investment, but the savings you will have on your future energy bills will pay for the initial cost over time.
The second option is more manageable than the first. Instead of paying for the entire system upfront, you can acquire a loan ranging from a payable period of one up to ten years.
Finally, the third option involves having solar panels installed onto your roof at little or no cost. Instead of paying for the power system outright, you agree to pay the solar company for the generated electricity within a pre-determined period of time. Your primary consideration in this option is the cost of solar energy per kilowatt hour and how it will affect (savings-wise) your current energy bill.
3.Value for money and system warranty
A Clean Energy Council accredited solar panel retailer and installer should take care of the installation as well as the system’s connection to the grid. The following should be discussed with your installer for clarification and greater peace of mind:
•Quality – the brand, reliability, and performance rating together with the warranty on the panels must all be discussed to you.
•Location – for optimal performance, your solar panels need to be installed on the northern part of your roof that does not have shade. It must also be tilted at a certain angle for maximum sunlight exposure.
•Power warranty – 25 years is the common amount of time most manufacturers guarantee in terms of the amount of power produced by the solar panels.
Having solar power systems installed can mean big energy savings in the long term. But ample research and preparation are necessary to ensure top value for money. Make sure to refer to your checklist and have all your questions answered before closing any deals.
