Is Solar Right for Me?

Mar 01, 2010 | Solar & Renewables

Snapshot | Basics | Take action! Snapshot
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be a cost-cutting addition to your home. Installing a solar PV system to generate electricity is a big go-green step that also insures a fixed price for your future electricity bills. Read on to learn if a solar PV system can work for you.
Basics
You're a good candidate for solar if your electricity bills are high and your house has a southern exposure - southeastern or southwestern is fine, too. Don't worry if your weather isn't perfect. For example, San Francisco's notorious fogginess might seem like a deal breaker, but Bay Area homes are excellent candidates for solar power. Most of the country gets great sunshine!
Solar PV systems are usually installed on the roof. You'll need about 100 square feet per kilowatt, and most homes need a 2- to 4-kW system. So look for 200 to 400 square feet of southern roof exposure to get the energy of our long summer days. The preferred area will have very little shading.
Your solar installer can also help you evaluate your roof. Some roofing materials are better for installation than others, but innovations in solar technology mean more homes than ever before can go solar. Older roofs might benefit from a re-roofing before installing the solar panels. If you need to re-roof once the system is installed, simply have the panels removed, re-roof, and then re-install the panels.

If your roof isn't a good candidate, you may be able to do a ground-mount system instead.

Not every home is ready for a solar PV system, but don't be discouraged. Solar hot water systems need much less roof area, and better tolerate shading.

Take Action!

Thinking of going solar? WattzOn can help. Here are your steps:
1) Check our solar calculator to learn how much you can save with solar.
2) Read "Six Reasons to Go Solar" for more information
3) Call WattzOn! We're happy to talk through solar with you, and connect you to a qualified and vetted solar installer.


Want to talk about solar in your home? Have questions?
Speak with a WattzOn Solar Energy Consultant. It's free. Call 1-800-314-5997


WattzOn is your free source of independent, expert information on solar and other ways to save energy. We don't sell windows, furnaces, solar systems,.... or anything else for that matter. What we do provide is informed and unbiased guidance on your best solar options. We can also talk with you about other ways to save energy and money, and how to make your home more green. Call us! -- we're ready to talk about how solar might work in your home. WattzOn has a network of Preferred Solar Installers -- let us introduce you!



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