Solar energy is becoming the go-to option for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprints. The United States produces enough solar power to provide electricity to over 3.4 million homes. Investing in solar panel installation looks like a dream come true on paper.
It’s a way to help the environment, gain energy independence, and save money with one investment. Your family will enjoy clean energy for decades after making the switch to solar.
Still, there’s much to learn to have the full scope of what to expect when you invest in solar panels for your home. The good news is that you’ve come to the right guide to learn what to expect, what you’ll pay, and the benefits of your investment. Continue reading to decide if a solar installation is the ideal fit today!
What is the Solar Panel Installation Process?
Investing in solar panels for your home’s energy needs is a step toward lowering your carbon footprint. It’s a significant investment, and knowing what to expect with the steps you’ll take before connecting your panels to your home’s power system is vital.
The process requires designing the system and obtaining the necessary permits. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare for everything after completing your purchase.
Design Stage
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule when designing a solar energy system for your home. You need to find the panels that fit your needs and build a system that provides ample power.
Start by measuring the amount of electricity your family uses per month. Begin tracking your usage a few months before getting your panels to weigh the averages. It’s the best way to create a system that covers your needs.
Get Permits
The next step involves getting the necessary permits to install and operate your solar installation. Working with a reputable solar installation company eliminates much of the heavy lifting for your clean energy installation.
The company will evaluate your property to determine if the design is feasible. From there, they’ll contact local government offices to get the permits for your solar energy needs.
Installation
After getting your permits, you’ll receive the green light to install your home’s inverter and solar panel. The installation team will install racking to hold the solar panels on your roof. They’ll test each rack’s security to ensure your household’s safety.
The panels will be installed on the racks and tested for security. After confirming that the solar panels are secure, the installer will install the inverter and connect it to the power lines from your panels.
Expect the process to take between two and four days. Larger systems take longer to install.
Inspection
The local government will want to inspect your system for safety issues or zoning violations after installation. You’ll need to pass these inspections before you can begin collecting power from the sun for your home’s power needs. The Building Inspector will grant final approval; at this point, you can flip the switch and begin collecting clean energy.
Energize the Solar Installation
When the Building Inspector gives the go-ahead, you can flip the switch and begin using solar energy to power appliances, lights, and more. It’s an exciting moment after the time and anticipation of planning and installing the system.
How Much Does Solar Installation Cost?
The average solar panel installation costs $17,000, though the price tag looks more daunting than the total cost of getting solar panels. You’ll gain access to several incentive programs from your local, state, and federal government.
These incentives encourage homeowners to switch to solar for their power needs. The federal government offers a credit of 30 percent of your solar installation’s cost. It’s an excellent way to save money while making a difference for the environment.
It’s worth noting that a more extensive system will cost more. Factors determining the cost include location and access to sunlight. If your home is in a shady area, you’ll need more panels to collect the energy to cover your needs.
Benefits of Solar Panel Installation
Understanding the benefits you’ll enjoy after installing solar panels is essential before making a substantial investment. It’s a step toward a clean and healthy planet, but the benefits extend to your family and finances. Here’s a deeper dive into the benefits of using solar energy.
Clean Energy
When you use solar to power your home, you use clean energy that doesn’t harm the environment. Getting electricity from the power grid requires damming rivers and burning fossil fuels.
Both options cause significant damage to nature and the air. You’ll do your part to make a difference with your switch to solar.
Maintenance
Solar panels require little maintenance during your ownership period. The most you’ll need to do is clean and inspect your panels a few times annually. It’s best to hire professionals to clean and repair your panels.
Renewable Energy Source
Your home will continue collecting power from the sun as long as the sun continues burning. It’s one of the few renewable energy sources on the planet, and you can harness it to provide electricity for your family when you invest in solar panels.
Cost Savings
Energy bills are rising nationwide, and there are few legitimate solutions. One option to consider is switching to solar. You’ll save money by disconnecting from your local power grid.
If your solar system collects a surplus of energy, you can sell the surplus to the electric company to make passive income. It’s one of the best ways to save money while reducing your carbon footprint.
Consider a Solar Panel Installation for Your Home
A solar panel installation is the ideal upgrade for homeowners who want to use clean energy and reduce their carbon footprint. Work with a reputable solar installation brand for your conversion, and know what to expect for the process and timeline. You’ll enjoy benefits like cost savings, renewable energy, and little maintenance.
Solar panels are one of the best investments to improve your home and add to its curb appeal. Read our Home and Garden content for inspiration and ideas to improve your home today!
