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.

The post Is Your Roof Prepared for Solar Panels? A Pre-Installation Checklist first appeared on BioEnergy Consult.

Why is solar power so popular in Australia?

There are a few reasons why solar power is such a big hit in Australia.

• For one, the cost of solar panels has come down in recent years, making them more affordable for homeowners and businesses.
• Additionally, Australia has a lot of sunshine, making it an ideal place for solar energy.
• And finally, Australians are increasingly interested in renewable energy sources, and solar power is one of the most popular forms of renewable energy.

How can solar power contribute to restoring our natural environment?

Solar power is a renewable energy source that doesn’t pollute the air like burning coal and other fossil fuels. It also reduces our reliance on greenhouse gas-emitting power plants, which helps to mitigate climate change. Solar panels installed on your home or business can help Australia reach its emissions targets set by the Paris Agreement. Other countries like Germany are already touted as renewable energy leaders!

But what does this mean for you? Should you invest in solar panels now or wait until they’re more mainstream?

Here are six reasons why solar is your best investment in the future!

1. Solar energy is a renewable resource that won’t run out

Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is a renewable resource you can harness indefinitely. As long as the sun continues to shine, you’ll be able to use solar power to generate electricity and heat. The fact that solar power is renewable makes it a more sustainable option than other forms of energy generation.

2. Solar energy is environmentally friendly and doesn’t produce harmful emissions

Did you know? Solar energy accounts for only 0.01% of global greenhouse gas emissions!

Compare this to coal, which accounts for 41% of global greenhouse gas emissions!

Fewer emissions are excellent news for the environment – and there’s even better news for your wallet since solar is becoming increasingly affordable.

3. Solar energy is becoming more and more affordable as technology improves

Yes, there has never been a better time to go solar!

Solar technology is advancing rapidly, and solar panels are becoming more efficient at converting solar energy into electricity. More efficient solar technology means solar will continue to get cheaper as time goes on.

One of the most popular solar technologies available today – thin-film solar – has dropped in price by 50% since 2009!

The cost of solar power installation per watt currently averages between $0.60-$0.70/watt in Australia (depending on where you live). In some areas, it’s even less than this! That’s a fraction of the cost that people paid just a few years ago for solar installations. And there are still significant solar incentive programs run by governments designed to reduce costs further if you choose to install a solar system yourself or through an installer.

4. Solar panels can be installed on most roofs, regardless of their shape or size

Think you can’t install solar panels on your roof? Think again! Solar panels can be installed on most roofs, regardless of their shape or size. This versatility makes solar a viable option for both residential and commercial properties.

Plus, the technology is constantly evolving, with new solar panel designs and materials developed all the time. So even if you’ve already got solar panels installed on your roof, there’s a good chance that you could upgrade to newer, more efficient models and see an increase in your solar energy output!

The future of solar power in Australia is looking brighter than ever – so make sure you get on board now and start enjoying the savings!

5. Installing solar panels can increase your home’s value by up to 20%

Installing solar panels not only saves money on costly electricity but also adds to the value of your home.

When homeowners install solar panels, they can bank on a minimum of 20% increase in the value of their property. That’s because solar panels improve your house’s energy efficiency and curb any concerns potential buyers might have about high electricity bills as well!

So if you’re looking to cash out when it comes time for selling your home – an investment in solar is one that will pay off right away!

Whether you decide to sell or not after purchasing solar power equipment, some people want proof that they’ll be able to save money on monthly utility bills – but how do you know this? One way is by getting quotes from multiple companies; comparing estimates with similar hardware/solar panel brands and sizes (capacity).

6. You can sell excess solar energy back to the grid for a profit

Want to make some extra cash? If you produce more solar energy than you need, you can sell the excess back to your local utility company! This process is called net metering, and it’s a great way to make some extra money each month.

All of these are excellent reasons to consider making the switch to solar power – but remember, not every home is a good candidate for solar. Contact a solar specialist in your area to see if your home is suitable for installation – they’ll be more than happy to help!

Start benefiting from free electricity

If you’re considering the idea of a solar panel installation for your home but are afraid it’s too expensive or that it won’t work in a few years – think again. Solar power is an investment in your future and is affordable for everyone! As experts in solar energy, we have seen firsthand how solar energy can change lives by helping families live more comfortably while reducing their utility bills.

Contact a solar specialist for a free on-site consultation so you can get all of your questions answered before deciding on going green with sustainable solar electricity from the sun.

Do you have a solar panel installation at your home? Have you ever had an issue with having solar panels on your roof? Let us know what you think about solar panels in the comments section below.

The post 6 Reasons Solar Is Your Best Investment In the Future first appeared on BioEnergy Consult.