When a homeowner decides to install residential solar panels, there are many ways to go about doing so. These days, many experienced professionals who have installed solar panels for industrial and commercial applications know the pitfalls and complexities of building and maintaining a system that will produce electric power. It is important for homeowners to realize that these same factors apply to residential solar installation.
The first thing to consider when thinking about residential solar panel installation is the location of the system. This includes finding an area that has a good amount of sun throughout the year. Many homeowners are tempted to choose a site that is more or less optimized for solar panel installation. Unfortunately, this often results in wasted money and a less than optimal setup. A site assessment performed by a qualified and professional engineer will ensure that a home is chosen that will receive at least 8 hours of bright sunshine each day for several months. Visit this link: blueravensolar.com/blog/residential-solar-installation-cost/ to get estimate cost of installing residential solar panels.
Next, the roof must be properly prepared to support the panels. For residential solar installation, this means having all of the nails, screws, and brackets installed according to local building codes. While it might not seem like a big deal, improper installation can lead to damage and a longer roof repair job. Again, a qualified roofer should be consulted if any part of the roof requires attention.
Another concern for many people with residential solar installation is shade. Shades can be expensive and installing them correctly is important to minimize heat loss from the roof. In some parts of the country, shading is regulated by local governments so it is critical to make sure that the solar system can be installed safely and securely. Checking with local authorities, will help determine if a solar system needs to be partially or fully covered to avoid heat loss and excessive electrical output.
Perhaps the most important part of the residential solar project is maintenance. Sunlight is renewable and abundant, but sometimes things happen that reduce or eliminate the amount of sunlight available to the solar project. Sudden storms or overcast days can completely block out the sun for days or even weeks at a time. These events need to be considered when planning your renewable energy project. Consider if you will have enough time to perform any maintenance on your solar project and if so, how often that maintenance will have to occur.
If you have no way to hide your solar installation from view, the best option is to go with an open top roof installation. A flat roof is easier to maintain and install than a sloped roof, especially in the northern states. It is also better to have the panels hidden than unsightly poles sticking out into the grass. While many states have regulations for both types of installations, more aggressive shading may need to be performed in certain areas depending on local building codes. Always check with your local jurisdiction before taking any type of action that may limit your options for shade. Check out this related post to get more enlightened on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_panel.
