It’s obvious that solar power is affordable, efficient, pollution-free, and carbon-neutral. But how solar should you go? In other words, does it make sense to go full solar off-grid, a bit solar, or mostly solar power for your home?

Net zero, when your home is not connected to the utility grid, may be out of reach for most existing homes unless extensive energy retrofits are done, though it’s possible to become less dependent on fossil fuels and save money at the same time. Here’s how:

Start with an Energy Audit

When you’re thinking about using less electricity, you want to be aware of how your household is using energy and what you need to do to minimize your carbon footprint. An energy audit takes into consideration past energy usage, current energy consumption, and recommendations on home energy improvements. A solar energy audit can help pinpoint energy loss and how to install or upgrade your solar power system to fit your home’s power needs.

Trusted solar companies will come to your house and accurately measure the amount of sun your home gets depending on roof or ground orientation, trees, and shade—and discuss the best options on how to boost your home’s renewable energy for energy independence. A solar professional can help you select the right locations for solar panel installation or upgrades, size, mounts, and the best panels to maximize your savings.

Ductless Multizone Pump

The ductless multizone pump uses skinny pipes, carrying cooled air or heated air, to indoor wall-mounted ducts. By not using forced air ducts, this system is more energy efficient. A home with multiple zones allows you to target air conditioning or heating to the rooms in your house needing it most.

High Efficiency Solar Panels

Installing the highest efficiency, photovoltaic solar panels can increase solar power efficiency and reduce the number of panels needed. Solar panel efficiency ranges from 15% to 23%. Manufacturing quality is also imperative in selecting the best panels for your home.

Power Optimizers, String Inverters, and Microinverters

Power optimizers remove more solar energy from your panels. Power optimizers convert the direct photovoltaic current (DC) from your solar panels to the alternating current (AC) your house uses at 60 times a second.

String inverters, though less costly, can result in a reduction in solar energy collected across the panels from shading, trees, or nearby buildings. String inverters can be mounted inside your garage or house avoiding weather hazards.

Microinverters are mounted beneath solar panels. The advantage of microinverters is that each solar array is independent. Shaded panels will not produce as much solar energy, but unshaded panels will continue to generate maximum solar electricity for your home. One disadvantage of microinverters and power optimizers are that they are exposed to wind, heat, cold, and rain.

Retrofitting your home to go carbon net zero can be unreasonably expensive. By selective solar and home energy upgrades, you will be further along towards energy self-sufficiency. For the best in solar energy installations and improvements, call Cool Blew Solar at 623-234-2836.