The United States now has enough solar capacity to power over 21 million homes. Experts say that number will keep growing, especially with the Build Back Better Act.
The continuous drop in solar panel installation costs will also drive that growth. Solar prices in the US have already shrunk by 80% since 2009.
That should be a good enough incentive for you to invest in solar.
However, it’s vital to know which mistakes you should avoid before doing so. We listed the top ones in this guide, so be sure to read on.
Not Factoring in Your Roof’s Condition
The roof is one of the best locations for all types of solar panels, as it has direct access to sunlight.
The thing is, a typical 60-cell solar panel weighs an average of 18.3 kilograms (about 40.3 pounds). So, if you install 25 residential solar panels, the entire system could weigh over 1,000 pounds. That’s roughly equivalent to the weight of about five to six individuals!
That’s why your roof must be stable, sturdy, and is in an overall excellent condition. That way, you can ensure it’s capable of handling the added weight of the solar energy system.
Forgetting to Acquire Proper Permits
Solar panel installation is a multi-step process that can take one to two months to complete. One of those steps, in turn, is permitting, according to Blue Raven solar installers.
At the very least, you’d need to apply for a building permit, an electrical permit, and a solar permit. These requirements are location-specific and often issued by local governments.
Each town or city also has varying documentary requirements for solar permitting. For example, if you live in Fort Collins, CO, you must submit electrical and construction plans. Moreover, you need to provide two copies of each to Fort Collins Utilities.
With so many requirements, it’s no wonder permitting alone can take weeks (and a lot of legwork). The good news is that the most reliable licensed solar installers will take care of this on your behalf. Best of all, they’d also handle most of the steps, from the design to the engineering of your solar energy system.
Leasing Instead of Owning the Panels
Leasing solar panels isn’t a problem unless you plan to take advantage of incentives. That’s because many solar tax credits and rebates require system ownership.
Take the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) as an example. You must be the owner of the solar photovoltaic system to qualify.
By contrast, leased panels aren’t eligible for the program. That’s a shame since the ITC will grant a 26% tax credit for systems installed on or before December 31, 2022.
Avoid These Solar Panel Installation Mistakes
Solar panel installation still costs a lot, even with the lower prices and incentives. That’s why proper planning is a must, as it can help you avoid costly mistakes.
That’s also an excellent reason to hire one of the best solar companies in your area. That way, you can have solar industry experts who are less likely to make mistakes handle the bulk of the job for you.
Did you like this article? If so, you’re sure to love our other guides, so feel free to check them out!