Homeowners across the world are beginning to embrace solar power, and that’s a good thing. Solar energy is more environmentally friendly than the electricity that flows through municipal power grids. Once homeowners have paid for their new solar systems, the eco-friendly energy they produce is also completely free. Those who install grid-tied systems can even sell unused energy back to the power company to make money off their solar panels when they aren’t in use.
Convinced it’s time to get with the 21st century and jump on board with the solar revolution or want to check out more information on solar panels before making the switch? Homeowners can read on to find out everything they need to know about solar panel installation, operation, maintenance, and more.
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The Installation ProcessWhen homeowners work with reputable solar contractors to install their Arlington Solar Panels, they won’t have to worry about details like what kind of hardware to use and how to orient the panels. That doesn’t mean there will be nothing for them to do, though. Homeowners can take some steps in the solar installation process themselves and should expect to work with their contractors throughout the process. Here’s what it usually entails:
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Step One: Perform an Energy Assessment
Before even deciding if it’s a good idea to use solar energy at home, homeowners should perform an in-depth energy assessment. This energy audit should be conducted by a professional solar contractor, however, homeowners can do this themselves if they know what they're doing. The information obtained during an energy assessment will be used to help size the solar panel array and battery bank, so make sure it’s accurate.
Start by performing a home energy audit to determine what steps could be taken to improve the home’s energy efficiency. Use the information obtained from the audit to determine whether appliances and electronics should be replaced with more energy-efficient alternatives, find areas of the home that could be weatherized to ensure heating and cooling efficiency, and switch out conventional lighting for LED bulbs. These steps can help to cut back the household’s energy needs and reduce the amount of power that must be generated by the rooftop solar panels.
Before even deciding if it’s a good idea to use solar energy at home, homeowners should perform an in-depth energy assessment. This energy audit should be conducted by a professional solar contractor, however, homeowners can do this themselves if they know what they're doing. The information obtained during an energy assessment will be used to help size the solar panel array and battery bank, so make sure it’s accurate.
Start by performing a home energy audit to determine what steps could be taken to improve the home’s energy efficiency. Use the information obtained from the audit to determine whether appliances and electronics should be replaced with more energy-efficient alternatives, find areas of the home that could be weatherized to ensure heating and cooling efficiency, and switch out conventional lighting for LED bulbs. These steps can help to cut back the household’s energy needs and reduce the amount of power that must be generated by the rooftop solar panels.
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Step Two: Assess Solar Potential
Since photovoltaic solar panels rely on the power of the sun to produce energy, the potential of the solar system depends not just on its size but on how much sunlight it gets. PV panels use both direct and scattered sunlight to generate electricity, so they work even on cloudy days, but many factors influence a site’s potential for solar power generation. They include:
Step Three: Assess Options
The best solar options provide cost-efficient and convenient alternatives to using the electricity produced by municipal grids. They include community solar projects, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), taking advantage of solarizing programs, or purchasing solar panels outright. Some residential solar power systems are grid-tied, meaning homeowners can still purchase power from the municipal grid and sell back solar power that isn’t being used, while others are off-grid. There’s no one option that’s right for everyone, so consult with solar power installation contractors before deciding which direction to go in. Step Four: Estimate Solar Power Needs
This step can really only be performed by a qualified contractor with experience in solar power system design. That means to estimate the home’s solar power needs accurately, homeowners first need to perform a search for solar installers near me and choose a reputable vendor. While it’s fine to use a solar power system calculator to get a vague idea of what it takes to power different types of appliances and electronics, it’s essential to get an accurate estimate before beginning the design phase. |
Step Five: Understand Financing and Incentives
Homeowners can get a good idea of what it will cost to install new home solar solutions when they contact a contractor. They can also use a solar panel cost calculator to get an idea of how much it will cost to install enough panels to meet their needs. This can help with determining whether making the switch to solar is financially feasible.
Homeowners may also be eligible for a federal tax credit when they install a residential photovoltaic system. They can also learn about state, local, and utility incentives, including programs for solar buyback Texas homeowners can use if they install an on grid solar system. Many installers also provide financing to qualified buyers.
Step Six: Work with the Installer
If homeowners choose the right installers, they’ll have no problem finding the best solar panels for home use and determining what kind of system will best meet their needs. The installer will make recommendations, then base his or her design on the solar panel requirements determined during the energy audit.
Homeowners with aging roofs should plan to have them repaired or replaced before the installation company arrives. They should also clear space in the driveway for the contractors’ trucks and equipment. The solar provider will fill out all the paperwork for permits, contact the utility company for homeowners who want to install grid-tied systems or install a battery bank for an off grid solar system and arrive with all the hardware, tools, and equipment required to install the new panels safely. Just search for solar providers near me to get started.
Homeowners can get a good idea of what it will cost to install new home solar solutions when they contact a contractor. They can also use a solar panel cost calculator to get an idea of how much it will cost to install enough panels to meet their needs. This can help with determining whether making the switch to solar is financially feasible.
Homeowners may also be eligible for a federal tax credit when they install a residential photovoltaic system. They can also learn about state, local, and utility incentives, including programs for solar buyback Texas homeowners can use if they install an on grid solar system. Many installers also provide financing to qualified buyers.
Step Six: Work with the Installer
If homeowners choose the right installers, they’ll have no problem finding the best solar panels for home use and determining what kind of system will best meet their needs. The installer will make recommendations, then base his or her design on the solar panel requirements determined during the energy audit.
Homeowners with aging roofs should plan to have them repaired or replaced before the installation company arrives. They should also clear space in the driveway for the contractors’ trucks and equipment. The solar provider will fill out all the paperwork for permits, contact the utility company for homeowners who want to install grid-tied systems or install a battery bank for an off grid solar system and arrive with all the hardware, tools, and equipment required to install the new panels safely. Just search for solar providers near me to get started.
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The Bottom Line
Looking to install panel solar energy modules and don’t want to go through the hassle of learning the ins and outs of every available system to choose the right one? Contact Arlington Solar Panels. We are expert installers who can help you eliminate your home's energy bill, and do your part to decrease our planet's dependence on fossil fuels.
Call to schedule an initial consultation and FREE estimate TODAY.
Looking to install panel solar energy modules and don’t want to go through the hassle of learning the ins and outs of every available system to choose the right one? Contact Arlington Solar Panels. We are expert installers who can help you eliminate your home's energy bill, and do your part to decrease our planet's dependence on fossil fuels.
Call to schedule an initial consultation and FREE estimate TODAY.
(817)383-8555
Still not sure if Arlington Solar Panels is right for you, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page to see if we can help convince you that solar energy is the right answer for your home and high electricity bills.
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