Best Places on Your Home to Install Solar Panels

You’ve made the decision to go solar in 2022 but are unsure where to install solar panels. Maybe you don’t like traditional panel installation spots, such as on your rooftop. But you want to choose the right solar panel placement for your property to maximize your return on your solar investment, match your aesthetic choices, and provide the greatest solar array efficiency.

On the Roof

There are a few factors your solar installation company will investigate before considering a rooftop installation:

Is your rooftop strong enough to support a solar panel array?
Would there be enough space on your roof for all the panels required?
Would the angle and direction of your rooftop be ideal for photovoltaic panels?
Are buildings, chimneys, antennas, other houses, or trees shading the roof?

South-facing roofs provide the most direct exposure to the sun north of the equator to collect and convert sunlight into clean energy.

On the Ground

Not thrilled with the aesthetics of panels on your roof? Do you have other architectural considerations? Is a rooftop mounting not practical because of limitations like space? Ground mounted solar panels may be the best option. There are two choices to consider: standard ground mounts and pole mounts.

On a South Facing Wall

If your home doesn’t have a south-facing roof, you can go with south-facing, wall mounted panels. Installing on your home’s south wall will allow your panels to be architecturally pleasing and properly positioned to maximize solar power collection.

On a Garage or Shed

When there’s not enough space on your rooftop, installing solar panels on your garage or shed may be a good option. The design of your garage or shed must have the ability to support enough panels to make the system feasible and cost effective.

On an Awning or Overhang

Solar panels can also be installed by positioning them as you would a patio awning or roof overhang. Solar awnings have an advantage by reducing solar heat gain inside your home by up to 77%.

On a Solar Pergola, Gazebo, Solarium, or Carport

Pergolas, carports, gazebos, or solariums can be constructed to hold solar panels. These structures naturally receive a large amount of sunlight making them great choices for a solar panel project that is aesthetically pleasing.

Call the Installation Professionals at Cool Blew Solar

Selecting the right location is best done in consultation with an experienced solar installer. Cool Blew Solar technicians are available to answer all your questions and help you determine the right balance between system performance and lifestyle. Call your local expert installers today at Cool Blew Solar at 623-234-2836.

FAQ's

Is Solar Energy Expensive?

The size of your panel installation and the needs of your home will affect your costs. The average net cost of a 5.69kW system is $13,838 cash after 30% rebate (according to solar-estimate.org). An average-sized system can cost up to $35,000. Larger installations will require more hardware, planning and construction time. This can further increase costs. While solar panels are expensive, they have many distinct benefits. Cool Blew Electric & Solar’s experts can assess your situation and goals and recommend a cost-effective system to meet your needs.

How Much Can I Save By Installing Solar Panels?

An average-sized system (5 kilowatts) can reduce up to 50% of your monthly electricity bill. A 5.69kW system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $138. Over a period of 20 years, these savings can add up to $30,000, based on your location and energy usage.

How Long Would It Take to Recoup My Solar Investment by Solar Energy Savings?

With a 5.69kW Solar system you would recoup your savings in 7 years and 2 months but with continuous Utility increases every year your Return and Investment will be much sooner.

What is a Solar Lease Program?

The Solar Lease Program has been one the most popular option that homeowners have chosen over the years. Solar Lease programs gives homeowners the opportunity to take advantage and put Solar on their homes and a guaranteed savings from their Utility for little to no money out of pocket. Most Leases are 20 year power guarantee from the solar provider and includes fixed monthly payments, no repair cost, fully insured and warrantied for the life of the system.

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