Solar power can be used for heating as well as other energy considerations. You may think that solar heating is only practical in hot and sunny places like California or Texas. But, in fact, their hot weather can actually be a hindrance to solar power. Excess heat increases electrical resistance, thus decreasing the amount of power that solar panels can produce. Because of this, Midwestern climates like Ohio’s, even though we receive less direct sunlight throughout the year, can rival the sunnier Southern areas for solar power.
Here are three things to consider if you’re looking into solar heating as a way to save energy:
- Costs. Talk to an expert and figure out what size solar system would work the most efficiently with your home. This will give you a better idea of how much it will cost to buy and install, as well as operating costs. Will you have a stand-alone system, or will it be connected to the power grid for supplemental energy? There are also a number of tax credits and incentives that can offset the cost of installation. The main one is a 30 percent federal tax credit for qualifying systems.
- Energy savings. Ask your solar system provider how much electricity your system will actually produce, and compare it to your annual energy consumption. How long will it take for your solar panels to pay for themselves in energy savings? Have an energy assessment performed to see where your home is wasting energy and how you can save, in order to get the most out of your solar system.
- Permits. Be sure to check with the appropriate local government authority to find out exactly what permits and other paperwork you need in order to install a solar heating system, as well as the process for approval and how much they cost to file. Permits may include a building permit, electrical permit or both. There also may be other considerations from your local homeowners’ association.
For more tips on saving energy, as well as general home comfort advice, please contact our experts at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been Lorain and the surrounding area’s source for quality HVAC solutions for 33 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about solar heating and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area