If you’re interested in harnessing the power of the sun, taking a step towards renewable energy, saving on your rising utility bills, or all of the above, solar may be the logical next step.
However, solar is neither a one-size-fits-all solution nor even feasible for every building.
There are several factors to take into consideration when deciding if solar is right for you, such as:
For the most efficient solar production, your solar panels need optimal access to the sun’s rays. Shading is a major factor we look for when assessing your home during our consultations, and frequently it’s not clear how much of a challenge it is until we see it firsthand. Think of things like trees, dormers, and other architectural features. Depending on their location, each of these can block out enough sunlight to make parts of your roof unsuitable for solar panels to work efficiently.
While we’re more than able to get creative with your installation on detached buildings, solar pergolas, or even ground-mounted arrays, installing a system in complete shade just isn’t viable.
As we're located in the Northern Hemisphere, sunlight shines from the south. Ideally, this means your solar system should face south too, letting as much solar energy be absorbed as possible.
But what if you don't have a southern exposure or maybe the front of your home faces south, presenting a potential HOA violation?
Eastern and western exposures are both still eligible locations for arrays, they just may not be quite as productive as system facing due-south. Northern exposures are typically the least productive and thus avoided, unless your roof's pitch is extremely low (ie: nearly flat).
And, if your home faces south and you're concerned about your HOA, solar may still be worth exploring. North Carolina homeowners have legal protections on the extent to which HOAs can restrict solar placement. South Carolina homeowners, unfortunately, don't have solar access laws at this time.
The best roof surfaces for solar have flat, open spaces to secure your panels. Think minimal obstructions, vent pipes, dormers, chimneys, etc.
However, unless you're building a home from scratch, you have little control as to how your roof was designed.
If your roof happens to be broken up by dormers or other protrusions, we can definitely explore what it would look like to have have multiple smaller arrays or even move vent pipes. We've done this for many homes in the past, and yours definitely won't be the last.
Equally as important as the physical factors surrounding your home are the goals you have for your home's energy future. Do you have kids or grandkids that will be moving in or moving out in the next couple of years? Do you plan to install a pool? Will you be getting an electric vehicle in the near future? All of these are questions that help paint a better idea of where your energy consumption is now and where it will be heading in the future.
Of course, all of our systems are able to be expanded, but our mission is to design a system to meet your energy goals the first time around so we can accurately project your monthly, annual, and even lifetime savings.
Every single system we've installed since 2007 has been entirely customizable to the home it went on. Even in neighborhoods with cookie-cutter houses, every family's energy consumption is different and so are their needs. One might want backup power with a battery or generator, another may want a smart load management system to control their entire house with their smartphone, and a third may want all of the above.
Using a combination of drone and satellite technology, our 3D models provide real data on the usage, projections, and access to the necessary photons that make your solar tick!
Give us a call today at (910) 409-5533 to schedule a free consultation and see if solar is right for you!