Solar panels are an excellent way to harness the sun’s energy and turn it into electricity that can power your home. Solar power is a renewable energy source, which means it will never run out, unlike fossil fuels. Installing solar panels involves placing them on your roof, connecting them to an inverter, and then connecting the inverter to your electrical panel. The solar panels collect the energy from the sun and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. The inverter then converts the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used to power your home.
Because of this, using solar power can decrease your reliance on the grid, reduce your carbon footprint, and save you money in the long run. Utilising solar energy at home is becoming increasingly popular because it can save you money on your electricity bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase the value of your home. However, installing solar panels is often complicated because you must consider several factors, particularly roof space. With this in mind, we will discuss some of them in this article, including:
#1 – Location
The location of your home will play a significant role in how much energy your solar panels can generate. If your home is in an area with a lot of shade, your solar panels will not be as efficient as they could be. Your solar panels should be installed on a roof facing south without obstructing the sun’s rays. If your roof faces east or west, you can still generate energy, but your solar panels will not be as efficient.
#2 – Solar Panel Size
The size of your solar panels will also affect how much energy you can generate; the larger the solar panel, the more power it can cause. However, larger solar panels may not be suitable for all roof sizes, especially if yours is smaller. The best way to fix this is to consult a professional solar panel installer who can help you determine the right panels for your specific roof size and energy needs.
Of course, this also means you must find a solar panel proportionate to your roof’s available space. This is crucial because overcrowding your roof with too many panels can lead to reduced efficiency and potential damage to your roof. Balancing panel size and available roof space is vital to ensure optimal energy generation.
#3 – Energy Usage
Your energy usage will also affect how many solar panels you install. The more energy you use, the more solar panels you will need. An energy audit can help you determine your energy usage and the number of solar panels you need to generate enough energy to power your home.
For example, if your home uses an average of 1,000 kWh per month, and your solar panels have a capacity of 250 watts each, you would need at least 16 solar panels to generate enough energy to meet your needs. However, if you want to create excess power to sell back to the grid, you may need to install more solar panels.
#4 – Energy Efficiency
Before installing solar panels, ensuring that your home is as energy-efficient as possible is essential. This means sealing air leaks, upgrading insulation, and using energy-efficient appliances. An energy-efficient home will require fewer solar panels to generate the same amount of energy, saving you money on installation costs.
#5 – Incentives and Rebates
While not directly related to roof space, many solar panel companies offer incentives and rebates for homeowners who install solar panels. These can include tax credits, cash rebates, and other financial incentives. Additionally, some utility companies offer net metering programs, which allow homeowners to sell excess energy generated by their solar panels back to the grid for credits on their energy bills.
For this reason, you must research and take advantage of these incentives and rebates, as they can significantly reduce the overall cost of installing solar panels on your home. Sometimes, they make solar panel installation more affordable than traditional energy sources.
#6 – Your Budget
Above all else, you must consider your budget if you will have solar panels installed. This is a significant investment, and the cost can vary greatly depending on the size of your home, the amount of energy you need, and the type of solar panels you choose.
You must also work with a reputable solar panel company to get an accurate estimate of the total cost, including installation, equipment, and any additional fees or permits. They can also help you explore financing options, such as loans or leasing, to help make solar panels more affordable.
Conclusion
Installing solar panels on your roof is an excellent way to generate clean, renewable energy for your home. However, before installing solar panels, you must consider the available roof space to maximise your investment. Considering these factors, you can maximise your roof space and generate the most energy possible from your solar panels.
EDC Renewables provides top-quality services for solar panel instalments. Our professional solar panel service contractors will ensure your home gets a long-lasting solar panel system that can last years. Call us today at 07795104457 and allow us to help you!