Feasibility of Solar Energy Solutions for Your Business
The first step in obtaining a solar power system is to determine if you have a feasible site for installation. There are several factors that determine site feasibility, which can be broken into a few major categories outlined below.
Regional Factors
Rebate availability, utility rates, and average sunshine in your location are important variables in the payback time for a system.
- Rebate Availability - Rebates range from 10% to 40% depending on your location and are provided by a variety of sources including the federal government, state government, and utility companies. Check DSIRE for rebates available in your area.
- Electricity Prices - Local electricity prices have a large impact on system payback times. With utility rate caps expiring in many locations and fossil fuel prices rising dramatically, electricity prices for many residential customers are approaching cost parity with solar electricity.
- Insolation - The amount of sunshine in your location, referred to as insolation, affects the efficiency of the system, and is measured in "full sun hours" per day. Most of the continental U.S. has what is considered good insolation, assuming an appropriate mounting site.
Site-Specific Factors
Your site must be appropriate for a solar energy system, including having a south-facing area that receives full sun to mount the system.
- South-Facing Mounting Area - Your site should have a south-facing area of sufficient size, either for a top-of-pole mount or roof-mounted system, to position the system for maximum efficiency. For example, a typical residential system with a capacity of 6 kilowatts requires approximately 500 square feet of roof space to install. East- and west-facing roofs can also provide a good mounting area for PV, assuming other regional and site-specific factors are favorable.
- Shade & Obstructions - The mounting area must be free of shading and obstructions. The single biggest obstacle to solar site feasibility is shading from trees and obstructions. Shade cast on the mounting area during full sun hours can dramatically reduce efficiency of the system, and in turn the payback time. Check Google Maps to confirm shading problems at your site from satellite photos of your area.
- Structural Condition - If installing a roof-mounted system, the roof must be capable of supporting the system, and should have any needed repairs completed prior to installation.
- Power Infrastructure - Homes and buildings with older equipment may require wiring and breaker panel upgrades or expansion, which can effect the total cost and payback of a system.
- Net Metering Rules - Net metering enables customers to offset their consumption over a billing period by allowing them to sell excess power back to the utility provider at the retail rate. There are net metering rules in place for solar power systems in 41 states and D.C. Without net metering, a second meter is usually installed to measure the electricity that flows back to the provider, with the provider purchasing the power at a rate much lower than the retail rate.
- Conservation Measures - Energy conservation can significantly reduce your electricity use, and is typically less expensive than building solar generating capacity. Conservation measures could include using attic film, solar fans, efficient light bulbs, super windows, and power control devices to reduce your consumption.
Individual Needs
Your power usage and other requirements must be considered when designing and installing a system.
- Power Consumption - The amount of electricity you use, measured in kilowatt-hours, determines the size of the system required. Usage patterns and power requirements vary depending on energy efficiency of the building and appliances, as well as the number of inhabitants and their energy usage patterns. Your power consumption should appear on your monthly utility statement (in kilowatt-hours).
- Energy Production Goals - Solar power systems are modular and can be designed to meet all or a portion of your energy consumption.
- Aesthetics - Solar collectors come in a variety of sizes and form factors each with differences in appearance. Product categories include solar panels, integrated roof panels, and solar shingles.
If you believe you have a good site for solar based on the above information, and are ready to move forward with your project, you should evaluate the economics further with an on-site consultation.
Energy Enterprises Can Help You Decide
Want to talk with a proven professional for additional ideas and guidance? Contact Energy Enterprises for your residential solar power solutions in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.
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