Guide to Conducting a Solar Energy Audit

Solar energy audits are a critical step in determining the viability and potential benefits of implementing solar energy systems.

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What is a Solar Energy Audit?

A solar energy audit is a comprehensive evaluation of your current energy usage, coupled with an assessment of the potential for solar energy generation.

It involves analyzing your energy consumption patterns, identifying areas of inefficiency, and determining the feasibility of incorporating solar energy into your property.

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Benefits of Solar Energy Audits

Energy Efficiency: Audits help identify areas of high energy consumption, allowing you to implement energy-efficient practices and technologies.

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Cost Savings: Understanding your energy usage patterns and potential solar energy savings can help you estimate the long-term cost savings of switching to solar.

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Environmental Impact: By reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to solar energy, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.

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Energy Independence: Generating your own solar energy provides a level of energy independence, making you less reliant on the grid and protecting you from rising energy costs.

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Ways to Monetize Your Solar System: Through an audit, you'll discover the ways in which you can pay off your rooftop solar faster through solar renewable energy credits (SRECs).

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Who Should Conduct a Solar Energy Audit?

Solar energy audits are beneficial for homeowners, businesses, and organizations of all sizes. Sometimes even renters can partake in the benefits of solar! They'll need to consult with their landlords first, however.

Whether you own a residential property, commercial building, or industrial facility, conducting an audit can help you understand your energy consumption patterns and explore the potential for solar energy integration. Plus, all these parties have access to the new rebates and tax credit programs!

This means you can upgrade to more independent energy and save thousands upfront.

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Professionals in Solar Energy Audits

While it is possible to conduct a basic solar energy audit yourself, it is often recommended to involve professionals who specialize in renewable energy assessments.

These experts have the knowledge, experience, and equipment necessary to perform a thorough analysis of your energy usage and provide accurate insights into the potential benefits of solar energy.

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Pre-Audit Checklist

Gather Energy Bills: Collect and organize your energy bills from the past year to establish your baseline energy consumption. Currents can make this click-button-simple.

Review Energy Usage Patterns: Analyze your energy bills to identify any significant fluctuations or trends in your energy consumption.

‍Inspect Your Property: Evaluate the condition of your property, paying particular attention to the roof's integrity, shading from nearby structures or trees, and available space for solar panel installation.

Compile a List of Energy-Consuming Appliances: Identify the appliances and systems in your home or business that consume the most energy, such as heating and cooling systems, lighting, and major appliances.

Research Local Regulations and Incentives: Familiarize yourself with the local regulations, permits, and incentives related to solar energy installations. This will help you understand the legal requirements and potential financial benefits available to you.

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Identifying Potential Solar Energy Sources

Roof Suitability: Assess the condition, orientation, and shading of your roof to determine if it is suitable for solar panel installation. Factors such as roof pitch, material, age, and structural integrity are crucial considerations.

If you want to use your roof, it might be a good idea to re-shingle it now before installing the solar brackets and hardware.

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Alternative Solar Energy Sources: If your roof is not suitable for solar panels, explore alternative options such as ground-mounted solar panels, solar carports, or solar canopies.

Solar Resource Assessment: Utilize solar resource assessment tools or consult professionals to evaluate the solar potential of your location. Factors such as sunlight intensity, shading, and seasonal variations need to be taken into account.

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Can't install solar at this time?

Currents can connect you to community solar projects so that you can benefit in cleaner, cheaper energy without the need of installing it on your property.

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Calculating Potential Energy Savings

It's time to calculate the potential energy savings from implementing solar energy systems.

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Evaluate Solar System Size: Determine the size of the solar energy system needed to meet your energy requirements. This will depend on factors such as your energy consumption, available roof space, and solar potential.

Estimate Energy Generation: Calculate the estimated energy generation of the solar system based on your location's solar resource potential and the size of the solar panels.

Compare Energy Generation and Consumption: Compare the estimated energy generation from the solar system with your current energy consumption to determine the potential energy savings.

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Review Solar Quotes

If you're getting close to a solar purchasing decision, read our article on how to review solar quotes. We'll arm you with the right info to make a good decision.