Solar power Virginia companies have a lot to offer homeowners. Installing solar panels allows you to generate your own power, decreasing your reliance on the grid. If this sounds appealing, here’s everything you need to know about installing and maintaining solar panels.
Solar Panel Installation Process
The first step to finding the right solar power company is to do your research. Most businesses offer free quotes, allowing you to compare prices. It’s also a good idea to look at customer reviews. Not only does this let you know if a company is trustworthy, but it also provides insight into the business’s process.
As you consider your options, check for insurance and warranties. Professional contractors typically maintain insurance, which protects them and you. If there’s accidental damage to your property during installation or a worker gets hurt, the company’s insurance should cover the expenses.
Most professionals also offer warranties. These last a specified length of time and ensure replacement and repairs at no cost. These can be a lifesaver if your solar panels have a manufacturing defect.
Initial Site Visit
Once you decide on a solar company, you can schedule a site visit. An engineer will drop by to inspect certain aspects of your property:
- Roof condition
- Solar panel compatibility
- Electrical system status
The engineer determines whether proceeding with installation is safe or if your home requires upgrades.
Next, the solar company will apply for the appropriate permits. Installing solar panels Florida requires a permit from your municipality, just like any home addition. Fortunately, the solar company will take care of this step, allowing you to skip the paperwork.
Installation
Once your city approves the permits, installation can begin. You’ll work with designers from the company to determine the best arrangement for the solar panels. The direction your house faces plays a big role in this, as it impacts how much sun your roof gets. The company will place the panels to soak up as much light as possible.
With the design decided, you can put in your order. It may take a few weeks to get the parts and arrange an installation day. The waiting time depends on the availability of your chosen panels and how many other appointments the company has. If you want a quick installation, consider initiating the process during the winter, as it’s the least busy time of the year.
Installation can take up to three days, depending on the complexity of your roof and the number of panels. When everything is in place, you’ll receive visits from your utility company and municipality. Both will verify that your panels are up to code and ready to join the power grid.
Solar Panel Maintenance
One of the best things about solar panels is their low maintenance needs. They do get dirty, which can affect their efficiency, so experts recommend cleaning them a few times a year. To do this, simply spray them with the hose or use a leaf blower to blow away the accumulated dust.
Solar companies Orlando make the installation process easy. If lowering your energy bill and saving the planet sound good to you, consider installing solar panels on your home.
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