How to Get the Best Deals on Solar Panel Installation
Solar panels are an affordable and efficient way to reduce your energy consumption. They also add value to your property.
To start, you need to figure out how many solar panels you will need and their cost. You will need to consider your home’s electricity demand and the state you live in.
Cost
When it comes to the cost of solar panel installation, it is important to get a variety of quotes from reputable installers. Getting quotes from multiple companies will help you determine which company is best for your needs and ensure they don’t try to push you to pay more than you can afford later on.
Installers charge different rates for their services depending on the size of your home and solar energy requirements. A larger system will require more equipment, including the solar panels, batteries, inverter, metering tools and wiring.
The cost of solar panel installation also varies depending on the type of solar panels used. Monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film panels are the most common residential solar options.
Regardless of the type of solar panel you choose, the amount of electricity produced by your solar panels depends on the number of panels installed and how much sun your home receives each day. A larger number of solar panels will produce more electricity for your household.
Installation time
It’s a good idea to know ahead of time how long solar panel installation will take. This can help you plan out your energy savings and budget and avoid getting frustrated with unexpected delays.
Obtain Permits and HOA Approval
Before the solar installer can work, they need to get the necessary permits from your city or county, as well as your home’s homeowners association (HOA). The permit process is dependent on how busy local government offices are, so it can take several weeks to receive approval for a project.
Engineering Site Visit
Before your system can be installed, an engineer will visit your property to inspect the electrical system and make sure it’s ready for solar power generation. If there are any issues, you’ll need to fix them before the installation can begin.
This stage of the process is usually completed within a couple days, though it can vary depending on the size and complexity of your roof. Once the inspection is complete, your solar company will send paperwork to your utility company for them to give you permission to turn on the system.
Safety
Safety is a major concern for all solar panel installers. They need to take many measures to ensure that their work goes as planned and is completed in a safe manner.
One of the most important safety steps is ensuring that your team has the proper training and PPE to safely handle any job situation they may encounter. These include eye protection, protective gloves, and chemical-resistant clothing.
The most common hazards associated with solar installation are falls, electrical surges, and fires. All of these are very similar to those found in other electrical systems and can be avoided with the right precautions.
In addition, solar panels are hot and heavy, so they can cause burns to people working with them. This is especially true when installing or repairing panels. Workers need to make sure they have adequate safety gear to protect against burns and cuts as well as liquid solder splatter into the eyes. They also need to be sure their tools are properly insulated.
Warranty
Solar panel installation warranties vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Typically, these warranties are based on product quality and workmanship, but some also cover labor costs.
A solar panel product warranty ensures that your panels don’t have any defects in the material or manufacturing process. This can include things like poor insulation, faulty wiring, or corrosion.
Most panel manufacturers offer performance warranties that guarantee that your panels won’t lose their power output more than a certain percentage over the first 20 years. For example, Mission Solar guarantees that their panels will lose only 0.7% of their production value each year.
Solar panel performance warranties are a great way to protect your investment. However, you should always talk with your provider about any possible causes or conditions that might void your warranty.
