Solar power is on the rise throughout the Mornington Peninsula and the rest of the world, with more businesses and homes adopting solar panels and becoming greener. However, it’s not as simple as buying a solar power system and installing it on your own – you need a knowledgeable solar electrician to get your system up and running.
Before you get started on your solar journey, there are some questions you should ask.
Can my roof support solar panels?
This question is a key question that you should ask before proceeding any further with getting solar panels installed. Assess your roof or contact a professional technician about solar installation on Mornington Peninsula homes to learn the criteria for adequate roof coverage.
A roof that is covered in shade throughout the day or year may not be ideal for solar panels, though you may be able to place them in another area of your property if you have the space for panels. Your roof should also be in good condition, as panels will need to be disconnected if any repairs must take place.
Is my home as energy efficient as possible?
Your home will either be partially or fully run on solar power, so you need to assess your power consumption to see what you’ll need. Before getting panels, consider making energy efficient changes in the home to reduce your energy consumption and trim usage. By doing so, you may be able to reduce the amount or size of panels needed for your home.
You can learn more about your energy consumption by speaking with a solar electrician and getting an energy audit to see what your options are when it comes to solar panels. These professionals can provide further advice on upgrading for energy efficiency and help you envision your panels.
Which type of solar makes the most sense?
There are two main solar technologies available – photovoltaic and thermal. Photovoltaic solar energy turns sunlight into electricity using cells on solar panels. Thermal solar energy uses sunlight to heat up water, which is then used to heat the home and provide hot water for indoor use.
If heating your home takes a lot of energy, you may opt for solar thermal. In most cases, though, homeowners will get photovoltaic solar systems installed on their homes.
Should I connect to the grid of get an off-grid system?
You’ve likely heard of going off the grid, but an off-grid system doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re out of touch with the rest of the world. In solar energy terms, an off-grid system is a system that allows you to power your home using solar panels and batteries.
In all likelihood, you won’t want or need to go off-grid if you live in an urban area. Solar installation on Mornington Peninsula homes is cheaper and more convenient when staying tied to the grid, as you will not need to purchase extra batteries and back-up power sources as you would with an off-grid system.
Ask yourself these questions if you’re considering solar power. Once you know the answer to these, you can make the right decision for your household.