Investing in solar energy is a great choice for several reasons. It can increase the value of your home, but more importantly, it can reduce your energy usage, utility bills, and overall carbon footprint. Of course, this isn’t something that you can just dive into and do on a weekend on a whim. Upgrading to solar requires the assistance of dedicated professionals and the right products for your energy needs.

Do Your Homework

If you’re serious about converting your home to solar energy, the first thing you need to do is read up on the process, as well as how solar works and what to expect from your system after installation is complete. Of course, the solar installation team you work with will be able to offer some of this insight, but it doesn’t hurt to learn for yourself, either. Besides, the more you know ahead of time, the easier it will be to choose the right solar energy system and installer.

Choose a Reputable Company

There’s always a debate over whether homeowners should choose a multinational brand or stick with smaller companies, but the bottom line is that there’s more to the decision than that. Regardless of the company’s size, what’s their history like? How much experience do they have? What brands or types of solar systems do they work with? Can they take care of your project in a timely and cost-effective manner? These are all critical to getting the best solar installation.

Choose Your Products Carefully

Like anything, all solar panels and system components are not created equally. You’ll want to find high-quality products that have reasonable prices, but that also offer maximum savings potential compared to your existing energy costs. Make sure that you choose products that have warranties and guarantees on their effectiveness and quality operation over time, as well. After all, even in the best situations, things can sometimes go wrong and you want a company that will stand behind their products when that happens.

Calculate Your Needs

Again, this is something that may be better done with the assistance of a solar consultant. They’ll be able to look at your recent utility bills to see what your average energy usage is like. Based on that, they’ll help you determine what size system and how many panels you’ll need. Remember, more panels isn’t always better. Maximizing your savings is about finding the best system for your energy usage, the size of your home, and your goals for offsetting energy costs.

Don’t Forget Permits

With a project like solar panel and system installation, most cities require a permit because of the nature of the construction and work involved. Therefore, you’ll want to check with your city to see what is required and make sure that you have all the necessary permits in place. Fortunately, when you work with a professional installer, they’ll handle the permitting process and the utility applications, along with the rest of the paperwork.

Stop Debating and Start Planning Now

If you think solar is the right choice for your home, it’s time to start making a plan. The best installers are already booking well into the next season, so you’ll want to get your appointment set up as soon as possible. Learn what your options are for solar energy at home and request your copy of the in-depth Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar, which will help you get a better idea of the process. When you’re ready to get started, give us a call.