Solar energy has become an increasingly attractive option for homeowners looking to lower utility costs, reduce their carbon footprint, and gain energy independence (U.S. Department of Energy, 2021). Before investing on a solar energy system installation for your home, it is important to examine several key factors – such as your roof’s suitability, your home’s overall energy needs, and available financing options. By evaluating system size, understanding equipment differences, and planning for future expansion, you can make an informed decision about whether a home solar energy system is the right choice for you.
Roof Suitability & Structural Assessment
How much sunlight does your roof receive?
Before deciding on a solar array (or how many photovoltaic solar panels need to be installed), you should figure out how much sunlight your roof gets throughout the year. Most solar panels need at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily to produce significant electricity (DOE, 2021). You can use online tools, like Google’s Project Sunroof, or consult a local solar company to measure your roof’s solar potential. Understanding the amount of sunlight you receive helps you estimate the potential energy production and whether a solar system makes sense for your home.
Roof Angle, Orientation, and Shading
The angle (or pitch) and orientation (which direction the roof faces) also affect your solar production. Generally, south-facing roofs in the Northern Hemisphere receive the most sunlight. If your roof faces east or west, solar panels can still work, but they may generate slightly less energy. Shading from tall trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings will also impact energy output. Some shading can be mitigated by using microinverters or optimizers, but it is still best to keep panels clear of any obstructions.
Roof Structural Soundness
Solar panels (PV) will add weight to your roof. It’s critical to ensure that your roof is structurally capable of handling the load. A professional engineer or solar installer can perform a structural assessment to confirm your roof’s readiness (Solar Energy Industries Association [SEIA], 2022). If your roof is near the end of its life, it may be wise to repair or replace it before adding solar panels. This helps avoid the expense of taking down and reinstalling panels in the future.
Home Solar Energy System Size & Energy Requirements
What is Your Current Energy Usage Like?
Start by reviewing your monthly electricity bills. Look for the kilowatt-hours (kWh) used in an average month. This number will help you figure out how large your solar system should be. If you have high electricity usage, you will need a bigger system. If you have a small family or energy-efficient appliances, you may be able to install fewer panels (DOE, 2021).
Solar Panel (PV) Array Size Needed
Once you know how many kWh you use each month, you can determine what solar energy system size will meet your needs. Keep in mind that your location plays a role in solar production. A 5 kW system in a sunny region might produce more electricity than the same system in a cloudier area. Some homeowners choose to slightly oversize their systems to account for future energy needs, like adding an electric vehicle.
Assessing Your Need for Battery Energy Storage
If you plan to include battery storage, the size of both your solar array and 48V batteries will be affected. With the Sol-Ark® 15K-2P hybrid inverter, you can pair solar panels with one or more battery banks to store excess power (Sol-Ark, n.d.). This means you can draw on stored energy when it’s cloudy or at night, potentially reducing your reliance on the grid. Battery storage may also allow you to use more of the energy you generate, which can speed up your return on investment.
Selecting a Hybrid Inverter for Your Home Solar Energy System
What’s the Difference Between a Standard Inverter & Hybrid Inverter?
What’s the Difference Between a Standard Inverter & Hybrid Inverter?A hybrid inverter, like the Sol-Ark® 15K-2P Whole Home hybrid inverter, differs from a standard solar inverter because it can handle both solar panels and battery storage in one device. Standard inverters only convert the direct current (DC) from solar panels into alternating current (AC) for your home and the grid. In contrast, a hybrid inverter manages the flow of energy between the solar panels, batteries, and your home’s electrical system, giving you more flexibility and control (Sol-Ark, n.d.).
Get Home Backup Power with a Hybrid Inverter + Stored Battery Power
One key benefit of a hybrid inverter is the ability to run your home’s critical loads during a power outage by using both the solar panels and stored battery power. The Sol-Ark® 15k-2P is designed to offer seamless backup power, allowing you to keep important devices running, like your refrigerator, lights, or medical equipment, without needing a separate backup generator.
Inverter Warranty & Efficiency Ratings
When comparing inverters, check the manufacturer’s efficiency ratings and warranty. A higher efficiency rating means less energy is lost during the conversion process. The Sol-Ark® 15K-2P has a strong efficiency rating, above 95%, which translates into better performance and more savings, as well as a standard 10-year warranty. Most manufacturers offer warranties but be sure to read the fine print for coverage details.
Home Solar Energy System Cost
Find Your Total Cost Breakdown
The total cost of a home solar energy system installation includes the panels, inverter, batteries (if you choose them), mounting hardware, permits, and labor fees. Depending on your location, the price can vary widely. For a system using the Sol-Ark® 15K-2P with battery storage, the cost might be higher upfront compared to a standard grid-tied system. However, the long-term benefits of backup power and energy savings can outweigh the initial investment.
Financing or Loan Options
Many homeowners can take advantage of solar energy system loans or other financing plans that help spread the cost over time (SEIA, 2022). Some companies offer zero-down financing, allowing you to install solar panels without a large upfront payment. You might also look into home equity loans or personal loans for the installation. Leasing options exist as well, but with a lease, you do not own the system outright, which may reduce certain tax benefits.
Home Solar Energy System Payback Period
The payback period is the time it takes for your energy savings to equal the total cost of the system. This can range from five to fifteen years, depending on your local electricity rates, the size of your system, and available incentives. In many places, there are federal, state, or local tax credits and rebates for solar installations (DOE, 2021). Taking advantage of these incentives reduces the effective cost of your system, speeding up the payback period. For instance, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can cover a percentage of your solar project costs, but always confirm the current rates since they can change over time.
Achieving Home Backup Power & Energy Independence
Get the Backup You Need During Grid Outages
A main reason homeowners choose a hybrid system like the Sol-Ark® 15K-2P Whole Home hybrid inverter is the ability to maintain power when the grid goes down. Traditional grid-tied systems without battery storage will shut off during an outage as a safety measure. With a hybrid system, you can continue to power specific circuits in your home, like your kitchen or home office.
How Long Will You Need Backup Power?
How long your home can run on batteries alone depends on the size of your battery bank, your energy usage, and how much sunlight is available for recharging. If you have several batteries and you ration your power, you may be able to get through short outages without any problems. If the outage lasts several days, solar panels can recharge the batteries during daylight hours, extending your backup ability (Sol-Ark, n.d.).
Need More Backup Power?
If your home energy needs change, maybe you buy an electric vehicle or add a new appliance that will use more energy, you might want to expand your solar system or 48V battery capacity. Hybrid inverters are designed with scalability in mind. With the Sol-Ark, you can add more panels or batteries down the line, as long as you stay within the inverter’s maximum input capacity. This allows you to adapt your system to your evolving lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Taking the leap into purchasing and investing in a home solar energy system requires careful thought about your roof’s condition, the size of the system, the type of inverter, overall costs, and your need for backup power. By reviewing your monthly electricity usage, evaluating your budget, and planning for future needs, you can make an informed decision that benefits both your wallet and the planet.
References
DOE. (2021). Solar Energy Technologies Office. U.S. Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-technologies-office
SEIA. (2022). Solar Energy Industries Association. https://www.seia.org/
Sol-Ark. (n.d.). Home. https://www.sol-ark.com/