Below are a few tips on how you can prep your home for a solar panel installation:
Check for and Do Any Required Repairs and Maintenance
Before installing solar panels in your home, you need to check your roof for any damages. Check out the gutters, vents, and fascia. Look out for any leaks, cracks, or holes and make sure they are repaired or sealed. It is necessary to ensure that water does not damage the solar panels. You also want to check the distance between your home and the power lines because this will be an important consideration when installing solar panels in your home.
Test Your Home Before Making Any Major Modifications or Decisions
To ensure that your solar panels are installed correctly, you need to inspect your roof and home. It ensures that the house is structurally sound for the installation process. It is also a great time to test the placement of your solar panels to determine whether they are good areas for maximum sunlight exposure.
Also, it is the best time to seek roof certification as it will verify whether your roof can sustain solar panels. The certification process will entail professionals inspecting the roof for any damages or defects that could pose a safety hazard in the future. After completion, you will get feedback on whether your roof is safe, or it needs repairs.
Ensure the Roof Is Facing the Correct Direction
Most solar panels are designed to face the south direction. If you do not want any shadows from trees, hills, or other obstacles to affect your panels, make sure your roof is in the correct direction. If there is no way for you to change the direction of your roof and it faces north, you will need to find a workaround.
Also, remember to check whether there are any obstructions on your roofs. These are things like lightning rods or air conditioners that might interfere with the installation of solar panels.
Decide on the Number of Solar Panels to Install
The amount of power you need will determine how many solar panels you need to install. For example, if you need between 100W and 200W of power, you will need between two and four solar panels. The number of solar panels needed will depend on the size of your roof area and the number of days of cloudy weather.
Investigate Feed-in Tariffs
Feed-in tariffs are a standard rate that your utility company pays you for your solar panels’ power. If you are considering investing in solar panels, ensure that you have all the information needed to make an informed decision. For example, what happens if there is too much sun, and you cannot use all the power being produced? You do not want to be stuck with a monthly bill for the power you are not using.
Choose Solar Panels That Fit Your Budget and Needs
It is good to do some research before committing which solar panels to purchase. You need to check out the efficiency ratings of different brands and shop around for affordable prices. Remember, there is no point in buying the most expensive solar panels when you do not require such a high amount of power.
Contact Your Local Authorities for Permits and Instructions
Visit or call your local authorities to get the necessary permits before installing solar panels. Also, make sure to hire a licensed solar panel installation company to do the work for you.
Keep Your Eye on the Future
Remember that changes in technology may mean that you need to change some of your more recent purchases. For example, if a new battery technology replaces current batteries, it might be time for you to upgrade your solar panel investment. The point is, do not consider a purchase as permanent.
Enquire About Grants and Subsidies
Most solar panel installations are free to take advantage of government grants, rebates, and subsidies. For example, if you get a new house with many windows, you can check for solar panel installation grants that can benefit you.
Solar panels are great for saving on electrical costs, but they are not a silver bullet. Other home appliances and facilities, such as air conditioning and heaters, require regular maintenance and repairs. Consider the long-term cost of maintaining your solar panels rather than avoiding them entirely. It is important to have someone with expertise and experience in all the details that go into installing solar panels.
