Green energy is the way of the future—especially if your air conditioner has sent your electric bill skyrocketing recently. Solar energy systems are a great way to harness the sunshine, Arizona’s most plentiful natural resource, and turn it into clean energy for your home. Which system should you choose?
Deciding which system is right for you will depend on a few different factors, such as whether your roof can support panels, how many panels you need and which government rebates are available. Here’s an overview of what to consider.
Will your house support solar panels?
Before you start booking your solar energy system installation appointment, you’ll need to find out whether your home’s roof can support solar panels. In some cases, your roof may not be strong enough to support the weight of the panels—but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from solar energy. Some people add panels to carports and other structures, space permitting. Others use community supported solar power.
Solar panels are best on roofs that face south and have a slope of 15 to 20 degrees. This allows them to capture the most sunlight throughout the day. Keep in mind that if your roof is shaded by trees, buildings or other obstacles, you may not generate enough solar power to make it a worthwhile investment.
Choosing a system
Once you’ve determined that your home is a good candidate for solar energy, you can start researching systems. Manufacturer warranty, efficiency and durability are three big factors in your search.
When you’re learning about solar energy systems, look for a brand that offers a good manufacturer’s warranty. Generally, they should guarantee that their panels won’t fall under a certain threshold for at least 25 years. You should also look at their repair and replacement policies—if the equipment simply fails, it should be their responsibility to take care of it.
Next, consider the system’s efficiency. This is usually described in terms of power rating and tolerance, temperature coefficient and efficiency. Get the best system in your price range—and if you’re not sure which one is right for you, check with solar contractors for advice.
Finally, look at the manufacturer reviews to see how well these panels hold up. If you notice a pattern of general customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction, take that into account when making your final choice.
Cost and rebates
Of course, cost factors into your solar energy system choice. The good news is that the cost of solar energy systems has been dropping since about 2009—and because clean energy production is so important, the state and federal governments often offer financial assistance to help you get started. This often takes the form of tax credits or rebates, so keep that in mind when purchasing. You may not see the savings immediately, but your reward may come in a hefty tax rebate after April 15.
If you need help choosing the right solar energy system, get in touch with the team at Aneva Solar today to arrange a consultation.