6 Steps for Planning a Home Solar Electric System

Perhaps you’ve considered converting to solar energy, but you’ve dismissed it because you think it will be too costly. 

But did you know that, by leveraging the sun’s natural light, you can save on the costs of energy for your household by lowering your electricity bills?

Installing a solar energy system is not only a great way to ensure that you are self-sufficient, but it’s also an investment. 

However, the installation of your solar energy system will determine how efficient it is, so it’s worthwhile to plan ahead to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Hiring accredited professionals like Avila Solar Drafting Services will take the guesswork and stress out of planning a home solar electric system.

Here are the six steps you’ll need to follow to ensure that converting to solar energy is a breeze.

Assess Your Property’s Energy Efficiency

Before going ahead with solar electricity system installation, you need to know how much energy you use and put measures in place to reduce energy costs. You also need to determine how much energy you will need, and potential upgrades to increase your overall energy efficiency.

Because your energy needs will determine the type, size, and the number of solar panels you will need to install, you need to consider lighting, electronics, appliances, and cooling or heating, and you should conduct an energy audit.

You may want to consider changing your lighting to LED technology, investing in appliances that are more energy-efficient, weatherizing your home to reduce the cost of heating and cooling, and look into any other ways you can make your home more energy-efficient.

Energy audits will help you determine where you are using the most energy and will help you determine what you can do to make your household more energy-efficient.

Your contractor will be able to advise you on the best solar energy system for your specific needs.

Assess the Potential of Your Solar Electricity

Before you begin converting to solar energy, it’s a good idea to first assess the amount of solar energy you can generate. 

Although solar energy systems make use of scattered and direct sunlight to generate electricity, the amount that will be available for you to use will vary depending on the size of your solar panels and how much energy reaches them.

You’ll also need to check with your neighborhood or homeowner association to ensure that there are no restrictions on converting to solar energy.

If your roof is old and will need to be replaced in a few years, you will need to replace it before you consider converting to solar power.

Factors like shady areas nearby will affect how much sunlight your solar panels can absorb, so speak to a professional to assess everything correctly before you make a decision.

Determine Your Solar Electricity Requirements

You’ll need to provide your contractor with accurate information so they can best accommodate your needs. Electricity bills will indicate your energy consumption per month, and factoring in any changes or upgrades you plan to make will help your contractor determine exactly what you require.

By providing your contractor with this crucial information, you’ll save time and money in the long run.

Get Quotes and Assessments from Accredited Professionals

When deciding on a contractor to advise you on solar energy systems and perform the installation, make sure that you only use fully certified and accredited contractors.

It’s a good idea to ask for referrals from people in your neighborhood who already have solar panels installed, and check online reviews for contractors you are considering hiring. 

Before beginning any project with a contractor, ensure that they have the necessary documentation to prove that they are accredited and reputable.

Accredited contractors will also offer a long-term warranty for their services, installation, and products – so working with a qualified professional may end up being less costly.

Compare the quotes from several providers and so that you can get a better idea of which provider is offering the most cost-effective price.

Evaluate Incentives and Financing Costs

Many incentives are designed to encourage homeowners to adopt green energy, such as financing, discounts, or tax benefits – these incentives can help you reduce costs when converting to a solar energy system.

Work With Your Contractor

Working with an accredited contractor throughout all the necessary phases of converting to solar energy will ensure that you make the right decisions, but it will also ensure that you are aware of the permitting involved. 

Hiring a contractor will also ensure that your solar panels and other components are installed to maximize the amount of natural sunlight they receive.