Did you know that the average household spends more than $115 per month on electricity alone? And that price is expected to continue rising over the next few years.
If you’re tired of watching your electric bill climb each month, there’s something you can do about it: install solar panels.
But once you decide to install panels, you’ll need to learn how to design home solar systems so you can take advantage of that eco-friendly power creation. Here are a few things you’ll need to do to create the best design for your home.
Look at Your Home’s Energy Use
The key to proper solar system sizing is to consider how much electricity your home uses each month. Look at your electric bills for the last 3 to 6 months.
Your home’s monthly energy use will be measured in kilowatt-hours and included on your bill. Add all of those totals up and divide the number by the number of months you’re reviewing.
The resulting number is your home’s average energy use. If you’re trying to go off-grid, you’ll want to install enough solar panels to create that amount of electricity each month.
Consider Where You’ll Place the Panels
When designing your system, think about where you want to place the solar panels. The goal should be to choose a spot that will let you maximize the amount of sun the panels receive each day.
If you’re mounting them on the roof, you’ll want to choose a south-facing slope for maximum exposure. If you’re mounting them on the ground, look for a spot that is free of trees and obstructions that might dampen the efficacy of the panels’ energy production.
Work With an Experienced Team
The best way to guarantee that you have the right solar panel design for your home is to work with an experienced installation team. They’ll assess your property and identify the proper installation spot for your solar panel arrangement.
Even better, they’ll help you figure out how many panels you need, what type of battery backup system will benefit your home most, and help you stay on top of solar panel maintenance.
Get quotes from several companies before you make your decision. This way, you’ll be able to stick to your solar system budget while still getting the professional installation you need to experience the benefits of solar energy for years to come.
Ready to Design Home Solar Systems?
As long as you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be able to design home solar systems the right way. Just make sure you think about your long-term goals and your home’s energy use throughout the process. This way, you’ll always have enough solar power to keep your home running without relying on your electric company.
Once your panels are in place, you’ll start saving money on your electric bill immediately.
Though solar panels are a great way to reduce your home’s carbon footprint and make you less reliant on the grid, they’re not the only way you can make your home more eco-friendly. Check out our latest posts for more tips to help you go green.