When considering going solar, the first place you should look is your own home. If you’re seriously considering making solar panels a part of your home’s energy processes, you’ll need to make sure that you create an optimal environment for creating solar energy. We’ll discuss a few factors you should consider before installing a solar energy system at your Columbus home.
Check Your Roof
For those installing roof-mounted solar panels, you’ll need to ensure that your roof is a safe, stable environment with plenty of direct sunlight access.
- Light Access: Sunlight, not heat, is the most important part of solar energy! So making sure your roof has plenty of unrestricted access to light should be at the top of your list of to-dos before solar panel installation day. If you have any trees close to your roofline, check how the light falls throughout the day. If the trees significantly shade portions of your roof, it’s time to call a tree-cutting service. We recommend that over tree trimming because branches can always grow back!
- Roof Integrity: If your home’s roof has not been replaced in a few years, and especially if you live in an older home, you should evaluate your roof’s durability. As the likely installation point for your panels, it’s critical that your roof is sturdy. You may need to replace your roof entirely in order to install solar panels. Pink Energy makes a point to check your roof carefully when our solar experts perform free in-home consultations, but it can’t hurt to contact a roofing company first to assess your roof.
What Direction Does Your Home Face?
Even something as simple as your home’s direction can affect the levels of sunlight you’ll receive. Ideally, your home has a significant portion of roofing that faces south with no obstructions like vents, chimneys or skylights. South-facing solar panels are capable of receiving the most sunlight throughout the day. If your roof does not face south, however, your solar panels still can generate plenty of electricity. East- and west-facing roof surfaces also receive a good amount of light throughout the day, though not as much as those facing south.
Do You Own Your Home?
Columbus residents interested in adding solar must own the home they live in to get the solar panel system installed. As the homeowner, you will be the one benefitting from the energy the panels provide. So if you are renting the home you live in, unfortunately, we are unable to work with you at this time.
Go Solar With Us
Pink Energy’s team of solar experts knows what is needed to ensure a good environment for solar panels. Our local Columbus team is qualified to assess your home’s candidacy for solar panels, so get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help you get started on your solar journey.