In recent years, solar energy has taken great leaps to become a mainstream source of renewable energy in many places around the world. It is cost-effective, reliable, and widely available. Despite this, many people still struggle to invest in solar energy. And while the task can seem daunting, it is far from difficult. And even if it were, the benefits decisively outweigh the negatives.
Before making any decisions, it is essential to do your research and understand the basics of solar investments. You can then decide which solar investment is best for you. Here are the five things you need to consider if you’re thinking of going solar.
Getting QuotesÂ
Be sure to get a few quotes and do your research before signing a contract or commitment. Check that your home is south facing, with enough sun exposure and that you have access to a power line connection. Work out how much electricity you’ll need to run your home and how much solar panels will generate during exposure hours. Then choose the size and type of investment that works for your budget and your future goals.
Let’s dive deep into this process step by step.
Setting ObjectivesÂ
What are you looking to achieve with your solar investment? Are you looking to generate income, go completely solar, or just save on your energy bills? Set a budget according to your plans and needs. Your spending plan will determine the type of solar panels you purchase. Once you know your goals, you can better assess which solar investment option is right for you.
To get an estimate for solar panels for your home, you will need to contact a solar installation firm. Getting quotations is a lengthy process because you may have to call multiple companies before settling for one that fits your needs. Comparing quotes from different companies is a good idea, or you can just find a reliable solar provider that works with multiple companies.
You should be able to answer several questions that an installer might have about your home, including the type and age of your roof, electricity bill history, and any questions you may have about your utility provider, so make sure you have them all ready. If not, your solar provider will likely give you list of things to provide them, which you can then do. As for the technical details, like a shade analysis or sunlight exposure analysis, you can just leave that to the professionals.
The installer will also discuss different financing options with you. Doing your research is always something we recommend. Reaching out to friends is a great option, as is looking for online recommendations, or getting in touch with various licensed independent contractors.
Evaluation
After your installer has performed the onsite examination and gathered the necessary information, they will prepare a detailed quote for the installation. The price quote is broken down into different components. Initially, there are multiple parts that need to be selected, purchased, and installed, such as mounting brackets, mounting clips, solar panels, inverters, wiring and others.
How much money do you have to invest in solar?
This will play a significant role in determining which solar investment option is right for you. There are options for those with a small budget, as well as those who are looking to make a more significant investment. If you buy a system, you’ll need to decide what kind of solar panel to buy. Solar panels come in several different types, including thin film, solar glass, and solar tiles.
Make sure you buy a quality solar panel with at least 10 years of warranty. Look for the most efficient panels that will generate more electricity per square foot than your roof can hold (don’t skimp on this).
Permitting and Design
Once your solar PV system has arrived and taken all necessary measurements, installation experts will create a fully customized plan suited to your home. They will take into consideration the number of panels and their location, as well as determine where they should be mounted. It is important to decide where to install your system. You can install your system on your property, or you can lease space from a solar provider.
Also included in this design is the exact wiring process, including how the system should be connected to the grid. Next is any permitting required by local authorities, such as municipal permits and approvals from utility companies like electric utilities and/or telephone lines. After submitting your application to local permitting departments, you’ll be able to start using solar energy on your property.
Installation
Solar installation is a relatively small, smart investment that pays off in energy savings and a more profitable home. After all, there’s nothing like sunshine to make your day. Your solar providers will help you develop a customized system tailored to the requirements of your home so that you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy for years to come.
The installer will perform an internal inspection on each part of your home to verify that they are fully compatible with each other and can withstand the weight of a full-scale solar system installed there.
After the installation is complete and your system is humming away, you can begin to enjoy the benefits of having solar energy in your life. This is when you will see how much money you’re saving on your monthly electric bill. The environmental benefits of your solar PV systems will last long, and though they may be slow, they are no less vital than any economic benefits.
Inspection and Commission
The inspection and commission stages are two of the most critical stages of your solar system’s installation. You’ve taken the first step, so it’s time to ensure everything is up to code. Expect this stage to take a little longer, given how difficult it may be for you and your electricity suppliers to get on site. Once you’ve been given the green signal, though, it’s time to turn the switch and start saving money on your electricity bills!
Save money on your electric bills by investing in solar. To do so, however, you’ll need to be fully compliant and follow all applicable codes, permits, and regulations so that installing your solar system will be an easy process. Once installed, don’t look back!
