The decision to switch to solar energy is wise. Solar energy is now more accessible than ever and can provide a sustainable and reliable energy source. But before you can reap the benefits of solar energy, you’ll need to go through the solar installation process. In this blog post, we’ll explain what you can expect after solar installation is complete, so you can make an informed decision before making the switch.
Introduction to solar installation
Solar installation is placing solar panels on your roof or yard to capture sunlight and convert it into energy. This energy can power your home, reducing or eliminating your reliance on electricity from the grid. Depending on the scope of work, installing solar panels can be a process, but the long-term benefits can be worth the effort.
Solar installation process
The solar installation process typically begins with assessing your home’s energy needs. This assessment will help you determine the size and type of solar system you need and the roof and space you have available for the panels. Once you have a plan, you can prepare for the installation.
The solar installation process typically involves the following steps:
- Installing the racking system: which holds the solar panels in place.
- Installing solar panels: which capture sunlight and convert it into energy
- Connecting the solar panels to an inverter: converts the energy into usable electricity.
- Installing a monitoring system: tracks the solar system’s performance and allows you to adjust as needed.
How to prepare for solar installation
Before you begin the solar installation process, ensuring you have the right equipment and team in place is essential. You’ll need to hire a qualified solar installer to help with the installation process and secure necessary permits from your local state. Once the installer is hired, discuss the installation process and timeline. This will help you understand what to expect during the installation and will help you plan for any potential delays.
What to expect during installation
The solar installation process typically takes a few days, depending on the size and complexity of the system. During installation, your installer must access your roof, so it’s crucial to ensure the area is clear. The installer will also likely need to run wiring to connect the solar panels to the inverter, and you may need to provide access to your electrical panel.
Once the installation is complete, your installer must perform a system performance test to ensure the system is operating correctly.
What to expect after solar installation
After the solar installation, you can enjoy the benefits of your new solar system. Depending on the size and type of system you have installed, you can generate enough energy to reduce or eliminate your reliance on the grid.
Your solar system will also have a monitoring system that will allow you to track the system’s performance and make any necessary adjustments. This system will also help you identify any potential issues with the system and alert you if any maintenance issues occur.
Post-installation maintenance
It’s important to perform regular maintenance on the system to ensure it is operating at peak performance. This includes checking the system for any damage or wear or tear and ensuring the panels are clean and debris-free.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the warranties of your solar system components, as they may need to be renewed or replaced over time. This is especially important for the inverter.
Solar Energy tax incentives
In addition to the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy, several tax incentives are available for homeowners and businesses who switch to solar power. These incentives can offset the installation cost and make solar energy even more affordable.
In the United States, the federal government offers several tax incentives for solar energy, including the Solar Investment Tax Credit and the Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit (RETC).
Solar installation costs and savings
The solar installation cost will vary depending on the size and complexity of the system. Generally, the larger the system, the higher the price. It’s important to consider the long-term savings you’ll get from switching to solar energy, as this can help offset the upfront costs of the installation. In addition, you can also take advantage of net metering, which allows you to sell excess energy back to the grid, further reducing your energy costs.
How much will you save?
How much you save will depend on your area’s electricity cost. It’s important your system is rightly sized for energy needs. We at DroneQuote, suggest you install oversized solar panels. No matter how you look at it, your energy consumption will increase in the future, especially if you already have a system installed. Oversizing will cost less than adding more solar panels later, so do it now before regretting not doing so.
One homeowner shared their experience with getting solar and batteries. In a Reddit comment, user TurnoverNo5026 said they had eliminated their power bill. A good portion of their saving comes from having batteries they use to power their home in the evenings and during outages.
They said they used to pay $600/month in summer and $300/month in winter. They are in the Tri-Valley in California area and have run their A/C for over 100 days. After solar installation, they keep the A/C running but pre-cool their home in the late morning to early afternoon. And raise the temperature from early evenings to evenings when the electricity rates are higher. Then around 9pm, the thermostat goes down to keep their house cool for the rest of the night.
They also said they use gas heat, stoves, and an on-demand water heater. Their gas bill runs up to $300/mont in the winter and around $20/month in the summer.
Buy Solar Panels and Save with DroneQuote
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Our industry-first approach puts you in control, providing you with before and after photos from a trusted third party who have your best interests at heart. We help people buy solar and roofs, so they don’t get sold. Get started for free at DroneQuote.net and see how easy it is with us.