Planning a Home Solar Electric System When you think about it, solar energy is one of the most sensible and environmentally-friendly forms of energy out there. Not only that, but installing a home solar electric system is a relatively easy task. In this article, we are going to walk you through the process of planning and installing your own solar electric system. From figuring out your needs to estimating the cost, we will cover everything you need to know to get started. So what are you waiting for? Get started planning your home solar electric system today! How to choose a solar panel system When planning a home solar electric system, there are a few things to consider. The first is the size of your array. Solar panels vary in size from around 2 square feet up to 30 or more. Make sure you have an accurate estimate of how much solar power your home needs and choose the right system size. Systems rated at 10 kilowatts (kW) or less are common and can supply enough electricity to light a small room or two, such as an office or bonus room. Systems rated at 20 kW or more may be able to power an entire house. The next consideration is your location: Sun angles in different parts of the country affect the amount of electricity generated by a solar panel system. Southern states get the most sunlight and produce far more electricity than northern states, so it’s important to select a system that can cover your entire property. System sizing also changes with latitude; in the north, for example, you might need larger panels to generate as much power as you would in the south. Once you have determined your array size and location, another important decision is whether you want to purchase or lease your solar system. Leasing allows you to pay for energy over time rather than buying it all at once, which can reduce upfront costs. However, leasing typically has higher interest rates than buying does, so it’s important to compare both options carefully before making a decision. What type of financing is best for a home solar electric system? 1. Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs): HELOCs are a great way to get started with solar because they can help pay for part or all of the cost of your system upfront. Interest rates on HELOCs vary, but in general they are lower than those available for traditional loans. You can also use HELOCs to cover other costs associated with installing a solar system, such as permits and insurance. 2. Solar loan products: There are several loan products available specifically for solar homeowners. These products typically have lower interest rates and longer terms than traditional loans, which means that you can repay them over time without having to worry about high-interest payments. The advantage of these products is that they allow you to finance just a part of the cost of your solar system – often less than half – which means that you can still save money quickly if you’re able to get approved for a loan. 3. Tax credits: A number of federal and state tax credits benefit solar homeowners in various ways, including reducing their tax liability or providing financial assistance with installation costs or repairs afterwards. It’s important to talk to an accountant or tax specialist about your particular situation in order to maximise any benefits How to install your solar electric system There are a few things you need to do before setting up your solar electric system. The first is to get an estimate of the system’s size and voltage needs from your local distributor. Next, you will need to choose your solar panels. There are many options available, but the most important thing to consider is the panel’s efficiency rating. All of our solar installations come with a free inspection by a licensed contractor. Finally, you will need to connect your panels and inverter to the electrical grid. Once everything is installed, our team can help you optimize your installation for maximum efficiency and savings! How to calculate your home's solar potential Knowing your home's solar potential is the first step in planning a solar electric system. There are a few different ways to calculate your solar potential, but the most common way is to use a home energy audit. An energy audit will identify your home's current energy and how much energy you could save by installing solar panels. Once you know your home's solar potential, you can begin calculating your solar installation costs. The cost of a solar installation will depend on the size of your system, the type of panel you choose, and where you live. You can also find helpful tips on installing a Home solar system on Demo king. FAQs What is a solar electric system? A solar electric system (SES) is a type of renewable energy system that uses energy from the sun to generate electricity for your home or office. Solar panels, usually mounted on the roof or walls, convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity can then be used to power devices in your home or office, such as lights and appliances. How much does a solar electric system cost? The cost of a solar electric system will depend on the size of the system, the type of panel technology used, and any additional features that are included (like wiring and mounting). Generally speaking, however, a solar electric system will cost considerably less than installing traditional fossil-fuel based sources of electricity like gas or oil – typically by around 50-70%. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this price breakdown doesn’t take into account government rebates and other incentives that may be available in your area. Can I use my existing electrical wiring to connect my solar electric system? Most SES systems include installation instructions for connecting your existing electrical wiring. However, if you don’t have any existing electrical wiring – or if you want to upgrade your current wiring – you can purchase an interconnection kit separately. In either case, make sure to consult an experienced professional installer who is familiar with both solar electric systems and your particular home/office layout. Conclusion You've done your research, you know the benefits of solar electric systems, and you think it's time to take the plunge! Congratulations! Choosing the right system for your home can be a daunting task, but our team at SolarCity is here to help. We'll walk you through everything from sizing up your needs to understanding rebates and tax credits available to you. Ultimately, we want you to be confident in choosing the perfect solar electric system for your home – so don't hesitate to get in touch! Thank You so much For taking time to reading my article.
