Planning & Budgeting for Solar Power

Posted on Jan 24, 2008

Planning and Budgeting is important aspect of acquiring a solar power system. The cost of a solar power system will vary depending many factors including:

1. How big is the structure?
2. How energy efficient is the structure?
3. What is the average electric bill?
4. What is the orientation of the structure? North, East, South, West?
5. How much roof area or ground space is available?
6. What is the latitude?
7. What are the critical loads?
8. What are the potential energy demands?
9. How much of the total energy required is expected to be provided by the solar power system?
10. What unique site issues apply? (Roof area limitations, shading, soiling, snow & ice, etc.)
11. What are the potential energy demands?
12. How much of the total energy required is expected to be provided by the solar power system?
13. What unique site issues apply? (Roof area limitations, shading, soiling, snow & ice, etc.)

As a solar power consumer it is important to ask these questions, the questions above will give you a better idea of what to ask when meeting with a clean energy installer. It is always recommended that you prepare for a meeting before you call a solar power installer and answering the questions above will help you establish your goals and help an installer figure out your needs.