With climate change on the upward swing, citizens all over the planet are making it their responsibility to help reduce the human’s ecological footprint by making small changes in their day-to-day lives. Some steps towards greener earth are bigger than others, and solar panels are a great example of households taking a giant step in the right direction.
Solar panels reduce air pollution, water usage, the dependence on nonrenewable energy sources, and thus eliminates one more household dumping pollutants into the atmosphere. While these are absolutely steps we should be seeking out pathways for, there are many things to consider before you purchase solar panels for your home or business. This article will discuss the primary questions you should ask yourself to ensure you and your home or place of business are prepared for this massive investment in our only home and the only planet that harbors life, Earth.
Why should I invest in solar panels?
By investing in solar panels, you are not only investing in yourself by saving money on the electric bill, but you are investing in the betterment of the entire planet and its future. Companies like Firefly Energy and other front-runners of the green planet movement can help you minimize your reliance on the use of nonrenewable energy sources by installing solar planets that support you with clean energy.
Without a doubt, solar panels can save you money on your electric bill while also increasing the value of your home. Buyers are typically willing to pay $15,000 on top of a home’s price with the addition of solar panels. So regardless of whether or not you’ll be living in your home for only a few years or 20 years, solar panels are a great choice to save you money and heighten the value of your home while lowering your carbon footprint.
1. How much sunlight will reach your roof?
Of course, sunlight is the most important factor for a solar panel to be a viable option for energy. If your home or establishment is located in the woods with overhanging trees all around, then a solar panel will not be a sufficient energy supplier and you will have to seek out other ways to reduce your power usage. If you are installing solar panels in Cary, NC or another sunny region, you will receive more power from your panels as well.
If you’re unsure if there’s enough sunlight for solar panels to be useful, then use the Google tool, Project Sunroof, to determine how much energy solar panels could produce given the amount of sunlight around your property.
2. What’s the state of your roof?
If you’re unsure how old your roof is or whether or not it needs repairs, then it may be a good idea to get it inspected. Solar panels are costly to remove once they are installed, so it would behoove you to make any repairs beforehand to avoid unnecessary spending. Be sure to familiarize yourself with proper inspection checklists if you’re going to inspect the roof yourself.
Secondly, match up the lifespan left in your roof with the solar panels you choose. You don’t want to install panels that will last 20 years if you’ve only got 10 or less left in your roof—this will require expensive maintenance that could be otherwise avoided.
3. How much energy do you typically use?
Before deciding on what type of solar panel to invest in, track your energy usage. This will help you figure out how much energy you would need from your panels. Additionally, decide on how much of your electric bill costs you would like to offset. It’s also important to think about any possible future needs for the energy you might have, such as charging an electric car. The type of panels you will install ultimately depends on how much power is needed and the amount of sunlight you’ll need for that production.
4. How will the weather impact my solar panels?
Weather is one of the most important factors to ponder upon before ordering your first solar panels. Does your area receive a lot of rain? Is it often overcast, stormy, or snowy? This will impact the amount of energy the panels will be able to produce every day. Not only that, but maintenance for solar panels can be quite expensive, and if there is often inclement weather in the area, then routine maintenance will be vital to the lifespan of the panels.
Solar panels are an excellent way to lend a helping hand in the effort to save the planet from another household releasing CO2 emissions every day. Bear in mind these important details when mulling over the possibility of solar panels, and if you’re unable to invest in them, then continue energy-saving tactics to extend the life and beauty of Earth.
