The idea of having your own electricity might be a good idea, but installing a solar system is much more than just attaching some solar panels to the roof. In fact, the cost of solar panels typically accounts for less than 30% of the cost of an entire solar installation. The installation process requires extensive planning, expensive electrical equipment, and technical knowledge and skills. Additionally, the entire system must meet standard electrical specifications.
In this article, we’ll discuss five important secrets you need to know about installing solar panels in your home.This information is provided by our team at Alliance Solar.
1. Solar panels require little maintenance
You may hear a lot from solar panel manufacturers. But no matter what you’re told, just know that solar panel maintenance is nothing to worry about after installation.
In trying to encourage people to rent their solar panels, manufacturers insist that homeowners don’t need to worry about maintenance, which seems important. Don’t fall for it! The only maintenance your solar panels may need is removal of dust and debris. To ensure this, you only need to clean the panels with a garden hose a few times a year.
2. SRECs and tax credits are coming to an end
You’ve probably heard of the many incentives that come with installing solar panels in your home. These incentives include commitments for tax credits and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). You earn SRECs for every megawatt of electricity your solar panels generate. In some states, you can sell SRECs from panel production to utility companies.
Yes, these incentives are great, but they’re not always available. For example, the federal solar tax credit for households will be reduced by the end of 2022.
3. Solar panels degrade over time
It’s hard to see any device operating 100% over its entire life cycle, and solar panels are no exception. As we age, solar panels produce less and less electricity. This drop in efficiency (called degradation) may not be noticeable because it happens very slowly.
The production warranty for these panels changes as they age due to solar panel degradation. Most manufacturers will give you a 90% guarantee of solar panel production for the first 10 years. This percentage drops to 80% after 10 years for 15 to 20 years.
The good news is that your panels can continue to generate electricity beyond the end of the system’s useful life. However, if you want to increase your power generation, you may want to consider replacing the panels with new ones.
4. Warranty may be deceptive
Just because a company gives you guarantees doesn’t mean they’ll be around to fulfill those guarantees. Before embarking on a solar installation, it’s important to do extensive research on many manufacturers and find out which one offers the best warranty. While most of them will come with a 20 to 25 year warranty, you need to make sure that the manufacturer you choose will still be in business for a long time. Make sure the manufacturer you choose has a solid reputation.
Here are some types of warranties offered by manufacturers:
- Performance Guarantee: These ensure that the panels are produced in optimal condition during their life cycle. With this protection, expect at least 90% capacity for the first ten years, and then at least 80% from 10 years to at least 25 years – which is usually the expected life of a solar panel.
- Equipment Warranty: If the system fails due to damage to any part such as cables, panels or inverters, this protection ensures that the damaged parts are replaced. However, the labor cost of replacement is not within this range.
- Installation Guarantee: With these, labor costs are compensated if any part of the system fails or fails. These warranties typically last from one to five years, depending on the manufacturer.
5. Your home may not be suitable for solar power
It may interest you that your home’s current condition may not be suitable for solar power. The following are possible reasons:
- old roof: The lifespan of a typical roof is between 20 and 30 years. Roofs older than this may not be suitable for solar panels. You can expect your solar system to last at least 25 years. If you have an older roof structure, be sure to consult a structural engineer to verify that the roof can withstand the weight of the solar panels that will be placed on it.
- shadow: If a significant portion of your roof is shaded by various obstructions like trees, installing solar panels may end up being a waste unless you do something about the obstruction first. This shouldn’t surprise you, as solar panels are known to require sunlight to work. The presence of sunlight obstructions means less energy is available.
- North facing roofs: The only way solar panels can generate more electricity is to get more sunlight. If your roof faces north, it won’t get as much sunlight as it does if it faces south. It’s not a deal breaker, though; if your roof is east/west type, you’ll only lose about 20% of your output.
Which companies should you go to?
Before proceeding with a solar installation, make sure to do proper research by asking family, friends, and neighbors about reputable solar companies. You also want to do online research. Make sure the solar company you work with has been around for a long time and will still meet their warranty claims.
Verify that they have the proper certification. While these may vary by state, the North American Council of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is still required.
This Better Business Bureau is a reliable resource for finding out about the solar companies you plan to work with.
in conclusion
Paying attention to these secrets will save you a lot of trouble when trying to install a solar system in your home. Make sure you do your research and work with a reputable solar company to get the most out of your installation.
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