Questions to Ask When Installing a Solar Array

A solar array is the part of the solar system that holds the solar panels in your system, which is how they collect sunlight and convert it into the electricity that goes into and powers your home. When you are installing a solar array onto your roof, you’re going to want to make sure you get the most productive solar array you possibly can. To do this, you’ll want to ask these questions about the solar arrays you’ve been looking at to ensure you do install the best solar array possible.

What is a solar array?

A solar array describes how your panels are placed on your property, and how well they’re positioned to allow the sunlight to hit them. They will then be connected to inverters that allow energy to flow through your home.

How do I decide where to place my solar array?

You’re going to want to consult your solar installer about where they think you’d be best off placing your solar array, but we also have some guidelines to help you out. For starters, if you’re in the northern hemisphere, you’ll want to try to get your panels facing as close to directly towards the south as possible, because that’s how you’ll receive the most amount of sunlight possible. If you don’t have any ideal place on your roof, you can instead get ground-mounted solar panels, which will allow you to place your panels in any direction you want. Plus, you won’t have to worry about things like spacial roof limitations and shade on your roof.

You can also place your panels in unconventional places like on top of carports and gazebos. You’ll have to find a solar panel installer who’s comfortable with doing that, but it could give you some huge benefits. For example, if you install solar on a carport and have an electric car, your carport itself will be able to charge your car.

How many panels do I need in my array?

How many panels you’ll need is perhaps the most commonly asked solar panel question. However, there’s no one right answer. Every home’s needs are different, so you’ll have to figure this out using your previous electric bills. If you don’t know how to figure out how much energy you’ll need from that, you can locate solar calculators online, or you can consult your solar installer to help you figure it out.

Can I add to my solar array later?

If you add to your home later and need to generate more energy, yes, you can add to your solar array in the future. You’ll have to keep some things in mind, though.

If you don’t have enough space for more panels, you might want to pay more for high-efficiency panels now so you’ll use less of your space and be able to leave room for more panels.

Make sure the solar installer you choose has added additional panels before so you can call them back to do your next project. Getting a different solar installer to do it will probably void your warranty.

If you already know what your future plans are for adding onto your home, you might want to just oversize your array right now so you won’t have to worry about it in the future. Doing so will also let you take full advantage of the federal tax credit before it lowers or expires.

Want to learn more about making the switch to solar? Check out the HahaSmart blog for more information!

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