A 5-Step Guide To Planning For SolarBy adding a solar power system to your home to supplement your normal electricity consumption, you are taking an effective step toward lowering your utility bills, decreasing your energy consumption and improving the environment for you and your community. Solar power is clean, perpetually renewable, reliable and free, and it offers you a genuinely effective and efficient alternative to traditional energy sources.

Here are five important steps to take when planning for solar power system installation.

  1. Check your roof to ensure it gets enough sunshine. An abundance of direct sunlight will ensure your solar power system works at its best and generates the most electricity possible. Place solar power modules on roofs with southern exposure, as they are more likely to get the correct amount of sunshine. Make sure there aren’t too many trees, chimneys or other structures that could block sunlight.
  2. Make sure your roof can hold all the solar power modules you want to install. Each module requires about 15 square feet of space. More modules will generate more power, but you’ll be limited by the amount of space available.
  3. Make sure your neighborhood organization, homeowners’ association or municipality has placed no restrictions on installing solar equipment. There may be limitations on the type, number or placement of solar units.
  4. Ensure your solar power system complies with local utility service specifications, building and electrical codes, and other relevant standards for power generation and connection to the power grid. Confirm proper utility service and electrical wiring compliance.
  5. See if your local utility company offers any solar-based programs, rebates or other incentives. In some cases, local utilities may give credits for the energy your solar system generates. The U.S. government offers tax credits on solar power and water heating systems until the end of 2016.

Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. has been a trusted source of residential and commercial heating and air conditioning service in the greater Los Angeles area since 1967. Contact us today for more information on planning for solar power systems, to get an estimate or to schedule an installation.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about solar and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Around the Clock Air Conditioning & Heating services Los Angeles, North Hollywood and the surrounding areas in California. Visit our website to see our current specials and get started today!     

Solar image via Shutterstock