Solor Panel Installation
Solar Panel Installation by Licensed Electricians
Installing solar panels is a practical way to save money and play a role in protecting the environment. You must follow the right steps when adding solar panels to your home. There are also some things you need to consider, like what part of the house the sun hits. What more should you know about solar panel installation?
How Solar Panels Work
A good place to start is with a basic understanding of photovoltaic (PV) technology. Solar power quite literally harnesses the sun’s energy to give your home electricity. The sun shines onto a solar panel, which converts photons into electricity.
The solar panel consists of PV cells able to absorb the photons. As they do, they trigger an electrical current that powers a home. Any excess goes into the main power grid to help fund the electricity you need at night. So you provide excess electricity to the main power grid during the day, and it gives it back to you in the evening once the sun is down.
Benefits of Solar Panel Installation
The most obvious benefit is it reduces your monthly electricity bill. However, there are less apparent benefits worth considering, too, such as:
- Protects future pricing by providing a renewable energy source. The more people that choose solar power, the less need there is for rate increases.
- Protects the environment. The current system of generating electricity also creates greenhouse gases that harm the environment.
- Improves the value of your home. Solar panels are something that potential buyers look for because they mean lower energy costs.
Between what you save in electricity and what you gain in home value, solar panels pay for themselves over time.
Planning for Solar Panel Installation
Doing your homework helps you make smart decisions about your solar power needs. First, you’ll want to get an idea of how much electricity your home uses. This will help determine the number of panels you need.
Home Efficiency
It’s an excellent time to review your home efficiency, as well. Before installing the panels, you want your home to be as energy efficient as possible. You might also need to upgrade your electrical panel.
Safety
There are safety considerations, as well. Solar panels are bulky. If placing them on a roof, you need to ensure they can handle the weight of the panels. Have your roof checked by a professional. You don’t want to cover a roof with solar panels if you will have to replace it in a few years.
If your roof can’t support the panels, they may have to go in at ground level, so you’ll need space for them. That may require some landscaping changes, too. You don’t want the panels covered by trees, for example.
Solar Potential
Next, determine your solar potential. Obviously, how the sun hits your home is a factor. Solar power doesn’t necessarily require direct sunlight, though. Most panels will absorb scattered light, as well.
Solar Power Needs
Finally, assess the amount of solar power you need. By examining your power bills and looking at your solar potential, you can get an idea of how much solar power makes sense for your home.
Solar Panel Installation
You should take a strategic approach to your solar panel installation.
Grants and Financing
Find out if your area has financial incentives for solar panel installation. That will give you some direction on how to proceed: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/canada-greener-homes-initiative/canada-greener-homes-grant/canada-greener-homes-grant/23441
Often, these benefits have set requirements you must follow when doing the installation.
Legal Requirements
Also, you’ll want to review the laws in your area about solar panels and even upgrading your home. You’ll likely want your solar system tied to the main power grid to help fund your electricity at night. If you don’t follow the rules for installation, they may not give you that credit.
Get Bids for Installation
You want to choose a qualified professional to install the panels and hook the system up properly. Make some calls and get bids for installation. The installer will want to come to your home and do an assessment to give you an accurate estimate. This allows you to meet with them and determine their qualifications at the same time.
Now is the time to save money by installing solar panels in your home. Call a licensed electrician today at Infinity Power to get started.
