Solar HVAC system technology has been advancing rapidly in the past few years. Simply put, a solar HVAC system harnesses the sun’s energy using photovoltaic (PV) cells to power your heating and cooling system. The PV panels are typically mounted on the roof of the home, the south side being preferable.

Two main types of systems are grid-tied and stand-alone. With the first type, the PV system connects to the local utility company to use as a supplemental power source; with the second type, the system remains independent and is the home’s sole power source.

Key Benefits of Going Solar

• Saves money in the long run.
• Beneficial for the environment.
• Independence from utility company power outages (stand-alone systems).
• PV power can be used to run anything in the home that uses electricity.
• The federal government provides energy tax credits for installed solar systems that qualify. The credit is 30 percent of the cost of the system and its installation.
• You can start small with just a couple of panels and add more as you can afford them.

Things to Consider Before Installation

There are several things to consider before making this upgrade to your home. Does your roof receive enough sun? Tall trees or an adjoining building can block the sun during the prime time of day. You may need to get permission from your homeowner’s association if your neighborhood has one. Have your HVAC contractor perform a comprehensive evaluation on your home’s wiring and breaker box. If you’re also upgrading your HVAC system, consider whether you would benefit from a zoning system; this often will result in a considerable drop in energy consumption.

Is your roof large enough for the PV panels? In general, each panel will need about 15 square feet in a sunny area. Your contractor can take measurements and determine if your roof is a good candidate. Otherwise, a ground-mount might be a feasible option. If you’re planning to have your roof replaced in the near future, it makes sense to get the new roof before installing solar panels.

To discuss how you would benefit from a solar HVAC system in your Kansas City area home, please contact us at Overland Park Heating and Cooling. We have been making our customers comfortable for over 30 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Overland Park, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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