9 Things to Check Before Installing that Solar Panel

Do you see a lot of solar panels in your neighborhood? I’m sure you do. Lately, there has been an increase in the number of people opting for solar panels as an alternative source of electricity.

And this is great because, unlike generators, solar panels do not extend fumes or noise pollution across your neighborhood.

However, to get the best out of this option, there has to be many things in place. So before you go ahead with the entire installation process, here are a few important things you should check.

1. Your Solar Company

Research on the right solar company. Asides from the fact that there are many scammers out there, you also need to find the right provider for you. You don’t want to install and then start encountering several issues along the line. So research on the company, how reputable they are in the solar installation space, and how satisfied their customers are with their services.

2. Consider Quality Over Quantity

While you may be focused on saving costs, it is important to invest in quality panels as they are more durable and reliable. Cheaper solar panels can turn out to be less durable which can lead to safety hazards like a fire. The best part about going for quality options is that they will last and serve you for many years.

3. Lookout for Warranties

Warranties are important because if anything goes wrong with your solar panel or installation, they can be easily rectified without any additional costs on your end. So in your search, read through the warranties for solar panels, installation, and inverters. This will cover defective parts, shipping, and any other matter that arises during the specified warranty period. If there’s none, it means you'll have to pay for anything that goes wrong.

4. Get a Check-in from Your Installation Company

Some of the popular questions people ask before installing a solar panel are “How much will it cost?” and “how many panels do I need?”

The truth is the number of gadgets or energy consumption rate of your household determines how many panels you need to install along with other factors like the battery capacity and inverter.

So the best way to know this is to get an assessment from your solar company as they will be in the best position to recommend the right number of panels and tell you how much it will cost.

5.  The Contract

Well, like every other agreement and partnership, it is imperative to study your contract thoroughly before signing. Understand the financial costs, the ownership expectations, companies involved, and that it does not in any way tamper with the existing electrical structure of your household. Only sign away when you are comfortable with the details of the contract.

6. Can Your Roof Accommodate Heavy Panels?

Some roof designs are lightweight and as such can not carry the long-term weight of heavy panels. So to be sure that your roof will not collapse after a while, it is important to allow a professional consultant to assess your roof.

7. Do You Need to Repair Your Roof?

Sometimes your roof might have leakages or other types of damages. In particularly old houses, you may want to inspect your roof to avoid the need to remove your installed panels after a few years. If you find any leakages or repair points, consider fixing them before installation.

8. Maintenance

If you’re lucky, you can use your solar for up to 20 years before the need to change some components. Now, the only way your solar panel can last that long is when you properly maintain it. Ask your solar contractor about how best to maintain your panels. Then judiciously follow the instructions given.

9. Can You Really DIY?

While you might be tempted to do it yourself, it is highly advisable to stick to the professionals. Installing solar panels can be tricky and so when not done right, there’s a big chance that stuff can go wrong. From electrical faults to being safe on the roof and not creating further damage along the way. So kindly opt for a professional installer.

And that’s it for today. I hope this post has helped you identify important aspects of your solar purchase and helped with making an informed decision.

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