How to Run a House Completely on Solar Power
Do you have the potential to run your home on solar power? If so, there are a ton of things you need to know.
As we’ve written before, running your home solely on renewable energy is possible in some parts of the U.S., but it’s not an easy task. After all, housing and other buildings account for nearly one-third of all energy use in the country — and that number continues to grow as more people move into urban centers and demand for energy grows. To run your house only on renewable energy, you’ll first need to identify where this is possible. For instance, for homeowners who live in a hot climate or a place with lots of annual sunlight, then solar power is a great option for you. But if not, then look into other ways to reduce your carbon footprint instead — like adding insulation and upgrading your heating system so it runs efficiently throughout the year. Here are the key things you need to know about how to run your house completely on solar power
How to Run Your House Solely on Solar Power: A step-by-step guide
First, if you live in a place with plenty of sunlight, solar power is the best option to power your entire home. If you don’t live in a place with lots of sunlight, then you can reduce your carbon footprint by adding insulation and upgrading your heating system so it runs efficiently throughout the year.
If you want to run your house solely on solar power, then there are two key things you need to know:
1. You’ll need to upgrade or replace your current heating system
2. You’ll need to create a plan for when the sun goes down
Find out where solar power is an option
The first step to running your house solely on solar power is figuring out where it’s an option. For instance, if you live in a hot climate or a place with lots of annual sunlight, then solar power is a great option for you.
Protect your investment
A home solar panel is a huge expense and one that can take years or even decades to recoup. If you want to make the switch, protect your investment by doing your research. You’ll need to check the local regulations for how long you have to put the panels on your roof before they start paying for themselves. Additionally, you’ll want to consider different companies offering solar panels in your area so you know who will handle maintenance and repairs when necessary. Make sure that whoever installs your panels has experience with solar panel installation if this is a new venture for them as well.
Know how much solar energy you actually get from the sun and learn how to save it
Too often, people underestimate the amount of energy they can actually get from the sun. But it’s not just about getting energy from the sun; it’s also about storing or using solar energy so that you have a constant supply during the day and night.
A typical solar panel takes up to 5 hours of direct sunlight to produce enough power for one hour of use, so you need to factor in those costs when looking at how much money you should spend on your solar panels.
You can also save energy by using electronic devices like smart thermostats and lightbulbs that automatically adjust their settings based on your needs. For example, if you leave work early, your thermostat could automatically turn down the heat as soon as you step out of your house.
Maximize your roof’s efficiency
Regardless of where your home is located, the best way to maximize your roof’s potential for solar power is to ensure that it has a south-facing roof. This orientation allows for maximum exposure to the sun, increasing the likelihood of a solar panel being able to provide enough energy for your needs. But even if you don’t live in an area with lots of sunlight, you should still make sure that your roof is well-insulated and with good ventilation. This will allow you to reduce the amount of energy needed during the winter months when the sun isn’t shining as brightly.
If you do want a solar system on your roof, then there are many factors that need to be considered before investing in them. The first step is to understand how much electricity you’ll need from them each day. And finally, no matter what type of panels or setup you have on your roof — whether they are photovoltaic (PV) or thermal — make sure they are installed properly and securely so they don’t fall down and cause damage to anything below them.
Consider making energy efficiency improvements yourself or hiring a professional solar expert
There are a few ways to make the switch to going solar, but the most common is to use solar panels. But depending on the size of your home and what you want to do, you may want to consider doing it yourself or hiring a professional solar expert. One of the benefits of doing it yourself is that you get to save money on initial cost, which can be up to $20,498 for a 10kW solar panel system. In addition, you save money by using your own time and labor instead of paying someone else. However, if you have limited time or skills and would rather outsource this project, there are plenty of solar contractors in the U.S. who will work with you and cover all solar installation and maintenance costs. Finally, if you’re unsure whether or not a solar power system is feasible for your home, don’t worry — many states offer free consultations with certified solar consultants who will walk you through the process step-by-step so you know exactly what to expect before getting started.