Solar energy promises to provide a huge amount of energy savings, which means fewer expenses on your utility bills and long-term savings. Installing solar panels in your home is also a way to preserve the environment because of less energy consumption sourced from coal plants. The solar panel home feature is a great investment that provides tons of benefits to homeowners.
When it comes to installing solar panels on your home, there are a few things to consider when it comes to determining the best system for your needs and the location where you want to put it. In this article, you’ll learn more about the important considerations when installing solar panels in your home.
What Are Solar Panels?
Solar panels refer to devices with built-in cells responsible for converting the sun’s light into electricity. The electricity generated by solar panels can be used both in residential and commercial establishments. According to environinc.com, the number of solar panels you need will depend upon your electricity needs and the size of your property.
Why Choose Solar Energy?
According to a trusted source, there are more than two million houses with solar panels installed in the US, and more and more homeowners are interested in installing solar panels in their homes because of energy-efficiency. In addition, the government and insurance companies also provide incentives to energy-efficient homes. So, opting for solar energy is a smart choice.
Now that you know what solar panels are, it’s time to understand the important considerations when installing one at home. These are:
1. Your Solar Energy Needs
You can compute the number of solar panels your household needs. Multiply the peak daylight hours by your hourly energy requirement, and divide that by a solar panel’s wattage. Utilize a low wattage (like 150 watts) and high wattage (like 370 watts) to establish a range (such as 17 to 42 solar panels to generate 11,000-kilowatt-hours every year).
2. Roof Condition
You should check roof condition because if there are large puddles on the roof, then, the insulation is likely leaking, or the roof is prone to collapse. Inspect for cracks in the shingles and siding, as well as signs of water damage.
You should have a roofer come and inspect the house so that all potential issues can be assessed. The roof may need to be replaced because of damage from weather, hail, wind, snow, water, or ice.
Requirements
If you’re going to have the solar panels installed by a professional, then, they need to provide you with proper documents and permits to perform the installation. A lot of things that are done on the side can require permits. The proper permits will be needed for things such as adding on shingles, cutting, digging trench, and putting on the wiring system. Also, the professional installer should be able to give you advice on what type of panels could give your household the best results.
3. Solar Power Company
When choosing a company to install your solar panels, make sure that the company that you choose can meet your needs. For example, if you’re installing solar panels for your entire house, it may be more cost-efficient to go with a larger company that installs solar panels for commercial buildings, like schools.
Take a look at the following tips when hiring a solar power company to install your solar panels:
- Check The Company’s Credentials: When you hire a solar power company, look carefully at their history and credentials. Most of them offer an initial quote and will ask you to pay a monthly maintenance fee.
- Know The Types Of Systems The Company Installs: When you’re looking for a solar power company, ask the company to explain the types of systems they provide and how each one works. Some of the systems come with a battery, some come with an inverter, and some only use the sun’s energy. Some can even store excess energy for later use.
- Ask About Their Product And Service Guarantee: The most important thing to consider when hiring a solar power company is the guarantee that they give you. Find out what types of guarantee they offer. If it’s just a 90-day or one-year warranty, make sure it applies to the product you want. If it includes replacement parts and labor, find out if they will also replace damaged equipment in case something goes wrong with the installation.
4. Installation
Solar energy is clean and environment-friendly, which is why it’s becoming more popular with each passing year. With solar panels, you get the same amount of energy out of the sun that you would from the sun’s rays, without all the mess. The only thing you need to do is to make sure that the panels are placed properly in order to collect the most energy from the sun.
A lot of people find self-install solar energy systems for their homes easier to deal with than other types of solar systems because they don’t require professional installers. You can buy a solar kit in a brick-and-mortar store or an online store, and, then, install them yourself. However, for large installation, leave this task to experts.
5. Budget
For residential solar, the average installation price has dropped below USD$3 per watt, which is 23 % less as compared to five years ago. The average prices differ considerably by state. For instance, the cost of installing solar panels is USD$2.72 per watt in Florida, while in New Mexico, it’s USD$3.41.
Take the time to come up with a budget, which ought to meet your energy needs with high-quality solar panels. By doing so, you’ll be able to use your solar panels for many years without major problems.
Conclusion
Now, you better understand the important things you must consider when installing solar panels in your home. First, you should know the number of kilowatts or amount of energy your household needs because it will determine the number and type of solar panels you need to install. Also, you have to consider the condition of your roof, local requirements, and your budget. Hiring a solar company will help you not only with the installation process but also in knowing the best solar energy options for your property.
