If you’ve ever been intrigued by the possibilities of solar, you’re not alone. Indeed, solar energy has swept the entire country over the past decade. The solar trend has surged in one state after another as more and more homeowners have decided to go solar. In fact, more than one million households across the United States have added solar installations to their properties. In other words, the solar phenomenon is here to stay.
If you’re new to the world of solar, however, you may be wondering what the solar panel installation process involves. How long does it take to install solar panels on your property? How can you tell whether solar panels are suitable for your home? Once your installation is in place, how long do you have to wait before you can begin using it to power your home? You probably have many questions, but we are here to help.
Here is an overview of what happens during the solar panel installation process:
Completing a Home Evaluation is Part of the Solar Panel Installation Process
The first step in the solar panel installation process will be determining whether or not a solar installation is right for your property. A solar contractor will check your roof to make sure that it’s a stable, suitable place to install solar panels. Next, they will take a look at your electrical panel. In some cases, your panel may need to be updated before you can begin using a solar installation. Your solar contractor will also help you determine what type of solar installation will be best-suited to your home.
Factors you should take into account before you install are…
- the size of your home
- the slope of your roof
- and the amount of shade you have near the installation site
There are a number of different types of solar installations, and it’s important to make sure that you’ve chosen the right one for your property.
Taking Care of the Paperwork
For many homes, you will need to obtain a building permit before you can add a solar installation. In many states, your solar panel installation will need to adhere to strict rules, such as how much open space surrounds your panels. Your solar contractor can generally handle the details on your behalf, but it’s important to make sure that it’s taken care of in advance. Otherwise, this step may end up delaying your solar installation. Also, you’ll want to look into any incentives that may be available to you as a homeowner. Along with the federal tax credit, there are rebates and incentives available at all levels of government to ease the transition to solar. An experienced solar contractor will be aware of the incentives that are available to you.
Ordering Your Solar Equipment
The next step in the process will be ordering the equipment that you will need for your solar panel installation. The solar company you work with will be able to match you with the type of equipment that will be best-suited to your project and budget. There are numerous solar brands on the market, so having a professional’s guidance is important for finding high-quality products that will serve your household well for years to come. Once your solar equipment has arrived, your contractor will be able to get started on your home installation.
Installing Your Solar Panels
The actual process of installing solar panels at your home will usually take anywhere from one to three days. Keep in mind that larger systems—which larger buildings may require—will generally take more time to install properly. Along with installing the panels themselves, your solar contractor will need to add the necessary wiring and mounting equipment to ensure your installation can function properly. Finally, your solar panel installation will be inspected to ensure that it is up to code and ready to use. If the installation is approved by your electric utility provider, then you can begin using it to provide your home with power.
Of course, starting the solar panel installation process truly starts with finding a reliable solar contractor. If you’re looking for a trusted solar company in Tucson, it’s time to get in touch with Custom Solar and Leisure. Our company has been committed to providing customers in the Tucson area with the up-to-date, affordable solar services they deserve since 2007.
Custom Solar and Leisure is a full-service solar company, and we offer everything from solar water heaters to solar pool heaters. We are also a founding member of the Southern Arizona Solar Standards Board, and we are dedicated to offering the best solar installations available. In addition to having an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, we are also one of TEP’s alliance contractors for solar installations.
When you’re ready to start exploring the world of solar energy, let us be your trusted guide! You can reach us for a free solar evaluation by calling (520) 314-3768 today.
