In our previous piece, Finding the Right Solar Panel Installer, we did a deep dive on strategies for picking a solar panel installer. We also discussed the importance of conducting research and asking your solar contractor candidates the right questions before you sign on the dotted line. But making the switch to solar isn’t all about research alone.
Once you’ve determined your energy output potential, located the types of solar panels you need and found the right partner to work with throughout the solar panel installation process, the path forward is clear. In fact, it’s so clear that you can saunter across the switch-to-solar finish line with a few smart tips and checklists.
In this write-up, we’ll cover ways to avoid some critical transitioning to solar mistakes and a comprehensive solar panel installation checklist.
What NOT To Do When Transitioning to Solar
Luckily for homeowners who are considering installing a solar panel system, you should do far more things than you shouldn’t. The typical mistakes you should avoid might seem like no-brainers. Still, many homeowners who opt for the fastest, easiest or cheapest way to switch make these mistakes again and again. You’re better than that, though.
These three illuminating tips about what not to do when transitioning to solar will probably be lost on you. Nevertheless, let’s get into them!
Mistake 1
The first critical mistake you should avoid is forgetting to have experts check your home to ensure it’s suitable for solar. You may think, “I have a roof, and I have power needs” and assume that’s more than enough to justify transitioning to solar. If this is you, please stop and return to the first step in the switch to solar process: determining your energy output potential.
It’s sad, but the fact of the matter is that not every home is well suited to go solar. So make sure you use every resource at your disposal to ensure investing in a solar panel system is right for your home.
Mistake 2
The second common mistake we see in the market is homeowners focusing on cost to their own detriment. A solar panel system can bring a lot of joy, independence and control to your lifestyle. That is, it can as long as you don’t go cheap on your panels.
As a reminder, most solar panel systems last for 25 to 30 years. The cheapest available options, although appealing for their fire-sale prices, will never make it that long. If they do, you’ll end up spending a small fortune maintaining them to ensure they keep performing as desired. Like all things in life, you get what you pay for when buying solar panels.
Avoid paying (and paying some more) for this mistake down the line. Instead, discuss your options for financing the purchase of a solar panel system that’ll serve your needs.
Mistake 3
The third mistake — and biggest no-brainer of them all — is trying to purchase and install a solar panel system yourself.
Would you ever roll up your sleeves and rewire your entire house by yourself? No, you wouldn’t. You’d hire a professional electrician. The same mindset applies to transitioning to solar-powered living. Switching to solar is about energy and performance: two things that even the most accomplished DIY all-star should acknowledge and respectfully keep their crafty hands out of.
Seriously — you need to use an installer. Don’t opt for a group of your best friends on a free Saturday afternoon. Please enlist an actual licensed installer. Safety aside, doing it yourself can create multiple dangerous threats to your home that could result in pricey financial losses. Remember: You’re investing in solar to save money, not lose it.
[Related: Energy Independence Through Solar]
Your Switch to Solar Checklist
Sometimes, you just need a list.
- Familiarize yourself with your home’s energy efficiency.
- Determine your home’s Sun Number Score, and identify any restrictions or obstacles that might affect your installation.
- Consider your potential energy needs 10, 20 and 30 years from now.
- Review the available solar panels and solar batteries on the market. This ensures your final selection satisfies all your energy requirements and expectations.
- Clearly understand the cost of transitioning to solar.
- Confirm the solar panel system incentives you could receive at the city, state and federal levels.
- Understand your financing options.
- Pick the panels and other system components that meet your budget and energy needs.
- Research and obtain bids from installers.
- Discuss costs and options for solar panel maintenance.
- Get a solar panel maintenance plan or schedule locked in.
- Work with your installer to finalize agreements and complete the installation.
- Look back and think, “How did I ever live without solar energy?”
Takeaways
Avoiding these mistakes and following this checklist will help ensure you’re satisfied with your solar panel system for literal decades. And before you know it, you’ll be singing the praises of transitioning to solar to your friends and neighbors.
We started our own journey of solar panel fanaticism back in 2007. Then, we started spreading the good word about the incredible freeing feeling that comes with solar energy from a well-researched, thoughtfully planned and expertly installed solar panel system.
Ever since, we’ve connected with thousands of homeowners who once stood exactly where you are now — right on the edge of the best decision you’ve ever made. When you transition to a solar-powered lifestyle, we (and the rest of the solar community) will be there to welcome you and make the process as seamless as possible.
Contact Freedom Solar for Expert Advice
Still not feeling confident? The answers you need are just a phone call with solar panel company Freedom Solar Power representative away. Need solar repair services? Our service department is ready to assist you. Call us at (800) 504-2337, or fill out our inquiry form!
Feeling a little too confident? Double down on your solar energy expertise by downloading our handy Project Planner e-book. Then, let’s start setting you up with the solar panel system that’ll change the way you live.
See you on the bright side!