Choose The Best Solar Installers And Systems
If you’ve decided that it is time to make the move into the alternative energy solar power arena than you are no doubt wondering about your next steps. How do you choose the right system, and who do you count on to get it installed right? Solar installation is not a trifling matter and requires much expertise in not only solar panels, but also electrical wiring, batteries and other related construction techniques.
For this reason it is important and essential to find a solar installer who is certified and capable of performing all the necessary work up to the standards required by law, or even just the standards that you should expect for a home energy system. After all, this solar installation should power your home for years to come so there is no sense in risking a less than perfect job from the solar installer.
Solar Installation
It might seem like choosing a system should be your first order of business, but finding the right installer can make the process of selecting solar panel systems much simpler and less stressful. Good residential and commercial solar installers can help you choose the best setup for your home and property. And how do you find out whether a contractor is a good one? The first place to look is reviews of the installation company.
The company may have customer reviews on their site, and if possible you can find other customers who live in your area and ask them about their experience with the company. If you do find a customer who had the company install their system be sure to ask about the process and whether they are satisfied with the working result of the home solar system. Besides reviews, make sure the solar installer has some other essentials such as:
- Certification
- Licenses
- Insurance
This will protect you from a botched job and will also let you know if the solar installer has the right knowledge for the job. Also be sure to ask about payment plans, whether the solar installer sub-contracts to other companies, and how long they expect their process to take.
Selecting the best Solar System
Choosing a system can be intimidating. The number of solar panel systems out there is mind-boggling even at a glance. It is tempting to go with low cost options, as solar installation is not cheap to begin with, but you’re making a long term investment and a significant impact to your home so you will want the best quality options. A home solar system has a few basic components:
- Solar panels: these collect the sun rays.
- Inverter: this takes the energy from the solar panels and makes it useful to the rest of the home.
- Battery: this is to store any excess energy collected, for those days when the sun doesn’t shine.
- Power meter: to keep track of the power in the system to make sure efficient use is made of the panels.
Keep in mind that certain types of panels work better in different situations. Particular panels work phenomenally in direct sunlight but suffer in overcast, while some panels may be less efficient over-all but are better suited to overcast environments. This kind of difference is where a solar installer can be extremely helpful for the selection process. Main things to consider when selecting a system:
- Typical weather behavior
- Available space
- Amount of energy needed
You may decide to not go fully independent from the grid, and this will affect what you want in a system. Be sure to ask the solar installer about the various options.