Analyze past year’s energy bills to determine base energy consumption.
Interview the homeowner to learn about current solar system
Explain the audit process.
Solar Savings 101: Home Solar Audits
Take the first step to maximizing your home’s solar efficiency: Get a home solar audit.
What is a Home Solar Audit?
A home solar audit helps you pinpoint where your home can improve in terms of solar energy efficiency. A trained auditor will evaluate your home’s solar setup and suggest improvements to maximize energy savings and reduce your bills.
A solar audit includes two parts: the home assessment and the solar system inspection.
Did You Know?
30% of your energy bill can be saved by making efficiency upgrades identified in your home solar audit.
The Auditor’s Toolbox
Below are some tools energy auditors use to inspect a home’s solar efficiency
Telescoping ladder
To access rooftop solar panels
25-foot tape measure
To access rooftop solar panels
Telescoping ladder
To inspect solar panel connections.
Digital Camera
To document solar system components.
Pen and paper
For Taking notes.
Infrared thermometer
To detect hotspots on solar panels
Watt meter
To measure the output of solar panels.
Inspection mirror
For checking difficult-to-reach areas
Inclinometer
To measure the tilt angle of solar panels.
Moisture meter
To check for water damage that might affect solar installations.
Home Solar Audit: What to Look For
The Home Solar Audit Checklist
Certified home solar auditors should go through the following steps in a home solar audit
Conduct exterior inspection of solar panels.
Inspect solar inverter and other electrical components.
Check for shading issues affecting solar panels.
Assess electrical system for safety concerns.
Measure solar panel output efficiency.
Inspect for any signs of damage or wear on solar panels.
Provide a comprehensive solar efficiency report.
Solar Panel Inspection Areas
- Ensure no obstructions are casting shadows on solar panels.
- Ensure attic ventilation is not obstructed by solar installations.
- Check the integrity of the wiring connecting solar panels.
- Identify potential problems that might affect solar panel stability.
Solar Panel Installation & Maintenance
- Ensure panels are properly aligned and at the optimal tilt angle for maximum sunlight exposure.
- Verify the mounts and supports are secure and in good condition.
- Identify cracked or damaged panels that need replacement.
- Check that panels are clean and free from debris for optimal efficiency.
Inverter and Electrical Systems
- Ensure it is functioning correctly and efficiently converting DC to AC power.
- Verify the mounts and supports are secure and in good condition.
- Identify any potential electrical hazards in the system.
- Identify any potential electrical hazards in the system.
What is a Solar Performance Test?
A solar performance test measures the actual output of your solar panels compared to their rated capacity. This helps identify if panels are underperforming and need cleaning or maintenance.
Did You Know?
The average home’s solar panels generate about 20% less energy when they are dirty. Regular cleaning can significantly boost your energy savings.
Mythbusting: Solar Efficiency
Myth
Solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy days, although at a reduced rate.
Solar systems
Regular cleaning and inspections are necessary to maintain optimal efficiency.
Solar Panels
The initial investment pays off in energy savings and tax incentives over time.
Before making individual solar efficiency upgrades, it’s important to understand how your home utilizes solar energy. A home solar audit is the first step to maximizing energy savings and reducing your utility bills.
Sometimes called a solar energy assessment, a home solar audit helps you understand your solar energy usage, identify where energy is being lost, and prioritize efficiency upgrades. Implementing the solar efficiency upgrades identified in a home solar audit can save you 5-30 percent on your monthly energy bill while also ensuring the optimal performance of your solar system.
During a professional solar audit, a solar assessor analyzes your energy bills, completes visual inspections of your solar setup, and may use special equipment—such as a watt meter and an infrared camera—to detect sources of energy loss. The comprehensive solar audit will provide you with a detailed report outlining the best efficiency upgrades for your home and your potential energy savings.
Learn how to find a certified solar assessor and if your state or local utility offers free or discounted home solar audits. Be sure to look for a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR participating contractor—they’re specially trained to conduct a whole-house solar assessment and help you determine how efficiency improvements will work together.
While not as thorough as a professional solar audit, you can conduct your own simple home solar assessment. A do-it-yourself solar audit can help you identify some of the low-hanging fruit in terms of solar efficiency upgrades. If you’re curious about how much you could save by making certain upgrades, check out online home solar audit tools available for free.
Remember, the home solar audit is only the first step to reducing your energy bills. Implementing the recommended solar efficiency upgrades is what leads to substantial energy savings.