Efficiency

Whether your priority is saving money or tackling climate change, it often makes sense to pursue energy efficiency measures. Unless you already have a very energy efficient home, consider energy efficiency measures before you invest in solar panels. Switching out lightbulbs, replacing old appliances, air sealing, and increasing insulation can reduce the amount of energy your home needs. Another reason to invest in efficiency first (or simultaneously) is that efficiency improvements will affect the size of the PV system you may need. Once you’ve made your home more energy efficient, your electricity use will be reduced and a smaller, less expensive PV system will meet your electricity needs. Start by contacting your electric utility to identify a company that can provide a low-cost energy audit to identify the efficiency opportunities in your home.

Renter or Owner

There are ways to invest in solar whether you own your home or rent it, but the options and things you need to think about are different. If you rent, community solar (net metering from an off-site solar array) is likely the best option. Community solar may also make sense for homeowners whose home is heavily shaded or otherwise not ideal for solar.

Roofing Material, Roof Age, and Roof Condition

If you want to put solar panels on your roof, you need to have the right kind of roofing material, and it should be reasonably new and in good condition. Asphalt and metal roofs are often good candidates for solar panels. Installing solar panels on slate roofs is generally not recommended because of the potential to damage the slate. Solar panels are usually warrantied for physical defect for 10 years. They also have a performance warranty of 25 years, guaranteeing that in the 25th year of operation they will still produce 80 percent of the energy produced in the first year of operation. Many solar panels have been able to produce power for much longer than 25 years. Every roof has a life expectancy. It may not make financial sense to install panels on a roof that will need to be replaced in the next 10–15 years, as costs would be incurred to take down and reinstall the solar panels. Have your roof professionally evaluated before solar panels are installed. Metal roofs typically last longer than asphalt, but you should still determine the condition of your roof before you install solar panels, so you know when the existing roof is likely to need replacement. If you anticipate needing to replace your roof, but you still want to go solar, your options include replacing the roof first and then installing solar panels, replacing the roof and installing the solar panels at the same time, getting ground-mounted solar panels, or participating in a community solar project. It is possible to remove the panels when you replace the roof, and then re-install them on the new roof, but it may cost 20 percent or more of the original installation cost. Another possibility is the solar shingle, a kind of roofing material that also functions as a solar panel. Their recent improvement has renewed interest in the technology. They combine the power generating capability of a solar panel with the environmental protection and water-proofing abilities of a good roofing material.

How Much Direct Sunlight Does Your Roof Get?

(Orientation, Tilt and Shading)

Orientation refers to the direction your roof faces. The best orientation for solar panels is true south, but southeast or southwest might also work. Ιn Cyprus, true south is about 11 degrees west 11 of magnetic south. (If you take the direction from a compass and subtract 11 degrees, then you get the direction in degrees True.)

Tilt refers to the slope of the solar panel. Some solar panels are attached parallel to the tilt of the roof while others are placed at an angle to the roof. The best roof tilt for solar panels in Cyprus is 35–40 degrees, but other slopes can work. Flat roofs may work using special ballasted mounting systems.

Shading refers to the extent to which objects (trees, other buildings, or parts of your house such as chimneys and dormers) cast a shadow on your roof. Partial shading can significantly reduce the energy output of the panels, especially if a system uses central inverters. Full sun in the middle hours of the day (9 am to 3 pm standard time, or 10 am to 4 pm daylight savings time) is especially important.

Orientation, tilt, and shading together determine how much sunlight your roof panels will get, and how much electricity they will produce. If your roof is not well suited for solar panels because of orientation, tilt, shading, or the shape of the roof, but you still want to invest in solar, your options include getting ground mounted panels (if you have a sunny piece of ground free from shading) or participating in a community solar project.

Your Goals

When considering going solar, it’s useful to think about your own goals and motivations. What is it about solar electricity that appeals to you? Are you most interested in the financial savings, the environmental benefit, the community benefits, or the opportunity to achieve greater independence from your utility? Make sure you know what you want your solar system to do for you; then work with your solar designer to make sure the system that you receive (through purchase, lease, or contract) will accomplish your goals.

DIRECT OWNERSHIP

Purchasing your PV system outright, whether through the use of a loan or cash purchase, has its own set of benefits. As the owner of the PV system, you could claim any available tax benefits for which you are eligible. All savings on your electrical bill will be 100 percent yours. You will also own any Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) that are produced.