A Sun Number Score is an essential tool for evaluating how suitable your home and its location are for solar panel installation. Here’s what you need to know!
While the term “Sun Number Score” may not be familiar to everyone, it’s an important concept for those interested in solar energy. Developed by the company Sun Number, this scoring system helps assess the solar potential of buildings. By entering your address into their online platform, you can receive your score and learn about the potential energy savings associated with going solar. Various factors determine your Sun Number Score, so let’s explore them.
What Is a Sun Number Score?
The Sun Number Score provides a rating from 0 to 100, reflecting your home’s potential for generating solar energy. A score of 0 indicates the lowest potential, while a score of 100 signifies the highest. The higher your score, the more suitable your home is for harnessing solar power.
The Importance of Sun Number Scores
Sun Number Scores are critical for evaluating the feasibility of installing solar panels on a property. This information is vital for homeowners considering solar energy and potential buyers who want to install solar solutions.
As buyers increasingly look for energy-efficient homes, Sun Number Scores are becoming more relevant. Zillow has begun listing these scores for around 84 million homes, making this a valuable factor for prospective homeowners.
Higher scores not only suggest significant potential savings on electricity but also can increase property value, particularly if homeowners plan to sell or rent their homes in the future.
What Is a Good Sun Number Score?
The Sun Number Score ranges from 0 to 100, with a score of 70 or higher considered excellent. If your score is in this range, installing solar panels is likely a smart decision that can lead to long-term financial benefits.
While a perfect score of 100 is extremely rare, a lower score doesn’t necessarily mean solar panels won’t be beneficial for your home; however, the energy output may be reduced. Homes with scores below 70 may require more specialized panel designs to maximize sunlight absorption, while those with higher scores can indicate a feature beneficial for future resale.
Factors Influencing Your Sun Number Score
Your total Sun Number Score is influenced by four main factors: building score, regional climate score, electricity score, and solar cost score.
- Building Score: This score takes into account your roof’s slope, orientation, and size, with a maximum potential of 80 points. A score of at least 50 is desirable, while above 60 is considered excellent. A larger roof with favorable south-facing orientation captures more sunlight and boosts solar energy production. The ideal roof angle for solar panels is around 30 degrees, but tilt brackets can adjust the angle as needed.
- Regional Climate Score: The environment surrounding your home affects your score. Shaded areas—whether from trees, buildings, or other obstructions—can lower your potential for solar energy. Additionally, regions with more sunny days, such as Colorado, experience higher scores compared to areas with frequent overcast conditions. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) provides solar irradiance data used for these calculations.
- Electricity Score: This score is based on the average electricity rates in your area. Higher electricity rates generally lead to a higher Sun Number Score since solar panels can save you more over time. Conversely, low local electricity rates may not yield a significant increase in your score.
- Solar Cost Score: This score reflects the local costs of solar installations and works inversely to electricity rates. Lower installation costs can enhance your Sun Number Score, while higher costs may reduce it.
Contact Freedom Solar to Learn More
Regardless of whether your Sun Number Score is low or high, consulting a professional can help you assess your options for a home or commercial solar installation.
If you’re looking to maintain, repair, or upgrade your current solar system, our solar repair and maintenance services can optimize your energy production and efficiency.
For more information about purchasing and installing solar panels or to discover your home’s solar potential, contact Freedom Solar at (877) 795-0577 or submit an online inquiry today!