If you are considering retrofitting your Peachtree City area home for solar, you will need to look at your existing electricity use, implement measures to increase energy efficiency and comply with local codes and requirements. You will also need to understand the technology options available and decide if you want to operate your system on or off the electric grid.

Electrical load analysis

Evaluate your energy consumption patterns before selecting your solar system components. This will enable you to choose the right photovoltaic (PV) system size for your home to maximize your energy savings. Begin by performing a load analysis, which includes:

• Recognizing your current consumption trends
• Examining your utility bills for the past year
• Calculating your energy consumption

Connecting to the grid

When a grid-connected PV system does not produce enough power on its own, it can use power from your utility’s grid. When this type of system produces excess power, in most systems the power provider is obligated to purchase the extra power. With net metering, your provider pays retail price for excess electricity you send back through the grid.

If you have unobstructed access to sunlight for most of every day, and have appropriate roof space to mount the system, a grid system may be the best choice. You will need to consider:

• Equipment required to connect to the grid
• Connection requirements from your utility provider

Choose a stand-alone PV system if:

• It would be more cost-effective due to living in a remote location.
• You are planning to install a hybrid electric system that also uses a small wind electric system.
• You have minimal power needs.

Local codes and permits

Before retrofitting your Peachtree City home for solar, research your city or county permit requirements. These will generally include an electrical permit, building permit or both. Most PV providers will roll the permit prices into the complete system price.

For more information about planning for solar, or any other questions about your home comfort needs, contact our home energy experts at Powers Heating and Air today. We are proud to be providing exceptional service and expert advice to Peachtree City and the surrounding area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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