Our residential solar systems are not one-size-fits all. Each customer has unique energy needs that need to be offset by their solar system. So, how do we determine the size and design of each system?
Our Solar Design Engineer, Emily, sat down with us to answer some frequently asked questions. Emily has been Stateline Solar’s designer since she started as a summer intern in May 2019.
How do you start a solar design?
The first thing I need to start a design is your power bill. Your power bill can show us a full year’s worth of consumption, each month, and from there we can go ahead and design a system for your needs.
After we get your power bill, I can go ahead and pull your address up on Google Maps, and that way I get a feel for your property, see the different roofs on it, if there are trees in the way, or any obstructions on your roof.
From there, I can estimate where I want your system to go. If it’s better as a roof mount or better as a ground mount, I can base this system off what your property looks like.
How do you estimate shading on a customer’s property?
To estimate shading, we use something called Lidar. Lidar can show us heights of trees or obstructions on your property, such as a chimney or different roof line. I can build out trees and chimneys, or even different vents on the roof that could cause shading to your system to the exact height that they show on Lidar.
Then, I use a tool called irradiance, and that will show which spots on the roof get the best sunlight. The south side of the roof is always the best. East and west are okay, where the north side will be pretty shaded. Taking those into account, I can find the best spot to put your system.
What’s the perfect system to design?
The perfect system to design is definitely a one pitch roof that has a south facing side. We always want to go on the south side. And, of course, with no trees in the way.
With over 100 of her designs coming to life, Stateline Solar customers will enjoy Emily’s hard work for years to come!
