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Are you thinking about switching to solar energy? Making the move to clean, renewable power is an exciting step, but before installing panels, it’s crucial to understand how well your home is suited for solar. That’s where the Sun Number comes into play. This innovative scoring system estimates a property’s solar potential. It can be a powerful tool for homeowners.
What is a sun number and why is it important?
The Sun Number is a scale from 1 to 100 that assesses how suitable your home is for solar panel installation. The higher your score, the better your solar potential—generally, anything above 70 is considered ideal. A Sun Number gives homeowners an easy-to-understand snapshot of their property’s solar readiness without requiring a full site inspection right away.
This score is composed of four key elements:
- Building solar score – This is the most significant factor in accounting for your roof’s orientation, pitch, and shading from nearby trees or structures. For example, a south-facing roof with minimal shading will receive a higher score.
- Regional climate score – Measures the typical solar irradiance in your area. Sunny regions with consistent weather patterns naturally score better.
- Electricity rate score – Reflects how high local electricity prices are. The more you pay per kilowatt-hour, the greater your potential savings with solar.
- Solar market factor – Indicates how developed the solar market is in your area. It includes factors like available state or local incentives and the general adoption rate of solar technology nearby.
These components combine to give you a holistic view of how effective and financially beneficial solar energy could be for your specific home.
What if your sun number is low?
A lower Sun Number doesn’t automatically rule out the benefits of going solar. Many factors that affect your score can be adjusted or improved with the proper guidance. For example:
- Tree trimming or removal can significantly reduce shading and improve solar performance.
- High-efficiency solar panels can compensate for suboptimal roof orientation or limited space.
- Alternate mounting solutions, such as ground-mounted panels or pergola-based systems, may bypass roof limitations altogether.
With support from Define Solar, based in NJ, homeowners can explore customized strategies to enhance their solar readiness and increase long-term energy savings.
How to find out your sun number
While some real estate websites—such as Zillow—have previously displayed Sun Numbers for specific properties, this data may no longer be readily available. It’s best to consult with a professional solar provider for the most accurate and up-to-date assessment.
Start your solar journey with confidence
Knowing your Sun Number is a smart first step on the path to solar. It empowers you to make informed choices and sets the stage for a smooth, cost-effective energy transition. When combined with the hands-on expertise, you’re well-equipped to unlock the full benefits of solar technology.
About define solar
Define Solar, serving NJ and PA, specializes in professional solar installations with an unmatched commitment to communication, quality, and detail. With years of experience and a track record of helping numerous families, the company delivers reliable, world-class service. Every project is tailored to meet individual client needs, ensuring exceptional results.
