Are you excited about purchasing a new solar-powered system for your home, but you’re worried you will make a mistake? Solar is a relatively new technology, so it’s essential to learn what you need for your home.
Solar energy provided over 2 percent of total electricity in the US last year, and that percentage is growing quickly.
If you want to be more sustainable, going solar is a great way to go. Here are some valuable tips to help you avoid the most common mistakes people make when installing a solar-powered system.
Choose the Right System Size
Selecting the right system size seems simple at first, but there are several factors to consider. The best solar company in your area will understand how your climate will affect the efficiency of your system.
If you have a shady installation site, there will be a drop in your system’s efficiency, which is a factor when selecting your system size. Panel orientation is also important, and your solar installers will assist you.
The size of your battery bank needs to match your charging source, especially if your system is off-grid. Both overcharging and undercharging your batteries can end badly.
Apply for All Available Incentives
There are quite a few incentives available for homeowners installing solar panels. The federal tax credit is quite generous, and when you combine it with state or utility credits or rebates, you can save quite a bit of money on your installation and purchase.
Maintain Your Net Metering Ability
Net metering allows you to receive credit from your utility company for any extra electricity you produce but don’t use. If you make the mistake of signing up with a third-party electric supplier, you lose that ability.
Banking your electricity and repurchasing it from your utility company later when you need it saves you money.
Contact a Professional
A smart homeowner will contact a professional. If you try to purchase the parts and assemble your system, you can have an inefficient mess.
A solar expert will design and install the right system for your home. They will take into account all of your present and future needs.
Consider Warranties and Maintenance
Solar systems do require regular maintenance to perform well. Often your manufacturer’s warranty requires it to remain in effect, and that’s common in the solar industry.
If your installer is providing you with a warranty on the installation, evaluate the longevity of their business. If you are confident they will be in business during the warranty, you can rely on it.
Install Your Solar-Powered System With Confidence
Once you understand the pitfalls that can come with a solar-powered system, you will take steps to avoid them. That will ensure you’re happy with your investment and your step toward sustainability.
We hope you found the answers you needed in this article. Be sure to use the simple search feature to check out more tips for solar panel installations. You can find more helpful advice on the Home and Garden tab as well.
