Solar energy is ideal for powering homes and businesses. It can lower your carbon footprint and allow you to save on your energy bills. 

You are doing an excellent favor to the environment by considering switching to solar energy. Below are a few steps that will help you make an informed decision and choose the right setup.

Assess Your Energy Requirements

Determine your energy needs to decide your solar system’s size and type. You should find out how much power your building consumes per month. 

Review your energy bills for every month of the year. You may use more electricity during some months of the year, like summer. 

Moreover, you will need more electricity to expand your property. The same happens if you have any plans to purchase new electrical equipment or vehicles. 

Your usage will feature as “kilowatt-hours (kWh)” in your energy bill. Any solar system you install should be able to generate your yearly power consumption. 

Review Your Property

Various factors on your property impact the performance of your solar system. As a result, you must assess your property to ensure it’s suitable for solar power. 

Tools and mapping services are available to help you evaluate your property’s potential for switching to solar. You can also get advice on the right type and size of system suitable for your home. 

Moreover, you will need to consider factors like:

1. Roof orientation
2. Trees and shading
3. The pitch of the roof
   
   It is recommended to take steps to improve your property’s energy efficiency. You can switch to LED bulbs, efficient appliances, and natural heating and cooling. 

Hire a Professional Solar Installer

Home and business owners should work with a certified and professional solar installer. Look for certificates from bodies like the North America Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. 

You can rely on online resources to find a solar installer. Moreover, you can seek references from your friends, family, and peers. 

Get at least three quotes from local installers. Check their website for credentials and experience. Moreover, be sure to check their license and certification. 

You can also research online for ratings and reviews. 

Compare the bids for factors like price and warranty to make a final decision. 

Choose the Right Solar Panel

Various types of solar panels are available in the market. The three main types are:

1. Monocrystalline
2. Polycrystalline
3. Thin-film
   
   You must consider factors like efficiency, cost, and durability to select the right solar panels.
   
   Monocrystalline panels have the highest durability and efficiency. However, they are also pretty expensive.
   
   Polycrystalline panels are affordable but compromise efficiency and performance. They are the most common panels used in homes.
   
   Thin-film panels are flexible and lightweight. They are ideal for complicated roof structures where other panels don’t work.
   
   However, they are the least efficient. Your solar installer will help you choose the right type of panels for your property. 

Apply for Necessary Permits

You may need a local government or homeowner’s association permit to install your solar system. Moreover, you will need to work with your utility provider to connect your solar panels to the grid. 

Your solar installer will help you take care of the permits. However, you must be aware of the steps and formalities for making an informed decision. 

Evaluate Your Financing and Incentive Options

You can purchase your solar system and get up to 30% tax credits. Best of all, there is no upper limit to the amount you can claim. 

The tax credit will decrease over the years as people install more solar panels.

However, you cannot claim tax credits for solar systems on lease or power-purchase agreements. In such cases, you are not the owner of the solar system. 

Some jurisdictions may offer other incentives for installing solar panels. So, do your research and take advantage of the incentives that apply to you. 

Moreover, check out your financing options and their pros and cons. 

Final Thoughts

Your solar installer will install your system once all the permits arrive. They will also connect your system to the grid. You can now enjoy clean and renewable energy and give back more to the environment. Moreover, you save on your energy bills and recurring payments.