Aptos home solar power
Posted by steve coach on Fri, Nov 25, 2011 @ 02:51 PM
When considering Aptos home solar power, one of the first questions might be, “Will this work in my home?” There are also other considerations, such as the orientation of your home toward the sun and overhanging trees. But active and passive solar power systems can work under a wide range of conditions, with photovoltaic systems being especially more flexible than most people may think. There are still, however, quite a few factors when deciding if Aptos home solar power is right for you. Here are a few of them.
- Closeness to the power grid – If your home is more than a half-mile from the nearest power line, you may be better off using an off-the-grid solar power system with a combination of active and passive technologies.
- Electricity costs – California has some of the highest electric rates in the country, making an Aptos home solar power system a very good investment.
- Financial incentives – California is one of the leaders in providing financial incentives to homeowners who install a solar power system. Contact POCO Solar to learn more.
- Shade – One factor that is always present in regard to the use of a photovoltaic system is that of shade. If you are in an area that is heavily wooded, then you need to decide if the trees blocking the potential part of your roof that will house the PV panels need to be cut back or removed. If you are in a denser neighborhood, the trees blocking your roof may not be on your property, and thus you may not be able to have them altered. There are some systems with a set of panels mounted on a backyard tracking system that can be as effective as a roof system. Solar meters can tell you not only the amount of sun a certain position is receiving, but can also project the level of sun expected to be in that location for the whole year.
- Roof pitch and direction – Regarding direction, south facing roofs are better for solar panels, but systems can still produce ample output if they don’t face that direction. Even if a roof is 45 degreesoff due south, the reduction in electricity production will only be about 4 percent. Regarding pitch, a 30-degree angle is recommended but not necessary. A pitch of even 45 degrees can work.
If you have any other concerns or questions regarding your potential Aptos home solar power installation, please call POCO Solar at (408) 970-0680.
About Poco Solar: Poco Solar is a full service solar company that provides solar electric, solar pool heating, solar hot water heating and repair of solar systems in Monterey County, San Benito County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, Santa Cruz County. With more than 25 years of experience we have been helping Bay Area California residents stay comfortable, save energy and sell excess energy back to PG&E.