When looking for a solar contractor, make sure they are licensed, insured, and bonded. Installers must have a business license and have all the required insurance policies.
You should also look into their complaint history. In addition, ask them whether they are familiar with the state’s SMART incentive program. Click the link: https://www.energy.gov/savings/dsire-page for more information about these programs.
Angie’s List
Solar installation costs vary by location and project scope. Since there are very few skilled installers in most locations, demand can be high. You’ll want to gather multiple installation quotes in order to make sure you’re getting a competitive rate. This extra legwork can save you thousands of dollars.
You can also look for a solar contractor who has a long history in the industry. This is essential to ensure that they’re reliable and won’t flake on a project. Also, a contractor with a long history is more likely to honor warranties and do any necessary maintenance.
Reviews on Angie’s List and Google can provide important information. The reviews on these sites are categorized according to relevance, age, and overall rating. You can also see which words are frequently used by people when they review a solar company. Common keywords include “honest” and “respectful” – words that can tell you a lot about the company’s employees.
If you’re looking for a solar installation company, you can find reviews on Angie’s List by looking for companies that have received this honor. Click here for more information. This site does not allow anonymous comments, so you can be assured that all reviews are legitimate. You can even request quotes from companies by entering the details of your project on the website.
A Solar Calculator is a powerful tool for determining the cost of solar installation. It takes into account local electricity rates, sunlight availability, and state and federal solar incentives. It also allows you to keep your privacy when talking to solar installers.
How to Prepare for Solar Installation
There are a few things you need to do before getting solar panels installed in your home. First, you need to make sure that your solar contractor has a business license and insurance. Then, make sure that the installer is licensed and experienced. You also want a contractor who has installed solar products in the past.
Roofing material
There are many types of roofing materials that can be used for solar installation. Asphalt shingles, for example, are an ideal choice for many homeowners, especially if they are in good condition and have enough usable surface area to support the panels. However, not all roofs are suitable for this type of installation. Tar and gravel roofs, for example, aren’t ideal for solar installation.
Standing seam metal roofs are also suitable for solar installation. This type of roof doesn’t require roof penetrations and allows the panels to be installed directly on top of the roofing. The racking system is attached to the metal shingles using a U-clamp that’s anchored to the raised seam.
Electrical system
Before you begin installing sun panels, you need to prepare your electrical system for sun power. Generally, this process requires the addition of a backfeed breaker to the main breaker panel.
This breaker allows the sun power system to feed power back to the utility grid. It is usually installed opposite the grid input breaker. When it comes to wiring, you may need to re-arrange your existing circuits to make room for the sun backfeed breaker.
Before you install sun energy systems, you must first obtain the necessary permits. Some utilities require homeowners to obtain their approval from the municipality in which they live before installing sun energy systems. This approval is known as “permission to operate,” and is meant to ensure safety.
While national and regional sun installers may be able to provide you with the same quality sun installation, local installers can be more affordable and offer better deals. They typically operate in a smaller geographic area, ensuring more personalized service and attention. The solar panel installation can be tailored to your environment. In addition, local installers often rely on repeat business, so their customers are more likely to refer them.
Roof vents
Using renewable power to power your roof vents is a great way to reduce energy costs. While it’s not cheap, it can pay off in the long run by cutting your air conditioning bills. Plus, vents can prevent snow and ice from melting on your roof, which can lead to rot and mold. They’re also much more cost-effective than hard-wired models.
Choosing renewable roof vents is an excellent way to lower your energy bills by as much as 30 percent. Renewable roof vents are also a great way to keep your attic at the optimal temperature year-round. Using these devices will also help to prevent roof leaks and ice dams, which can lead to higher utility bills.
Satellite dishes
One of the first things you should do to prepare a satellite dish for renewable energy panel installation is to cover it with a reflective surface. To achieve this, you should cover the dish with foil tape, which is available at a home improvement store for a few dollars.
In order to maximize the dish’s efficiency, it should be oriented up more than it would normally be when receiving satellite television. This is possible by turning the dish mount 180 degrees. You should also add a small grate to the receiver tripod, which will allow the dish to catch sunlight.