If you are interested in going green to help the environment, then you may want to learn more about having solar panels installed on your home so that you can harvest some energy from the sun and sustainably power your home. Now, if this is something that you are seriously considering, you likely have some questions about the installation process and why it is a good idea. Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers to help you make a well-informed decision.
Is Your Roof Right for the Installation of Solar Panels?
If there are tall, thick trees around your home, enough light may not come through for you to use solar panels. To make sure that your roof is able to adequately support the panels, you should schedule a roof inspection by a contractor so that you know whether any repairs will be necessary prior to the installation of the solar panels.
What Type of Maintenance Will Be Required?
Since these panels are designed to be outside all the times and exposed to various elements for tens of years, solar panels feature tempered glass, rust-free frames, as well as a dust-resistant coating. At least one or two times per year, it is important to clean the panels to remove any accumulated dirt, pollen, or other particles to make certain that they are receiving the maximum sunlight. You may want to consider cleaning them with extendable wands with attached microfiber pads or hoses. Alternatively, if you don't want to do the cleaning yourself, you can hire a cleaning service to do it for you.
Why Should You Have Solar Panels Installed on Your Home?
When you think about it, is there really a reason for you to pay for a huge plant to generate a significant amount of electricity with fossil fuel and carbon emissions when you are actually harvesting sustainable energy from an element of the environment (the sun)? Solar panels are eco-friendly and permit you to go off the electrical grid while saving money in the end. For homeowners who opt to make this change, there are usually tax rebates available from the government. In addition, should you choose to relocate in the future, the panels boost the value of your property.
Should You Purchase or Lease the Panels?
If you decide to lease a home solar panel system, you can save on the upfront cost as well as electricity, but the tax credit will go to the company that actually owns them and they will remove them once the lease is up. If you decide to purchase the solar panels, you will shell out more money upfront, but you can also expect to save more in the long run and gain access to any tax credits that are available.