Considering Solar Power For Your Home? Information To Help You Decide
With solar power, solar panels are installed on the roof of your home. These panels capture sunlight to provide electricity for your home. Along with the panels, solar batteries are generally used to store extra energy that comes from the solar panels. If you have been considering solar power for your home but cannot decide, below is information that should help you in your decision.
Things to Consider
Before you decide if you want a solar power system, there are things you should consider. First, look at your electric bills for the past year to see how much you paid each month. When you look at the bill, look for a section that says metered. If you do not see this, then look for something that says KwH (kilowatt-hours). Along with this, look at charges your electric company charges you no matter how much electricity you used, such as administrative charges or delivery fees. Knowing this information can help you compare to what the solar power company determines the amount of energy your home can receive.
Determine how much energy you use in your home. If you are not sure, hire an electrician to help you. Reducing the amount of energy you use in your home is also helpful, such as weatherizing by installing insulation, purchasing energy-efficient appliances, and installing energy-efficient windows.
Purchasing the Solar Power System
You need to make sure you plan to keep your home so you do not waste money on your solar power. In many cases, the lease you set up for the solar panels is 15 to 20 years. This does depend on the company that you use, however.
Ask the solar power company how much money you will have to pay up front, if any. Also, ask the company what your monthly fee will be to make sure you can afford the solar power system. In many cases, you can also pay upfront for the expected costs.
How much sunlight your roof receives on an annual basis also plays a role. For example, if your roof is mostly in shade, then you would have to get the power that you needed from your local electric company in most cases. Most solar power systems can store unused energy, so you may have enough stored to cover these shady days.
You can speak with a solar power company to learn much more to help you make your decision. Once you do, the solar power company can come to your home to determine if solar power would be right for you.