Solar Site Feasibility
The first step in obtaining a solar power system is to determine if you have a feasible
site for installation. There are several factors that determine site feasibility,
which can be thought of in the few major categories outlined below.
Regional Factors
Rebate availability, utility rates, and average sunshine in your location are important
variables in the payback time for a system.
Rebate Availability - Rebates range from
10% to 60+% depending on your location and are provided by a variety of sources including
the federal government, state government, and utility companies. Check DSIRE for
rebates available in your area.
Electricity Prices - Local electricity prices have
a large impact on system payback times. With utility rate caps expiring in many locations
and fossil fuel prices rising dramatically, electricity prices for many residential
customers are approaching cost parity with solar electricity.
Insolation - The amount
of sunshine in your location, referred to as insolation, affects the efficiency of
the system, and is measured in "full sun hours" per day. Most of the continental
U.S. has what is considered good insolation, assuming an appropriate mounting site.
Check this insolation map to estimate the solar resources in your area.
Site-Specific Factors
Your site must be appropriate for a solar energy system, including having a south-facing
area that receives full sun to mount the system.
South-Facing Mounting Area - Your
site should have a south-facing area of sufficient size, either for a top-of-pole
mount or roof-mounted system, to position the system for maximum efficiency. For
example, a typical residential system with a capacity of 6 kilowatts requires approximately
500 square feet of roof space to install. East- and west-facing roofs can also provide
a good mounting area for PV, assuming other regional and site-specific factors are
favorable.
Shade & Obstructions - The mounting area must be free of shading and obstructions.
The single biggest obstacle to solar site feasibility is shading from trees and obstructions.
Shade cast on the mounting area during full sun hours can dramatically reduce efficiency
of the system, and in turn the payback time. Check Google Maps to confirm shading
problems at your site from satellite photos of your area.
Structural Condition - If
installing a roof-mounted system, the roof must be capable of supporting the system,
and should have any needed repairs completed prior to installation.
Power Infrastructure
- Homes and buildings with older equipment may require wiring and breaker panel upgrades
or expansion, which can effect the total cost and payback of a system.
Net Metering
Rules - Net metering enables customers to offset their consumption over a billing
period by allowing them to sell excess power back to the utility provider at the
retail rate. There are net metering rules in place for solar power systems in 41
states and D.C. Without net metering, a second meter is usually installed to measure
the electricity that flows back to the provider, with the provider purchasing the
power at a rate much lower than the retail rate.
Conservation Measures - Energy conservation
can significantly reduce your electricity use, and is typically less expensive than
building solar generating capacity. Conservation measures could include using attic
film, solar fans, efficient light bulbs, super windows, and power control devices
to reduce your consumption.
Individual Needs
Your power usage and other requirements must be considered when designing and installing
a system.
Power Consumption - The amount of electricity you use, measured in kilowatt-hours,
determines the size of the system required. Usage patterns and power requirements
vary depending on energy efficiency of the building and appliances, as well as the
number of inhabitants and their energy usage patterns. Your power consumption should
appear on your monthly utility statement (in kilowatt-hours).
Energy Production Goals
- Solar power systems are modular and can be designed to meet all or a portion of
your energy consumption.
Aesthetics - Solar collectors come in a variety of sizes
and form factors each with differences in appearance. Product categories include
solar panels, integrated roof panels, and solar shingles.
If you believe you have
a good site for solar based on the above information, and are ready to move forward
with your project, you should evaluate the economics further with an on-site consultation.
The A-1 Professional Can Help You Decide
While there are many energy service operators available, our Professional is a technician
who is committed to excellence in every aspect of business, from installation and
service, to customer relationships.
We can help you determine the right system size
and design for your home with a complete on-site energy analysis. This is the best
way to design a system that fits your particular power needs.
We are local to Big Bear. The mountains have different needs than our neighbors “Off-The-Hill”
and you need a local.
Call Frank today and see the difference for yourself.
