Evaluating A Home s Solar Viability
when examining a home's suitability for solar water heater installation, multiple factors need to be considered. these factors include the amount of available sunlight the house receives, the size and orientation of the roof, and the local building codes and regulations.
first and foremost, the home's roof should be facing the sun towards the south, ideally between southernmost to east-west meridian and westernmost to northernmost to capture the most sunny rays. the roof also needs to be relatively free of obscurements, such as nearby trees or other houses, to ensure maximum sunlight exposure. the roof's materials and conditions should also be taken into account, as a roof with an asphalt shingle roof or other surface reduction material that hits the roof area should be avoided.
another crucial factor is the size of the roof, as a bigger roof size increases the possible surface area for installing solar water heating systems. in addition to the roof size, the angle of the roof should be between 30-70 degrees. this orientation allows for the optimal installation of solar water heaters.
the type of weather in an area also plays a significant role in choosing a suitable location for solar water heater installation. areas with high amounts of sunny days throughout the year are ideal for solar water heaters. nevertheless, areas with frequent levels of cloud cover or frequent rain may require bigger solar water heaters or specially engineered setup to ensure maximum energy production.
after evaluating the roof and the surrounding conditions, homeowners should consider the expense of buying and installing a solar water heating setup. some homeowners might need to consult with a professional to discuss the costs and advantages and choices. although purchasing a solar water heater is a one-time cost, it offers savings on utility invoices over many years.
ultimately, the model of the living space, the model and measure of the house also impact how easy it will be to install solar water heaters. homeowners with old plumbing may find installation easier than those with new complicated setup. further, when retrofitting solar water heaters into existing homes, it may require new water installation to connect solar water heaters properly.
in the end, examining local weather, building codes, roof conditions and overall environment makes the process of deciding how suitable your house is for installation of a solar water heater much simpler. Consulting with a professional for a thorough evaluation is highly recommended to determine your home solar suitability.