Top 6 Important Factors to Take Into Account When Installing Solar Panels

Every serious purchase and important decision that you make for your home requires careful planning and thorough considerations. Purchasing and installing your solar panels is a large investment that you must carry out after extensive research. Here are a few factors that you should consider before installing solar panels in your home or business.

Your home

You should determine the number of years that you are planning to live in your current house. This is because it will take about 5 to 6 years before the solar panel investment pays off. Even though you will experience tremendous reductions in electricity bills, purchase of panels and installation is not cheap, and the total cost will be high. Solar is a great investment if you are planning to live there for long and not for those who are constantly on the move.

Power consumption

It is crucial for you to know the amount of energy that you need to power your house. This is because every household consumes varying energy amounts depending on the number of people and the devices used. Lower consumption will need fewer panels, while higher consumption will require more panels. You can use your power bills to determine the amount of energy that you consume every month.

Roof type

The type of roof that you have is a crucial aspect to consider before installing solar panels. Houses tend to have different types of roofing, and some of them may not be suitable for mounting these panels. Even though solar panels can be set up for almost every type of roof, some cases may require extra costs and additional efforts.

Location

The amount of direct sunlight is a crucial factor that will determine the type and quantity of sun energy solar panels that will be used. The region that you live in is an important consideration. However, tall trees and buildings can also affect the sun exposure of your panel. The more the hours that your solar panels are fully exposed to sunlight, the more the energy produced.

Permits

Before installing any solar panels, you should consider the relevant regulations regarding building permits in your location. This is because you risk being fined or having to redo the entire system if you do not have the necessary building permits. Since building rules and regulations differ from state to state, you should ensure that you adhere to those that apply to your locality.

Financing options

Even though solar panels can be quite beneficial, the cost of purchasing and installing them can be quite high. If you have the money, you can pay upfront for your panels to be installed. However, if you are short on finances, you can opt to get solar loans to fund your project. Homeowners can also lease the solar array and pay a monthly fee to the solar company.

Solar energy offers a myriad of benefits to homeowners. However, the company that you choose will make or break your solar experience. Make sure that you always opt for professionals who provide solid warranties of not less than 10 years. Make sure that they are bonded and licensed by relevant authorities and do not have any complaints filed against them.