5 Things to Consider When Building a Solar-Ready Home
All thanks to our environment-polluting habits of cranking HVAC systems on blazing summer afternoons and abandoning reduce-reuse-recycle mentalities, the modern suburban home is an infamous hotbed of greenhouse gas emissions. Fortunately, by thinking two steps ahead, you can make significant strides towards combatting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing fossil fuel reliance. Not to mention, installing solar panels is an excellent way to save money on power bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and nudge your home energy-efficient in an energy-efficient direction.
Building a solar-ready home takes some forethought and careful planning. You want to make sure your new dwelling maximizes its use of solar power and is set up for optimal energy efficiency.
With that goal in mind, here are five things to consider when building a solar-ready home.
Your solar panel company of choice
The first step in building a solar-ready home is choosing a solar power company to meet your needs, budget, and timeline.
To find the right company, follow these steps:
- Search for solar panel companies that service your area.
- Check the credentials of each company on your list (license, insurance, etc.).
- Check customer reviews for each company on your list.
- Obtain quotes from the most promising companies on your list.
- Compare the quotes, services offered, financing options, and warranty details of each of the most promising companies on your list.
- Choose the company with the best customer reviews and offers the kind of panels you want at the best price.
In New Jersey, New York, California, Florida, Texas, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, Momentum Solar is a solar energy company that will check off all your boxes. With a reputable renewable energy provider in your corner, you can maximize the benefits of solar energy while maximizing savings.
Maximize sun exposure
Solar panels provide multiple benefits for homeowners. For solar panels to function at peak efficiency, they need to receive as much sunlight as possible. The best way to achieve sunlight exposure is to place panels on the south-facing side of the roof.
The angle of the panels is also critical. A 35-degree angle is ideal, but any angle from 15 to 40-degrees will suffice.
It is also best to avoid any trees or poles that will cast shade on the panels during daylight hours. For best results, try to give this side of the roof as much uninterrupted sunlight as possible.
Use the right roof design
Ideally, the side of the roof on which the solar panels are placed should have no chimneys, dormers, vents, or skylights.
Of course, not every roof is designed with an entire blank face on one side. If some of the obstructing objects are necessary on the side of the roof that houses the solar panels, try to group them near the eaves or space them out to occupy the gaps between panels.
Install an electrical conduit
Installing an electrical conduit for a solar power system is relatively inexpensive, straightforward, and savings-friendly.
You should install the electrical conduit from the electrical room to the attic. The conduit should be rigid PVC, metal, metallic tubing, or liquid-tight flex. If possible, set it up in a straight line.
Enhance efficiency with an energy-saving house
Solar power is the leading form of renewable energy. Forecasts show that solar energy will be responsible for 80% of the growth in electricity over the next decade.
To enhance the efficiency of a solar-powered house, consider some of these features:
- Home insulation and air sealing
- Energy-efficient appliances
- Efficiency water heaters
- Low emissivity windows
Adding these features to your home will boost the benefits of solar energy.
To wrap things up
Solar power is the future of energy for homes and businesses. By finding the right solar panel company, maximizing sun exposure, using the right roof design, installing an electrical conduit, and enhancing the energy efficiency of your house, you can reap solar power’s shining benefits.
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