Solar Panel Installation: 8 Top Things to Consider Beforehand

Did you know that solar power contributes 3.6% to global electricity?

Are you looking to save money on your electric bills? Solar power panels may be the answer. But before you can consider going green, you must install solar panels.

While the panels are relatively simple to install, there are some things that you need to think about first. To learn more, just stick around as we bring you the 8 top things you should consider before solar panel installation.

1. Cost of Installation

Considering the cost of solar panel installation is a top priority for many. The good news is that the installation cost has been declining for the past few years.

The cost of system components such as panels has dropped significantly. This is essential when calculating the cost of solar installation. However, other factors need to be taken into account.

These include the size and type of the system. All of these costs should be considered to determine the best possible installation cost for a particular set of solar panels.

2. Select a Reliable Installer

Selecting reliable solar panel installers is integral to the solar panel installation project. This is because a lack of quality installation may result in subpar performance.

Proper installation procedures are critical to ensuring a safe and efficient solar installation. Researching and finding a professional to install solar panels who is certified and have experience with similar projects is essential.

The solar energy system's effectiveness largely depends on hiring a quality installer. Doing due diligence will go a long way in ensuring the project is completed and compliant according to industry standards.

Hiring a reputable installer will provide peace of mind and help maximize the solar panel system's performance. If you need help with solar energy, continue reading on blueravensolar.com.

3. Consider Your Property's Sun Exposure

Before investing in solar panel installation, locating your property's sun exposure is essential. This will determine how much energy you can generate and how much you can save on electricity costs.

The direction and angle of your roof affect how much sunlight it receives, and the ideal angle is facing true south and tilting at 25 to 50 degrees. If your home faces west or east, you'll need to consider if the available sunlight offsets the cost of solar panel installation.

Shade may also affect the sunlight the panels could receive, so it's essential to ensure your panels won't be in full shade for at least most of the day. Once you assess your sun exposure, you can consider other factors about the installation.

4. Prepare Your Home for Installation

Preparing your house for the installation of solar panels is important if you want to have a successful and long-lasting energy source. Start by setting up a home energy audit to find out how much energy your home uses now and what battery and storage choices might be available.

Check the roof, walls, and windows to make sure they are strong enough and in good enough shape to hold the weight of the solar panels. Make sure that the placement and orientation of the solar cells will allow the system to produce the most energy possible. If you think about these important things from the start, you can make sure that your solar panel system works the way you want it to.

5. Regulations and Requirements

Regulations and requirements play an essential role in any solar panel installation. Some local governments require permits for installation or may even prohibit rooftop solar panels. Check your area for any relevant building codes, zoning laws, or other ordinances related to solar panel installations.

As such, you should contact your local building committees to establish local governing laws. Additionally, ensure your system has the proper safety and performance ratings. As roof space varies significantly in size and shape, you should also check with your municipality whether they have specific height restrictions regarding how high solar panels can be installed on a rooftop.

Check out any incentives, tax credits, and net-metering policies put in place to help reduce the cost of your solar panel installation. Being aware of the relevant regulations and requirements will make the solar panel installation process much smoother.

6. Comparing Installation Methods

Before installing solar panels, it is essential to consider the options for installation methods and compare the pros and cons of each. The first option to consider is installing the panels on a roof or the ground.

Installation on a roof offers more design options and is usually more aesthetically pleasing, but it can also be more challenging to install and raise safety concerns. Ground installation requires more wiring but typically requires less maintenance.

Both types of installations can be affected by nearby trees and obstructions and must be adequately considered. It is also essential to look at the size and orientation of the panel, which can significantly impact the system's efficiency.

7. Maintenance and Warranty Options

Before investing in a solar panel installation, it is important to consider maintenance and warranty options. Check if the solar panel's manufacturer provides a warranty covering repairs, maintenance, and replacement parts. This will help protect the investment in case something goes wrong.

Additionally, it is essential to research which types of maintenance are necessary to keep the solar panel running at maximum efficiency. Some solar panel systems require annual maintenance and cleaning, while others may require more frequent service calls.

8. Assessing Your Local Weather Conditions

Assessing your local weather conditions is one of the top things to consider before solar panel installation. It helps you determine the size of the solar array you should install. It also helps to know the most suitable mounting system for your solar module.

Looking into weather data helps you to determine where to install the solar system. It helps to absorb the most amount of sunlight. It also protects from strong wind gusts, providing the highest energy efficiency.

Things to Consider Before Your Solar Panel Installation

It's essential to thoroughly research and consider the above eight factors to successfully install solar panels and get the most out of them. To ensure even further success and peace of mind, reach out to a qualified expert to help plan out the details of your project and maximize the investment in solar panel installation.

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