Do you want to save money, make your house more energy-efficient, and help the environment? Creating a solar-powered home allows you to do all this and more.
Adding solar panels to your home is one of the savviest decisions you can make as a homeowner. But how exactly can you do this? What provisions do you need to have in place, and what kinds of financial assistance are available for people considering this option?
Read on to find out absolutely everything you need to build your very own solar-powered, energy-efficient, eco-friendly home.
Is My Home Suitable for Solar Panels?
The first thing anyone thinking about solar powered home designs should know is that not every house will be suited to this option. Unfortunately, there is a number of different factors that could preclude your property from being eligible.
Solar panels are built to work in all climates, so the good news is that even if you live in a part of the country that doesn't seem particularly sunny, your house may still be a good candidate.
The bad news is that as adaptable as they are, there are still certain things that can make a home unsuitable for solar panels. If your home is in the shade due to cover from trees, mountains, or other buildings, this could be an issue. Similarly, if the roof of your home is not south facing, this could also present a problem.
Solar panels work best on south-facing roofs that are unobstructed. If your roof has skylights, is made of older materials, or is not in good condition, it may not be suitable for solar panel installation.
How To Go About Solar Panel Installation
Once you have established your home is a good candidate for solar power, the next step is to arrange installation. Adding solar panels to your home is a major renovation that requires expertise and skill.
Working only with experienced professionals will guarantee that you end up with properly installed and functioning solar panels. Your installer will also be able to help you discover any grants or government assistance you may be eligible for. DSIRE is also an excellent resource for this kind of information.
Because it is such a specialized skill, it can be difficult to find a registered solar professional in your area. An internet search of "solar providers near me" should return some helpful results.
Once you have found a certified provider, you can discuss all of your options and decide how many solar panels you want to install. Your choice will depend on how much money you have to spend, how much energy you wish to generate, and how suitable your roof is.
Your First Steps Toward a Solar-Powered Home
Building a solar-powered home can be a lengthy process, but as most every solar-powered homeowner will agree, in the end, it's worth it. If you want to make your home more eco-friendly and reduce your energy costs, why not take the first steps toward creating a solar-powered home today?
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