Solar panels and renewable energy sources have become increasingly popular in modern times as the need for more reliable and sustainable energy sources looks to hopefully replace traditional fossil fuel power generation. 

Not only are sustainable energy sources, such as solar, hydro, and wind cleaner and better for the environment, but it’s also working out to be a lot more affordable for commercial use as wide-scale adoption starts to take off, and government support looks to incentivize homeowners who utilize alternative renewable energy. 

In the race to become more sustainable, the U.S. Congress managed to pass a tax credit bill in 2005 for residential solar generation. In that time, the number of solar panels installed in homes across the country has increased by an average of 32% a year according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. 

As of 2020, more than 2.7 million residential solar energy systems are in full operation across the U.S.

Tax credits and environmental initiatives are not the only driving force behind the rapid growth of homeowners looking to move off the grid. The soaring price of electricity has also been a major flashpoint for many homeowners who are unable to keep up with the soaring cost of living. 

In the last year alone, electricity prices have gone up by more than 15.8% as a result of high-priced natural gas that powers close to 40% of the nation’s power. 

Costly production and supply, and unsustainable business models have driven consumers to adopt more age-appropriate strategies, yet with it, some factors need to be considered before purchasing a pricey solar panel and getting it installed at your home. 

Know the different technology that are available 

Currently, there are two different types of solar technology systems available that can be used on residential homes, each offers a unique purpose. 

The first is solar thermal technology, which simply allows you to heat water without the need for a furnace or water heater in your home. The second is photovoltaic, which allows you to generate and produce electricity that can be distributed and used within your home. 

On top of this, photovoltaic has two different options including monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon, with the first producing a slightly higher amount of efficiency than the latter. Each can work and function for residential use, but often this will be measured against several other factors such as cost, environment, and availability of materials.

Location of your home 

Although you may now understand the different types of solar technology available, you might want to consider the location or position of your home. 

While it might seem strange at first, considering that sunlight is available pretty much everywhere, every day, the position of your home will determine how much energy can be generated throughout the day. 

It will be redundant to install expensive solar panels, only to generate an insufficient amount of electricity. This not only makes it difficult to meet your home’s energy demands, but you will end up with an underutilized solar system. 

During the consultation process, make sure to inquire whether the position of your home will allow you to have better access to more sunlight throughout the summer and winter periods to ensure that you can generate enough electricity for your home. 

Your home's electricity needs

Although solar panels are a useful and reliable energy source, it doesn’t often provide the full amount of energy your family requires to function and operate on a day-to-day basis. This would mean that although you may have solar panels installed, you may still need to utilize other resources as a potential substitute. 

The number of solar panels, inverters or batteries, and electrical work required will all depend on how much electricity your family uses daily. On top of this, the price of the entire operation will also be influenced by your personal needs. 

On average solar panels cost close to $16,000, with more expensive installations running up to $35,000 depending on the technology being used, the contractor, and the number of panels being installed. 

Roof positioning 

Another factor that many homeowners don’t consider is the angle of their roof, and how the placement of solar panels, either on a tilted or flat surface will ultimately impact how much electricity can be generated. 

Depending on the positioning of the solar panels, it’s often better to tilt the panels at an angle that will help increase their efficiency. The average roof tilt will often be more than sufficient, but for those homes that have flat roofs, it might be more beneficial to install a tilt frame with your solar panels to get the best possible electricity production. 

Time required to complete the installation 

Although it might seem like a straightforward job to get solar panels installed at your home, it might not often be the case in many instances as external factors can influence the overall duration of the project. 

The contractor you end up using will play a major role in the entire process. If they are a trusted and reliable installer, you may expect the project to be completed in a sufficient amount of time. Additionally, the availability of materials and resources can also influence how long it might take you to complete everything, and there are also unpredictable weather conditions

Paying a little extra might help speed up the process, but this isn’t always the case, and you might need to outsource some of the work if you feel as if the deadline will be taking up too much of your time. 

The bottom line 

Installing solar panels is both a financial and sustainable decision that will only help benefit you and your family in the long term. With rising electricity costs, and the impact of fossil fuels taking a toll on the environment and climate, using renewable energy will no longer be considered an ingenious decision, but rather an ethical and reliable choice for the future of our planet and natural resources.