When designing a home that is solar ready, pay attention to:Steepness and orientation of your roof. The layout of roof vents, chimneys, dormers, etc. Roof load-bearing specifications.
Before starting the process of powering your home with solar energy, homeowners should investigate their energy use and consider potential efficiency upgrades. Homeowners should be well aware of their total electricity usage, and consider low-cost and easy-to-implement efficiency measures before choosing solar.
How do I choose the best way to use solar electricity?
Before deciding on the best way to use solar electricity at home, assess the potential solar energy that can be produced at your address. Because PV technologies use both direct and scattered sunlight to create electricity, the solar resource across the United States is ample for home solar electric systems.
How do homeowners finance a solar electric system?
Homeowners can finance their solar electric system in many ways. Solar leases paired with power purchase agreements (PPAs) enable homeowners to install solar panels without paying any upfront costs. In this financing model, a solar energy company owns the system and sells the homeowner the energy produced.
How much energy does a home solar system generate a month?
Home solar systems generate between 350 and 850 kWh per month. Non-solar homes consuming more than this range every month will need to become more efficient before converting to solar electricity. An energy audit will assess how much energy a building uses and identify opportunities to conserve energy.
Should you buy a home with solar panels?
A home with solar panels has lower electricity bills than an equivalent home without solar panels. Over the life of the solar system, the savings exceed the higher up-front price of the home. Homebuilders can share information with consumers about financing options and incentives described in the Homeowner's Guide to Going Solar.
Adding solar panels to newly constructed homes can increase the sale price, attract new customers, and distinguish a homebuilder and their homes among competitors. A SETO-funded study found that homeowners across the country have been willing to pay a premium for homes with an average-size solar array.