In our earlier article, Finding a Solar Panel Installer, we discussed strategies for selecting a solar panel installation company. Before you sign the contract, we also talked about the importance of doing research and asking the right questions to your solar contractor candidate. Making the switch to solar doesn’t just come down to research.
The path to success is obvious once you have determined your energy output, found the type of solar panels that you need, and selected the right partner for the installation. It’s actually so obvious that you can easily cross the finish line of switching to solar with some smart checklists and tips.
This article will cover how to avoid making some of the most common solar panel mistakes, as well as a complete solar panel installation checklist.
What NOT to do when transitioning to solar
It’s a good thing for homeowners considering solar panel installation that there are more things they should do than not. It may seem obvious to avoid the common mistakes. Many homeowners make the same mistakes over and over again when they choose the fastest, cheapest, or easiest way to change. But you’re smarter than that.
You will likely miss these three tips on what to avoid when switching to solar. Let’s dive in!
MISTAKE 1
It would be best if you did not forget to hire experts to check the suitability of your home for solar. It’s easy to think, “I have a rooftop and power needs,” and that is enough to justify switching to solar. Please stop and go back to the first step of the solar switch process: determining the energy output potential.
Unfortunately, not all homes are well-suited for solar energy. Use all the resources you have to make sure that a solar system is right for your house.
MISTAKE 2
Second, homeowners focus on costs to their detriment. Solar panel systems can provide you with a great deal of freedom, control, and joy. It can, as long as your solar panels are not cheap.
Remember that most systems will last 25-30 years. Although they may be tempting because of their low prices, the cheapest options will not last that long. You’ll spend a fortune to maintain them if they stay that long. Solar panels are no different. You get what you paid for.
Don’t pay (and then some) more for this mistake. Discuss your financing options to purchase a system of solar panels that will meet your needs.
MISTAKE 3
The third mistake, and the biggest of all, Is trying to buy and install solar panels yourself.
Would you ever put on your sleeve and wire your house all by yourself? You wouldn’t. You would hire a professional. It’s the same when you switch to solar power. Even the most accomplished DIYer should respectably keep their hands off of solar power. It’s all about performance and energy.
It would be best if you had an installer. Do not choose a group of friends to install your software on a Saturday afternoon. Please hire a licensed installer. Doing it yourself, aside from the safety aspect, can result in multiple dangers to your home and costly financial losses. You want to invest in solar energy because you’ll save money.
Your Checklist for Switching to Solar
You may need to make a simple list.
- Learn about the energy efficiency of your home.
- Find out your home’s Solar Number Score and any obstacles or restrictions that may affect your installation.
- Imagine your energy requirements in 10, 20, and 30 years.
- Examine the solar panels and batteries available on the market. It is important to make sure that your final choice meets all of your energy needs and expectations.
- Understand the costs of switching to solar.
- Verify the solar panel system incentives that you may be eligible for at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Understanding your financing options is important.
- Choose the panels and system components that best suit your budget and energy requirements.
- Installers will bid on your job if you do some research.
- Discussion of costs and options related to solar panel maintenance.
- You can lock in a maintenance schedule or plan for solar panels.
- Finalize the agreement with your installer and complete the installation.
- Think back to your past and ask yourself, “How could I have lived without solar energy?”
Take-Aways
This checklist and avoiding these mistakes will ensure that you are satisfied with your solar system for literally decades. Before you know it, your neighbors and friends will be praising you for switching to solar.
In 2007, we began our solar panel fanaticism. We then began spreading the word about how solar energy can be a great source of freedom, especially when it is well-researched, carefully planned, and professionally installed.
Since then, we have connected with thousands of homeowners who were once right where you are today — on the brink of making the best decision of their lives. We (and others in the solar community) will welcome you to your new solar-powered life and help make it as smooth as possible.