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12 Factors to Consider Before You Install Solar Panels At Home

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  • Post last modified:March 20, 2024
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Solar power has a lot of benefits, and you’d be living under a rock if you didn’t know about them. To begin with, we will be using the sun and its heat and light to make our electricity. Getting the solar panel installation service will reduce the consumption of electricity from DISCOs, leading to cost-saving on the monthly bills. 

The solar energy can be replenished and renewed as long as there is sun. You can use it to warm the water and make electricity to power your electronic devices. The biggest plus point is that there won’t be a bad impact on the environment. 

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that we can depend on solar panel installation service, and there is no need for extreme maintenance and parts replacement. Not to forget, there is no noise. However, even after all these benefits, you cannot blindly install solar panels and expect them to save you thousands of dollars. 

For this reason, we have created this article that will help you focus on the important factors before you hire the solar panel installation service.

1. Think About Optimizing The Energy Usage 

Before you finalize your decision to call solar panel installation service, we recommend that you optimize your electricity usage. For instance, if there is some extra lighting that’s increasing your consumption, you should remove it. On the other hand, you can opt for LED lights because they don’t consume much electricity. This is one of the reasons they are becoming so popular. 

The LED lights are also durable, and their intensity can be adjusted. Also, there won’t be any compromises on their durability. It’s recommended that you remove all the incandescent bulbs and install LED bulbs. That’s because it can help save a lot of energy. Keep in mind that purchasing LED bulbs can be expensive, but you will get a higher value by saving money on electricity bills. 

Once you have optimized the lighting and other sources of electricity consumption, you can go ahead and install the solar panels by calling the solar panel installation service. 

2. Estimate How Much The Installation Will Cost

Long-term speaking, solar power can lower your energy use and the money you spend on your monthly electricity bill. However, the initial cost and solar panel installation service may seem too much work. 

Take some time to think about how much you want to spend on the setup and installation the first time. To cut down your search, only look for solar panels and parts that fall within that price range. Prices can range anywhere from about $12,000 to $15,000. Also, it’s better to connect with a professional solar panel installation service for an estimate.

3. Make Sure There Is Enough Room To Install The Panels

When setting up and installing the solar panel, you need to make sure you have enough room in your home. Installation of solar panels should face south, east, or west for the best results. This is the only way to make sure they get sunlight all day. 

A regular 250- to 300-watt peak solar panel is best for large installations, while a 74- to 100-watt peak solar panel is better for medium to large installations. It all depends on how much room you have. The design of the solar panel itself can affect how much room is needed for installation, so discuss it with the solar panel installation service you hire.

4. Service and Maintenance

The solar cell, the charge controller, and either the inverter or the battery are the three main parts of a solar setup. It can last up to 20 to 25 years if everything goes okay. In addition, they don’t need much or any upkeep over their whole lives because they don’t have any moving parts or electronics.

As long as you buy the solar system from a reputable company and choose a reliable solar panel installation service, servicing, and upkeep will not cost you much. It’s better to buy a solar system that comes with a guarantee than one that doesn’t.

5. Keep An Eye On How Much Electricity You Use

You can pick which plugs to power with solar panels. With a single solar panel, you can choose which outlets to power. For example, you can use it to power all of your fans or lights, or you can just power the bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen.

Keep an eye on how much power you use and note which appliances get the most use each month. If you cook and heat your 2BHK flat with a microwave, you probably use about 15,000 watts of power every day. On average, a solar cell gives off about 0.5 volts, and a solar panel is made up of 36 to 72 solar cells. This can help you figure out which panel or panels would provide enough power for your daily needs but we still recommend connecting with a reliable solar panel installation service to get an idea.

6. Figure Out How Much Solar Power You’ll Get

Aside from the capacity of the cells in your solar panel, many other physical things affect how much power your solar system makes. How the solar panel will be placed on the roof, how many trees are around it, how big it is, and its longitudinal position and orientation.

This is some of the most important stuff that determines how much power your solar power system makes. As it turns out, the same solar system can produce different amounts of electricity if they have a different installation. The companies offering solar panel installation services can help you find the best installation method and location.

7. Safe & On-Point Installation

Professionals with the right training are the only ones who should put up solar panels because they know how to do it right. After spending a lot of money on the solar system, you wouldn’t want it to get broken or not work the way it should in everyday situations, so always choose some trustworthy solar panel installation service.

8. Pick Out The Type Of Solar Panel You Want.

There are two common types of solar panels: monocrystalline solar panels and polycrystalline solar panels. The first kind of solar panel has a blackish tint, while the second one has a blue tint, with different shades of blue in each cell. People wrongly think that monocrystalline solar panels work better than polycrystalline ones. Each solar panel needs to be checked individually to see how well it works. In case you don’t have sufficient information about these, get help from the solar panel installation service.

9. Warranty

When it comes to saving your solar panels and other related gear, warranties are very important. Having a warranty on your solar panels helps you hold the maker responsible if something goes wrong, and it doesn’t cost you anything extra. If you want to take advantage of some reward programs in many states, your solar equipment needs to have a warranty. Even the solar panel installation service recommends going for warranties to save money.

These programs won’t take your application if you don’t have a guarantee. There are a few different kinds of warranties for solar panels, tools, and installation. These are some of the warranties: 

Warranty on Solar Panels 

Solar panels with this kind of guarantee should be covered for 25 to 30 years. If the warranty you’re given is less than 25 years, know that this is shorter than the norm in the business. This warranty covers a minimum amount of power that the panel will produce during the warranty term. According to industry standards, you should get at least 80% of the energy that the panels produce for as long as the guarantee lasts. 

Warranty on Installation 

If the solar panels and other related equipment were put wrong, this warranty covers it. Most of the time, these guarantees last between 2 and 10 years. A lot of these guarantees cover things like labor and parts needed to fix or replace parts of the system, roof penetrations, shipping, replacing broken parts, and more. To find out more, make sure you ask your contractor what kinds of warranties they offer for fitting. 

Warranty on Inverter 

This kind of guarantee can be different from one business to the next. In any case, some rules in the business world can help you figure out what kind of warranty you should get. Most standard “string inverters” come with a guarantee that lasts between 5 and 10 years. These inverters take power from a “string” of panels. 

Different “micro-inverters” attached to different panels have guarantees lasting up to 25 years. Most inverter warranties cover flaws and faults in the material or the way it was made. Most inverter warranties don’t cover things like bad installations, normal wear, and tear from harsh conditions, or not doing the right amount of upkeep, so always have a clear discussion with the solar panel installation service.

10. Sun Exposure 

Solar panels should be set up to face south, east, or west to get the most daytime sunlight. A lot of the energy they produce, though, depends on where they are placed and how they are set up in the direction of your home. It would be best to have a professional solar expert look at how your roof is shaded and figure out where and how to set up your new solar system so that you can get the most out of it.

11. Insurance

You should ensure you have the right protection to cover yourself and any damage done to your home during the installation. Many things could go wrong when your solar panels are being installed that you might not even think about until they do. 

A lot of building codes, rebate requirements, legal rules, and licenses also say that insurance is needed before the work can even start. Each state has its own set of rules and laws, so it’s important to get in touch with the right people in your state before you start your job. Also, don’t forget to discuss the insurance coverage with the solar panel installation service that you hire.

12. Rebates

Putting in a solar panel system for your home can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000. The good news is that putting solar panels on your roof can get you money back from many US states, cities, and solar companies. Before the project starts, talk to your solar panel installation service about your choices. If they don’t have any, they should be able to help you find rebates from the state and city. 

In general, the government wants people to be interested in engaging in solar power. There are refunds and tax credits from the Department of Energy that can save you up to 30%. The power and gas companies in your area may also be able to save you money.

Should You DIY The Solar Installation?

Many people think that installing a solar system is about putting up the solar panels and making two connections only. However, that’s not the case because you’ve to check the entire wiring of your place. For this reason, it’s better if you consult a professional solar panel installation service. That’s because the professionals can handle the situation if something goes south during installation. The reasons for choosing professionals include the following!

Wiring Issues

First of all, when you have to install the solar system, you will need to work with electrical elements. If they aren’t set up properly, there will be chances of electricity shocks. This can be extremely fatal. For this reason, a professional installation team will be better. 

Roof Issues

If your home has an old build, there will be a higher chance of a leaky roof. When you install the solar panels, you will need to drill holes in the roof. If you hit the wrong spot, the plumbing will get damaged, and your roof will start leaking. 

Compliance Issues 

When it comes down to warranties, they are only thought about when you get things done by a professional. If the companies get to know that you used the DIY method, they won’t reimburse you. In simpler words, the warranties will become void. Similarly, you won’t receive any compensation. 

On a concluding note, installing solar panels is a great decision, but you cannot do it hastily. You’ve to consider a lot of factors and make sure you hire a professional solar panel installation service. If you need help finding the right people, Eco Energy Solutions is offering solar installation as well. Eco Energy Solutions promises a quick consultation and an affordable quote for a solar panel installation service to get you started!