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How to Transition Your Home to a Solar Electric System

In this article, we look at the steps you need to follow to ensure a smooth transition for a solar electric system.

09/05/2023

 

 

 

With the rising popularity of renewable energy, there is an increasing demand for home solar electric systems as well. Planning a solar electric system for your home long before installation will ensure a smoother process. You can research suitable solar options like the Growatt solar generator kit and even contact your local utility company for more information before converting to solar energy. In this guide, we shall discuss the steps you need to follow to ensure a smooth transition.

 

Step 1: Assess the Energy Efficiency of Your Home

Before you embark on the process of transitioning to solar energy, you need to assess and consider the energy use of your home. Take any potential efficiency upgrades and your total electricity usage into account. Investigate whether there are other lower-cost or easy-to-implement measures you can pick before transitioning to solar power. Consider the following resources to reduce electrical consumption:

  • Get a home energy audit to understand where you are wasting/losing energy and what you can do to improve energy efficiency
  • Opt for LED lighting and highly efficient appliances and electronics
  • Take electrical usage of electronics, appliances, and heating/cooling systems into account
  • Weatherize your home for effective heating and cooling, so you will need less solar energy to run your entire home

Step 2: Find Out Your Solar Potential

The next step is assessing how much solar energy can be produced at your location. Since PV (Photovoltaic) technology utilizes both scattered and direct sunlight to generate electricity, most regions can generate sufficient energy for home solar electric systems.

However, the amount of energy a solar system will generate at your location solely depends on the system size and how much of the sun's rays reach the solar panels. You can use dedicated tools and mapping services to determine the solar energy potential of your home. They will help you consider system size, potential savings, costs, and local contractors that can install the system for you.

Dedicated tools will not only help you get a clear idea of the solar system size for your home, but they will also help you determine its potential and possible alternatives. Note that these tools do not consider all variables, so it is a good idea to contact a solar installer for a thorough assessment, recommendations, accurate estimates, and other equipment expenses. On an individual level, make sure to consider the following:

  • Trees that could end up shading the solar panels
  • Roof sturdiness and whether it must be repaired before installing a solar system
  • HOA (Homeowner Association) restrictions or neighborhood requirements. Some American states have solar rights provisions that prevent HOAs from limiting solar access and installation. Get acquainted with the laws of your state before installation

Step 3: Consider Your Options

The good news is that installing a solar system that you own completely is not the only option you can opt for. For example, if you live on rent or do not have the budget to purchase a rooftop solar electric system, you can enroll in one of several programs to benefit from solar energy. Always check the utility for programs in your region and confirm with local installers before moving ahead. Some of the most popular options include:

 

1. Full-Fledged System

Buying your own solar electric system with cash is probably the best option for maximum benefits. You can use tax credits, boost the value of your house and enjoy solar power without investing in impractical or impossible programs.

A solar installer will connect your solar system to the grid so you can receive an interconnection permit. This will allow you to sell electricity to the grid when in excess and pick up electricity when the solar system cannot generate enough. It is a good idea to invest in a whole-house solar system if:

  • You are eligible for state/federal tax credits
  • You are prepared to support maintenance and repair costs
  • You wish to reduce your electricity bill
  • You wish to sell electricity
  • You hope to increase the value of your home
  • You have the budget to purchase a full system

2. Shared or Community Solar Power

Many households are unable to get a solar system because they have inadequate rooftop space or they live in a rented home. The best option for such households is to invest in a shared or community solar program.

Such programs allow a group of people to pool in to buy a solar system that fits their budget and requirements. Once bought, the system can be installed on-site or off-site and may be owned by multiple community members, non-profit entities, a solar developer, or utilities. You should opt for a community solar program if:

  • You do not have the budget to install a solar system at your home
  • You are unable to claim federal or state tax credits
  • You do not want to spend on future maintenance and repairs

3. Solar Lease

When you lease a solar system, you can use the power it generates, but the equipment will come under the ownership of a third party. You will pay a fixed upfront to lease the equipment and then follow up with fixed monthly payments over a set duration. Homeowners usually pay a monthly fee equivalent to the estimated electricity the solar system will produce. This is often lower than the original electricity bill.

 

4. PPAs

Power purchase agreements, or PPAs, allow consumers to host a solar electric system owned by a solar company and buy the electricity generated. The developer arranges the financing, permitting, design, and installation on the consumer's property at no or very little upfront cost based on the final agreement.

The consumer needs to pay for the power generated by the system at a fixed price rate for every kilowatt-hour. The solar electricity price is lower than the grid rates. You should apply for a PPA, especially if you are hoping to get hold of a solar system at a lower upfront cost.

 

5. Solarize Programs

The best way for a community to enjoy solar power is to apply for a solarize program if one is available in their area. These programs allow local homeowners or businesses to select a solar installer, negotiate at reduced rates, and pool in to get solar power. A bulk purchase reduces installation costs as well.

 

Step 4: Estimate Your Electrical Requirements

Get your contractor on board to estimate the type of system you will need, its size, and your home's electrical usage. Review utility bills to determine how much electricity you consume yearly in kWh (kilowatt-hours). Consider changed plans seasons, home additions, electric vehicle purchase, and energy efficiency improvements.

 

Step 5: Get Bids and Site Assessment

Opt for solar installers with qualified professionals that have proper certification. A standard industry certification is issued by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Get references, check reviews online, and ask family/friends for recommendations. Get at least three bids for the solar system installation for the same metrics and characteristics. Ask an installer question like:

  • Is your company familiar with interconnection, local permits, and state laws?
  • Do you have customer references in the nearby area?
  • Is your company licensed and certified?
  • What is the warranty period?
  • Who will maintain the system and ensure smooth operation?
  • Do you have any pending/active liens or judgments?

Make sure the bid clearly states the maximum generating capacity in kW and an estimate of the energy it will produce monthly or annually. Other things that should be listed in the bid include:

  • Warranty information
  • Sales tax
  • Permitting
  • Grid connection details
  • Installation costs
  • Hardware costs

Step 6: Hire a Suitable Solar Installer

Narrow down to the most suitable solar system installer and hire them after a thorough assessment. They will help you follow the necessary steps and allow you to get permission. The company you pick will also decide the most suitable size for your home based on the following:

  • System tilt and orientation
  • Available sunlight
  • System efficiency
  • Electricity sources like wind, fossil fuels, and other utilities

The installer will not only install the system accurately with the perfect orientation to enable solar panels to absorb the maximum sunlight, but will also help you maximize seasonal solar power production. Understand how billing will work and what net metering can do for you. Also, account for any additional utility fees you must pay later.

 

Endnote

A whole-house solar electric system can be a great investment if you have a sufficient budget. The good news is that there are other ways to use solar power with reduced expenses and upfront costs. Research well to deduce what will work best for your home or property.

 

 

 

 

 

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