These 3 variables are critical to ensuring that your solar electric system runs at optimum efficiency.  As long as you generally meet these 3 criteria, you have a good “application” for a solar power system. 

For a solar hot water system, these guidelines are more lenient, because they are solar thermal (heat) systems, as opposed to photo-voltaic (direct light) systems.

LIPA uses these requirements in order to qualify your property for their SOLAR PIONEER REBATE PROGRAM, and you will need to pass these requirements in order to be granted the rebate.  When K-Star visits your property we will use a computerized analysis program to determine this, providing a detailed analysis and leaving you with an itemized proposal in writing.

Using this as a guide, contact us and our trained staff will help you determine your solar suitability.

1. Orientation – The area where solar panels work best is in a southern orientation or “due south”.  It is acceptable to be “due west”, and “due east”.  However, if you refer to this diagram below, the north side gets no sun in the winter months, and would not receive the sun’s rays resulting in major loss of solar electric output annually. 
   
   
2. Shading – Obstructions from trees or any structures in the sun’s path may be an issue.  Small obstructions may be okay, such as chimneys or minor tree shading.  Often property owners will have to consider trimming or removing a couple of trees in order to achieve maximum output of their solar electric system.  (Solar Hot Water systems can tolerate more shading issues since it is heat based instead of direct sunlight like that of a PV system.)
   
   
3. Pitch – Ideal pitch is about 35° to 40° degrees, but the slant of your roof can be between 10° and 45° degrees for a solar power system to run at maximum output.  For flat roofs, we use a specially engineered tilt racking system, so most roof pitches are acceptable. 

***If one variable has some challenges, then it becomes more important that the other 2 variables be acceptable to balance it out.  If all 3 of these factors have minor issues, it could still be acceptable.***
***Let us assist you to help you determine if you can get solar powered!***