Roof-top solar panel has gained traction among homeowners across the USA. Especially, environmentally conscious homeowners are increasingly opting for rooftop solar panels. It reduces energy bills to a great extent and keeps your home interior cool and comfortable. Moreover, it produces zero carbon emission. You can store the excess solar power harnessed by the solar grid and used it to generate electricity in the absence of sunlight. However, there are some key things that you must consider before installing solar panel on your roof. The following section of the blog will discuss such important things that you need to be cognizant about while thinking about solar panel installation.
Key Things to Consider Installing Solar Panel
To perfectly and securely install solar panels you need to ensure some key things. Even though solar panels are extremely useful and an exciting installation, without ensuring these key things it would fail to function properly and may lead to accidents.
1. Ensure Robust Roofing
Solar panels are quite heavy and your roof needs to be able to support the weight of the solar panels. Solar panels are also durable with a capacity to function for 25 years or more. So, a damaged or weak roof can significantly reduce the life-span of a solar panel. Check for cracks, dirt and debris before installation. Additionally, you may need to have some structural changes if your roof’s capacity is less than the weight of the solar panel.
2. Compare Different Types of Solar Panels
There are multiple modern types of solar panel that are lightweight and sleek. It also differs in efficiency ratings and costs. Poly and monocrystalline silicon cells that come with thinner flexible panels are considered most efficient and preferred by homeowners. However, you must check the durability from warranties. It is recommended that you choose premium panels as it is more resistant to hail and high winds.
3. Costs Versus Savings
Many people avoid installing solar panels due to its upfront cost. However, solar panel installation is more cost effective in the long run as it significantly cuts your energy bills. You can also set a fixed pricing through solar. This enables you to avoid utility hikes over the years to come. Additionally, there are multiple federal incentives and tax rebates and solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) to make your upfront solar installation cost affordable. You must make all these calculations with a reputed solar panel installation service to understand ROI timelines and get a realistic budget.
4. Research Installers and Utility Providers
Solar panel installation must be done by professional installers. Make sure to research top-rated solar installers for fair quotes and reliable services. While researching you must ensure that the company you choose hires certified technicians, have substantial experience in the local area, employ state-of-the art equipment and provide post-installation support. On the other hand, you must also communicate with local energy providers beforehand regarding connecting systems to the grid with net metering. They will explain all the energy price subsidies that you can avail.
Conclusion
The blog has discussed some of the important factors that you must consider before installing solar panels. You must communicate with local energy providers and reputed installers to understand upfront and long-run cost implications specifically for your personalized needs. This will enable you to make informed decisions with solar panel installation.
