Things To Discuss With A Solar Contractor About Getting Solar Panels On Your Home

Solar power is getting more commonplace, and you may even find you qualify for rebates or other incentives when you make the switch to solar. Most areas of the United States have a climate suitable for using solar panels, so there's a good chance solar panels will work out for you. However, here are some things you'll want to discuss with a solar contractor before you make your decision to go solar:

How The Equipment Works

Solar panels can be confusing when you first start learning about them. Do research on your own to learn about different types of solar panels and inverters. Then, ask the solar contractor for advice on equipment and using solar energy. The contractor may have preferred brands of equipment, but it's helpful to understand what you'll be buying and how the equipment will function.

Whether Your Roof Gets Enough Sunlight

Find out if you'll need to remove trees to get enough sunlight on your roof. Then, make sure tree removal will be approved by your city. It's often possible to place the panels in such a way that shade trees are no problem, but if you have to pay to cut down trees then you'll want to know about it upfront.

If You Need A New Electrical Panel

Another thing that could potentially add to the process of your solar panel installation is the need for an electrical upgrade. If you have a newer home, you may already have a more powerful electrical panel. If your home is decades old and has not been brought up to modern building codes, then you might need to have a more powerful electrical panel installed for the solar panels.

If You'll Need A New Roof

You'll also want to have your roof inspected prior to putting on solar panels. This is done to ensure the roof can handle the weight of the panels and to determine if the roof needs to be repaired or replaced before the panels are put on. Solar panels can be installed on many types of roofing, such as asphalt, tile, and metal, so you probably won't have to switch the type of roofing you have unless it's something like slate or wood. The requirements taken into consideration are the condition of the roof, the pitch of the roof, and how much sun it gets.

Once these important matters are settled, you'll be well informed about solar power and whether or not it's suitable for your home. The solar contractor can order the supplies, apply for permits, and get the installation underway so you can start saving money on your power bills.