If you have you been wondering whether or not you can install solar power panels on your house, there are several factors to think about. Things like the direction that your roof faces and the position of trees in your backyard can make a difference. You will also need to recognize whether or not you want your electrical system tied to the local electric grid. Here’s a short list of some of the things you will need to consider.

The most important issue is whether your solar power panel system will be grid tied or off-grid. Power grid tied means that your electric system will be hooked up to the loacal electric utility company. You solar panels will make electricity that can run your appliances as long as the sunlight is shining on your solar panels. At night and during weather when the sun is not out, your appliances will run on utility company electricity.

An off power grid system runs separately and is not hooked up to a utility company. They are more common in rural areas where utility poles are far-away and hookups are very expensive. Off grid systems use batteries (very similar to batteries in cars) to store excess power, and usually have back up generators for crisis situations. Appliances run off the solar photovoltaic cells during the day, and the batteries or generator during the darkness or during inclement weather.

For both grid tied and off grid systems, the roof pitch, direction it faces, and nearby objects that throw shade are all factors affecting where you can place solar photovoltaic panels. They need access to direct sunlight for as much of the day as possible for optimal efficiency. Large trees that shade the roof in addition to taller buildings that might block the sun need to be taken into consideration. Since each residence has a different permutation of these factors, each house must be individually considered. True measurements and surveys, as well as a site assessment by a experienced installer will generate the necessary information for the best solar cell configuration for your house.