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Is solar right for me?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Waldo Renewable Electric, LLC

 

wre solar homeIf you have been wondering if solar is the right clean energy solution for your home or business the first thing to do is consider your site.  First of all do you have a south facing roof or ground space?  Second is the south facing roof or ground space wide open and not shaded by trees, house, garage, vents, chimney, mechanicals, etc. 

Solar panels are going to produce the most amount of energy if they face south.  In this direction the panels are able to absorb both the morning and afternoon sun.  A south facing solar panel will produce the most power as well as give the shortest payback.  There is no reason to install solar panels on a south face if the site is shady.  The panels need light in order to produce power.  Sometime the smallest amout of shade can know out many solar panels depending on how the panels are wired.  It is really important to pay attention to both orientation and shading when designing and installing a solar system.

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ASHEVILLE REALTY REFERRAL RESOURCE 828-776-0779
REAL ESTATE REFERRAL NETWORK - Asheville, NC
CONTACT janeAnne365@gmail.com

Hi Rebecca~

 

I'm wondering what instruments you use to show solar gain potential...

Nov 23, 2011 02:25 PM
James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector

The way a house faces is important for other reasons, but as you have pointed out so well, vital for solar panels. 

Nov 24, 2011 12:23 AM
Rebecca Waldo
Waldo Renewable Electric, LLC - Old Saybrook, CT

An best tool we use is Bing.com/maps.  Put the address in and zoom in "Birds Eye" view.  We see orientation and shading without leaving our office.  

Nov 25, 2011 12:16 AM