With solar installations on the rise, it might be that you’re curious as to whether you could benefit from a solar panel system, too. If so, here’s a practical guide to going solar:
What is the most compelling reason to go solar?
Protecting yourself against the rising cost of energy is perhaps the most powerful reason to make the switch to solar, and with increases and fluctuations in prices from utility companies the norm nowadays, solar energy offers a more predictable, reliable alternative.
Beyond the immediate financial advantages of switching to solar, it also means that you can invest in the long-term value of your home. Proven to increase the value of a property and make it more appealing when placed on the real estate market, solar systems aren’t just an energy saving choice, but part of a long-lasting economic strategy that offers economic benefits.
How do solar systems work?
Solar panels convert light from the sun into electricity, and are comprised of photovoltaic cells whose job it is to trap solar energy and turn it into electric power that can be used. With continual improvements being made to their efficiency, they are increasingly seen as a viable option for many U.S. homeowners.
As well as the panels, a solar power system is made up of a number of other vital components, such as an inverter to convert the direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) to power homes, and a metering system that’s used to monitor electricity being produced and consumed by the household.
Systems can be tailored to meet the roof configurations and specific energy needs of each property.
What happens when you want to convert to solar power?
The first step is to schedule a non-binding consultation with a local installation company, who will take steps to evaluate what your specific requirements and goals may be. At the same time, they will make an evaluation of how much energy your home uses, and what roof space the property has available, to ensure that the system fits in every way.
Then, your chosen installer will make a detailed evaluation of your home complete with 3D image (using specialist software) to reflect what it will look like with panels on the roof. While doing this, they will closely examine the roof, too, to ensure that it’s fully compatible with a solar energy installation.
Once these procedures have been carried out, a custom design plan is put into place, factoring in such things as the angle of the roof, its exposure to the sun, and any shading from other structures or trees.
Following on from the design phase is the permit phase. If you work with a good installation company, they should take care of every aspect of this for you, including the paperwork and regulatory requirements. Once the permits have been obtained, the system will be installed, and how big or complex the system is, will largely determine how long this will take.
After the installation process has been completed, the entire system will be checked and inspected rigorously to make sure everything is working as it should, before it’s connected to the grid. Finally, you’ll be advised on monitoring of the solar panel system, and how best to maintain it.
Financial savings and incentives
With a significant reduction in the cost of your monthly utility bills, you may even be able to sell excess energy back to the grid. In terms of state and federal savings, where you live will have a direct impact on the amount of money you’re able to save on a solar panel system, as each state has different incentives and rebates available.
Your solar installer will guide you on this, and of course, you can carry out your own research to see how much money you could save, too.
If you need to know more about making the switch to solar, local installers will be happy to talk you through their process, and guide you along it from beginning to end.
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