Understanding Solar Energy For Your Home
An Introduction To Solar Heating And Cooling
The Basics of a Solar Home Energy System
- Condensing Unit – Select air conditioners and heat pumps can be modified with a simple upgrade to serve as the platform for a Solar Home Energy System.
- Solar Modules – As few as one or as many as 15 solar modules can be added at the time of installation or in the future. These modules convert solar energy into usable electrical power for your home.
- Communication Module – Uses your broadband Internet connection to send performance information for each solar module to a third-party website where you can monitor how your Solar Home Energy System is working.
- Performance-Monitoring Website – Gives you 24/7 access to real-time data showing system status, energy production, and environmental benefits, including carbon offsets.
A Simple Guide for Getting Started with Solar
- Step 1 – Call Charlotte Comfort Systems for a consultation. Using our detailed planning checklist, we will help determine whether your home meets all the requirements for installation of a Solar Home Energy System.
- Step 2 – See if your roof gets enough sun. A southern exposure is best, and your roof should be relatively free of shade from trees or structures such as chimneys. Charlotte Comfort Systems will perform tests to estimate the site’s monthly and annual solar energy generation potential.
- Step 3 – Determine whether your roof is big enough. Each solar module requires about 15 square feet of rooftop surface area. The number of modules you want installed determines how much space you need. Charlotte Comfort Systems will help you with the calculations.
- Step 4 – Investigate possible building restrictions in your neighborhood. If you belong to a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), you might be required to submit your solar installation plans for approval ahead of time.
- Step 5 – Upgrade your Internet service if necessary. An always-on Internet connection with broadband router is required to take advantage of the Lennox SunSource system’s web-based performance monitoring service.
- Step 6 – Check for proper utility service and electrical wiring. Charlotte Comfort Systems will check the grid power supplied by your local utility company and also inspect your home’s distribution panel to make sure all required specifications are in order. We will also need to identify all local electrical code requirements to ensure compliance.
- Step 7 – Find out if your local utility company has solar-friendly programs and policies in place. Ask whether your utility company has a net-metering program that will allow you to receive credit for at least a portion of the electricity your Solar Home Energy System generates. You will also want to learn whether you must meet power-generating thresholds to qualify for valuable rebate and incentive programs.
- Step 8 – Watch your utility bills shrink, right along with your carbon footprint. Once your Solar Home Energy System is installed, the money-saving and environmental benefits begin!
Frequently Asked Solar Questions
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High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA)
By taking advantage of the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act, homeowners and businesses can help reduce their energy costs and their environmental impact.
How The Inflation Reduction Act Helps The HVAC Industry
The 2022 IRA helps to reduce the amount of money that consumers spend on goods/services and it helps to clean up the environment by providing tax breaks to the public and additional incentives to HVAC companies.
Lennox Fall Rebate Special Offer
Install a new Lennox system with Charlotte Comfort Systems and receive up to a $500 instant rebate and another $1200 back with additional rebates. We also offer 0% financing for up to 60 months on select Lennox systems.
Nextdoor 2022 Neighborhood Favorite Award
Charlotte Comfort Systems has been named a winner of the NextDoor 2022 Neighborhood Favorites Award.
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