How to Prepare Your Home for Solar Energy Installation

Solar energy is considered one of the most important solutions to combat climate change. It's also a great way to save money on your monthly electricity bill and improve your home's value. But before you can reap these benefits, you need to prepare for solar installation by following these simple steps.

1. Calculate How Much Power You Need

Not everyone needs the same amount of solar power. To figure out how much power you need, start by looking at your electricity bill and find the average kWh used each month. Then, multiply this number by the number of days in a year to get your yearly usage.

2. Research Local Solar Installers

Solar energy installation is a big project. That's why homeowners should ensure their solar company has the experience and resources to complete successful installations at a reasonable price.

3. Understand Your Financing Options and Secure One

Not everyone has the upfront cash to purchase solar panels outright. Thankfully, several financing options are available that can help homeowners pay for their solar installation over time. Understand the benefits of each type of financing as well as any associated costs.

4. Get Permits and Approvals

Most solar installations will require permits and approval from your city or town. Ensure you understand the process and have all the necessary paperwork ready to submit to your local government. This will help avoid unnecessary delays.

5. Assess Your Home's Structure and Make Necessary Upgrades

Before installing solar panels, you must ensure that your roof is sturdy enough to support the additional weight. One of the most common issues homeowners have with installing solar panels is determining if their roofs are strong enough to support them.

If your roof isn't structurally sound, you may need to make some upgrades to it before the solar energy installation can occur. This will help ensure the panels are safe and will last for many years.

6. Take Advantage of Incentives and Rebate Programs

Lastly, take advantage of any available incentives or rebate programs that can help lower the cost of your solar installation. It's important to understand all the benefits you may be eligible for so you can make the most of your solar investment.

Preparing your home for solar energy installation can seem like a daunting task, but it's well worth the effort in the end. That's why solar has ranked either first or second in capacity added to the U.S. electric total every year since 2013, according to Solstice. By following these simple steps, you can make the process easier and ensure your solar system is up and running as soon as possible. Call us to learn more about our solar installation services.