Solar Panel Professional Installation: A Guide to Getting it Done Right
Solar panels have become an increasingly popular way for homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on electricity bills. But installing solar panels is not as simple as buying a kit and putting it on your roof. To ensure the best results, it is important to hire a professional solar panel installer. In this article, we will guide you through the process of getting your solar panels professionally installed, from finding the right installer to preparing your home for installation.
1. Introduction
The decision to install solar panels is a big one that can have a significant impact on your home’s energy use and your wallet. When it comes to installation, it may be tempting to cut costs by doing it yourself or hiring a cheaper, less experienced installer. However, this can lead to mistakes that will ultimately cost you more in the long run. Hiring a professional solar panel installer is the best way to ensure a safe, efficient, and long-lasting installation.
In this article, we will walk you through the steps involved in finding the right solar panel installer for your needs, preparing your home for installation, and ensuring that your installation is done right the first time.
2. Why choose a professional solar panel installer?
Solar panel installation requires knowledge and experience in electrical work, roofing, and structural engineering. If any part of the installation is done improperly, it can cause damage to your home, injury to yourself or others, and result in lost energy production.
Professional solar panel installers have the skills and training necessary to handle all aspects of the installation, from assessing your home’s energy needs to secure permits and performing the installation safely and efficiently. They also have access to specialized tools and equipment that ensure a precise and accurate installation.
By choosing a professional solar panel installer, you can have peace of mind that your installation will be done right, and that your panels will produce the maximum amount of energy possible.
3. Finding the right solar panel installer
Finding the right solar panel installer is critical to the success of your installation. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an installer:
Experience: Look for an installer with a proven track record of successful installations. Ask for references and read reviews to get a sense of their reputation.
Qualifications: Check that the installer is licensed and insured and that their employees have the necessary training and certifications.
Cost: While cost is an important factor, it should not be the only factor. Be wary of installers who offer significantly lower prices than their competitors, as this may indicate lower quality workmanship or materials.
Warranties: Look for an installer who offers warranties on their workmanship and the solar panels themselves.
Customer service: Choose an installer who is responsive to your questions and concerns, and who communicates clearly and professionally.
Solar panel brands: Ask the installer which solar panel brands they use and why. Look for an installer who uses high-quality panels with a strong warranty.
4. Preparing your home for the installation
Before the installation can begin, you will need to prepare your home. Here are some steps you should take to prepare your home for solar panel installation:
Roof inspection: Your installer will inspect your roof to ensure it is in good condition and can support the weight of the solar panels. If any repairs are needed, they will need to be done before the installation can proceed.
Clear the area: Clear any obstacles or debris from around the area where the panels will be installed. This includes removing any overhanging branches, cleaning gutters, and removing any objects that may be in the way of the installation.
Electrical panel upgrade: Your home’s electrical panel may need to be upgraded to handle the additional power generated by the solar panels. Your installer will let you know if this is necessary and take care of the upgrade.
Obtain permits: Your installer will obtain the necessary permits from your local government and utility company before beginning the installation.
Coordinate with your utility company: Your utility company will need to be notified of the solar panel installation to ensure that they can properly credit you for any excess energy you generate.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your home is ready for a successful solar panel installation.
5. The solar panel installation process
Once your home is ready and the permits have been obtained, your installer will begin the installation process. Here are the steps involved:
Mounting the panels: The solar panels will be mounted onto your roof using racks or other mounting systems. The panels will be oriented and angled to maximize energy production.
Wiring and electrical work: The panels will be connected to an inverter, which converts the DC electricity generated by the panels into AC electricity that can be used in your home. The inverter will be connected to your home’s electrical panel.
Inspection: After the panels are installed and wired, your installer will inspect the system to ensure that everything is working properly and safely.
Turning on the system: Once the inspection is complete, your installer will turn on the system and ensure that it is producing energy as expected.
The installation process typically takes one to three days, depending on the size and complexity of the system.
6. Post-installation inspection and maintenance
After the installation is complete, your installer will perform a final inspection to ensure that everything is working properly. They will also provide you with information on how to monitor your system’s performance and perform routine maintenance, such as cleaning the panels and checking the wiring connections.
It is important to perform regular maintenance to ensure that your solar panels continue to produce energy at their maximum capacity. Your installer may offer a maintenance package or recommend a local service provider who can perform these tasks for you.
7. Benefits of professional solar panel installation
Choosing a professional solar panel installer has numerous benefits, including:
Safety: Professional installers have the necessary training and equipment to install solar panels safely and minimize the risk of injury or damage to your home.
Quality workmanship: Professional installers have the skills and experience necessary to ensure a high-quality installation that maximizes energy production and lasts for many years.
Cost savings: A properly installed solar panel system can save you money on electricity bills over the long term, and may also qualify you for tax incentives and rebates.
Increased home value: Installing solar panels can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Environmental benefits: Solar panels are a clean, renewable source of energy that can help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
By choosing a professional solar panel installer, you can enjoy these benefits and more.
How to install solar panels
Beyond the electrical wiring, installing solar panels means that you will be placing several heavy panels on top of your roof. Knowing how to properly install anything on your roof is a bit of an art form, and the hardest part is that you really only have one shot to do it right because once you drill that first hole into your roof, there’s no turning back. If you’re considering a self-install, do plenty of research on the type of roof you have, and its max load capacity, and measure 3 or 4 times to make sure you’re going into the right joist before you drill the first hole.
In addition to the technical expertise required to install a solar power system, you’ll also need quite a few tools including ladders and a good power drill. If you’re starting from scratch, buying all the required equipment will often cost more than a professional installation.
Lastly, don’t be fooled by websites that offer easy DIY instructions. These sites are often (conveniently) the same people that are selling you the equipment and they benefit greatly from selling directly to the end user, rather than selling to the installer at wholesale prices. These DIY instructions will often gloss over some of the important details, leaving you with a faulty or potentially hazardous install.
Read More: What to Expect From a Solar Site Installation Visit
An Electrician and a Carpenter
While the voltage coming off of the panels is fairly low and won’t hurt any more than licking a 9v battery, solar power systems will tie to a power inverter (which turns the low-volt DC into high-voltage, 120v AC power) and then connect to either the electric grid or a series of batteries.
Hooking it all up and running the wires can be a pretty complex job when you consider the fire and safety codes required whenever you are running power lines. It’s something that you can do yourself, but if you’re at all intimidated by swapping out a breaker in your electrical panel, then wiring a solar power system will be far outside your comfort zone.
Always use a professional installer for your work
You can still save money and use a professional installer. Try to find an installer that will come install a system that you purchase yourself. This will allow you to get the best deal and do your own research so that you don’t buy more than you need. Additionally, talk with your homeowner’s insurance agent and your roof installer to make sure that if you do choose to DIY, you won’t void your roof’s warranty or jeopardize your insurance coverage.
Conclusion
Solar panel installation is a smart and environmentally conscious choice for homeowners who want to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and save money on their energy bills. While it is possible to install solar panels yourself, professional installation is recommended to ensure that your system is safe, efficient, and meets all applicable regulations and standards. By choosing a reputable installer and taking advantage of available incentives and rebates, you can make the most of your investment in solar energy and enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable power for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about solar panel installation:
What qualifications should I look for in a solar panel installer?
Look for an installer who is licensed and certified, and who has experience installing solar panels in your area. They should also be willing to provide references from previous customers and answer any questions you have about the installation process.
How much does it cost to install solar panels?
The cost of solar panel installation varies depending on the size and complexity of the system, as well as your location and any incentives or rebates you may qualify for. A professional installer can provide you with a detailed quote based on your specific needs.
How long does it take to recoup the cost of solar panel installation?
The time it takes to recoup the cost of solar panel installation depends on factors such as your energy usage, the cost of electricity in your area, and the size and efficiency of your system. In general, most homeowners recoup their investment within 5 to 10 years.
What happens to the excess energy generated by my solar panels?
Any excess energy generated by your solar panels can be fed back into the grid and credited to your account, reducing your overall electricity bill. This is known as net metering.
What happens if my solar panels stop working?
Most solar panel systems come with a warranty of 10 to 25 years, depending on the manufacturer. If your panels stop working during this time, your installer should be able to repair or replace them at no cost to you.
By understanding the installation process and the benefits of professional installation, you can make an informed decision about whether solar panels are right for your home. With proper maintenance and care, a solar panel system can provide you with clean, renewable energy for many years to come.
