| Are you suitable for Solar? | | | | Photo-voltaics. This is due in large part because most |
| Since solar installers have begun helping businesses | | | | systems are grid-tied systems (do not require batteries |
| and home owners with their solar needs, a common | | | | and use net-metering) and the utility needs to be able |
| question seems to be constantly asked and is in need | | | | to handle the electricity that you might be generating. It |
| of attention. The question of "is my location suitable for | | | | is not a bad idea to check out their website or give |
| solar energy"? Which is followed by "How do I know | | | | them a call and see if they have standards for |
| what type of solar energy I can do"? | | | | equipment or a process for customers looking to install |
| To begin, look at the first question, "Is my location | | | | solar products at their home or business. Of course |
| suitable for solar energy?" This is more than just a | | | | solar hot water systems will not be tied in to the utility, |
| simple yes or no, but here are a few tips for you that | | | | but there still might be a rebate or incentive that your |
| could help you decide. First, solar energy companies | | | | utility offers for installation of such products. |
| are more than just a luxury; they are the origination of | | | | One last factor concerning your suitability for solar |
| what you need in an efficient solar system. For solar | | | | energy systems is tax incentives. Tax credits are |
| systems to work properly you will need a location that | | | | available in most states, especially in Georgia and |
| has a southern exposure. It can be southeast or | | | | North Carolina, so it is crucial to find out from your tax |
| southwest; as long as it is south you won't see much | | | | advisor if you would benefit from these credits. In most |
| decrease in peak efficiency from due south. | | | | cases if you pay taxes you can benefit, but like any |
| Many would-be solar users want to know if they need | | | | good investment you want to do your due diligence |
| to place their system on the roof or on the ground. If | | | | before you buy. |
| you have mature trees that are close to your home or | | | | The final question "How do I know what type of solar |
| building, it is necessary to utilize the roof top option only | | | | energy I can utilize" is a rather simple question. The |
| (unless you are willing to cut down some trees). If you | | | | two major types of solar energy are Solar |
| do not have any shading issues then you have the | | | | Photo-voltaics (Electricity) and Solar Thermal (Hot |
| option of mounting your system from the ground or | | | | Water). If the previous four questions have been |
| roof. Of course you need to be aware of any | | | | answered then the last thing you will need to |
| covenants or regulations pertaining to ground mounts in | | | | determine is do you have enough space at your |
| your area. There is often times a significant price | | | | desired location? Solar Photo-voltaics in most cases |
| difference in mounting a system on a roof or ground, | | | | requires more space, so if space is limited your options |
| so that is something you will want to be aware of | | | | may be also. Lastly, your budget may end up being the |
| before you get your heart set on either one. | | | | deciding factor. Solar thermal systems are typically |
| Third, does your utility company need any preliminary | | | | lower cost systems when compared to their |
| information from you as a home/business owner? In | | | | Photo-voltaic cousins and demand a smaller area for |
| almost every setting your utility company will need to | | | | mounting. |
| be aware of your intentions to install and utilize solar | | | | |