09 Jan 12 Things to Know Before Installing Solar Panels

“What do I need to know before installing solar panels?” is an increasingly common question among forward-thinking homeowners around the country. Solar panel installation is one of the top home renovation trends as homeowners look to build energy-efficient and sustainable homes.

Installing a solar panel system remains a significant investment for many property owners. That’s why it’s vital to be well-informed about key considerations before going ahead.

1. Solar Energy Is Cost-Effective

Solar panels offer significant potential financial benefits. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Florida homeowners can make annual utility savings of $326 by installing solar panels.

On top of this, research suggests that solar panels increase property value by $20 to $24 for every $1 reduction in your annual fuel bill. This means that a solar energy system that saves $326 per year would also add between $6,520 and $7,824 to the value of your home.

Homeowners Can Benefit from Financial Incentives to Go Solar

Rebates and incentives to get solar panels installed can reduce the initial costs associated with solar panel installation by up to 50%. Both federal and state-level financial incentives help offset the cost of solar panels. For example, homeowners who install solar panels between 2022 and 2032 are entitled to a 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit with no maximum limit that can be claimed.

There may also be other benefits to installing solar panels in your state. For example, residents in Florida can benefit from an exemption on the property tax value added by solar panels. Homeowners in the Sunshine State also don’t pay the 6% state sales tax on home solar systems.

2. You May Need to Replace or Repair Your Roof First

Before considering installing solar panels, ask yourself how old your roof is. Many roofs come with a warranty of around 25 years. If your roof is approaching this time (or its warranty has expired) it’s best to hire a reputable and licensed roofing professional to carry out a roof replacement before installing solar panels. In the same way, it’s essential to carry out roof repairs on any damaged parts of your roof before your solar panels are installed.

Installing your solar panels on a well-maintained roof is critical. You need to know your roof is strong enough to support your panels over time. The alternative is potentially having to dismantle the panels to do any repairs and then put them up again, which is a costly and disruptive solution.

Another consideration is your roof’s warranty compared to the warranty on your solar panels. It’s best to try to match their lifespans as much as possible to reduce the amount of effort, time, and money you invest in eventually replacing your solar panels and roof.

3. Roof Size Affects ROI on Solar Panels

A larger roof provides more space for installing solar panels. This means you can install a larger system with a higher capacity to generate electricity.

Additionally, not all roof space is suitable for solar panels. Factors like shading, roof orientation, and roof angle will also affect the amount of usable space. A larger roof may offer more usable space despite these limitations. It’s vital to make sure your roof has enough surface area to support your solar panels. If you have a smaller roof, make sure solar panel installation will offer the same return on investment (ROI) as in homes with larger roofs.

4. Roof Orientation Impacts the Effectiveness of Solar Panels

The direction your solar panels face will impact their effectiveness in capturing solar energy. Many experts in solar panel installation believe the best placement is on roofs facing south, but west-facing roofs are also very well-orientated to generate power. Always check with an expert solar installer that your roof is well enough placed to generate the levels of power you require.

5. It’s Essential to Know How Much Weight Your Roof Can Carry

Installing solar panels will considerably increase the weight on the structure of your roof. Placing too many solar panels on your roof could lead to the roof collapsing. This is an extremely dangerous and costly mistake homeowners must avoid. Luckily, this problem can be easily prevented by having a roofing professional evaluate your roof to determine if additional roof support or repairs are required to complete the installation safely.

6. Solar Panel Installation May Impact Water Runoff

Rainwater runs down the slope of the roof, into the gutters, and away from your home on regular roofs. However, a solar system isn’t just made up of solar panels. The panels and their wire harnesses and racking sometimes prevent water from flowing or draining properly. In other cases, it can change the direction of water runoff, directing water toward vulnerable areas of your roof, such as seams, flashing, or valleys. This can lead to leaks or water damage.

It’s wise to meet your roofing and solar contractors together so they can work out the best strategy for preventing damage from an altered water runoff pattern on your roof. This will allow your roofing contractor to understand where the panels will be placed and perform proactive roof reinforcement work (like placing a leak-proof membrane under the shingles) before solar panel installation.

7. Plan Proactively for the Impacts of Severe Weather Events

Severe weather like hurricanes puts your solar system at risk of damage. Insurance may cover damage caused both to your roof and your solar panels by this type of event, but it’s important to check with your insurance company. It’s also important to check that your insurance covers damage to your home during solar panel installation.

The weeks or months before installing a solar system are also the perfect time to reinforce your roof to protect it against severe weather. Ask your roofing contractor to check your roof for any areas that could be strengthened before your solar panels go on. For example, it could be a great time to change your guttering or replace the flashing around your chimney to prevent leaks into your attic.

8. You Must Connect Your Solar Panels to the Grid

You must consider how you’ll connect your solar system to the grid. Ask your local utility company questions like:

• How long will it take to hook up your solar system to the grid?
• Are there any fees involved?
• How and when will you be credited for the electricity you generate?

9. You May Be Able to Receive Bill Credits for Solar Energy

The best solar panels will generate more energy than your own solar power needs. In this case, homeowners in some states may be able to receive bill credits for sending their excess solar energy back to the grid.

The process by which homeowners sell their excess solar energy is called net metering. This works through the following principles:

• Solar panel production: Your solar panels generate electricity during the day.
• Home consumption: Your home uses the electricity generated by the panels.
• Excess energy: When your panels produce more electricity than your home is using, the excess is sent back to the grid.
• Net metering credits: Your utility company tracks this excess energy and credits your account.
• Offsetting energy use: These credits offset the electricity you use from the grid when your panels aren’t producing enough (e.g., at night or on cloudy days).

Please note that there are strict restrictions on net metering in many states, making it difficult for many homeowners to benefit from their excess solar energy. It’s best to research regulations in your area before installing rooftop solar panels to understand if selling your excess energy back to the grid is a realistic prospect.

10. Not All Solar Panels Perform the Same

Cheaper solar power systems tend to perform worse than higher-end models. Read up on the performance of your chosen solar panels before purchasing them. Cheaper models also tend to be less durable, diminishing your investment value and your future energy savings.

Do extensive research and find solar panels that balance price and quality. Though your initial investment will be higher, better-quality solar panels will likely last longer and give you a much higher ROI.

11. Solar Panel Installation Must Be Left to the Pros

Some homeowners are attracted to the idea of installing their own solar panels. However, as with roofing installation and repairs, solar installation is something that should always be left to the professionals. There are many things that can go wrong during panel installation if you’re not properly trained in the installation process. These include:

• Wiring problems: Installing solar panels requires careful work with the electrical elements. Poorly set up solar panels can generate electricity shocks that are dangerous to you and everyone around you. Choose a solar contractor who is licensed, bonded, and insured to ensure all electrical elements are installed safely.
• Safety standards and code compliance: The warranty on your solar panels likely requires them to be installed by a licensed professional. Installing them yourself will void your warranty. For example, you won’t receive any compensation if you damage the solar panels during installation or if there’s a technical problem with the panels.

Professionals are familiar with all the relevant building codes and permits related to solar panel installation. The required documentation must be filled in properly to ensure permission and any relevant licenses in your state are obtained before you begin.

12. Your Solar Panels and Roof Will Require Maintenance

Keeping your solar panels working and your roof in good condition is all about establishing proper maintenance procedures. It’s a good idea to find out from your solar and roofing contractors what those maintenance procedures are before the installation begins. If you are unable to meet those maintenance requirements, there is a good chance your solar panels and roof will not last as long as you want them to.

Provide a Solid Foundation for Your Solar Panel System

Installing a solar panel system to provide renewable energy and reduce your utility bills is a compelling home renovation project that more and more homeowners are exploring. However, this project requires careful research to ensure the best results and return on investment.

One of the most important factors to consider before installing solar panels is the current state of your roof. Always consult a trusted roofing contractor in your area to ensure your roof can provide a solid foundation for your solar panel system for the entirety of its lifespan.