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More and more people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, partly due to increased natural disasters and shifting weather patterns. Installing solar panels is one way to help cut back, as the electric power sector is responsible for one-quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.
Here are some steps to take to get your home ready for solar panel installation in Charlotte, NC.
While you may want to transition to solar panels as soon as possible, there are quite a few things you will need to do to prepare your home adequately. These include:
Unless you are a roofing professional, you should hire someone to come out and inspect your roof. They can help you determine whether you are a good candidate for solar by examining whether your roof is large enough and how many panels you’ll need. The size of your roof can affect how much of your energy bill is offset by solar power.
Depending on what the roofing expert finds, you may also need to have work done on your roof to ensure that it can bear the extra weight of your panels. You’ll also want to complete any necessary roofing repairs before the solar panels go up, so you won’t need to worry about moving them during their lifespan to do roof maintenance.
Because of solar power’s popularity, you’ll likely have several different contracting options. Spend time researching your options, reading reviews, and asking your friends and family for recommendations. You’ll need to find someone with plenty of solar panel experience, so they know the best methods and are familiar with local and state regulations and permit requirements.
What is your intention for the excess power your panels generate? This question will help you decide whether to install a meter or battery. The cheaper alternative is to allow the utility company to install a production meter to monitor your consumption versus the energy the panels create and debit or credit you for the difference.
The alternative is to purchase a large battery, which would allow you to store extra energy on days or weeks when you don’t create as much electricity. This saves power for your home instead of sharing it with the grid.
Another difficult decision you will have to make while prepping your home for solar panels is whether to lease or buy them. Leasing can be a great option if you prefer to pay in monthly installments, but you won’t own the panels until you finish paying or buying them out. In addition, if you sell your home before you finish paying your lease, you’ll have to transfer the contract to the new owners.
Buying the panels outright gives you complete ownership. And if you generate enough power, you can essentially bring your electric bill to zero and sell back excess energy to the utility company.
Solar-Verse provides affordable solar panel installation and assessments for homeowners and businesses in the mid-Atlantic, including North Carolina, Maryland, South Carolina, Virginia, DC, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
We’re working toward a brighter future. Schedule a free consultation with us to see how our services can benefit you, your wallet, and the planet.
