More and more homeowners are beginning to invest in solar power systems. Solar power has made great advancements in recent years and can significantly reduce your energy costs. But you cannot just blindly install solar panels on your home. There are many things you must consider before getting them installed. Alfred’s Roofing, a roof installation and repair company, can help you get the details on the factors to consider before installing solar panels. Below is a list of things they recommend you must know:
Does Your Roof Need Repairs?
Even before considering solar panels for your home, you must check how old your roof is and if it needs repairs. If a part of your roof is damaged or if you will need a new roof soon, then it may be ideal to wait for the repair or replacement. This way, you won’t have to pay extra to dismantle the panels at the time of repairs and put them back again.
Your Roof’s Shape
Roofs are of different sizes and shapes. Ensure your roof has enough space for the solar panels. Also, check if the shape of your roof can accommodate the panels correctly. If the roof is small or has an odd shape, you may not get the expected returns.
The Direction Your Roof Slopes
Solar panels need to be placed in a specific direction to generate maximum power. While some professionals may recommend placing them facing south, others may recommend west. Speak to your solar installation consultants and check the ideal direction for maximum output in your location.
The Different Types of Solar Technologies Available
Do your research and become familiar with the available solar technologies before installing solar panels on your roof. There are many technologies available in the market today. Having some information about them will help you determine which one is ideal for you based on your requirements. This knowledge will also help you ask your installers the right questions and understand what your installation team tells you.
Your Energy Consumption
There is no point in adding solar panels if they cannot meet your daily energy requirements. Hence, calculate how much power you consume daily before installing panels on your roof. This information will help you pick your solar panels’ right size and capacity. It will also help you determine how many panels you need.
Offers and Subsidies
The government today promotes environment-friendly products and systems. And since solar power is a renewable energy source and beneficial for the environment, it often provides subsidies and offers to encourage homeowners to switch to solar energy. The government may provide incentives in two forms:
- Investment subsidies where the cost of the panel installation is partially refunded
- Net metering or feed-in tariffs where you can sell the solar electricity you produce to the electricity grid.
Find out if you qualify for any of these offers or incentives before installing your panels.
Check if You Need a Battery
You will require a battery if you plan to install an off-grid or hybrid inverter. Ensure you buy a good battery from a reliable brand so that it provides adequate backup and lasts long.
Consider The Weather in Your Location and How It Can Affect Panel Maintenance
A part of solar panel maintenance is handling severe weather conditions like hurricanes, storms, lightning, and hail. If the location you stay in gets any of these weather conditions, then parts of your solar panels may get damaged. Speak to your installation company to determine how to handle such situations.
Warranties
Warranties are critical to your solar panels and other related equipment. A solid warranty can be helpful in case of damage to the panel. Some of the government’s incentive programs will also require you to have warranties to qualify. You can check if you get a panel warranty, installation warranty, and inverter warranty.
Insurance
Insurance is another critical aspect of solar panel maintenance. In case of any damage to your panel, the insurance can help cover some of the repair costs. In addition, certain licenses, legal regulations, certifications, and local codes require you to have insurance before installing the solar panels. Speak to your insurance provider and find out more about your insurance options.
Now that you have as much information as possible about solar panels and their installation, the next step is picking a reliable installation company. While solar panel installation may be highly beneficial for you and your home, getting it done by a good company can make a world of difference to the energy output. Don’t just blindly pick any company. Get references, read reviews and testimonials, get quotes from different companies, and only pick one that suits your requirements.
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