Sustainable energy has developed from a buzzword to a way of life. Investing in solar is a great remodeling choice as solar energy uses a practically continual energy source – the sun - the ball of burning gasses continually showering the Earth with energy. Correctly harnessing the suns power has a powerful energy output; as stated by Harry Gray, from the Caltech Center for Sustainable Energy Research, “If we could collect all of the solar energy hitting the Earth’s surface in one hour, that amount of power would take care of the world’s energy needs for one year.”
Developed by Bell Telephone Labs in 1954, the first photovoltaic cell captured solar energy and converted it to an electric current. Advancements in power output, design, and material quality have made solar systems and solar installation to accessible to consumers. Choosing to install a photovoltaic (PV) or solar array on your roof is a great type of
remodeling project; saving money on your electricity bill while giving something back to the environment.
Installing a PVS system, allows you the opportunity of seeing your meter run backwards. Encourage others with before and after photos and online system monitoring integrated on a website. There you can show friends, family and business associates the reality of how much your solar system is saving in order of greenhouse gasses or even energy expenditures.
If you’d like to add a PV system to your roof as your next
remodeling project, you will need to have your roof surveyed. This survey will evaluate the orientation and condition of your roof to see if it would be a good candidate for a solar power system. A South facing, minimally shaded and large enough section of roof is needed for an effective solar array.
Have your roofing
contractor inspect the age and condition of your roof to evaluate whether if it needs to be replaced before adding a solar power system. If the roof is older than 2 or 3 years, you would be advised to install a new roof so the roof, solar system, and warranties age similarly. Make sure to select a licensed roofing
contractor from a list of reviewed and rated contractors from a reputable site such as remodeleze.com. Once the roof is completed, it’s time to have your PV installing contractor begin the job.