The use of solar poses a lot of challenges because it is relatively new. For instance, if you are planning to purchase a car, you will find a lot of people that have done the task before and will guide you through the process. The truth is that installing solar panels on your roof can cost as much as a car, but you may not be experienced in this field.
Since you are going to have solar panels on your roof, you need to make the right decision. This is because if you make a mistake, it may become too late to correct it. The cost of solar panel installation keeps falling.
Roof Condition
You should note that you need a roof that can support the solar panels you want to install. Other than the structural integrity of the roof, you have to consider that the roof is not covered in the shade most of the day. This is something that needs to be assessed before you move forward. If your roof is an issue, you should look into the community or shared solar. In this case, a lot of customers purchase a stake in the solar installation and get credits on electricity bills.
Improving Efficiency
Remember that the amount of solar power to produce is dependent on your usage. Thus, it is advisable to trim the usage as much as you can before you pay for the solar panels. Therefore, you should start an energy audit of your home and look for the efficiency upgrades before drawing up blueprints.
Type of Solar Energy
You can choose a photovoltaic system that uses various cells to turn sunlight electricity. On the other hand, thermal energy is used to heat air or water for home use. You should consider solar thermal if you are living in an area where heating fuel is quite expensive as compared to electricity.
Connection to the Grid
In this case, the details vary taking into account where you live. The idea, in this case, is that any time you connect with a utility; there are different things you need to sort out. For instance, after getting connected, how long will it take to get credit for the electricity generated by your solar panels? Another important aspect is the net-metering. In this case, you will be reimbursed at the same rate as you are charged for electricity.