Installing Solar Panels? Here are 8 Things you Should Consider

People across the globe are making changes to help save the environment.

Conserving energy is of vital importance. Instead of burning fossil fuels, people are always on the lookout for more sustainable materials to provide them with energy.

It’s not surprising that there has been a growing demand for eco-friendly products like solar panels. It seems like more people than ever before are installing solar panels to provide energy in their homes. These devices can help homeowners reduce the cost of electricity, and minimize their carbon footprint.

But before you start splashing the cash on brand new solar panels, there are a few things worth considering first.

1. What will Happen to the Solar Panels during Severe Weather Conditions?

If you live in a region that experiences regular storms, heavy rain, strong winds, and more, you might need to maintain the panels on a regular basis. If your solar panels get damaged during these harsh weather conditions, you will want to know how much the repairs will cost.

Although it might be difficult for the solar panel company to give you an exact figure on repairs, try to get a rough estimate. This way, you can prepare financially if something goes wrong.

Also, if your home is insured, consider speaking to your broker about whether or not they will cover the costs of the damage caused due to weather. If your current policy doesn’t cover solar panels, then you might want to invest in a new policy that does.

2. Connecting to the Grid

Another challenge you might face when installing the panels is how you are going to connect them to the grid. You will want to know how long it is going to take until the panels are connected, and when you will be able to start using them.

Sometimes, people are forced to pay fees when connecting the panels to a grid. Find out about the fees, and whether or not you will be credited for the electricity you have generated.

3. Should I Invest in the Cheapest Panels Available?

It might be tempting to purchase the cheapest solar panels on the market, but these inexpensive panels often struggle to provide your home with enough electricity.

This doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on the best panels out there, but to avoid being left in the dark, it might be worth spending a little extra.

Luckily, the price of new solar panels has decreased dramatically in recent years. They are around half the price of what they were a decade ago. You can pick up top of the range solar panels without breaking the bank, and many companies offer attractive leasing payment options that you might want to look into.

If cheap solar panels don’t provide you with enough electricity, it’s not the end of the world, but they could be dangerous. Inexpensive panels are known to catch fire, which will put you and your family members in danger.

4. Who will Install the Solar Panels?

Unfortunately, installing solar panels yourself isn’t an option for most people. If you haven’t undergone any training, you’ll need to hire a reputable solar panel installation company to do it for you.

Don’t assume all solar panel companies provide the same service. It’s highly recommended that you hire a well-established company to take on the task. Go online, and check out the different reviews posted by people who have used the solar panel companies in your area. A lot of satisfied and disgruntled customers like to upload information to the internet about the services they have used in the past, so you should have no problems researching the businesses in your area.

If some of your neighbors or family neighbors have had solar panels recently installed, consider asking them for advice. If possible, go to their home and examine the panels. If you notice that the panels haven’t been aligned properly, then it’s probably best to hire a different company. It is important that all of the electrical wirings are protected from the elements, so make sure they have done a good job. Most reliable solar panel companies will discreetly hide the wiring under the panels, which will provide an extra layer of protection.

You will want to have a clear understanding of what you are paying for. Consider asking the company’s employees to prepare a detailed quote, to avoid any hidden charges.

5. Find out About the Different Payment Options

During these unprecedented times, a lot of folks are in financial difficulty. However, a lot of solar panel companies offer their clients different payment options, so if you are not in the position to pay for the panels and the installation fees, ask to see if there are any other alternatives.

Lots of people lease solar panels instead of paying for them immediately. However, if you decide to lease them, it’s important that you understand how the leasing option works. Read the contract prepared by the leasing company before signing anything. If you run into financial difficulty, ask yourself will you still be able to afford the payments?

6. Make a Contract with you are Landlord if you are Renting

If you don’t own the house, then you might want to read your current leasing agreement before installing solar panels. Speak to your landlord, and if they are on board, ask them to put it in writing. Even if you have a good relationship with your landlord, things could turn sour all of a sudden, so it’s best to have an agreement written down and signed to avoid problems down the line.

7. Can You Install Solar Panels on Your Home’s Roof?

You will want to examine your roof thoroughly before investing in solar panels. If you notice that your roof is badly damaged, you might need to replace it over the next few years. Once the panels have been installed, taking them off can prove challenging. If you plan on repairing or replacing your roof soon, it might be worth purchasing and installing solar panels at a later date.

If your roof is in a shaded area, it might not get enough sunlight to power your home. It needs to be exposed to plenty of sunlight throughout the day to work properly, and it must be at the right angle to absorb enough sunlight.

If you are wondering if your roof gets enough sunlight, there are multiple videos uploaded to popular streaming services. Also, speak to the solar power installation company for professional advice. They will have the experience and know how to tell whether or not your roof is compatible with solar panels. However, they might suggest other alternatives like purchasing community solar.

8. Can your Roof Support Solar Panels?

You should also find out if your roof can handle the weight of the panels. Some solar panels are really heavy, and if your roof can’t support them, you might not be able to install them.

If the roof collapsed, not only will you be facing costly repairs, but someone could get seriously injured. This is another reason why it is so important to hire a professional to evaluate your home’s structure before investing in solar panels.