If you’re considering having solar panels installed for your home in Minneapolis, you’re in good company! Many homeowners across the nation are choosing to go solar for the benefit of both the environment and their energy bills. Solar panels are an excellent investment in your home and will put you on the path to energy efficiency.
That said, not all homes are alike. Given that the setup of your home will impact your eligibility for solar panels, you may be wondering whether or not you’re a good candidate. We’re here to help by outlining the main factors to take into account for homeowners considering Minneapolis solar panels. Read on to learn if solar panels could be the right choice for your home, and remember to reach out to Midwest Construction with any questions.
Home Characteristics For Solar Panels
It’s worth noting that solar panels can work well for just about any home. However, there are factors that make certain homes ideal candidates for a solar panel system. These include:
- A roof slope of about 30 to 40 degrees
Sloped roofs generate more energy with a solar panel system. If you have a flat roof, you may need to consider a ballast mount configuration to make the most of your solar panels.
- A roof that faces south
If your roof faces south, it will get the most sunlight and, thus, produce the most solar energy. However, west-and east-facing roofs also get plenty of sun exposure and can work well for solar systems.
- The size of your roof
The size of your roof will impact how many solar panels can be installed on its surface. Determining the number of panels that you need, then making sure that they’ll fit on your roof, is crucial before solar panel installation.
- Nothing casting a shadow onto the roof, such as trees
- No obstacles on the surface of the roof, like skylights or chimneys
Anything that casts a shadow on or obstructs the surface of your roof will diminish the output of a solar panel system. If shadows from trees are the main issue, you may be able to trim them back to maximize the effectiveness of your solar panel system. For homes with shaded roofs and no options to eliminate the cause of the shading, ground-mounted solar panel systems may be considered.
- A roof that’s in good condition and won’t need to be replaced soon
The age and condition of your roof can have a sizable impact on the solar panel installation process. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan and will soon need to be replaced, your best option is to complete the roof replacement before having solar panels installed. If you do this the other way around, the solar panels will have to be installed, removed for the roof replacement, then re-installed on the new roof. This is not only less efficient, but will also cost you more in the long run.
If your home doesn’t have all of these characteristics, don’t worry! Minneapolis solar panel installation is still possible for roofs that don’t match this description. The best way to know whether or not your roof is a good fit for solar is to consult your local solar panel installation team.
Climate
The climate should always be considered before solar panel installation. While many assume that hot, sunny climates are the only areas for optimal energy production, areas that receive cold weather, too, can provide excellent solar energy output. Cold weather can even cause the solar panels to work more efficiently, leading to maximum output when it’s both cold and sunny outside. So, even in climates with harsh winters, solar panel systems can provide homeowners with high energy output.
Energy Needs
Before solar panel installation, you’ll also need to consider your home’s energy needs. The number of solar panels that you need will vary depending on your energy consumption. It’s wise to consider this factor early on in the process of planning your solar panel installation so that you can get an accurate price quote and budget for the project accordingly.
Interested in Minneapolis solar panel installation? Contact Midwest Construction to learn more.
