Home Inspectors in Reading: Solar Energy
Solar energy is the fastest growing energy source in the world and the technology has become more affordable and reliable in the last several years.
Not only does solar energy and other renewable energy sources foster a cleaner environment, but they help reduce our dependence on volatile energy prices and imported oil. This clean, safe, renewable energy source is limitless in supply and more and more homeowners are taking notice as energy costs has become a growing source of concern.
I feel it's important as a Home Inspector in Reading & surrounding, to keep up with these new technologies so that I can properly educate my clients about these systems.
The most common form of harvesting solar energy is from solar panels which uses heat engines and photovoltaics, better known as solar cells. These solar cells convert the light to electricity using a photolectric effect. A home solar system is typically made up of solar panels, an inverter, a battery, a charge controller, wiring and support structure. Solar energy can be collected and stored in batteries and, therefore, electricity can be provided 24x7, even on cloudy days and at night.
As a Home Inspector in the Reading area, I have already come across a few homes that have had solar panels installed. Most systems I have seen are 10-12 solar panels and require about 100 square feet of installation area. It takes a few days to install such a system and the costs vary greatly. There are incentives offered by the government you should take into consideration which will help reduce that overall cost.
The local Keystone ASHI group is having their next Home Inspector Meeting on the topic of "Solar Energy" on Monday, June 6 starting at 5pm. Dave Glick, who resides in Lebanon, recently had solar panels installed at his residence and will be presenting on solar panel installation and solar energy. We will NOT be meeting at the Inn at Reading this month. This meeting is open to Keystone ASHI Home Inspectors only. If you need more information about this meeting, contact me at 610-220-1907 or visit my website at www.readinghomeinspector.com.
David Artigliere with ARTI Home Inspections LLC is a ASHI Certified Home inspector in Reading, PA & surrounding areas.
He offers home inspections 7 days a week. Book an inspection today!