Yash
If you have decided to set solar on the rooftop of your home, I think you made the right decision and took one step closer to preserving the environment.
A right-sized solar power system will provide you with smooth electricity for decades.
In the past decade, solar technology has improved so much. Nowadays, you find solar panels of the latest technologies like half-cut solar cells, bi-facial solar panels, and Mono-PERC solar panels with maximum efficiencies of over 22%.
This means one can get maximum power output even in a limited space.
Also, the price of solar has slashed by over 80% in the last decade, making it even more affordable than ever.
The solar electricity has become cheaper than the grid in most cases.
Now we have all the reasons for switching to solar.
But before doing so, consider the following factors to know whether solar is right for your home.
Present and Future Energy Needs
The easiest way to know whether you need solar or not is to look at your utility bill.
If your energy consumption is increasing then switching to solar would be the right decision.
Do you know that our electricity needs are fulfilled mostly by burning fossil fuels?
Electricity generation from fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, is common but has significant environmental consequences.
This method heats water to produce steam for turbines, generating substantial energy but also contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide.
These emissions are associated with climate change and health problems, prompting a shift towards cleaner energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and their environmental impact.
Also, fossil fuels are limited and the energy demand is increasing, leading to the rise in the grid prices.
Therefore, switching to solar could be a wise decision in this case.
In addition, if you foresee that your future energy needs will increase like one or two family members are going to join you in a year or two.
Then choose a slightly oversized solar power system to meet the increased energy demand.
2. Sunlight
The feasibility of solar energy in a given region is significantly influenced by the amount of sunlight it receives, which varies based on geographic location, climate, and seasonal changes.
In regions closer to the equator, the sunlight is more consistent and intense throughout the year.
Conversely, areas with frequent cloud cover, high precipitation, or long winters with limited daylight hours may experience reduced solar efficiency.
Therefore, people living around this region (between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn), can meet their energy demands even with fewer solar panels than those living far away from the equator would require more solar panels to meet the same energy demand.
However, advancements in solar technology, such as improved photovoltaic panel efficiency and battery storage solutions, have made solar energy a viable option even in less sunny regions.
3. Roof Condition
The condition of a roof plays a crucial role in the installation of solar panels, impacting both the feasibility and efficiency of the system. A structurally sound roof is essential, as it must support the weight of the panels and withstand potential weather events. If your house roof is old or in poor condition, then first repair it before installation.
Yes, this could add to the overall cost and timeline of the project but it is necessary for the long life and the smooth working of the solar panels.
Additionally, the roof’s material and angle can affect the efficiency of solar panels, as some materials provide better support and certain angles optimize sunlight exposure. Ensuring the roof is in optimal condition not only facilitates a smoother installation process but also enhances the longevity and performance of the solar energy system.
4. Financial Considerations
A good solar power system requires an initial investment.
Therefore, your budget plays a crucial role in determining the scope and quality of a solar installation. A larger budget can allow for a more comprehensive system, potentially increasing your energy independence and long-term savings.
With a higher budget, you can opt for high-efficiency solar panels, advanced inverters, and integrated battery storage systems, which can enhance energy reliability and further reduce dependence on the grid.
Additionally, a generous budget may cover professional installation, ensuring optimal placement and performance of the system.
Conversely, a limited budget might necessitate compromises, such as choosing lower-cost panels or reducing the system size, which could impact overall efficiency and savings.
Nevertheless, there are financing options, such as solar loans or leasing, that can help make solar installations more accessible regardless of initial budget constraints.
It’s essential to carefully evaluate your financial situation, energy needs, and available incentives to determine the most suitable solar solution for you.
5. Knowing Rules and Regulations
It is important to know the rules and regulations your local and central government are offering for going solar.
Most countries are promoting solar and offering many benefits to the homeowners for going solar in terms of tax rebates and incentives.
This reduces the overall cost of the solar and improves the overall ROI.
Although, an experienced solar installer always make the installation as per the guidelines of the local government.
But it is always better to know the rules beforehand.
In many cases, the solar installer also assists you in getting the subsidy amount from the government by submitting the required documents in time.
6. Life of the System and Payback
The solar panels are very durable and they last for over 25-30 years.
In other words, the benefits of solar are spread over their lifetime.
In most cases, the grid-tied solar power system pays you back in 5-6 years.
Thereafter, your solar electricity is free, and any excess units may be fed to the grid through the net meter.
And the homeowner is compensated for that in terms of reduced utility bills.
These benefits are substantial when you think long-term.
If you are planning to move to a new house in the next two to three years. Then installing solar on the rooftop is of little use.
Go for solar if you plan to live in the same house for the next 25 to 30 years.
7. Solar is Environment Friendly
Solar panels play a crucial role in preserving the environment by harnessing the sun’s energy to generate electricity without emitting harmful pollutants. Unlike fossil fuels, solar power production does not release carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases, which are major contributors to climate change.
Additionally, solar energy is abundant and renewable, meaning it can be continuously harnessed without depleting natural resources.
Any environment-conscious homeowner would prefer going solar to diminish the strain on finite resources and carbon emissions in the air.
Did you know that a 5-kW solar can mitigate the carbon emissions of over 7 tonnes per year?
If these factors favor you then installing solar on your house roof could be one of the best decisions for meeting energy demands from renewable energy sources.
