Having solar panels installed on your roof is not complex. It may be costly initially but consider the benefits you will gain from the investment as you transition from electricity to solar energy.
Be empowered by being informed.
Here are the seven steps you can do when switching to rooftop solar:
1. Compute your average energy consumption
This is an important step so that you can refer to experts about how many panels you would need. When availing solar panels, your household will undergo assessment as well.
You should have prior knowledge about your average energy consumption. This way, the experts will have an easier time with their assessment.
But how do you compute your average energy consumption? You have to check your energy bill for the past 12 months. If you no longer have the printed materials, check your energy provider’s website to see if you can still access the required data.
Knowing your energy consumption for a year will make it easier to obtain the size of a solar system sufficient for your requirements.
2. Set a budget
As you may already know, the upfront cost of having solar panels installed is not cheap. After learning about your average energy consumption, you can ask your trusted solar provider for an estimate of how much it would cost.
After learning about the price, you can decide whether you will completely rely on solar energy or if you can only afford to transition a portion of your consumption to solar panels.
You have to set goals not only with the budget. The solar installation must also be customized depending on your environmental, economic, and personal energy goals.
3. Check if you are eligible for solar panels installation
Do not disregard the idea of having solar panels installed if you live in an area with a lot of snow or rain. Never assume.
You have to speak to a solar contractor so they can assess your place. The installation will depend on factors such as shade or trees, historical sites, zoning laws, restrictive HOAs, and roof age.
4. Practice energy efficiency
Regardless of your energy source, it is always best to practice energy efficiency. You have to find ways to reduce your total energy use.
Once you have the solar panels installed, having lower energy use will speed up the process of gaining your investment back. The excess energy from the panels can be sent to the electricity grid, earning you rebates.
5. Choose a contractor
It’s okay to ask two to three contractors to come up with customized computations that will match your requirement and budget. This is like a bidding process, and you get to choose the one with the best offer. Ensure from the start that you are only getting in touch with those known for their good reputation in the industry.
6. Get connected to the grid
This is typically the contractor’s job. They will first contact the utility to get their approval if they can connect your solar energy to the main grid.
7. Recommend solar energy to those you know
The more people go solar and learn about clean energy, the better our world will be.