Every day, many people are getting on board with the idea of conserving energy and using more sustainable materials. One thing that’s becoming more popular with time is the idea of using solar panels as a means of generating power. It’s a surprisingly easy way to save money on electric bill while minimizing carbon footprint. We have put together some important questions you need to ask yourself before installing solar panels in your home. Answering these questions will help you know if you are prepared to use solar panels.
1. Do you have the right roof that can support solar panels?
Some roofs are better for solar panels than others. For one thing, if you think you may need to upgrade your roof in the next few years, it’s not the right time to install panels. Once they’re on, it’s very difficult to get them off to repair damage or replace your roof. Additionally, think about how much shade your roof gets and if it’s at the right angle to catch the most sunlight. Also, envision the future of your yard. If the roof is unobstructed now but you’ve just planted a lot of trees around your property, you might run into trouble a few years down the road. Be prepared to prune your foliage to keep the panels clear.
2. What panel option is right for you?
There’s more than one kind of solar panel you can choose from, so before you decide on which one to install, be confident that you know how to evaluate panels properly. The two dominant solar panels to pick from are photo-voltaic, which uses arrays of cells to turn sunlight into electricity, and thermal, which uses sunlight to heat water or air for use inside. Having this information at hand will help you know what kind of quality and efficiency you’re actually putting your money into.
3. Have you done everything you can to improve efficiency?
The amount of solar energy you need to generate depends on how much you use, so it makes sense to trim your usage as much as possible before installing a solar panel. Look into how your energy bills can decrease, conduct an energy audit and look for efficiency upgrades before you draw up blueprints.
4. Which installer should you go with?
Always do more than enough research on the companies around you when you’re ready to go solar. Look up customer reviews, read about their process online and call to ask them specific questions. Also, ask about their installation process. We are very open with our processes at Sygnite, so if you have any questions feel free to contact us. Solar panels should be aligned properly, and electrical wiring should be protected from the elements. Hiding it beneath panels adds an extra layer of protection.
5. Should you buy or lease?
Depending on your financial situation, you may find that you do better with one option over the other when it comes to buying or leasing solar panels. Buying your own system costs more up front but pays bigger dividends; leasing lets you access cheaper electricity with little or no money down, but the benefits are limited. If you lease, the company you contract with owns the system, and you pay them a certain rate for the electricity; when the lease is up, they might take the system away. When you own the system, it can keep working for you long after it pays off the cost of the purchase. If you need a reliable source for quality solar panels at the best prices, Sygnite is your best bet.
