Many people are looking for ways to save money on their energy bills. Installing solar panels is one method to ensure future savings. Before you add these panels to your home, there are a couple of things that you should know.
With a little bit of careful planning, you can have an investment that will give you plenty of energy savings for decades to come. Here are five things that you should know before installing solar panels.
1. Make Sure You Get The Right Amount Of Sunlight
Before installing your solar panels, ensure that the property gets enough sunlight to power your home. You should consult with an experienced solar panel installer. They can give you an accurate assessment of how much power can be generated in a specific area. Nothing could be more frustrating than finding out you installed panels that are not collecting enough solar energy.
Along with that, take a look at your current energy bill. Note the amount you are paying for electricity and see if you will save with solar power. Some companies can give you an estimate of your savings. Unfortunately, solar panels are not cheap, and you want to make sure you are utilizing their full potential.
2. Inspect Your Roof For Durability
Your roof will need to be in great shape to handle the heavy load of solar panels. Some roofing materials are better for solar panel installation. Tile, metal, composite, tar, and wood shakes are some of the best materials for these installations.
You need to have an inspection done to ensure the roof is ready for the extra weight. Don’t worry! You can install solar panels on almost every type of roof, but they might need more reinforcement to accommodate the weight. Make sure to talk to a roofing professional. You can make sure your roof is up to the task with a professional installation.
3. Take Your Time To Choose The Best Option
There are several options for your solar panels. You can choose a ground-mount system, rooftop solar panel, or Tesla roof. Many people choose to install rooftop solar panels. The rooftop option is one of the cheapest to install. With that, you can get more ROI from your solar system.
However, don’t overlook the benefits of ground-mounted panels. These panels are perfect for those who need more exposure to the sun. Tesla roof panels have a lot of appeal for homeowners, but they come at a high price tag. You might also want to keep in mind that these panels are not the most energy-efficient option for your home.
You also want to think about the home batteries that hold all the power. Most solar batteries can store enough energy for six hours of use. Some homeowners will only operate their solar system when the power company charges peak rates. Many of these peak rates occur in the evening. With that, these homeowners turn on the system at night to save on their energy bills.
Some of these batteries are only designed to last for 10 years. When choosing a system, you need to keep this information in mind. If you have to replace batteries on a regular basis, then it might not make sense to install a solar power system. If you only plan to use the system during peak hours, solar panels could be the right choice for you.
The choice is up to you. Before settling on an option, schedule a consultation with a professional installation company. They can help you decide on the best option for your home.
4. Consider Those Maintenance Responsibilities
Once you have solar panels on your roof, you will need to maintain them. Solar panels require minimal maintenance. You may need to wipe off dust or remove a few leaves. These systems are very reliable. As a result, you don’t have to worry about them.
In most situations, they can operate for years without too much maintenance. You might not even notice something is wrong with the system until your next utility bill. Over the years, you want to monitor your solar energy system. If the heating and cooling bills are getting too high, it might be time for an inspection. You could have an issue that is not allowing the system to generate power for your home.
5. Look At State And Federal Incentives
In some areas of the country, there are incentives to install a solar energy system. The federal government has its own incentives to encourage homeowners to rely on solar energy. In some cases, you could be eligible for a 26 percent tax rebate, and that rebate can be spread over a period of several years. If you are thinking of going solar, now is an excellent time.
Always check for those state incentives. These rebates will vary from state to state. You can receive anything from a cash rebate to a tax incentive. When you add that up with your energy savings, these panels are can’t-miss opportunities for your home.
Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for a state or federal incentive. If you lease your panels, those incentives go to the leasing company. While incentives are exciting, always make sure that you will be the one benefiting from them.
Solar panels are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, they can help you save substantial money on your heating and cooling bills. However, these solar systems are not always the best choice. Before you schedule an installation, make sure to consider these five points. With that, you can ensure that solar panels are the right fit for your home.
Let Us Handle Your Roof Inspection
When you need an experienced roofer to inspect your home, reach out to RGB Construction. Our team will make sure that the roof can support the weight of a solar panel system. If you need a roofing replacement or repair, we can handle those projects for you. Make sure to schedule a consultation by calling us at 856-264-9093.
