1. Contact A Qualified Solar Advisor
Our solar experts are qualified to fully evaluate your home to maximize your return on investment by switching to solar. We will guide you through every step of the process of switching to clean affordable solar energy.
2. Evaluate Your Current Energy Bill
Your current energy bill is a huge wealth of information that will help you and your solar contractor when designing your home solar power system. Your utility bill will tell you how much energy you use month to month as well as give you an accurate picture of your yearly average electricity usage. Keep in mind that future needs, like adding a pool or home addition, may increase your energy needs as well.
3. Roof Orientation
Is your roof right for solar power? In the northern hemisphere the Sun’s energy comes from the south. For solar panels to operate with 100% efficiency they must be pointed to the south, requiring a roof-top with an unshaded southern exposure. If your roof does not have a southern exposure you can still install a solar power system as long as it is scaled to make up for the lack of direct sunlight.
4. Structural Roof Inspection
Roof-top solar panels are really very light, but, it is always a good idea to inspect your roofing structure to make sure there is no existing damage that might compromise your solar panel installation. Water damage or insect intrusion may weaken your roof structure and should be fixed before installing a solar power system.
5. Roofing Material
Rooftop solar panels are usually guaranteed for 20 – 25 years, so it is worth considering the condition of your existing roofing material when installing a rooftop solar array. Most solar panel installations will easily accommodate roofing material repairs or replacements but if your roof is already 15+ years old you might want to consider re-roofing before a solar installation.
6. Out Of Pocket Costs
How much is your new system going to cost you upfront? There are many areas in the United States where it is actually possible to get a home solar power system installed on your home for absolutely zero out of pocket costs as well as lowered monthly utility bills guaranteed for as long as 25 years. Take advantage of all rebates and incentives available in your area.
7. Tax Credits and Rebates
Federal and State tax credits and rebates as well as local and utility energy rebates vary widely. These rebates are often combined to allow for zero out of pocket costs and long term monthly savings.
8. Solar Financing
Financing is a great way to fast track your solar power purchase. Once we have an estimate for your overall solar project from not only the solar panel and installation but also lighting conversions indoors and out, you can apply for financing, no obligation.. If your financing is approved we can start your project.
9. Choose Your Solar Contractor Wisely
Make sure your contractor is licensed for your area and is able to take care of all permitting and grid tie-in. Check references carefully, make sure your contractor has completed projects satisfactorily. Ask them if they exclusively install solar products and perform a whole house audits.
Home Solar Power Installation Checklist Wrap-up
The steps outlined above are general considerations to make once you decide to switch to home solar power. We have specially trained solar experts that will analyze your home using state-of-the-art satellite imaging as well as sophisticated energy usage analysis against the cost of energy in your area, as well as projected increases over the life of your solar power installation. We will use this information to pre-qualify your home. We are able to take care of everything on this checklist with the exception of the actual physical inspection of your roof absolutely free of charge or obligation.
