Solar energy provided over 2% of the total energy emissions in the United States in 2020.
With a push for our generation to be more environmentally friendly, it’s no surprise that more and more people want to install solar panels.
If you’re one of those people, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about solar panel installation.
1. Engineer Site Visit
After you decide you will make your home solar-powered, which you have researched and decided is right, you will need to have an engineer come check out the compatibility of the solar panels and your home.
The engineer will look at your roof and electric panel to ensure everything is up-to-date and looks good before continuing with the process.
Since solar panels are not made equally, the engineer will help you decide which size is best for your home.
2. Get Your Permits and Sign Your Paperwork
Just like any big financial decision, the solar panel installation process requires paperwork as well.
When you buy solar panels, you will have to provide net-metering paperwork to the local utility so that your solar system can be connected to the utility grid. This allows you to let the grid act as a “battery,” supplying energy when the sun isn’t shining, and absorbing excess energy created by your system to power other homes in the area- that excess energy is then credited to your account to be used when there is no solar resource. Some jurisdictions may also require the homeowner to sign of on the permitting paperwork. All of these documents should be provided by the installer with most of the information already filled out.
3. Ordering the Solar Panels
Once your engineer has checked over everything and you’ve signed your paperwork, it’s time to order the parts.
The engineer can help you decide which solar panel is best for you. They will help you choose based on a few different components:
- Durability
- Cost
- Efficiency
- Aesthetics
All solar panels have different energy supplies, which all cost different prices. On top of that, they may also look different, which can be a part of the decision that you make when purchasing a solar panel. You should talk to your installer and engineer to help you make an educated decision.
4. Installation Day
The day is here! Your engineer and solar panel installation company will be able to install the solar panels that you have chosen.
Your roof will be prepared, the racks will be installed, and they will finish by connecting the inverters to the solar panels.
The length of time it takes to install your solar panels depends on the type of solar panels and how many you are installing, but typically only takes 1-3 days.
5. System Inspection
After your solar panels are installed, you will need to have the entire system inspected by a government representative for your municipality.
They will ensure that everything has been installed correctly, the wiring is connected, and everything is up to code.
Start Your Solar Panel Installation Today
If you’ve officially decided that you want to start the solar panel installation process, you should get started!
You’ll have to go through all of the steps mentioned above. To make it easier on you, contact us to get a quote and help you along the way!
