How a Home Energy Audit Can Help You Go Solar

Wednesday, October 31st, 2012

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One of the first questions that we ask when a homeowner inquires about solar power is to see a copy of a recent energy bill. This is because we want you to see the maximum benefit from your investment in a solar electric system, and an analysis of your rooftop size, conditions such as shading, and your typical energy usage will tell us what can be realistically expected.

The number of solar panels needed to power a home or building does not depend on the size of the structure, because many different factors play into the overall energy usage. A large home with Energy Star appliances, replacement windows, and an energy efficient roof may use less electricity than a smaller home with drafty windows, a leaky roof, and old and outdated appliances. Even the habits of those living in the home affect energy use.

The fact is that your roof can only fit so many solar panels. If you have a lot of property, you may also be able to choose a pole mounted solar panel system in order to add more panels. However, an easier and more convenient choice would be to reduce your energy usage and live more efficiently, so that you can reduce the amount of electricity used, which means that your solar power system will need to produce less to keep up with demand.

A home energy audit will help you improve your energy efficiency by identifying the points in your home where electricity is wasted, and will provide you with the solutions to fix them. Reducing the amount of energy wasted will improve the benefit of a home solar system, and can help you save money, or even earn it, depending on the incentives available.

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Tagged: energy audit, energy efficiency, saving money, solar panels, solar power
Posted in Energy Tips | 3 Comments »