7 Important Things you need to Know Before Installing a Solar Energy System

With the world becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, green energy is gaining popularity. One of the major sources of green energy is solar. For homes that want to cut down on utility bills, the installation of a solar system can be the first step towards achieving efficient and affordable energy. Solar energy enables homes to power electric appliances in homes including lighting systems and solar hot water systems. As the cost of installing solar systems becomes more affordable due to rising adoption, it is important to understand what you need in place before you decide to set up a solar system in your home. Here are important things you need to consider before you can install a solar system:
1. Roof support
Solar panels are often installed on the roof. This means that before you decide that solar energy is the way to go, you need to be guaranteed that your roof can support the solar panels. When you are thinking about the roof, you also need to consider the shade. If the roof in your home is covered by a shade most of the time during the day and year, installing solar panels might not be the way to go. Also, it should be possible to cut the roof. If you live in a rented apartment that has several floors, then you won’t be able to install solar panels on your own. A better option might be to find ways to work with your community to install a community solar system so that you can share the cost.
2.Future renovations
Most solar installations will come with 20 to 25-year warranties. This means that if you have plans for renovating your house, it will not be possible once the panels are installed. To ensure that you do not incur extra costs, consider renovating the house before a solar company like Illinois Solar installs the panels on your roof. By doing this, you will not spend additional costs in terms of money and time disconnecting the panels then reinstalling them after renovations.
3. Energy consumption levels
You need to be aware of how much energy your home consumes before you can decide to install solar panels. This is because the quantity of solar energy you will need to generate solely depends on your energy consumption levels. You may want to consider improving the efficiency of your current energy sources before you can start paying for solar panels. As such, it is advisable that you begin by auditing your energy consumption and consider ways to upgrade efficiency before you settle on a solar panel plan.
4. Consider solar technologies
There are two main solar technologies that you can pick from. The first is photovoltaic technology that utilizes cell arrays to convert sunlight into electricity. The other is thermal technology that uses sunlight to heat air or water for use inside. If you stay in a region where the cost of heating fuel is high compared to electricity, you are better off making an investment in solar thermal technology because that will break even sooner.
5. Connection to the grid
Several factors determine how soon you get connected to the national grid after installing your solar system based on your region of residence. This is because there are many logistical issues to be considered including whether you should pay a fee, the duration it takes to have your utility linked among others. The issue of how you will be paid for electricity that you produce upon connection to the grid is also considered.
6. Trustworthiness of the installer
Solar panel installation combines both logistics of improving a home and the risk of electric work in your home. As such, you want to ensure that the person you hire to install the panels has the relevant credentials and if they are a veteran owned solar company. Also, conduct background checks on the installer you want to hire bearing in mind that you wouldn’t trust a person who has no electrical background to enter your home and begin shifting your stuff around. If need be, check with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners to find out whether the installer has been accredited.
Additionally, for a smoother experience, consider choosing an installer that utilizes solar dealer programs. These programs not only help streamline the installation process but also provide valuable support, such as project management and sales tools. By working with someone who utilises these resources, you’re more likely to have your solar panels installed efficiently and on time, making the entire process less stressful and more reliable.
7. Mode of acquiring solar panels
Every home that desires to install solar panels has to undertake a cost-benefit analysis so that they know whether it’s more viable to buy or lease solar panels. Buying your own set of panels will require high investments at the beginning but in the long run, the dividends are huge. On the other hand, leasing solar panels enables you to get cheaper electricity with little or no investment at all but in the long run, the benefits are minimal.
In the case of leasing, the company that owns the solar panels will require you to pay a given amount for the electricity but there is the risk of the company taking the system away. On the other hand, a solar system that you have bought can continue serving you long after you have recouped your initial investment. As such, ensure that you compare the cost of leasing against the benefits that come with owning a solar system.
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