Justifying solar panel installation is simple. The promises of cutting expenses and fossil fuels are apparent, but taking action on the process could deter some. This comprehensive outline can guide any owner through the journey of solar panel installation. Each step is an opportunity to learn more about energy consumption, building structure and the impact of making the transition.
Get an Energy Audit
Property owners need to understand how much electricity they use before they can install an accurate number of panels. An energy auditor reviews the building’s consumption patterns and recommends an array that could reasonably support the occupants. They may suggest more panels than the building might use, but this is a contingency for poor weather conditions and generating excess.
An auditor is only looking at the building’s specifications. They may be able to provide insight into how panels can perform depending on the weather, but their area of expertise is identifying building use and potential overconsumption areas.
Do a Roof Assessment
Solar panels have a life span of 35 years at most, which helps solar panel clients consider what end-of-life management might look like. Fortunately, this timeline frequently correlates with the life span of some roof materials. Ideally, property owners should attempt to line up these replacements as much as possible.
A professional roofer can look at a roof’s condition and execute repairs that could potentially extend its shelf life. However, some owners may need to reconcile the timing, which will be mismatched. In this case, residents may pay more to have solar panels removed and reinstalled if the roof needs replacing.
Check Roof Orientation
In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing roofs get optimal sun exposure. Some buildings may want to consider a roof replacement simply to reorient solar panels for better energy generation. Panels can still be installed if a building faces a different angle, but orientation can influence energy consistency or require the building to have backup power.
Think About Landscaping and Hardscaping
Shading is another essential component of panel installation. If there are massive trees or other shade structures in the way of the roof, these need to be moved or cut. It is crucial to maximize sun, especially for buildings with suboptimal positioning. Property owners should ensure that future landscaping and hardscaping plans — such as installing an awning or gazebo — will not hinder an array’s ability to capture sunlight.
Schedule a Structural Engineering Review
Only some roofs are able to hold the weight of a solar array, and an engineer can validate this based on age, materials and slant. Older buildings require a structural engineering review more than new builds. Roofers may also be able to conduct an assessment, but structural engineering reviews can provide certainty. They can also determine if the grounding method can safely penetrate and hold the panels.
Receive an Electrical System Inspection
A certified expert should come in to inspect a building’s power system to see if it can handle a solar array’s output. Sometimes, this warrants upgrading an electrical panel before getting installers on the roof. Some contractors with specific expertise in solar panel insights may bundle essential inspections prior to solar panel installation.
Get Homeowners Association Approval and Required Permits
There are several administrative hurdles to overcome before installers can start drilling. Property owners will need to research if there are any local permit requirements before establishing an active construction zone.
Additionally, many homeowner’s associations (HOAs) have rules about solar panels. The board may need to approve the decision before the homeowner can sign a contract. If there is contention, homeowners can appeal and suggest changing the HOA’s regulations so future households can get renewable energy. One couple in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, attempted to petition unfriendly solar rules by working with like-minded board members to enact change.
Assure Financing and Incentives
Once the structural to-do list is out of the way, property owners can seek financing options. There are loans, leases and power purchase agreements to consider. This is in addition to rebates, grants and tax incentives on the local, state or federal level that could be available.
Owners should consider consulting with a solar installer first, as they are more likely to know what is possible compared to a lender who does not specialize in renewable energy. Doing solo research is also ideal, as homeowners can come prepared to meetings with questions and resources.
Select an Installer
Discovering the most reputable and cost-effective solar installer in the area requires time and patience. There are many factors shoppers can judge a company on, including:
- Online reviews
- Customer service quality
- Pricing and financing flexibility
- Comprehensive warranties
- Environmental certifications
- Equipment types
- Solar panel materials
Customers should narrow down options to a shortlist and get quotes from each provider to see how they compare. Shoppers should feel empowered to ask the installer any questions, including queries about material sourcing or concerns regarding negative reviews.
Review Insurance and Warranties
There are several documents to review before asking a provider for a contract. Contact a homeowner’s insurance representative to see if current agreements include protections for solar panels. If this is absent, consider asking for additional coverage or seeking a new policy that is more considerate of renewable generators. It could protect them during severe weather or if there is unexpected roof damage. The worst-case scenario could cause a loss of coverage for homes with solar panels.
Next, owners should contact the installer and see what warranties are available for the chosen panels. Typically, there are several types, including workmanship warranties and product-specific terms. Workmanship warranties only cover mistakes made during installation and some maintenance activities. Product-specific terms consider component failures or defects. Ideally, purchasers want warranties to include both.
Review the Contract
The next item on the checklist is likely the most intimidating yet rewarding — scanning the terms and conditions. Avoid companies that pressure customers into a deadline, as these may cloud decision-making skills. Trustworthy installers will give clients as much time as needed to review contracts.
Pay attention to details like payment terms, warranties, post-installation services and performance guarantees. Ask the installer to clarify any confusing language. If buyers are suspicious of transparency, they can review the contract with a lawyer to ensure the verbiage is fair and not misleading.
Apply for Net Metering
See if the building’s utility provider allows net metering, which can gain property owners credits for surplus solar generation. If connected to the main grid, the building can forward excess to support other customers. Providers compensate for the contribution, as it makes the grid more resilient and less prone to outages.
Property owners need to know how much energy they can generate on an average day and if they can make the numbers even better. For example, bifacial panels can generate 30% more than traditional arrays because a roof’s reflectiveness can get power from each side. Homes with light-painted rooftops may consider this because it could enhance net metering efforts.
Adjust Building Security Systems
Solar panels are an investment, with the average installation costing $16,000 or more. Consider installing security cameras if the building does not have them already. If they are already installed, check with the provider to make sure the sensors will not receive interference from any technology in the solar panels.
Plan for Accessibility
Solar panels should be accessible. Electrical crews will need to reach them if there are performance concerns or if the panels need a seasonal cleaning. Ensure there are no obstacles or areas prone to collecting debris that could disrupt work or cause safety issues.
Other Considerations
At this stage, preinstallation requirements are met, but there are a few other insights people may want to know beforehand.
Connections to Additional Devices
Property owners may want to expand the utility of their solar panels by having them do more than generate electricity. They can power other equipment like solar water heaters. These provide hot water by using the sun’s power instead of fossil fuels.
There are several types, such as direct and indirect circulation systems. The former includes a pump to send water throughout the building, which works well if pipes are prone to chilling to freezing temperatures. Indirect systems need a heat exchanger and refrigerants.
Monitor Post-Installation for Long-Term Care
Advanced solar panels frequently integrate with smart homes and include apps to have constant oversight of output. Residents should get into the habit of regular monitoring to catch pattern changes early to prevent emergencies, such as complete failure and loss of power. If owners see any changes, they can contact customer support and request a diagnostics crew to review panel health.
Cleaning and Maintenance Needs
Installers will also provide households with some education on how to best care for their panels post-installation. Attentiveness usually means removing debris like leaves, pollen or dirt kicked up to the roof from high winds. People can safely climb a ladder and clear areas without water by using a broom or microfiber cloth to remove any buildup. This will also reduce the anticipated 10 billion gallons of water solar panels may require yearly.
Solar panel maintenance could also mean doing systems checks to see if inverters and electrical components are at peak efficiency, which is automated and visible through connected apps.
If owners feel unsafe going up to the roof, they can schedule twice-yearly inspections with the provider. Scheduling these as regularly as possible will ensure customers get the greatest return on investment from their property’s solar array.
The Ultimate Solar Installation To-Do List
Getting rooftop solar is one of the most empowering decisions households can make for their finances and carbon footprint. It also allows them to obtain energy independence and contribute to a more sustainable community. The benefits are why the preparedness phase is so important to understand in detail, as many could skip pivotal steps. If property owners go through each process attentively, then their solar panels will become one of the best purchases they have ever made.