If you want your home to be comfortable and energy efficient at the same time, then a great way to achieve this is to use solar energy to power your house. While some people choose to provide part of their power needs using solar power, it is possible to go completely “off the grid” and supply 100% of your electricity from the sun.
To achieve this goal, however, you have to make careful plans and preparations to ensure your Modesto home always has the power it needs. To get you started on this journey, here is a basic guide to powering your residence solely with solar energy.
Limiting Power Consumption
Before you convert to all solar power with Honey's Air & Solar, it is important to limit your home’s power consumption as much as possible. This will ensure that you are able to make the most of the solar array you have installed and will give you a much better chance of long-term success.
To limit your power consumption, you can take common-sense steps, such as installing energy-efficient appliances. Additionally, you will want to lower your heating and cooling requirements by installing new windows, filling all gaps and cracks, and improving your home’s insulation. By the end of this process, you will want to be at a level of power consumption that is sustainable based on your ability to install a solar power system.
Special Considerations
Another aspect you should account for is the lifestyle change you will need to make before switching to solar. One of the most important changes involves the power source for major household appliances.
If your furnace, water heater, or stove are powered by gas or propane, you have a choice to make. You can, of course, remain connected to your local utility’s gas supply and continue on with life as normal. If you want to fully take advantage of your solar power, though, you will need to find electric equivalents for these appliances.
The good news is that these appliances are available in electric varieties that are also energy efficient. For example, an electric split-system heat pump from Honey's Air & Solar is a remarkably efficient way to heat and cool your home in Modesto. Expanding and contracting refrigerant works to draw in or remove heat from your house, providing you with a comfortable home at a fraction of the energy draw of typical centralized HVAC systems.
When it comes to hot water heaters, there are solar varieties available that use focused energy from the sun to heat your water with little to no outside energy use. Using this type of water heater, then, you can double the impact of solar energy while you greatly reduce the amount of electricity you need.
Careful Planning
One of the main challenges you will face when you decide to power your home with solar power is the threat of cloudy days. While Modesto enjoys fairly sunny weather, you do not want an unexpected string of cloudy days to leave you without the power you need to live your life. There are two ways to overcome this challenge.
The first way is to plan carefully the amount of energy you will need over a period of several days. Based on these calculations, you can select batteries that can store enough power to meet your needs even when the weather is gray. If you are hoping to remove your home from the grid, this is your only option.
If you plan on supplying your power needs solely through solar but are willing to remain connected to the grid, though, you have the potential to simplify your solar installation from Honey's Air & Solar. By staying connected to the grid, you essentially eliminate the need for a large storage array, meaning you can minimize the cost of your solar installation.
Of course, if you go this route, you can never truly say you are “off the grid.” Plus, since most utilities charge a base “usage fee” simply for staying connected to the grid, it could take you longer to recoup your investment in your new solar array. For maximum peace of mind, though, this may be the best route to take.
Your Local Experts
We at Honey's Air & Solar in Modesto have years of experience installing and maintaining solar power installations of all types and sizes. We can help you to plan, design, and install a system that will achieve your goals and leave a smaller footprint on the planet.
In addition to solar installations, we can take care of all your conventional HVAC needs as well, including everything from installation to repairs and maintenance. What’s more, we offer other unique power solutions, including backup generators and whole-house fans. If you are in need of new windows or a new water heater, we can help you with that, too.
We take seriously the trust you place in us when you invite us into your home. That is why we proudly display our numerous reviews on our website so that you can see what others have to say. Additionally, we were voted among the “Best of 209” in 2018 and are a 2018 Yelp AWARD recipient. We cannot wait to show you the difference we can make in the comfort of your home, so give us a call today.
