Solar panels have become popular in the past few years, and many people are now investing in them. Due to advancements in technology, you can now acquire solar panels at a relatively lower amount. Plus, solar power is a more economical way of powering your home and business without negatively impacting the environment. But, before you decide to have solar panels in your home, you must consider a lot of factors. So, here are the tips before you start the installation process.
Can my roof support the solar panels?
Depending on the kind of roofing your home has, it can limit you from installing solar panels. If the solar panels are too heavy, they exert a lot of pressure on the structure. That weight might be too much for the roof, which could make it collapse. This can be dangerous for you and your family, not to mention costly.
However, you can mitigate such a scenario by first having a professional evaluate your roof’s condition, and then they should be able to advise accordingly. Get more information from reputable experts on the solar panels gold coast website.
How do I connect to the grid?
Solar panel installation isn’t as simple as it’s deemed to be. First, there is the issue of how you will connect it to the utility. Then you need to know if you’ll be paying a fee and the amount of time you’ll have to wait before the solar panel is hooked up before it can lower your electric bill.
Can the installer be trusted?
Solar power installation is a home improvement process, as well as electrical work. Check for credentials and the experience of the contractor. You don’t want to hire an unqualified individual who will come to mess up your electrical connectivity. For instance, you can request to see accreditation from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
Establishing a bond with your contractor is also crucial since they are things like maintenance that you’ll need their help with.
Do I need to repair my roof?
Apart from determining your roof’s strength, it would be best if you considered the condition of your roof. For old roofs, they might need to be replaced, or you can only repair the part of the roof that is damaged. Otherwise, don’t let them install the panels if you aren’t sure about your roof’s status.
Also, in case you’re replacing the roof, check on its warranty and that of the solar panels. If you can get them to be within the same time frame, it would be a good investment.
How much electricity will I require?
If you have a huge home, you’ll need many solar panels to keep your home running. A single solar panel emits 250W of power, so having ten panels that produce 2.5kW is more than enough. Note that the fewer panels you install, the lower the amount of electricity you’ll get.
A typical home consumes around 4800kWh of power every year, which translates to 14 panels. So it’s up to you to decide the number of panels you need.
Will the panels require shading?
One thing you need to know is that shading can really affect the amount of electricity produced. For example, if you shade one of the panels, all other panels will emit power depending on the shaded panel. It’s normal for the chimney to cast a shade on a panel during the day, but if the shading occurs at around 2 p.m., then the amount of electricity produced will be lower.
Thus, the panels need to be positioned in a way that they are free from any shade.
How do I get the best deal on the market?
When buying solar panels, prices tend to differ according to different brands. Therefore, don’t go for cheaper brands because they will not produce the amount of electricity required. Also, shop around before settling on one so that you have an idea of the price range. Low-end panels can also be less durable, and you want something that will last you longer.
Conclusion
Once the solar panels are installed, establish a proper maintenance method. In fact, you should talk to the contractor about the maintenance process way before hiring them. This way, if they’re unable to meet them, you can look for a different contractor.
Guest Blogger
Jim Pulman has extensive knowledge and experience in Home Building, Construction, and Design. He writes articles in his free time and partners with content creators to share his expertise with the online community
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