Having a solar installation on your property can have a number of benefits for you as a homeowner. Solar power is clean, so it can help you reduce your carbon footprint. Solar equipment requires little maintenance or cleaning, and once you have made the initial investment, using it will help you lower your energy bills. However, you may be wondering whether your property is well-suited for a solar installation, and what the process involves. Here are a few technical requirements for a solar installation that new customers should know.
What type of solar equipment should I purchase?
Solar equipment is more widely available today to residential and commercial customers than it ever has been before. There are numerous types of solar installations on the market today, and it can be difficult to decide which one you should go with for your property. Rather than try to select solar equipment on your own, however, it’s best to talk to an experienced solar contractor for guidance. That way, you can be assured that you’ll not only purchase high-quality equipment but also that your equipment will be well-suited to your needs.
How can I tell if my roof is right for a solar installation?
Solar installations are often placed on the roof of a building since that location is likely to provide the most sunlight throughout the day. The roofs that are best-suited for solar installations are made from very tough, hardy materials such as asphalt, concrete, or metal. Your home’s roof should also be in very good condition; if it’s leaking or otherwise unstable, it could cause problems for your solar installation. In addition, your roof should be relatively new—if you’re planning to replace your roof in the near future, it’s best to wait until after that before you have your solar panels installed. If you aren’t sure whether your roof meets technical requirements for a solar installation, ask your contractor.
How much sunlight does a solar-powered home need?
It’s only reasonable to wonder whether your home will get enough sunlight to make a solar installation worth the initial cost. In general, a simple walk around the house will tell you if you have any major shading issues and can identify any trees that you may be willing to remove or top. In general, an unshaded home gets plenty of sunlight to either significantly reduce or eliminate the electricity bills the home requires. For home owner’s with bigger lots, you can also consider a ground-mounted solar array or be able to add a solar carport to not only power the house but provide additional shaded parking or play area. Unless you are well aware of the major shading issue like a giant tree near your house, chances are good you have plenty of sun, and a solar consultant will be readily able to make a more detailed assessment of your solar access.
Will my solar installation follow building codes?
Solar installations must generally adhere to the International Residential Code (for homes) or the International Building Code (for other buildings). The solar equipment must be installed in keeping with the manufacturer’s instructions, it must be installed on a roof that is capable of supporting it, and it must not be combustible. The best way to ensure that you meet the technical requirements for a solar installation is to have it installed by an experienced contractor. If you try to install your solar panels yourself, you run the risk of doing it improperly and violating the relevant building codes.
How large does my solar installation have to be?
This depends on the size of your household and your energy needs, as well as how much daily sunlight your property receives. Your solar installation should not be so large that it provides more power than you can use, but it will need to be a minimum of 1.2 kilowatts (kW). For most homes in Tucson, energy usage doesn’t exceed 11,000 kW hours in a year. A solar contractor can help you determine what size your solar installation needs to be in order to provide enough power for your household.
Do you have any questions about how you can go solar in your Tucson home or business? If so, get in touch with the team at Custom Solar and Leisure. Our experienced technicians can provide you with the exceptional solar services you deserve. Our company has ranked in Solar Power World’s Top 500 solar companies for the past three years, and we are proud to be a founding member of the Southern Arizona Solar Standards Board. We also carry an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. If you’re ready to discover the value of solar for your building, you can reach us at any time by calling (520) 367-3699.
