What Do You Consider for Designing Solar Water Heating System?

When looking for solar water heaters, you should look no further than Northern Lights Solar Solutions. Their solar water heating systems are pre-engineered for optimal performance and energy efficiency. They take all the guesswork out of the solar system installations by adding pre-configured solar heating design packages proven to work efficiently. When designing solar water heaters, you must have the correct size.

If the system is oversize, it can minimize the system performance while causing the paybacks to reduce. A large solar heating system tends to stagnate and switch off more often than a properly sized solar heater. That means the system will stop working and won't contribute to solar energy on hot sunny days. A professionally designed solar heating should attempt to deliver around 50-65% overall solar contribution.

But you can increase the solar contribution with a secondary heating load like a pool, hot tub, or home heating system. Then, when the primary system reaches the maximum capacity, the solar controller will default to the secondary heating zone and discard the solar heat energy to that zone, thereby minimizingthe chance that the system will overheat and stagnate.

There are so many factors that you need to consider while designing a solar water heater. Some are them are discussed below:

Determine The Location.

You need to determine the optimal location of your solar system as per the southern exposure. Then, you can install it on the ground, roof, or wall; this space will usually help you know the maximum number of collectors.

Every collector requires around 8' 4" of width spacing and 6' 6" vertical spacing. Next, you need to determine the optimal mounting angle. The location's latitude must be plus 30 degrees for heating during winter. For summer heating, the location's latitude must be minus 30 degrees. The system should be installed per the location's latitude if you want average annual heating.

Determine The Size.

You should choose a pre-configured solar heating system (SWH) as per the number of collectors required for the application. For example, you will need the SWH-1 system for two to four persons. An SWH-2 system is a must for four to six persons, whereas an SWH-3 system requires six to eight persons. You can choose your home's solar heating system from a combo, indirect, or pre-heat solar system.

Determine Additional Heating Zone.

You can consider adding an extra secondary solar heating loop like pool heating, home heating, or hot tub. You should upsize the solar water heating system to accommodate the additional demands. For example, a 1200 square-foot home with a radiant floor heating system and four- a persons home would require an SWH-4 system. Then, they will need to choose an SWH system with in-floor heating.

Understand types of solar heating designs.

You must choose from different solar heating system designs available at Northern Lights Solar Solutions. Choose from Supplemental Solar Water Heater with Internal Electric Heating Element for Back Up, a Pre-Heat Solar Water Heating Design with Second Hot Water Tank, and Solar Water Heater with On-Demand Back UP Heater.

Bottom Line –

Do you want to know more details about the designs of solar water heaters? If yes, you should contact Northern Lights Solar Tubs at +1 (800) 317-9054.

Why Do You Switch to Compact Solar Water Heaters?

Are you looking for the most cost-effective solar water heating systems available? Perhaps you will invest in a compact or integrated solar water heater. The heating system comes with the same High-Performance TZ58 1800 Sun Rain Solar Collectors in all solar water heating systems available at Northern Lights Solar Solutions.

The compact solar water heater is specifically designed for residential water heating purposes. The system has the storage tank and heat pipe vacuum tubes integrated into a complete unit. The unit is SRCC certified to provide residential hot water for a family of four to five people by offering a heavily insulated 80-gallon stainless steel water tank.

Normally, the compact solar water heater is installed on roofing facing the south and is mounted on the ground with the 45-degree frame system. The system is straightforward to assemble and install. The cold water intake from the house connects to one end, whereas the hot water supply is connected to the other. The solar water heater has 30 tubes containing heat pipes inside the tank.

The energy transferred from the solar evacuated tubes to the heat pipes helps heat water and potable water directly. The hot water goes to the top of the storage tank, where it starts supplying hot water to the home. The compact solar water heater is considered a very efficient system and requires no maintenance.

The system uses a vacuum tube, a heat pipe, and a heat exchanger sealed internally. Hence, you won’t need to worry about the leakage and damage of vacuum tubes. Even if the tube is broken, you need to replace the vacuum tube with the new one, and the system continues working without one tube.

The compact solar water heater won’t require electricity

The compact solar water heater is a pressurized system and doesn’t require pumps. The water moves through the water heating system using the pressure of the municipal supplied water. While opening a hot water faucet, the hot water from the storage tank flows outside, and the cold water flows inside the tank, which will be again heated by the solar evacuated tubes.

The compact solar water heater won’t overheat

The compact solar water heaters feature a built-in air-release valve and the temperature and pressure valve that opens at 90 C or 194 F. When the system gets hot, it will simply vent off the excess amount of heat.

The compact solar water heater is made from stainless steel

The compact solar water heaters available at Northern Lights Solar Solutions have stainless steel internal and external tanks to prevent rusting. In addition, custom logos are available to label your water heater privately.

The compact solar water heater is cost-effective

This system costs only slightly more than an ordinary water tank. The life expectancy of the water heater is around double because no heating element or gas burner will fail. In addition, the water heating system provides you with a 30% federal tax credit and state tax credits.

However, the compact solar water heater doesn’t require a solar installer, as a homeowner or a general contractor can install it. The payback of a typical compact solar water heater is one to three years, and the payback period can be as little as three months with a solar water heating system in Hawaii.

Bottom Line –

Do you want to learn more details about solar water heaters? Feel free to contact Northern Lights Solar Tubs at +1 (800) 317-9054, and we will get back to you with the right answers.

Understanding Different Solar Hot Water Heaters

When it comes to solar hot water heaters, they can be either active or passive. But the active systems are most commonly used solar water heating systems. Active systems utilize pumps, whereas passive solar systems operate on gravity or thermostatic. However, Northern Lights Solar Solutions provides active solar water heating systems with closed loop, pump, and digital controllers ensuring smooth operation.

Remember that a solar water heating system can do more than just heat hot water. With the latest technology, solar evacuated tubes, these heating systems can be used in many applications like home heating, space heating, solar air conditioning, commercial solar heating, etc.

Take advantage of $1000s government grants and low-interest loans provided with installing solar water heaters in North America. That's why the solar system is the rapidly growing energy source throughout the US and Canada. Now let's move to different types of solar water heaters.

Active Indirect Closed Loop System –

The active system uses the heat-transfer fluid, i.e., water or a diluted antifreeze fluid, to absorb heat. In addition, the system features a heat exchanger, which indirectly helps transfer heat to the potable water. In addition, heat exchangers transfer heat from the heated fluid to the potable water.

Some active indirect systems have by-pass overheat protection which eliminates the heat that can't be used. It protects the collector and the glycol fluid from getting excessively heated when the load is low, and the intensity of solar radiation is high. Usually, a glycol-water mixture is used as the heat transfer fluid.

The glycol concentration in the mixture depends on the expected minimum temperature. The glycol is the food-grade propylene glycol, which is non-toxic. Typically, this system is used in hot water heating and radiator or floor home or commercial heating.

The system is close to the atmosphere but can build up pressure when the temperature increases. The system can incorporate pressure relief valves and solar expansion tanks, ensuring optimal safety.

Active Direct Open Loop System –

The active system uses pumps to circulate potable water through the collectors. This system is an ideal alternative to the areas that don't freeze for a long time and don't have acidic or hard water. The active system can require recirculation freeze protection, ensuring circulating warm tank water during freezing conditions. It requires electrical power for effective protection.

Generally, an open loop system works at atmospheric pressure. It can be used in the pool because it isn't operational during freezing months. The usable hot water circulates through the heating system in an open loop system.

Passive Solar Water Heater –

This solar water heating system moves the water from the household or a heat-transfer fluid through the system without using pumps. This works by using the gravitational force and water's tendency to circulate naturally as it gets heated. Though warm water is lighter, it rises to the top. The system doesn't contain any electrical components, making the system simpler to use. However, it has very minimal control for use at home.

The passive system contains one or more storage tanks in the insulated box with a glazed side overlooking the sun. The solar collectors are perfect for areas where the temperature rarely goes below freezing. This system works well in homes enjoying significant daytime and requiring hot water during the evening. But it won't be suitable for homes with predominantly morning draws as it loses most of the absorbed energy overnight.

Bottom Line –

Do you want to learn more information about solar hot water heaters? Feel free to Northern Lights Solar Tubs at +1 (800) 317-9054.

5 Reasons behind Buying Northern Lights Solar Water Heating Systems

Are you looking to buy solar water heating systems? If yes, you have made a good decision for residential water heating needs. Generally, these systems are highly advanced enough to deliver maximum performance and efficiency.

Gone are the days the solar installers looked for different suppliers for heating components to piece together to create a solar heating system. This process was known as the piecemeal approach. The main problem with this approach is it has little control over the end performance, and the solar installers need the right size components to get the installation done right.

But the Northern Lights solar water heaters are pre-engineered and pre-designed systems that require no guesswork. These water heating systems can deliver maximum performance and reliability. Even the installation can be half of the previously designed system.

Northern Lights solar water heating packages are unique and are pre-engineered and pre-sized for residential applications. They have so many benefits over others. The solar heating designs use the latest customized simulation software developed by VelaSolaris – a premier Swedish Engineer Company.

Every solar heating package is perfectly engineered in the virtual environment that delivers result-driven simulation, i.e., around 5%. You can expect accurate ROI and precise performance from the solar-powered water heating system. In addition, you will be provided with easy-to-follow instructions that will make it easy to install without prior knowledge and experience.

In addition, Northern Lights solar water heaters use only the proven and highly reliable components like the German-made RESOL controllers and pump stations with the latest features like remote access through the internet or smartphone.

The water heating kits come with UL-listed solar water tanks made in the USA. These tanks use dual internal heat exchangers with 4.5 KW electric elements. The solar heating packages come with pre-insulated stainless steel flex piping ensuring faster and more reliable installation. In addition, they have top-rated pump stations that allow safe and efficient solar system operation.

Apart from this, please go through the reasons behind investing in solar water heaters discussed below:

1. Fast Installation Process

The Northern Lights solar water heating systems are made with Plug n’ Save technology. As a result, they do not require any soldering or electrical work, making the installation process faster.

2. Optimal Reliability and Performance

The solar-powered water heaters use the customized simulation software and are properly designed and sized to deliver optimal reliability and maximum performance.

3. Expandability

All solar water heating systems are factory ready to be expandable to secondary heating purposes like solar pool heating and solar home heating.

4. Enormous Safety

The pre-engineered solar water heaters use the Zilmet High-Temperature Solar Expansion Tanks, made in Italy. These tanks are specifically engineered for solar heating applications as they have high-temperature EPDM rubber bladders.

5. Affordable Price

These solar heating systems are available at an affordable price as the installation cost is around half of the traditional solar heating system.

Bottom Line –

Do you want to learn more about solar water heating systems? Feel free to contact Northern Lights Solar Tubs at +1 (800) 317-9054. We will get back to you with a free design estimate.

Why Do You Switch to Compact Solar Water Heating System?

When it comes to heating water at home, every homeowner starts looking for highly affordable and efficient systems. The Compact Solar Water Heater by Northern Lights is perhaps the most cost-effective solar water heating system available. As one of the best solar water heaters in the industry, the system uses the same high-performance TZ58 1800 Sun Rain Solar Collectors as all other Northern Lights solar water heating kits.

However, the compact solar water heater is perfect to use in homes and comes with a storage tank and heat pipe solar evacuated tubes integrated into a complete unit. This system is SRCC certified to deliver residential hot water to a four to five-person family. It features an 80-gallon stainless steel made water tank heavily insulated enough for residential use.

Installation –

Generally, get the installation of a compact solar water heater done on the south-facing roof or the ground with a 45-degree frame system. Connecting the components and installing this system is pretty simple and easy. One end of the system connects to the cold water intake of the house, and the other end to the hot water supply.

Optimal Efficiency –

The compact solar water heater comes with 30 tubes containing heat pipes inside the tank. First, the water gets heated through the energy transfer from the vacuum tubes to heat pipes and the potable water. Next, the hot water goes to the top of the tank, where it starts supplying the hot water to the home.

Quality Performance –

This solar water heater is a very efficient and no-maintenance system. It uses a vacuum tube with a heat pipe and an internally sealed heat exchanger. The system does not leak when a vacuum tube gets damaged or broken. When it does, you should replace it with a new one, and the system continues working without that damaged tube. So, you can expect quality performance from this system.

No Use of Electricity –

The Compact Solar Water Heater is a pressurized system and doesn’t require pumps. The water gets moving through the water heating system by using the municipal water supply pressure. You open your hot water faucet, and the hot water from the water storage tank flows outside, and the cold water inside the tank is ready to be heated by the solar evacuated tubes.

Durability –

You will find stainless steel-made inner and outer tanks in a Northern Lights solar water heating system. Stainless steel is an ideal alternative to prevent rusting. In addition, you can use custom logos to label your water heater.

Affordable Cost –

This system costs slightly high than a standard water heater. But the life expectancy is around double as the system doesn’t contain any heating element or gas burner that will stop working with use. In addition, you will take advantage of the 30% Federal tax credits on the OG-300 Certified Complete Solar Hot Water System.

This system installation doesn’t require any professional as you can install it easily or get it done by a general contractor. Furthermore, the payback of the solar water heating system is within one to three years. Hence, you can expect maximum returns on the investment.

Bottom line –

Do you want to learn more about this solar water heater? Feel free to contact Northern Lights Solar Tubs at +1 (800) 317-9054.

Why Do You Consider Buying Pre-Engineered Solar Hot Water Heaters?

When it comes to solar water heating systems, you should look no further than pre-engineered solar hot water heaters from Northern Lights Solar Solutions. They have garnered maximum recognition and popularity in North America.

Earlier, solar installers used to combine different components to install a solar heating system. The main issue with this piece meal approach is that there’s very less control over end performance. Even, proper sizing of components are required for the solar installer to get the installation done properly.

But when you buy a pre-engineered solar heating package, you won’t need to get stressed about the guess work. You will be guaranteed with superior level of performance and reliability. These solar hot water heaters can be installed within the half of the time required by other systems.

Northern Lights Solar Solutions specialize in providing complete solar water heating packages pre-engineered and pre-sized for different applications. They offer so many benefits, like:

Quick Installation Process – When it comes to installing solar hot water heating system, it does not require any type of soldering or electric work. This system is made with the Plug n’ Save technology ensuring faster installation.

Optimal Performance and Reliability – These water heating systems use custom-designed simulation software and are properly designed and engineered for ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

Expandability – All of these systems are factory ready and have expandability for secondary heating purposes like solar pool heating and solar home heating applications.

Safety – Northern Lights Solar Solutions provide pre-engineered solar hot water heaters using Zilmet High Temperature Solar Expansion Tanks. These tanks are manufactured in Italy and useful for solar heating purposes along with high temperature EPDM rubber bladders.

Affordability – These solar water heating packages are available at affordable prices and their overall cost of installation is approximately half of other solar heating systems.

What Makes Northern Lights Solar Water Heaters Stand Out?

Northern Lights solar water heating systems are designed using the latest customized simulation software manufactured by the Swedish Engineer Company – VelaSolaris. These packages are engineered in a virtual environment that delivers result-driven simulation i.e. accurate 5%. This means, you can provide accurate ROI and performance guarantee.

The solar heating systems are provided with easy to follow instruction manuals ensuring easy installation. You don’t need any prior knowledge of solar water heating for its installation. Northern Lights Solar Solutions utilize only the industry standard components in the pre-packaged systems including the German made RESOL controllers and pump stations equipped with advanced features. These features include remote accessibility through internet or smart phone.

The solar water tanks used in the systems are UL listed and made in the USA. These systems are UL listed are made in the USA. They use dual internal heat exchangers with 4.5 KW electric elements. Upon buying this package, you will be provided with pre-insulated stainless steel flexible piping for reliability and faster installation. The pump stations deliver safety and efficiency for the solar systems.

If you want to know more about solar hot water heaters, feel free to contact us as soon as possible at +1 (800) 317-9054.

Why Do You Consider Solar Evacuated Tube Water Heaters?

Over the last 20 years, solar-powered systems have garnered recognition and popularity for optimal performance and greater ROI. That’s the reason why the demand for solar water heating systems continues growing around the world. These systems feature special selective coatings capable of capturing up to 96% of the solar thermal energy from the sun.

However, the solar evacuated tubes are able to reach temperatures up to 450 F. They can be controlled by solar thermal differential controllers. The solar water heater packages come with specialized solar storage tanks. They have internal heat exchangers combined with additional insulation and internal temperature ports as well as stainless steel insulated piping. This piping eliminates the requirement for cooper and soldering. It means you can be able to install the system within half of the time.

All Northern Lights solar water heaters work seamlessly by integrating with the industry-standard components available on the market. They are able to deliver maximum returns on your investment. These water heating systems are manufactured with the “Plug n Save” technology which allows both homeowners and business owners to assemble any type of solar water heating system quickly.

This implies you won’t need any prior training on solar heating systems; but you can rest assured that you’ll get optimal performance, unmatched reliability, and safety. These systems are expandable to secondary heating zones to create larger size solar-powered heating systems.

Northern Lights solar water heaters can be combined with solar space heaters or solar pool heaters to get maximum returns on the investment. These systems feature smartphone integration that allows you to know your savings in real-time.

Currently, solar water heating systems have highly evolved because of the use of solar vacuum tubes. Northern Lights solar water heating systems use an active loop technology. They heat the hot water at home indirectly through a closed-loop and internal heat exchanger which is present in the bottom part of the specially designed solar water tank.

The solar water heaters have sophisticatedly engineered solar differential controllers to ensure maximum system performance. They are able to deliver an average of over 2 MW of free heat energy to the residential water system.

Moreover, the solar-powered systems can be utilized as a single-tank solar water heater (supplemental) or a two-tank (Pre-heat) solar water heater. It’s possible because of the fact that solar storage tanks contain a 4.5 KW backup heating element that can be used as per your requirements. Remember that, this type of solar water heater is able to expand to a secondary heating loop.

If you really want to learn more about further details regarding solar water heaters, feel free to contact Northern Lights Solar Tubs as soon as possible. We’ll get back to you right away.

Why Do You Buy Solar Water Heaters?

Want to go green for residential water heating purposes? Likewise every homeowner, you might be tempted to rely on the sun for heating and energy requirements. Despite the increase in renewable and sustainable forms of energy being available, the overwhelming numbers of homeowners stay reluctant when making the switch. More often homeowners overlook the use of solar water heaters.

But you’ll get several benefits by switching to solar water heating systems. One of the main benefits is there’ll be significantly less energy bills. Though you’re going to use the solar energy to supply 60% of your home’s hot water needs, you’ll minimize your monthly energy consumption. It will result in major reduction in your monthly bill, making the solar water heating alternative economically viable.

This is where Northern Lights solar water heaters come in handy. These heating kits are specifically engineered to ensure optimal performance. However, they’re safe to operate. Solar water heating packages are available with every component you need to install them on your own.

The main advantage of these solar water heaters is that they can be installed by almost everyone. This means, you won’t need to be qualified and require any special tools for the installation. As a result, you’re going to save typical expenses of installation. This includes in the payback of your investment in a solar water heater. If you’re not self sufficient to install solar powered water heating system, you can take help from your friends or near and dear ones. However, you won’t need any licensed solar contractor for this task.

The components included in the solar water heating kits like stainless steel solar pipe make it easy for you to set up. This piping is made from corrugated stainless steel and comes with ¾” EPDM insulation and protective coating. It includes heat sensor wiring.

When you use this piping, you won’t need to get stressed about leaks and soldering. All you need is a wrench to connect the fittings and a high temperature gasket to make connection between fittings ensuring a leak-free sealing.

Northern Lights solar water heating kits have Sun Rain high temperature solar vacuum tube collectors, Re Sol Pump Station and the BS digital differential controller. Another important part of this system is the Solar Water Heater with built-in heat exchange and 4.5 KW additional heating element.

You can get the installation done by connecting the solar collector to the pump station and the pump station to the solar water tank. Plug in the pump station to a wall plug and you’re producing hot water at free of cost within minutes.

While installing a solar water heating system at home, you should follow the safety precautions properly. More often, most homeowners consider mounting the collectors on the roof. If you want to do so, you should be familiar with the ladders and roof top work.

Otherwise, you can always rely on someone professional to mount the solar collectors on the roof or mount them on the ground or on the wall. This is the most challenging part of installing a solar water heating system.

If you want to learn more about installation work of solar water heaters, feel free to contact Northern Lights Solar Tubs as soon as possible at +1 (800) 317-9054.

Factors to Consider to Choose the Best Solar Water Heater

Are you looking for switching to solar water heating system? Then you need to consider some of the factors while choosing the best solar water heater. Want to know these considerations? Take a look:

Is Your House Suitable for Solar Water Heating System?

Solar water heaters get installed on the roof, hence, where and how your roof is located matters a lot. For better results make sure that your roof is south facing and receives abundant sunlight in between 10 am and 4 pm.

What is Your Budget?

While looking for solar water heaters, you need to set a budget by keeping the following points in mind:

The cost of solar water heaters depend upon numerous factors that include:

• The capacity of solar water heater.
  
• Material used in the internal tank and external tank.
  
• Length of pipes required for water distribution.
  

How to Decide The Size of The Solar Water Heater?

The capacity of the solar water heater depends upon the amount of hot water you require on daily basis.

Residential hot water usage depends on

• The number of people residing in the house, their age and lifestyle
  
• Number of bathrooms in the house
• Number of visitors in the house
  

Typically, solar water heaters of 100 litre to 500 litre capacity are ideal for residential hot water usage. On the other hands, the commercial properties like hotels, hospitals and likewise need solar water heaters over 500 litres capacity.

What is The Ideal Collector Area Of a Solar Water Heater?

The best solar water heaters must possess sufficient collector area. Typical flat plate collectors often come with an area of around 2 square meters that is capable of heating 100 litres of water per day.

How to Choose a Good Quality Solar Water Heating System?

While choosing a solar water heating system for your home make sure to carry out thorough research about the device. Also make sure to read the reviews of others about the solar water heater you are considering to buy. Other factors to keep in mind while buying a solar water heater include asking about the installation process to the service provider and checking the warranty period.

What are The Benefits of Opting for Solar Water Heaters?

Solar water heaters come with several benefits over the conventional electric water heaters, which make these devices a better solution. Some of the benefits of a solar water heater include:

• Reduced carbon footprint.
  
• An environment friendly appliance.
  
• A money saving device.
  
• Comes with long term benefits that goes ahead of simple economics. Besides having free hot water after the system you will be avoiding the issues of future fuel shortages.
  
• Useful in sustaining natural resources.
  

Conclusion:

Discover a wide selection of solar water heaters with Solar Tubs at the best price. Visit https://www.solartubs.com/

3 Facts You Must Know About Residential Solar Water Heating Units

Solar thermal systems heat water for domestic use with clean energy from the sun. If you’ve an unshaded area of your property that faces south, southeast, southwest, or even west, you can take advantage of a solar water heater. Listed below are 3 facts about solar water heating units.

Solar Water Heaters Employ Energy Collectors:

All solar-powered water heaters comprise collectors where tap water heats up. Your property, climate, and intended use of the hot water will be the deciding factor when it comes to choosing the best collector for your home.

The 3 main kinds of solar water heater collectors are:

• Flat-plate
• Integral collector-storage (ICS)
• Evacuated tube collectors

All 3 kinds of solar water heater collectors depend on water storage. Solar energy systems are either active or passive, irrespective of the collector type.

Active Solar Heating Units Employ Pumps:

In an active solar water heating unit, pumps move water or a heat-exchange fluid from the water storage area, through the collector, and back to the plumbing system of your home.

Heat exchange fluids are best if you dwell in a region with bitter winters. Propylene glycol goes up to the rooftop heat collector and then down through tubes in your hot water tank to heat the pump.

If you dwell in a region where freezing isn’t a problem, domestic water goes directly up to the collector and directly back down into a hot-water storage tank or your plumbing pipes. Some building codes need you to make use of a traditional water heater as a backup appliance & water storage unit.

Passive Solar Heater Systems Require No Pumps:

Passive systems are the simplest type of solar water heater units out there. No energy, electrical components, or additional solar panels are needed to run the unit.

A passive system depends on a big tank that sits on top of your roof. The sun heats the water directly, and the force of gravity sends the water down to your hot water storage. As with an active solar heater unit, local codes and regulations may need you to have a traditional water heater for auxiliary hot water.

Irrespective of the type of solar water heater you use, anticipate to save between 50 and 80% on the cost of heating your water. Your solar supplier can aid you calculate the actual operating expenses of your system, which will differ relying upon whether your auxiliary system employs electricity or gas to heat the water.

How Do You Go Solar for Your Home?

Currently, most homeowners are installing solar panels on their homes, and for good reasons. When you generate electricity on your own with solar, you can enjoy so many benefits, like:

• You can reduce monthly bills.
• You can increase the value of your property.
• You can help the environment by minimizing greenhouse emissions.

Now solar is more accessible than ever. One more interesting fact is that the cost of solar has reduced and solar technology has become an efficient alternative.

One question you may hear from builders or installers if you’re considering solar for your newly constructed home is whether your home is solar ready. But what does it actually mean and what might require your attention before going solar?

You should look at the efficiency of your home. 

Want to maximize solar savings at home? It’s wise to consider an energy audit before beginning the project. If you’re building a new home, you should make your home as energy-efficient as possible.

However, energy audit at home isn’t necessary before going solar. It can help you know the options to minimize your energy consumption. As a result, you’ll save on the upfront cost of installing a solar panel system at home.

Another thing that will save you money, in the long run, is to electrify your home by switching to electric heat and appliances. This way, you will cut down on your home fuel costs and install a large solar panel system to generate electricity for your home.

You should consider the material, durability, and the structure of the roof. 

Are you considering the installation of solar systems on the rooftop? There’re a few factors that will impact the solar readiness of your home:

Durability –

Does your roof require replacement in the next 5-10 years? It’s better to consider roofing before installing solar panels. Therefore, you can avoid the cost of uninstalling and reinstalling the panels down the line. In fact, the panels will extend the life of your roof by protecting them from the environmental elements.

Structure –

When it comes to installing solar, the roof structure plays a key role. If you want to install your system on the roof, you should take a look at the structure of your roof beforehand.

Material –

Some roofing materials are really harder to install than others. For this reason, it might be hard to find an installer willing to do the job with harder roofing materials.

If you’re building a new home and looking to go solar, it’s a good idea to avoid slate and cedar shingles like roofing materials. Both are more fragile in nature.

Space –

Going solar in your home requires you to have an ample amount of space, especially if you utilize a lot of electricity for residential purposes.

Are you looking to install solar systems like solar water heaters, etc. at your new construction? Just avoid things like skylights, vents, and dormers on the specific parts of the roof where you plan to place panels. But solar systems on the uninterrupted part of the roof are easier to install.

You should consider your roof’s accessibility to uninterrupted sunlight. 

Does the sun shine on your roof throughout the day? If yes, then it’s a perfect candidate for the installation of solar panels. However, the shade on your roof or your property might impact on your system’s electricity production negatively.

A little bit of shade may not be bad for going solar, depending on the direction the panels face. You should check whether the shade remains in the picture during peak energy production hours. You can use the latest technology like micro-inverters to maximize the production.

You should know the current electric setup of your home. 

Do you own an older electrical system at home? Your solar installer might recommend an upgrade of the existingelectric panel prior to installation. The inverter of the solar system will be connected to your electric breaker. Depending on the size of the inverter and your solar panels, you may require a larger electric setup for safety reasons.

Final Consideration –

Now you may have an idea about how to make your home solar ready. What’s next? Are you interested in shopping solar kits for your newly-built home or an existing one?

Shop for the best solar systems, including solar water heating systems at Solar Tubs today and take advantage of solar in the long run. Whether you want to buy a solar water heater or a solar pool heating system, you’ll find the right solution for your home at Solar Tubs!