Tamara Jude is a seasoned content writer with more than seven years of experience in research and content production. She specializes in the solar energy, home warranty, and windows categories. Her interest in home improvement began as a child, when she regularly completed home projects alongsidR Contact online >>
Tamara Jude is a seasoned content writer with more than seven years of experience in research and content production. She specializes in the solar energy, home warranty, and windows categories. Her interest in home improvement began as a child, when she regularly completed home projects alongsid…
Many homeowners are familiar with the benefits of solar energy, but few understand how the solar panels are installed on their roof or in their yard. We researched theleading solar energy providersand the solar industry at large to bring you this guide. We''ll outline the step-by-step process of installing solar panels, including necessary permits, required equipment, and final steps for activation.
Solar energy helps homeowners reduce their dependence on costly fossil fuels. This offsets electricity costs and reduces your energy bills. To determine whether installing a PV system is a worthwhile investment, consider the following factors related to your monthly electric bill:
Some states, such as Hawaii, Connecticut, and California, have higher than average electricity rates and high sun exposure, making those areas particularly suitable for a solar PV system. However, homeowners in areas with lower electricity rates may still benefit from the installation of a solar PV system depending on the peak sun hours and available incentives in the area.
Most homeowners opt for a rooftop solar installation to maximize their exposure to daily sunlight. However, these installations require ample roof space and may not be suitable for everyone. Here’s what to consider:
For homes in the Northern Hemisphere, a shade-free, south-facing roof with solar panels placed at a 30-degree angle is ideal for production. This is not to say that having a roof that is partially shaded, or east- or west-facing, puts a solar PV system out of the question. You may simply need to invest in more efficient panels or a ground-mounted solar system. An experienced solar installer can help you determine if rooftop panels are right for your home.
Research available solar incentives, credits, and rebates to reduce your totalsolar panel installation costs. These incentives, offered at the federal and state level, provide federal solar tax credits, tax exemptions, or one-time rebates to motivate homeowners to go solar. For example, the federal solar tax credit allows customers to claim up to 30% of theirinstallation costson their federal taxes.
You''ll need to legally own your PV system to qualify for most incentives. Paying with a lump sum or taking out a solar loan makes you the legal owner. Other solar panel financing options, such as solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs), keep the ownership with the solar company, resulting in a third-party-owned (TPO) system. It''s important to note that in cases with TPO systems, the TPO typically receives the incentives.
A solar company or consultant can help with the process of determining whether aPV system will benefit your home. Once this is established, your solar provider will analyze your energy usage and home needs to build the right PV system.
A typical installation takes one to three months due to the permitting and inspection process. When we surveyed homeowners about solar installations, 65% of respondents said the entire installation process took less than two months, from requesting a quote to activation. However, it’s not uncommon to experience delays due to paperwork, communication issues, or unforeseen problems.
After you sign an agreement with a solar company, a staff engineer will conduct a site visit. They''ll either be a part of the company''s in-house staff or a third-party contractor, depending on your selected installer. The engineer will evaluate your electrical system and verify its compatibility with your planned solar energy system.
The engineer will also check your roof''s integrity and its ability to support solar panels and mounting equipment. Depending on your roof''s design, you may need specialty mounting equipment to install your panels at the proper angle. Specialty mounting equipment may also be needed to ensure compatibility with your roof type.
You''ll need to make any necessary repairs before installation if your roof is in poor condition. However, the solar company will typically include the price of the repairs in the contract. You may also need to upgrade your electrical panel if your current electrical panel is not sized to accommodate the new solar generation.
Before installation, you''ll need to apply for all necessary permits and complete certain paperwork for your solar PV system. Your solar installer will handle most of this paperwork. Here''s some of the necessary paperwork:
Application time can vary depending on the area. Some permits are approved in under a week, while others can take several weeks or longer. Of the homeowners who participated in our survey, 35% experienced delays from paperwork and approvals. Check with your solar company for updates on the application status and approval.
Once your paperwork and permits have been approved, your installation contractor will set an installation date and order your solar equipment. Your equipment should include your selected solar panels and inverters, which help convert the sun''s energy into usable electricity. You can add a battery backup system or electric vehicle (EV) charger to expand your system''s capabilities and provide power in the case of a utility outage. Your installer will help you choose the best equipment for your energy needs.
On your installation day, the assigned installation team will arrive with all the necessary equipment. They''ll begin by measuring and marking your roof for the racking system. Any open holes in your roof shingles will be sealed to prevent leaking. The installer will then install the solar panels to the racking and connect the electrical wiring. They''ll also install any additional equipment, such as an inverter or battery bank.
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