Recent research shows that 1 out of 600 homeowners in America is installing solar panels every quarter. This population is well-positioned to leverage the numerous benefits of solar energy, including cost-saving.
If you’re like these homeowners, saving money is a top priority. And there’s no better way to save money than by embracing green energy. Installing solar panels will help you reduce your energy bills since it’s a sustainable option.
And what’s better, installing solar panels is easier than you might think.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the reasons to install solar panels and everything you need to know about the solar panels installation process. So read on to find out how you can start saving money by choosing solar energy.
The Benefits of Solar Panels
Installing solar panels will help reap various benefits. But you should be aware that solar panels also have disadvantages. One thing that should motivate you to go solar is that the advantages always outweigh the disadvantages.
Here are just a few reasons that might convince you to transition to this green energy solution:
Reduced Electricity Bill
Solar panels might be your saving grace if you struggle with high power bills. You’ll produce your own electricity if you have the right solar panels. You will rely less on grid power, which will reduce your monthly electricity bill.
In most cases, you’ll only pay a few dollars a month to ensure you remain connected to your utility provider. So if you’re looking to eliminate your power bill, you should install solar panels on your property.
Reduced Environmental Pollution
One way to reduce your carbon footprint is to install solar panels. Solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning you won’t deplete the sun’s energy.
Solar panels will also not produce carbon emissions that pollute the environment. As such, solar panels are a clean and renewable source of energy. If you install solar panels, you’ll make a significant dent in the amount of pollution released into the atmosphere each year.
Income Earning Potential
One of the reasons for installing solar panels in your home is that you can earn income in different ways.
First, you may be eligible for government incentives, such as tax credits or rebates. Secondly, you can sell excess electricity back to the grid through net metering programs.
Selling the excess energy to utility companies will allow you to earn tax credits. You can stockpile the credits until the point where the company pays you for your unused credits.
You may also take advantage of utility company rate structures that offer lower rates for solar-generated electricity.
Increased Home Value
Homebuyers are always on the lookout for energy-efficient homes. So, if you install solar panels, you’re likely to see a higher return on your solar panels’ investment when it’s time to sell.
According to Zillow, homes with solar panels have a 4.1% higher value than homes without solar power.
Solar panels will add to your home’s appeal and earn you extra money. This means that solar panels are a must-have whether you intend to live in your home forever or sell it someday.
How to Install Solar Panels on Your Home
When it’s time to install solar panels on your roof, your biggest question will be whether to DIY the process or let a professional solar installation company handle the legwork.
DIYing the process may be cheaper as you won’t pay the installation cost. However, installing solar panels is complicated and may be beyond your technical know-how.
The best option is to leave the solar installation work to a professional. Still, you need to understand what will transpire when installing solar panels in your home. We’ll explain the steps for solar panel installation below to ensure that nothing about the installation catches you off-guard.
Choosing the Solar Installation Company
The first step will be choosing the solar installation company you want to hire. This is an important step as the quality of your solar panels will depend on the quality of work from the installer.
When choosing a solar panel installer, you should consider the following factors:
- Past customer reviews and feedback
- Accreditation and licensing
- Experience
- The company’s local presence
Also, consider warranties and installation costs, and timelines.
Site Survey by an Engineer
An engineer will need to conduct a site survey before the installation company starts its work. The purpose of the survey is to ensure that your home can support solar panels.
The engineer will assess your roof’s angle. They’ll also consider the amount of sunlight that hits your house each day. If trees shade your house, solar panels may not be good for you.
The inspector will also assess your electrical system. They will check whether the system is compatible with the design of the solar system you intend to install.
In some cases, a solar panel installation company may recommend that you upgrade your electrical system to handle solar power generation. This is especially true if your home has an outdated or old electrical system.
Getting Permits and Approval
This will be one of the most time-consuming steps in your solar panel installation. But don’t make the mistake of skipping it. You’ll need to obtain a permit from your local government showing that installing solar panels in your home is legal.
The approval is necessary because solar panels require special zoning considerations and regulations. For example, solar panels may be prohibited due to their large size or the amount of sunlight they reflect on neighboring properties.
The good news is that your solar installation company can handle most of the paperwork for you. The company will file for the building or electrical permit on your behalf.
It will also file for an interconnection agreement with your utility company to allow you to benefit from net metering.
Applying for Incentives
After obtaining the necessary solar installation permits, you can start applying for solar tax credits and other solar incentives. These incentives will save you significant money on your solar panel installation.
Depending on the solar policies in your state, you may qualify for rebates from the government and solar energy companies. You may also qualify for federal tax credits.
Some solar installation companies will also offer their own solar incentives in the form of solar panel discounts or solar panel coupons. You can use these solar incentives to reduce the cost of your solar panel installation.
Ordering the Necessary Equipment
Once you have the permit, your solar installer will help you order the right equipment. They will help you choose equipment that will align with your solar power goals.
Your solar installation company will help you choose the right solar panels for your home. They will also recommend a solar inverter compatible with your solar panel system.
The solar installer will also provide you with solar mounting equipment to hold your solar panels in place.
After ordering the equipment, the installation company will put your name in the queue to await the installation day. Your turn will depend on how many clients the installer has in the queue.
Installing Solar Panels
On the installation day, solar installers will come to your home and begin the solar panel installation process. The first step will be to prepare your roof by ensuring that all the tiles are secure enough to support the panels.
The solar installer will then connect the solar inverter to your home’s electrical system. After that, they’ll start wiring each solar panel so that it can communicate with other solar panels connected to a single solar power generation system.
The solar panel installation process will take one or two days, depending on the size and complexity of your system.
Approving and Connecting the System
After the installation, a representative from the local government will assess the solar system and issue permission to operate (PTO). The aim will be primarily to verify the electrical work for safety purposes.
A representative from the utility company will also interconnect your solar system to the grid. This step will allow you to draw electricity from the grid when you need it. It will also help you send the excess energy back to the main power lines for credit.
Consider Installing Solar Panels Today
Installing solar panels in your home is a great way to save money and embrace green energy. You can use our article as your guide if you’re considering installing solar panels in your home.
You’ll learn the reasons you should invest in solar panels and the process that will take place during installation. If you have any questions about solar panel installation, consult with a reputable solar installer in your area.
To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category
Leave a Reply