Living in the Sunshine State, Florida homeowners experience no shortage of sun and heat — which can come with costly energy bills as you try to keep your home cool. Solar panels provide sustainable, renewable energy that comes with key benefits.
But, as you probably already know, solar panels are an investment. So, if you’re considering switching to solar roofing, here are a few things you need to know.
You might think living in the Sunshine State would provide you with enough reason to install solar panels on your roof, but although Florida brings in 260+ days of sunshine per year there are a few things you should know before installing solar panels.
Calculate The Costs of Solar
On average, solar panels cost $29,095 in the state of Florida. This is definitely a significant chunk of change for homeowners.
It can definitely be a worthwhile investment to some, but it’s still important to calculate your upfront expenses, your monthly energy consumption, and the direction your roof faces to determine if converting to solar energy is right for you and your home.
The total cost of solar panels and solar panel installation in Florida is determined by the size of the solar panel system you’ll need, and if you need any additional equipment add-ons, like solar batteries and electric vehicle chargers.
Check Your Monthly Energy Consumption
The amount of energy you consume in your home will inform you of two things:
- The size of the energy system you will need
- The amount you stand to save on your electric bill
If you don’t know how much electricity your home consumes, look at your most recent energy bill for your kilowatt-hour (kWh) used. If your home’s energy use is above 500 kWh per month, you’ll likely benefit from switching to solar.
The average solar panel produces about 170 to 350 watts every hour, but because Florida is one of the sunniest states, the solar panels here produce even more. The typical energy consumption in Florida is 1,142 kWh, which means the majority of Florida homeowners will get their return on investment in terms of future energy savings.
Consider Your Roof’s Direction and Pitch
The location and pitch of your roof can affect how much energy your solar panels can potentially produce. First, your home may not be getting the direct sunlight it needs for solar. Although Florida is blessed with an abundance of sunshine, take a look around your property to see if your roof is shaded by trees or surrounding buildings.
Next, you should consider the direction your roof faces. If the roof of your home faces South or West, you will have optimal direct sunlight to power your panels. If you do have a north-facing home, you may need to mount them in opposition to your roof’s slant, which won’t be as aesthetically appealing.
Finally, although less impactful than the direction your roof faces, the pitch of your roof can also affect how much energy your panels produce. The goal is to maximize sunlight, so you’ll want to make sure the pitch of your roof is at the ideal angle based on your home’s latitude.
Florida Weather & Climate
As most Florida residents know, the sunshine also comes with our fair share of rain and wind. The rainy season runs from May 15 to Oct. 15 for Southwest Florida and from May 25 to Oct. 10 for the rest of West Central Florida. Additionally, hurricane season spans from June 1 through Nov. 30. During these times, your solar panels would be at risk of damage from wind and debris.
On a positive note, rain can also clean off your solar panels which in turn will help maximize efficiency. When in doubt, opt for a system that comes with an extensive warranty to cover repairs and replacements for defective parts.
Overall, Florida is one of the most solar-friendly states and is ranked third in the country for solar installations. With plenty of sunshine and hefty incentives, Florida is a popular location for solar panel installations.
If you’re considering solar panels for your Florida home, get in touch with the experts at Noland’s Roofing. Our team has extensive experience with roofing and home improvement to boost your resale value and energy efficiency. Contact us today!