How To Go Solar
Steps to Make the Switch to Solar
You have decided to switch to solar power but don’t know where to start. We’ve got your back!
From initial curiosity about solar energy to final installation, only a few steps are involved, and we have resources to help you at each stage.
Step One: Find Out If Solar Energy Is Right For You
Checking your suitability for solar energy is the first step. If you’re deciding whether or not solar energy is suitable for you, here are five questions to think about:
- What is your current monthly electric bill like?
- Where do you live, and do you own the house you're in?
- How solar-friendly is your roof?
- Do you qualify for any tax breaks?
- How much do solar panels typically cost where you live?
If our responses to these questions make it sound like solar might not be for you, please don’t discount the possibility of joining a solar community. If your roof isn’t suitable for solar panels, but your neighborhood is, you can still reap the benefits of solar energy through community solar.
Step Two: Gather Solar Energy Price Quotes And Compare
After deciding to go solar, the next step is to get quotes from various companies so you can make an informed decision. If you want to maximize your money and find a solution that works for you, this is the first step you should take.
It’s crucial to be as specific as possible about your energy consumption and property size when requesting quotes. Based on this information, providers can then give you a reliable estimate of the system’s size and cost. Inquire about the system’s individual parts, guarantees, and upkeep schedule.
The following should be taken into account when comparing quotes:
- System Size: Measure your energy needs against the sized system you are quoted. Too small of a system may not generate enough power, while too large may cost more than required.
- Cost: Examine each bid's total price, including labor, materials, and permits. Make sure you find out if there are any financing options.
- Equipment Quality: Compare the quality of the provided equipment in each estimate. Better quality gear might cost more but could last longer and perform better in the long run.
- Installer Experience: Look for solar installers with field experience and relevant certifications. Seek testimonials and reviews from satisfied customers as references.
- Warranty and Maintenance: Maintenance and Guarantee Examine each system's warranty and servicing needs. It is essential to have a reasonable maintenance schedule and a warranty that includes both parts and labor.
You can determine which system and installer are best for you by comparing quotes from multiple providers. Remember that going with the cheapest option might not always be the wisest move. When choosing, it’s crucial to consider factors like equipment and installation quality, as well as warranty and maintenance services.
Step Three: Select an Installer
Once you have several quotes in hand, you can decide which solar panel installer and system will best meet your needs. Many factors should go into your final decision, including the quality and type of solar equipment in your quote, the installer’s reputation, and the installer’s and competing systems’ prices.
Step Four: Plan Your Solar Financing Strategy
Choosing a payment method for your solar installation is as critical as selecting an installer and a system. Paying for solar can be done in one of three ways: all at once, with a loan, or through a lease or PPA (PPA). Each strategy has its advantages and disadvantages.
You can save the most money over the lifetime of the solar panels if you pay for the system all at once, but you’ll need to have the money available. Leasing means that someone else owns the solar panels installed on your roof. You buy electricity from them each month at a discounted rate relative to what you usually pay for electricity. A solar loan is a compromise between buying the system outright and paying for it all at once, as you own the solar panels but make monthly payments rather than a lump sum.
Step Five: Set Up Your System
Congratulations! The last significant step is signing a contract and settling on a payment method for your solar panel system. Now you can kick back and watch the solar panel installers do their thing on your roof.
Your solar company will come out for a personal site inspection before installation day and before finalizing your signed contract to verify the structural integrity of your roof and make any minor adjustments to your initial quote, such as upgrading your electrical panel. In addition, your installation service will initiate the process of filing the necessary paperwork for your system’s installation, grid interconnection, and any available incentive programs.
On the installation day, your solar panel installation company will likely send between five and ten workers to your home. This includes both the certified electricians who will handle all of the wiring and the solar panel installers who will be on your roof. In most cases, installing solar panels now only takes a single day.
After that, all you need is the green light from your utility and the incentive approval to turn on your system.
Conclusion
Solar energy is an excellent option for households and businesses that want to lessen their impact on the environment and save money on their monthly energy bills. Assessing your energy needs, selecting a reliable installer, and securing financing are just a few of the many tasks of switching to solar power.
You can save money and get a high-quality system that fits your requirements by taking the time to investigate and compare your options. Energy savings and possible tax incentives are two additional ways solar energy investments can pay off over time.
Going solar is an excellent option for anyone concerned about the environment and their wallet because it is becoming more widely available and inexpensive as the demand for clean energy rises.
Sun Services USA has covered everything from the initial site survey to the engineering design, utility applications, and installation. We will keep in touch with you once a week regardless of whether or not there have been any noteworthy developments to keep you informed. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or need help.