A residential solar panel installation can cost $25,000 or more. Although solar panels are cheaper than they used to be, they can still be tough to afford.
If you want to experience the benefits of solar panels, you should make sure that you know how to install solar panels correctly. Whether planning a DIY installation or hiring professionals, there are mistakes that you’ll need to avoid to make sure that your money is put to good use.
Here are 7 common mistakes to avoid when installing solar panels.
1. Skipping the Planning Process
If you’re attempting to install solar panels on your own, you need to make sure that you do plenty of planning.
You can’t just get started with installing a system right away but will need to get all of the necessary permits and will need to create engineering plans. You need to be sure that your panel setup will meet all city regulations and that you place your panels properly to get the best performance possible.
Make sure that you spend time on the planning process and don’t skimp on it if you want to be sure that your installation will be worth the effort you put in.
2. Not Being Concerned About Safety
Many homeowners fail to recognize how dangerous it can be to install solar panels. When doing any work on a home’s roof, safety is a real concern.
Particularly when installing solar panels, it can be difficult to maneuver and do the work. Solar panels may weigh 50 pounds and it can be tough to get up and down ladders. In addition to the dangers of working on a roof, there are also electrical dangers that go along with installing solar panels and dealing with all the wiring that will be necessary as well.
Failing to plan well and buy proper safety equipment can be disastrous, so be sure to keep this in mind when installing solar panels.
3. Installing Solar Panels On Your Own
Ideally, you should get professionals to help with your solar installation. Installing solar panels can be a tough process and requires a lot of labor and expertise. A professional solar contractor can help you get the job done right and ensure that your panels are installed to perfection.
If you go the DIY route, you should make sure that you have people helping you with the installation and setup of solar panels. Because of the potential safety issues and the hard work that’s required, having a friend help you set up solar panels on your roof is ideal and can help you handle the task.
4. Not Taking Measurements
Another mistake that homeowners make when installing solar panels is that they don’t think thoroughly about the space they have available.
A certain amount of space is needed to install solar panels, and some homeowners don’t have the area they need on their roof. In these cases, it may be necessary to consider another option, such as installing solar panels in the yard instead.
You’ll need to be sure to consider the space you need for the solar panels you’re installing. Take measurements and verify that you have the space for them before you get started.
5. Failing to Understand Your Energy Needs
A major mistake that homeowners make when installing solar panels is that they fail to plan for their energy needs well enough. It’s important to accurately estimate energy usage and to understand exactly how much energy you’ll need to collect through a solar panel system.
There are a lot of factors to consider when determining the size of the solar system that you need for your home. It will be necessary to think carefully about how much sunlight your home gets, how much power you use, and more.
A professional solar panel installer can help estimate energy needs accurately. However, you’ll need to estimate the energy needs yourself if you won’t be getting a professional installation.
6. Not Ensuring Solar Panels Will Get Enough Sunlight
Not only do you need the correct solar system size, but you need to be sure that the panels are placed correctly to get the maximum amount of sunlight.
Some homeowners fail to consider the placement enough and end up with solar panels that don’t get an adequate amount of sunlight. While it may seem like a simple mistake, installing the panels in the wrong place happens more often than you would expect.
Don’t make the mistake of placing your solar panels in an area that has too much shade each day. Your panels will be much more beneficial if they get enough direct sunlight.
7. Failing to Consider All Financial Options
Many people don’t install solar panels at home because they believe that it is too expensive for them. However, these days there are many tax credits and incentives that a homeowner can make use of to help pay for their system and get the solar panels they need more easily than ever before.
On top of this, many companies offer financing options that can make solar panel installation more accessible for homeowners who don’t have a large amount of money to spend.
If you want to install solar panels, whether DIY or with professionals, you’ll want to make sure that you understand all of the financial options that are available to you. Consider solar panel financing, and be sure to make use of tax credits and incentives to get the best bang for your buck.
Installing Solar Panels Correctly
If you’re interested in installing solar panels at home, be sure that you do it right. Make sure to stay safe when installing solar panels and ensure that you’ve chosen the right system for your energy needs.
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