A Solar Checklist for Homeowners Who Want To Go Solar
Are you ready to go solar?
This 2019 is all about homeowners going solar. It has become mainstream. The challenge, however, is the technical knowledge and understanding behind going solar. The number of homeowners who have owned a solar panel system throughout its entire life cycle is very limited. What kind of solar panels will you choose? Which solar panels are more efficient? What is solar harvest? Which solar inverter will you get? Will you get an on-grid or off-grid system? What size of solar system is ideal for your home? The cost of going solar continues to decrease, and this has led the rate of installations to increase. Let’s walk you through the more important factors to consider before you go solar.
#1: Can your roof support solar panels?
This is one major question to address. The distributed weight of one solar panel is approximately 20 kg. It is important to ensure that your home, in terms of structural capacity, can carry and support the weight of the panels. This can usually be assessed by structural engineers. Structural experts conduct an assessment of your roof and determine if it is in good shape structurally. Solar systems usually come with performance guarantees of 20 to 25 years. It would make sense to ensure that your roof will not require repair, renovation, or replacement in the next few years because the solar system would then have to be dismantled and reinstalled.
#2: Is there shading?
It is best to install solar on a roof that is unobstructed by surrounding trees. Solar harvest is at its peak when there is no shading on the solar panel system. If there are surrounding trees that will shade the panels, it is best to prune or trim them to ensure the optimal solar harvest of your system.
#3: What type of system should you get: Grid-Tie or Off-Grid or Hybrid?
Grid-tie solar systems, otherwise known as On-Grid systems, are the most commonly used in homes and businesses in the Philippines today. Grid-tie or on-grid systems interconnect solar power with grid power. These solar systems do not use batteries because there is no need to store power. When it is daytime, the power is generated from the solar system, and during night time, the power comes from the grid. There’s another plus factor with a grid-tie system. When you use more electricity than your solar is producing, then you will start importing from the grid – in other words, you will be consuming electricity from the utility company. When you produce more power than you consume, the excess or surplus power generated can be exported to the grid using the Net Metering program of the utility company. The exported power is paid via credits, which can be used later on. Electricity sent to the grid from your solar system can then be used by other consumers on the grid (such as your neighbors). The Grid-Tie system is the most ideal solar solution for homes within the Metro Manila area because there is stable power from the utility company (Meralco).
There are, of course, some clients who require the reliability of instant backup power, that can only be provided by solar systems with batteries. With an off-grid solar system or hybrid solar system, you can maximize excess solar harvest by storing the power in the batteries for evening consumption. Batteries provide a buffer, for times when the sun is not enough and loads have to be continuously supplied with sustained energy. Off-grid systems or hybrid systems are usually for homes that have intermittent power or are in energy-starved areas, where power is not stable.
The cost of solar systems that come with batteries is significantly higher than grid-tie systems.
#4: Which installer should you choose?
Naturally, you should choose a solar company that has a sterling reputation. It should be a company backed by years of experience. It should be a recognized leader in rooftop solar, one that is trusted with thousands of satisfied clients. There are logistics, procurement, electrical, and engineering components that come with solar system installation. Experience, references, and credentials are all equally important when choosing the right solar provider.
#5: What is the ROI?
Before going solar, it is wise to run a benefits analysis or Return On Investment (ROI) analysis on the system cost. A solar system is an investment that pays for itself. Ideally, in the first five years from the time you purchase the solar system, you should achieve ROI (in many instances, it is achieved in 2 to 3 years due to credits from Net Metering). In the next 15 to 20 years that follow, you will profit from your solar system. In other words, when you buy the system outright, it will keep working for you long after it pays itself off.
Turning on the sun
At Solaric, we appeal to Filipino sensibilities of approachability, service and value. Before we give a quotation, we learn how you use energy. We determine the best ways to maximize your return on a hard-earned investment. We present different strategies to ensure that you achieve your solar goals. We want to ensure reduced expenses and increased savings so that you make that one-time wise business and environmental investment. We always do our best to deliver fast, efficient, and thorough customer service. We are in the business of not just selling solar panels – but also enabling solar-powered lifestyles. With this, we want to provide endless satisfaction by delivering Solaric Service Satisfaction, ranging from permanent reduction of electric bills to the ultimate ZERO bill.
Solaric is the leader in rooftop solar
Solaric has established its name across the renewable industry as a proven and reputable rooftop solar leader. Backed by decades of experience, Solaric has installed more than 50% of residential rooftop solar in the Philippines and has delivered significant cost reductions in electricity expenses, as well as milestone contributions to a cleaner, greener, and renewable future. We want every Filipino to enjoy the benefits of clean and renewable power. Welcome to the new generation of solar and turning on the sun.
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Contact the solar experts
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If you also want to #TurnOnTheSun then give us a call at 5040092 or 09178603141 or 09083775577, email info@solaric.com.ph or visit www.solaric.com.ph
We will gladly explain to you how the system works, or schedule a survey so we can give you options for your new home or existing homes or businesses.
At Solaric, we Turn on the Sun.