Being a homeowner means that you are constantly updating your home and maintaining your appliances, HVAC system, and making sure that your curb appeal lends itself to a positive reputation on your behalf among those in the neighborhood. If you live in a neighborhood, it is quite common to notice how your neighbors are choosing to decorate and care for their property and compare it to your own. One of the most popular home updates for the last quarter of 2019 is the installation of home solar panels. The reason for this is multifaceted. The average efficiency of a solar panel varies between 17 to 23 percent. In addition, the installation of home solar panels will guarantee that you will not have to depend on the local electricity grid to generate power for your home. You can count on saving money in utility costs and maybe even receive a tax credit from the federal government. So, what else do you need to know before you invest in the installation of home solar panels? This article will discuss several important things to consider before making the investment.
- Will your roof support the installation of solar panels?
One of the most important questions to consider is the condition of your roof. Will it be able to sustain the weight of solar panels? Is your roof in good condition or does it need to be replaced? It is advised that your roof be in pristine condition before installing solar panels. The biggest reason for this is that solar panels are costly and heavy and will need a stable surface to be installed. If you know that you will need to replace your roof in a few years, it is not in your best interest to install solar panels now because you will have to take them off in a few years to install a new roof. It is best to care for your roof, and then install solar panels.
You also need to consider the roof and its access to direct sunlight. Without ample sunlight, you will not be able to enjoy the full benefits that come from installing solar panels. If your roof is covered by trees or is overshadowed by buildings, you will want to discuss your options with an expert so that you can plan accordingly before the solar panels are installed.
- Should you lease or buy the solar panels?
This is a question that you need to think long and hard about as there are pros and cons to both options. It is no secret that solar panels are expensive and can cost upwards of $30,000. However, they will save you a great deal of money over the length of several years. While this may be the case, it is still a good idea to run a cost-analysis to determine if your household would financially benefit over the years to justify the expense today. Because the expense is quite drastic, some choose to lease their solar panels from a reputable dealer. One of the main advantages to the leasing option is that maintenance and upkeep is included so you don’t have to worry about that like you would if you bought the panels from a reputable dealer.
- Hire a good installer.
Choosing a reputable installer is key to the success of your solar panels. The reason for this is quite simple; if your panels are not installed properly, they could malfunction, perform inefficiently, or cause damage to your roof.
When choosing an installation professional, be sure to check references, read reviews, and contact several companies for a quote. Doing so will allow you to make the most informed decision which is important when making such a big purchase for your home. You will need to trust the installation company and be able to count on them for future maintenance and upkeep needs.
Conclusion
There are many things to consider before you invest in home solar panels. Before you begin the purchasing process, you will want to conduct research on the type of solar energy that you want to produce. You will also need to determine whether or not your roof, in its current state, can sustain the weight of solar panels for an extended period of time. If your roof needs any repairs, they should be done before the solar panels are installed. Finally, you will need to consider whether or not you will lease or pay for the solar panels outright. Both have cost advantages but at different times during the lifespan of the solar panels. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to hire a reputable and trustworthy installation professional to complete the job.