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What’s on your roof? Just rows of shingles soaking up the sun’s rays day after day? Why not take advantage of all that sun-soaked real estate on the top of your house by installing a home solar power system?
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), homes in sunny climates like Florida can see an offset in energy costs by up to 50% with a 2.4-kilowatt solar electric system installed. And not only will a residential solar power system cut down on monthly utility bills, they can increase property values and help the environment by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
One of the most frequent questions asked by potential customers interested in transitioning to solar power systems is whether or not they will be able to zero out their electricity bill each month. The answer to this question depends on a lot of factors:
The amount of energy that newly installed solar panels will produce depends on how much direct sunlight reaches your home and how much electricity you use. A house built between two hills in Northern Florida may be shaded from the sun for most of the day while a beach home in Sarasota catches sunlight from sunrise to sunset.
Then again, the Northern Florida home may use far less electricity than the beach house. In some situations, homeowners can opt for a battery system that will store excess electricity for use when the electrical grid goes down.
A professional, state certified solar panel installer can complete a professional assessment of your home’s potential for going solar by factoring in all the variables associated with your property. This process will give you an accurate picture of your potential for solar power system savings.
Ideally, solar panel installers prefer buildings with south-facing roofs, unshaded by trees or other structures. While southern facing roofs are preferred any roof that receives sunlight can be utilized. Roofs exposed to a maximum amount, 6-7 hours, of direct sunlight each day are perfect for solar panel installation, but homeowners should also consider the following:
Most solar panel installers prefer that roofs be in good condition. If your roof is in need of repair or replacement most solar installers can provide you with quality roofing contractors to compare as solar panel lifespan and warranty are typically 25 years.
The use of energy efficient technology in your home will increase your solar panels’ efficiency. LED lighting, Energy Star ® appliances, and a high-efficiency water heating system (perhaps even solar water heating) are all excellent means of increasing your home’s overall energy efficiency.
The more energy efficient a home is, the better a solar power system will work - especially where air conditioning usage is concerned. Proper insulation in roofs, reflective or foam insulation behind walls, and sealed penetration points reduce the strain on HVAC systems by preventing conditioned air from escaping the living envelope. Also, energy efficient double pane windows can reduce the amount of thermal heat transfer that passes into your sunniest rooms.
Solar access laws prohibit homeowners associations from disallowing the installation of solar panels arrays on houses within the HOA’s jurisdiction. However, some HOA’s still require that permission be granted prior to residential solar panel installation. And some housing agreements give the HOA the right to influence the design of solar roof arrays. Be sure to check with your HOA prior to installing a solar power system.
Solar energy systems, such as residential rooftop arrays, are eligible for a Federal tax credit of 26% through December 31st, 2020 and a 22% Federal tax credit through December 31st, 2021. Some restrictions apply, so be sure to check with eligibility requirements before claiming the credit on your taxes.
And speaking of financing, a wide variety of financing options are available for solar panel installation. Besides a traditional bank loan, some regions add solar power system payments to homeowners’ property taxes, known as the PACE program. In addition solar installations can be financed by lenders that specialize in solar energy systems and energy efficient products at very attractive interest rates.
Solar by Harrimans works hard to help our valued customers either transition entirely to, or supplement electricity usage with solar panel installation. Our family-owned business has served residents of Southwest Florida for over 50 years.
Solar by Harrimans is proud to be an A+ accredited business under the Better Business Bureau. We are also state certified solar contractors, state certified electrical contractors, and state certified pool/spa contractors.
The homes pictured in this Project Gallery are just a few of the satisfied clients for whom we have performed consulting, design, and installation services. Solar by Harrimans’ knowledgeable staff provides unmatched experience and expertise.
If you like the installations you’ve seen in this gallery and have questions about potential solar installations for your residence, give us a call at 1-866-777-9276 or contact us for a consultation.
