When it comes to investing in any new technology, many people follow one basic rule of thumb: Wait until the bugs are worked out. With prices increasing and the cost of residential solar systems decreasing, the time might be right for you to consider solar power. But is your house a good candidate for this money-saving technology?
Believe it or not, the U.S., and more particularly the eastern U.S., is perfect for going solar, even more so because local governments and utility companies offer generous incentives and tax credits for taking this energy step.
Home “A” above is a better candidate for solar compared to Home “B” because the trees surrounding Home “B” are 100 feet tall and shade the right side of the roof too much. Photo courtesy of Astrum Solar.
Other factors come into play when considering whether your home is right for solar. Much depends on the size of your system. The larger the system, the more panels you need to install. The more panels you install, the greater the energy savings. You choose your system size based on what portion of your electricity needs you want your panels to supply.
The Roof Matters
The size of your system, however, is limited by available roof space. Here is where three important considerations come into play.
– For example, homes facing east and west offer more potential space for solar panels than do those facing north and south. With the latter, only the south side can accommodate panels.
– Also to be considered is how your roof is structured. Open, flat roofs can accommodate panels better than complex, angled ones.
– And last, do you live in a wooded area or is a portion of your roof shaded? Obviously, solar panels do not work in the shade.
As a result of these factors, most solar homes are hybrids, with a portion of their electricity coming from panels and the other part supplemented by the local utility.
For qualified residential customers whose homes meet the requirements of sun exposure and roof area, solar panels are a viable option. We are working with Astrum Solar, one of the nation’s leading full-service residential solar providers, to provide a solar leasing program offering the opportunity to switch to solar energy for little-to-no-money down for a 20-year term in select states*. We can analyze your needs and custom design a system to match your home and budget.
Have questions? Leave me a comment and I’ll be sure to get back to you.
*In Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Ohio, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. Constellation is offering residential solar leasing under the brand Leasing Powered by Constellation Energy. Astrum Solar will handle your purchase, installation, and service support.