Rooftop Solar Power Estimates

August 29th, 2008  |  Published in green, roofing  |  3 Comments

solar panels 196x300 Rooftop Solar Power EstimatesWe’ve all heard the benefits of solar power: reduced energy bills (some states and provinces even allow you to generate power and sell it back to the grid or offer grants to homeowners), less demand on already stressed city power grids, it’s a form of renewable energy. Solar power seems so, well, perfect—if only I knew it were right for my house. Then I’d get on it right away. I would, really!

Well, this let’s-put-it-off excuse is no longer valid thanks to website Roofray. Using Google satellite data and information provided by the National Renewable Energy Labs, Roofray allows you to determine what type of solar-based system is optimal for your home before slapping down money on an actual system.

It’s pretty simple: enter your address and up pops a satellite image of your home’s rooftop. Next, using the Roofray tool, draw solar arrays and slope and, voilà—power per square foot and total peak power come up, in chart form, along with more metrics including projected performance, financial analysis, average monthly utility bill (after solar is added), total cost summary and—key, really—estimated time until the solar array is paid off.

Of course, these are all estimates, so take your calculations in stride. Also, don’t just try one size; play around with different-sized arrays and placement. Then, take what you’ve discovered, talk to some experts in your area and start earning cash – and helping conserve resources – thanks to that brilliant ball in the sky.

favicon Rooftop Solar Power Estimates

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Responses

  1. Shed Builder says:

    September 13th, 2008 at 6:17 am (#)

    Excellent article. However for me the question is whether it is a good idea to invest in solar panels now or wait until they become cheaper and more efficient.

  2. Home Improvement CT says:

    November 6th, 2011 at 7:39 pm (#)

    Great article . Thanks for sharing it . Solar power is the future for sure

  3. roofing katy tx says:

    November 12th, 2011 at 7:36 pm (#)

    Great article on solar power roofs , I have been reading many articles about it as i am intersted in it very much. I am pretty sure that solar power is the future. I wish i can get one. Thanks for sharing

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