Are you considering installing solar panels? Good for you! Solar power has become practically mainstream in recent years as the prices have dropped and efficiency has increased. But before you make your investment, consider how to prepare your home for residential solar.
With a few simple home improvement projects, you’ll be saving even more money in energy costs when you switch to solar. In other words, your electricity bill can be cut down to practically nothing!
Here are our 5 tips to prepare your home for residential solar:
1. Check and re-seal windows and doors with caulk. Weatherizing your home will prevent heat and cool air from leaving or coming in your home. Caulking is one of the easiest, least expensive ways to seal air leaks and save money. If you don’t want to do it yourself, there are plenty of professionals in your area just waiting to be hired to help make your home more air-tight and energy efficient.
2. Make sure you have adequate insulation. Insulation traps warm air inside during winter, and when its hot outside, you won’t lose the benefits of air conditioning, either. Many homeowners do not have enough insulation to help moderate temperatures in their home and they end up spending much more on HVAC to feel comfortable. An energy audit can help you determine if you have enough insulation, or whether you can save more on energy costs by adding or replacing insulation.
3. Consider storm windows. This is the final step required to fully seal your home from air leaks. Today’s windows are much more energy efficient than those from 10-20 years ago (or even older). Go with double-pane and make sure that they are fully sealed.
4. Monitor your home energy usage and reduce where possible. Smart meters and programmable thermostats are just the start. You can now keep an eye on when you use the most electricity and which appliances are drawing the most energy with a home energy monitor. Even after you install solar panels, this device will help you keep energy use in check so that you don’t have to draw on grid-based electricity as often (if at all).
5. Use passive solar techniques. Passive solar is such a great concept and so easy to use. I cannot believe that there is not more written about it on the Internet! Basically, passive solar involves allowing cool air in during the morning- over summer months – or warm air in during winter months. This is primarily achieved through windows. Open them when you want the temperature to adjust and/or open or close blinds to let sunshine and heat in, or to keep it out. Planting deciduous trees outside can also help with shading during summer and letting more warmth in over winter.
Click on the following link for more tips on how to save energy so that solar panels work best for your home.