|
Solar energy systems harness the energy of the sun to generate electricity or heat water. Both types of systems are appropriate for buildings in the Montgomery County area:
Is a Solar Energy System Right for Me?
The first thing to consider when determining whether a solar system is appropriate for your home or bushiness is where to put it. To get the best result, photovoltaic panels or solar heat collectors need a southern-facing location with limited or no shade coverage. This location can be a roof or a scaffold created specifically for the system.
Other considerations include your annual electricity usage and the financial resources available to install such a system.
If you are installing solar photovoltaic panels, you may want to consider how much clean energy you hope to produce to offset the electricity you purchase. A general estimate for solar PV size, electricity production, and cost is provided below:
| |
Size |
Electricity Produced
(kilowatt-hours) |
Cost
(installed)
|
| 1 kilowatt (kW) |
~100 square feet |
1,300 |
$9,000–$11,000 |
An installer can estimate the appropriate size of a solar PV system by considering three main factors:
- Available space for installing the system
- The building's annual electricity usage
- Financial resources available
When the panels are installed, the installer will tilt them to the best angle to receive sunlight. Using special instruments, a solar installer can help to assess the building's sun energy potential. This will also help to gauge how much electricity the solar system can produce.
To learn more about what might work for you visit the Find Solar Web site. Here you can find a tool to estimate the system size a commercial or residential building could support and what incentives might be available. The tool can help you estimate system costs, electricity cost savings, and the number of years in which the system will pay for itself. The Web site also provides a list of available solar installers in the area.
Return to Top
Selecting and Finding a Service and Product Provider
When shopping for an installer, always check for relevant licenses, request references and a list of itemized costs, and get multiple quotes. The following sites include lists of qualified providers:
Additional qualifications to inquire about include master electrician. Ask whether staff on hand are certified electricians or master electricians and ask to see the County certified credentials.
Return to Top
Financial Options and Incentives
Additional Resources
Learn more about:
Return to Top
|
