Are you ready to join the over 3 million people who utilize solar energy for their homes? Solar energy has become more popular for homeowners and businesses across the United States because it helps lower energy bills and improve the environment. Solar panels can take your home to another level and help people save thousands of dollars on heating, lighting, and running their homes. Here is a guide that will help you follow all the steps of going solar.
What Is Solar Energy?
Utilizing the sun’s rays to power areas of your home helps you to have more energy for the entire room. Energy from the sun can be converted into thermal or electrical energy which is a renewable energy source for your home. Solar panels create a comfortable interior environment and can reduce the amount of toxins or gases you release into the atmosphere.
Understanding the benefits of solar energy can help homeowners know if solar panels are the right investment. If you are seeing high energy bills or live in a place with consistent sun, going solar is a safe choice for your home.
Assess Your Energy Needs
The first step is to evaluate your current energy consumption. Looking at these numbers will help you determine how many solar panels you will need and what kind of solar system will meet the needs of your household. Homeowners should consider the number of occupants in the space, the appliances they use, and electronic devices.
American Solar & Roofing will provide you with an analysis of how much energy your home uses daily and determine the number of solar panels that are needed. Our team is full of engineers and project managers who take care of this so you don’t have to worry.
Choosing The Best Solar Option For Your Home
Once you understand your solar potential and how much energy you need to run your home, you can move to purchasing a system. You will need to choose a type of solar panels, inverters, and a way to store extra energy.
There are three types of solar panels, Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Thin-film.
Monocrystalline: Higher efficiency but also higher costs. Good for homes with high UV exposure.
Polycrystalline: Lower costs, but lower performance metrics than monocrystalline. Most cost-effective for homeowners
Thin-film: Portable and flexible to your needs, but lower efficiency. Good for RV’s or DIY projects
American Solar & Roofing offers QCells. These are a monocrystalline type of panel that is aesthetically pleasing with a sleek black appearance.
Make Sure Your Roof Can Handle Solar Panels
Not all roofing materials or homes can handle solar panels. Some homes struggle with the weight of panels, while certain materials may be damaged by attaching panels. Working with a professional solar installer will save your home from damage. Installing solar panels properly can help your roof last longer while making your home more sustainable.
For homeowners who are unsure if their roof can handle solar panels, American Solar & Roofing can perform an inspection and provide advice. Our experts know what homes can handle and how solar panel weight can impact your roofing material.
Determine Your Budget
There are major financial considerations when going solar. Determining a budget before finding a company to install your solar panels will help you avoid unnecessary spending. There are also government incentives or rebates that help encourage homeowners to go solar. These can help you have a higher ROI on your investment and help you see better long-term financial benefits.
Finding A Professional Solar Installer
Installing solar collectors in your home is not a DIY project. Before going solar, you should do ample research on local solar installation companies.
You should ensure,
- That they are licensed, bonded, and insured.
- They have a physical office address that you can visit.
- They are registered with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, or where applicable to their state.
- They are an accredited BBB business with an A+ rating.
- They have trust within their community, such as American Solar and Roofing being SRP certified.
Reading reviews and testimonials can help you narrow down your list of potential solar companies. These customers will share their past experiences and what they loved about the company.
It is crucial to make sure your solar company has been in good standing for an extended period. So many solar companies go out of business and leave their customers orphaned, and without a way to maintain their system. American Solar and Roofing has the capability of helping those who have been abandoned by their out-of-business solar installer. We have a large team of qualified technicians to help ensure your solar panels last for decades.
Maintaining Your Solar System After Installation
After installing solar panels, you will want to maintain them in order to get the best ROI and receive all the benefits of going solar. Having proper solar panel cleaning and inspections on an annual basis will help you collect the maximum amount of sunlight and keep your home comfortable. Maintenance should also be performed by a professional company to avoid scratches that can compromise your sunlight collection.
Going Solar With The Help Of American Solar & Roofing
Our team has been serving Arizona residents for over 20 years. American Solar & Roofing eliminates the need to hire two companies to maintain your roof. Your panels will be able to produce the most energy possible and your roofing system will be maintained for decades to come. We want you to feel confident in your decision to apply solar panels to your home. Contact us for a quote today!
