| If you want to install solar panels for home use, | | | | changes to the outward appearance of your |
| then you need to get clear on what it is that you | | | | house. |
| will actually need to get going. The best way to | | | | Don't run afoul of any homeowner's association |
| do that is to finish reading this article which lays | | | | either. They can be quite strict and severe when |
| out, step by step what your need to do. Then | | | | it comes to their bylaws. Forewarned is |
| familiarize yourself with the process at a much | | | | forearmed. |
| more detailed level by doing additional research on | | | | Contact your state and local department of |
| the web. A great resource is listed below. For | | | | energy. |
| starters, you will need to know the following. | | | | Many states have reimbursement plans and tax |
| Calculate your home's energy usage. | | | | abatements for homeowners who install solar |
| This is a fairly straightforward affair. Find your last | | | | panels. You may find that upwards of 75% or |
| couple utility bills and add up the kilowatt hours | | | | more of your up front costs fall under such plans. |
| you used and then divide by the number of bills | | | | It is definitely worth looking into. |
| you have. The more bills you can reference, the | | | | With this information in hand, you can now price |
| more accurate your result will be. Another good | | | | out your project to fit your budget. There are |
| number to have is your peak month. For many | | | | many different manufacturers of solar cells and |
| this is July or August when air conditioners are in | | | | panels with different efficiencies and costs. You |
| highest use. | | | | are sure to find one that suits your wallet as well |
| Measure the total area available on your roof to | | | | as your house. |
| install solar panels. | | | | The numbers your looking for, in addition to price, |
| A ballpark figure is good enough here. You are | | | | are how much energy your system will produce |
| looking for the area of your roof which is within | | | | on average throughout the year. Is it enough to |
| 90 degrees of south (that is it has a southern | | | | cover your current and projected usage? |
| orientation) and is unobstructed by trees, | | | | If cost is an issue, put together your total plan |
| chimneys or other shade. | | | | now and implement it in stages. Covering one |
| Become familiar with local zoning laws. | | | | quarter of your roof with extremely high |
| Do not embark on a solar panel installation without | | | | efficiency panels may be a better choice than |
| proper paperwork for your locality. Some don't | | | | covering the whole roof with cheaper less |
| require any but others, specifically historic districts | | | | efficient ones if you can go back next year and |
| may even restrict your ability to make any | | | | add on more high end panels. |