by web@dmin
25 January 2024 
There is a paradigm shift towards renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and curb carbon emissions. The green and clean energy movement is adopted by households globally. It promises substantial long-term cost savings, but at the same time, it requires an immense investment. Thus, you need to know the necessary factors when you make a big investment in your home. In this blog, we have penned valuable tips for homeowners aiming to make well-informed choices for their solar system.
Due to technological advances and environmental consciousness in Africa, homeowners choose to install solar systems. This sustainable energy harnesses the abundant energy produced by the sun and converts it into electricity through photovoltaic cells.
A PV solar system comprises 4 components, including solar panels, an inverter, mounting kit, and electrical kits. Solar panels generate electricity through the sun and the inverter converts that generated electricity (direct current) into an alternative current suitable for the home. The battery storage allows the excess energy to be stored for later use.
Below are the important factors you need to consider if you have planned to install a solar system at your home.
Understand your energy consumption
The initial step is to determine your power needs before buying a solar system. Solar systems are manufactured based on the minimum to maximum energy any household can use. Let’s examine your energy consumption every month to make an informed decision. The first thing you should consider is the system size according to efficiency, the space you require, and your consumption usage.
Understanding an average energy consumption is easy by examining your utility bills. Most households find their utility is around 900kWh per month. At the same time, ensure the peak sun hours for your location. Usually, in summer, you will get 6-7 hours of abundant sunlight, and on cloudy and winter days, it can be around 4-5 hours of sunlight in a day.
If your monthly consumption is 900kWh, it is approximately 30kWh daily. If you consider it as an average daily peak sun hour is 5 hours considering all weather conditions. Let’s assume, your energy consumption is 30kWh and abundant sunlight is 5 hours, then you would require a 6kw system to match your entire usage. This calculation helps you determine the appropriate size for your solar panel system.
Furthermore, to accommodate the potential increase in future consumption or unexpected production dips, it’s advisable to install a system in the range of 6.5 to 7 kW. It ensures a comfortable energy margin and greater flexibility to meet your energy needs.
Know your roof space
You need to examine your roof step in the solar installation process. The first thing to consider is the direction and angle of the solar panels. You should install solar panels where they are exposed to the maximum sunlight. In Africa, north-facing roofs receive the most sunlight. If there is not enough space on the north side, consider the northwest or northeast directions.
Avoid the solar installation in the south direction. However, if your roof only has space on the south side, you can install a solar system with tilt angles for maximum benefit from the sunlight.
With the help of a Google satellite image of your house, it can be easy to assess the right direction and angle of the panel layout on the roof. You should always ensure that there is no shading issue on your roof throughout the day with trees, antenna, or any other obstacles. It potentially impacts the efficiency of the solar panels.
The roof angle plays a crucial role as solar panels are installed typically on the roof at 0 to 30 degrees. You need to ensure the roof angle for effective solar energy generation. If your roof is more than 30 degrees, it is considered a steep roof and the installer needs safety measures at the time of solar installation. It is a bit risky as well and it costs extra.
You also need to adhere to the government regulations, which specify the minimum space between panel and roof edges. Moreover, leave ample space between panels for ventilation and ensure the solar panels operate efficiently and comply with safety standards. By thoroughly examining the roof, you can determine the feasibility of installing a solar system where the panels are exposed to the maximum sunlight for optimal efficiency.
Select the type of system
There are two types of systems, such as grid-connected and off-grid-connected. A grid-connected system allows you to maintain the connection to the grid, which enables power purchase during nighttime or cloudy days. It is a widely used solar system as you can always have a backup when there is no abundant sunlight and your usage is high. One of the benefits is that when your system is grid-connected, you can sell excess power back to the grid and your energy retailer can give you credits on behalf of that.
The off-grid connected system is widely popular as a standalone power source where you are completely independent. It’s necessary to incorporate solar panels with batteries to provide a 24-hour power solution to your home. It is feasible for remote areas as there is limited or less electricity. However, it is not an ideal option for urban areas because when your solar system is not working, you will be without light until its components get repaired and replaced.
One of the other options is a power backup system that involves adding a battery. In such cases, the excess electricity that your solar system produces can go to the battery. During the nighttime or cloudy days, you can use that electricity and save more on electricity bills.
Grid-connected systems are common in urban areas that provide the balance between solar power utilization and grid access. When you plan to invest in a solar system, consider your energy consumption, location, and preference to make the informed decision that best suits your needs.
Estimate your future needs
When you determine a solar system, you need to anticipate future changes in energy consumption as a solar system is a long-term investment for at least 20 to 25 years of lifespan. Hence, it impacts your overall energy needs. These additions include energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and other appliances designed for reduced energy consumption. If you are planning to add new rooms or convert existing spaces, it will increase the energy requirement in your home.
Any additional space requires more lighting, heating, cooling, and power for electronic devices. If you know, there is the arrival of a new family member that affects energy consumption. New occupants will require additional appliances and devices, which leads to increased energy needs.
Take account of the potential changes and ensure the solar system remains a valuable investment that can accommodate all your future energy needs.
How to choose the right company for your solar system?
You must choose a company that is well-established in the solar industry. Below are the key points to consider as it is a big investment that fulfills your expectations, and you cannot randomly trust any company.
Market research and competitors
You should obtain quotes from multiple solar installation companies to compare the costs and services. Evaluate the competitive pricing and high-quality service that ensure after-sales services. It includes the servicing for repair, replacement, and warranty claims for solar panels and inverters.
Solar panel grants and incentives
The government offers various grants and incentives to reduce overall solar panel costs. It enhances the affordability of residential solar installation. In Africa, solar panels are cut by 25% which has good benefits for a household. If you buy solar panels that cost you 590 KSH, with the government rebates, there will be huge savings.
Choose the right system size
Determining a system size is primary because you should consider the roof space and installation cost to meet your energy requirement effectively. You can also invest in upgrading home insulation, windows, and appliances to reduce the overall energy consumption.
Explore financing options
There are many options if you want to go for the finance option. The finance options are loans, solar leases, and power purchase agreements. Choose the right financing solution to make solar installation financially feasible.
A company that understands the customer requirements and makes honest suggestions for them to choose the products according to their desire and budget stands ahead of the competition and leaves a positive impact.
Conclusion
If you know these key factors, you will make an informed decision to seek sustainable energy solutions. With all these factors, such as size, panel types, location, and cost-reducing strategies, homeowners contribute to the environment while enjoying long-term financial benefits.
As a solar retailer company, Imperium Green Energy experts guide homeowners with a wide range of products that come with affordable solutions to ensure the best efficiency of solar systems. We aim to help homeowners cost-effectively harness solar energy and make tangible savings in the long run.
