How much solar is enough solar for your home

November 5, 4:29 PMBay Area Solar ExaminerLucie Poulicakos

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Source: Sun Chariot Solar, Photographer: Paula Sobey ~

How much solar is enough solar for your home? The answer really depends. Here are a few things to think about when considering solar for your home.

1. How much money are you spending on electricity every month and how low would you like your bill to be? Factors that affect the size of your system include the size of your roof and the direction it faces, how much sunlight it receives on a daily basis and how much you're willing to spend.
2. What are your personal goals for installing solar? Is it just to save money, is it just to do the right thing for the environment or is it a combination of both? If you are considering an investment in solar and you are considering it to simply save money, then make sure you are familiar with your electric bill and how PG&E charges you for the power you use. Once you are familiar with your bill (see link below for an article on how to read your electric bill) you will have a feel for where your money is being spent and how solar can help you save in the most expensive/costly areas (it's probably not economical to use solar to replace the lowest tiers of your electrical use/spending). If you are doing it because it's the right thing to do for the environment, then you should focus on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions are eliminated as a result going with solar. This information can be provided to you as part of the quotation process with any installer you pick.
3. Learn to conserve. The amount of solar you need to purchase can be reduced by learning to conserve energy. There are lots of things that can be done around your home to reduce your overall electrical consumption. A link to PG&E's website that talks about energy saving ideas is provided below.
4. What are your plans for the future? Are you thinking about an electric car? You should discuss your plans with the installer prior to the final design/cost being submitted to you for consideration. Let them know your plans or ideas so you can have what you need now and not need to go back through the process down the road.

Useful links:

PG&E - Save Energy/Save Money

How to read your electric bill before you go solar