Global warming is one of the biggest threats facing humanity today. According to a study, temperature of Earth has increased by almost a degree celsius since 1880. Our failure to act will only make things worse. We have to stop and think about the world we want to leave for our future generations. If you think you are too small to make a difference, let us tell you that change begins with one person. An average American family consumes more than 12,000 kWh of power every year. To meet the energy demands of a power-hungry nation, electricity generation companies burn tons of fossil fuels, releasing harmful gases into the atmosphere.
Reducing your energy consumption can be difficult, however, what if we tell you that there is a way to meet your energy needs without harming the environment! Why depend on fossil fuels when you have the most potent source of energy – the Sun. If you are planning to build a home, consider including solar power in it. If you are in Napa County, our experts at Suntegrity Solar would be happy to help you build a solar-powered home. As a reputable solar panel company in Napa County, we are fully aware of our responsibility towards the environment, and have helped various families go green. Once you decide to go solar, you need to come up with an action plan and a strategy. To help you get started, take a look at a few things to consider when building a solar-powered home.
1. The Location of your Land
The location of your land can have a significant impact on the efficiency of your solar panels. If, for instance, a steep hill faces your land on the eastern or the northern side, the Sun would not hit your panel before late afternoon. If your land is located in a coastal region, you may have to look for solar panels with a higher than normal rating in withstanding salt and wind corrosion.
2. The Surroundings
The location of your home will decide the amount of sunlight available to your solar panel for power generation. If your home is surrounded by thick vegetation or towering buildings, the panel would not get enough sunlight, which is why you must avoid such areas.
3. Solar Insolation of your Area
Solar insolation level is the amount of sunlight that reaches the ground. Given the fact that solar panels depend on sunlight to generate electricity, the solar insolation level of your area will have a considerable impact on the efficiency of your panels. Building a solar-powered house in an area with a low insolation level would not be a viable decision, as you will have to invest more to achieve your desired power output.
4. Installation and Other Expenses
The price of solar panels has gone down considerably over the past few years. Your final cost will depend on the capacity of your panels. If, for instance, you opt for a 7.5 kWh array, you would end up paying anywhere in the range of $50,000-$75,000. The cost dips to around $40,000 for a 5 kWh system. To keep a tab on your expenses, enquire about tax rebates offered by the federal and your state government.
These are a few things to keep in mind when building a solar-powered home. Some other considerations include the design of your roof, and maintenance requirements of your solar systems. To ensure all the factors are accounted for, consider hiring a solar panel company in Napa County. Suntegrity Solar appreciates your decision to go green. We, like you, care for the environment, and are always eager to partner with homeowners who want to contribute to sustainability. To discuss your project, call at 707-623-1464.