There are so many benefits to getting solar panels installed on your home or business. Not only are you going to save enormous amounts on your electricity bill, but you are dramatically reducing your carbon footprint and doing your bit to achieve a greener, cleaner sustainable future.
Before you go ringing around looking for a solar panel installation company though, there are some things you will need to do to ensure you are ready for this technology to be installed on your roof. Here is how you can gear yourself up in the best way possible.
How to ensure your roof is ready for solar panels
You will need to have your roof inspected. If there are any faults, it might not be safe to install solar panels. While this may seem like an additional expense, it is important to remember that your roof should be periodically inspected and repairs made anyway to ensure the structural integrity of your home.
You will need to have any repairs done before the installation process and in some cases, a new roof may be required.
Check to see if trees are casting shade on your roof
To be effective, your solar panels need to be bathed in sunlight and trees on your property could be blocking sunlight from reaching them. Check your roof at different times of the day – including the morning, midday and late in the afternoon – to see if there is shade hindering your ability for your system to work productively. Then conduct any pruning work to gear up the area.
What’s already installed on your roof?
There are a number of items that can be installed on your roof, including solar-powered hot water heaters, satellite dishes, air-conditioning units, vents and more. These might need to be repositioned to make space.
Research government rebates
You will likely be entitled to State Government rebates which vary from state to state. Have a look at the criteria for your state to see if you qualify for a discount.
Investigate your power usage
You are looking at solar panels to reduce your electricity bills and/or help the environment, so now is a good time to look at your energy use and make some other changes as well. A smart metre is a good way to determine how much energy you are using at different times of the day. From there, you can make changes that will reduce the amount of energy you are using. Consider other measures like installing LED lightbulbs for a more sustainable household.
Tip: Compare your electricity consumption against your current bills to see if there’s a better deal out there for your household.
Do your homework
It is always a temptation to go with the cheapest solar installation companies around, but you are likely to end up with a cheap and nasty system this way that will not last. Take the time to read reviews on both panel brands and installation companies to find the right balance of price and efficiency. When in doubt, we can help you get three of the most competitive solar quotes in your area, all for free.
