5 Things To Know Before Installing Solar Panels
With green energy becoming a big deal and enormous budget savings with energy-efficient roofs, many people started considering this option. Only in the last year, American homeowners spent above $4 billion to make their homes energy-efficient and get a chance to participate in government-backed programs and tax deductions. If you’re one of those considering solar panel installations, here’s something you need to know before involving yourself in the business.
What Should You Know Before Solar Panel Installation?
Of course, the first thing would be to know the condition of your roof. If your roof is old and hasn’t been properly maintained, installing solar panels on such will only cause you trouble. It’s not just that you may damage an already damaged area, but you can put yourself in place to take solar panels off shortly, so you can repair the roof. Therefore, being aware of your roof’s age, state, and everything else is a must.
After you’re sure that solar panels will remain on your roof for at least the next 10-20 years, consider your roof’s size and shape. Not every roof is designed for solar panels since many houses were built before we even had the idea of them. You need to have enough space and minimal shading so you will get any return on the investment. Then, you should consider how much you will actually save by having solar panels.
If you determine that solar panels can be installed and you will save the money, then you should consider the type of panels and inverters. Firstly, choose the company that has been in the business for a while and make sure to get a few quotes before actually going for the offer. The solar panel market is one of the most competitive markets at the moment, and we can assure you that getting a few offers will help you save significantly. As per the inverter, if the house is yours and you’re planning to stay there, don’t try to save. If, however, you’re just renting the place or it’s due for sale, get something with a solid warranty.
Finally, make sure to get a great warranty for your panels. There are a few kinds – manufacturer performance warranty, manufacturer equipment warranty, installer warranties. The first one implies that your solar panels will perform efficiently enough throughout the years. The second one guarantees that you can get a replacement of panels, cables, and inverters if necessary. In contrast, the third one has a fixed period (typically 1-5 years), and it covers the labor in case of any repairs.