As we look toward the future, the need to become more environmentally conscious reaches the forefront of the public’s mind. For that reason, installations like solar panels are a great way to do your part. They help both the environment and, by extension, your energy bills. If you want to go green yourself, here’s what to know before installing solar panels for your home or business.
Location Is Everything
Just like all things real estate, the location of your solar panels is important to consider. In America alone, each state has its own rules and regulations regarding the installation of solar panels that you must follow. Furthermore, while you’ll still receive plenty of energy, areas that spend more time overcast or with bad weather may struggle to get the best performance from their panels. Check with your local laws and how much access to the sun you can typically expect for your panels.
Inspect Your Roof
Next, before installing solar panels, you’ll want to know beforehand if your roof has any damage or wear and tear that needs to be addressed. If your solar panels are going to be installed here, you want to make sure the roof is in good condition—whether that be scoping for damage or merely wear and tear from years of exposure.
The Time of Year
There’s technically no “bad” time to install solar panels, save for perhaps the dead of winter when your roof is buried in snow. Instead, if you want to get peak performance in the shortest amount of time possible, you should consider what time of year you install them. During the summer, when the sun is out and at its most intense, you’ll see a greater increase in energy collected by your panels.
The Efficiency of Solar Panels
Even if you’re planning to get solar panels, you may hold a few misconceptions about them. You should absolutely understand that solar panels are not just a crutch; they are more than capable of keeping your home powered year-round. Many homeowners worry that their panels will run out of power when the weather turns sour, but that’s simply not the case. Typically, solar panels produce far more electricity than your home can ever use.