Are you considering bringing solar solutions to your home? It can be an amazing investment, both for the environment and for your house. When it comes to installing solar panels, there are some factors to think about first. There are a lot of different solar solutions available and it’s a significant investment cost to consider, so it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared for before installation.
In order to make sure solar panels are a good investment for your home, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Take a look at these seven questions to help you make the best purchasing decisions for your home.
1. Can my roof support a solar panel system?
Before you install any solar panels, you need to know if your roof can actually support the solar installation process. You need to consider whether your roof is strong enough already or if you need to make any changes so it can support your new solar panels. Ask yourself a few questions to determine its suitability:
- How old is your roof?
- What is the structural support like?
- What are the weight recommendations per square foot?
The weight of solar panels can vary—as can their size—but they still add some weight. Your roof will need to be able to hold up to around 3 pounds/square feet. This may vary, however, and will be assessed by the dealer that you use before you install anything on your roof.
2. How many panels will I need?
Depending on where you live, you’ll need to assess how much sunlight your panels will be able to receive and how many panels you’ll need to power your home. This will vary with geography, depending on the hours of sunlight that your property gets and the direction that your roof faces.
If you live in a state that gets less sun than average, you’ll need more panels, whereas if you live in a state or area that gets plenty of sunshine, you may need fewer. Consider how many panels you will need to power your home and the cost versus the potential savings that you could get out of the investment in the long term. Knowing this will help guide you throughout the installation process.
3. Do you have a license to install solar panels?
Installing solar panels isn’t a DIY project. Depending on where you live, you’ll need different licensing in order to install solar panels on your property. For example—in California, you’ll need a C-46 license to carry out solar installations and repairs, and similar licenses are required across the country.
This is why it’s best to go through a legitimate solar energy company that can set you up with a licensed contractor who can install your panels with the appropriate license. When you work with an expert, you’ll know your solar panels were installed properly.
4. Do you have a warranty for the solar panels?
Do you have the warranty information for the panels that you are thinking of installing? Although solar panels rarely have issues, it’s a good idea to have a warranty system to fall back on if something does fail.
Many solar panels can last a long time and be very efficient with the right maintenance and cleaning routine. A warranty, however, can be like insurance in case something ever happens. Most UMA solar panels come with a warranty of up to 20 years that ensure that you’re protected if something goes wrong.
5. What’s the expected output of power from the installed system?
To work out whether solar panels are right for you, you should find how much energy you can expect to get out of your solar panels. You can then compare this to how much energy your home needs and ensure that you’ll be getting enough energy output from your solar panels.
Although solar panels will save money, it’s important to know you’re getting the right amount of energy from them to power your home. This should be assessed on a case by case basis, but a reputable solar company can always guide you through the process.
6. How often will you need to clean the panels?
Cleaning the system sounds a bit gross, and often it’s not something that people think about when they invest in solar panels. Don’t stress though—it’s as simple as using soap and water. Cleaning off debris, leaves and dirt will also keep your panels efficient.
The less debris that’s on your panels, the better they’ll be at collecting the sun’s energy. Neglecting them can make them less efficient because the panels rely on solar cells absorbing energy. A good wash and debris removal will keep your panels in tip-top condition.
7. Do you need a solar backup?
What happens if you don’t get enough sun? If you’re living in an area that doesn’t get enough sunlight to power your home during certain times of the year, you’re going to need a solar backup.
Having a solar battery back up has many perks. The main benefit is that you’ll have access to on-demand and reliable energy. If you’re worried about the amount of sun your panels will get, a backup is definitely something to think about before you install solar panels.
Always Be Prepared
Being prepared and doing your homework is a big part of any major purchase for your home. Installing solar panels is a great investment, but knowing your needs and what’s involved with the installation itself is key. Armed with the answers to these seven questions, you’ll be well on your way to solar success.
Are you ready to make the leap into solar energy? Why not find a dealer now, or get in touch for more information.
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