If you are considering converting to solar energy, your first step should be to determine whether your home is suitable. While rooftop sun exposure is the most important facet to consider, it is by no means the only factor that you should take into account. You also need to consider obstructions, your roof size and local building codes in your area.
First, though, on the topic of rooftop sun exposure: we enjoy a sunny enough climate here in Mid-Ohio to make solar energy a feasible option for homeowners, and a roof that faces south will provide optimal results. However, what is important is the amount of sunshine that falls on your roof during clear conditions, and this is where obstructions come into play.
Some potential obstructions that can affect the amount of sunlight your roof gets include chimneys, tall buildings that cast shade and large trees that block out sunlight. If these factors aren't a problem, then chances are your roof gets adequate sunshine.
The size of your roof also has a very pronounced effect on the amount of solar energy that you will be able to generate. Generally speaking, you can install one solar energy module for every 15 square feet of usable rooftop area. The more modules that you can install, the greater your potential for savings.
Third, you will need to acquaint yourself with local building codes. This requires that you familiarize yourself with municipal requirements for solar conversions in addition to ensuring that your home's electrical infrastructure is suitable for solar power. It may be necessary for you to upgrade or alter your home's wiring to make sure that you will be able to harness the electricity generated by your rooftop photovoltaic panels.
At Joe Behr Plumbing & Heating, Inc., we have been providing residents of Mid-Ohio with expert home-comfort services since 1965. We are proud to be part of the solar energy revolution, and we'd be happy to perform a custom home assessment to ensure your house is suitable for a conversion. To request service, or if you have any other questions, please contact us.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about solar energy and other HVAC topics, visit our website.
Joe Behr Plumbing and Heating, Inc. services the Mid-Ohio area.
