How to Go Solar
If you’ve been thinking about going solar and don’t know where to start? This guide will help! There are some steps you need to take before going solar.
Step 1: Find out if you're a good fit for solar
There are five main key questions to think about to help you determine if solar will work for you:
How much is your monthly electricity bill?
Do you own your home?
Is your roof good for solar?
Are there tax incentives and rebates?
How much is solar where you live?
Even if your answers may seem like you’re not a good fit for solar, you can read through the answers to the following questions. You might still be a good fit for solar. Community solar can now help you take advantage of solar if your home isn’t a good fit for it.
Step 2: Gather Various Quotes to Compare
Once you know you’re a good fit for solar, the next step is to receive various quotes to compare your options. Many home owners only get one quote from one single solar company. This will keep you from making sure you’re paying a fair price and getting a quality solar energy system. You can save up to 20% if you compare different quotes. We suggest getting 3-5 quotes from different companies.
Step 3: Choose a Solar Installer
When you are done comparing quotes, it’s time to pick a solar installer and a solar energy system that will fit your energy needs. Make sure to compare the quality and the type of solar equipment in your quote. Take a look at reviews of the solar contractor you are thinking of hiring. This can give you an idea of how the company works. For more information please read our solar panel companies near me.
Step 4: Paying for Your Solar
Choosing the right solar company is equally important to choose the right solar panel system to add to your home and how you plan to pay for your solar energy system. There are various methods to do so: lease, loan or upfront. There are pros and cons to every method.
With a lease, you will not be owning your energy system or qualify for your solar federal tax credit, and you purchase your energy from the solar company each month at a discounted rate however, it will be lower than what you pay for electricity. A solar loan might be one of the best options, because you will be owning the solar energy system once it’s paid off but you will have to make monthly payments. An upfront payment, you will see one of the biggest financial savings over the lifetime of the solar energy system, however the downside is that you have to pay the system upfront.
Step 5: Installing Your Energy System
Once you have signed your contract and decided how you want to pay for your solar energy system, the installation step is next. All you have to do is relax and let your solar contractor do all the work for you and start the installation process. After you sign the contract the solar contractor will conduct a site survey to check the scope of work and inspect your roof to make sure it will sustain a solar panel system on your roof. Slight adjustments might be necessary such as upgrading your electrical system.
Once the job survey is complete, your solar energy system will be designed and the process of submitting paperwork and permits will begin.
When your installation date is set you can expect two to three days for the job to be completed, depending on the size of the system and if any problems arise. There will be a range of workers such as electricians and panel installers.
After that you will be receiving approval from the city and get permission to operate from your utility company and your system will be turned on.
That’s it! Congratulations on your new installed solar, you can start enjoying decade worth of savings and solar powered energy! Also, read FAQ's for your solar company.
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