Top Five Mistakes to Avoid When Going Solar

So you’ve decided to go solar. Great! But before you proceed, it’s important to know the 5 most common solar mistakes that homeowners make so you can avoid them.

Mistake #1: Missing out on time sensitive rebates and incentives.

There is nothing worse than deciding to get solar and then realizing that you’ve missed out on a substantial incentive or rebate. These programs are fantastic for homeowners, but they can have strict requirements and many expire after a period of time. Make sure you are familiar with the incentives and rebates offered at the federal, state, and municipal government level and from your local electrical utility. You can research many of them here. More importantly, be sure that your system meets all requirements necessary to qualify for these programs and that they don’t expire before you’ve completed installation. Professional installers are very familiar with these programs and can make sure that you are taking full advantage of them.

Mistake # 2: Not using an experienced solar professional to install your system.

The best solar installers undergo extensive training and have years of solar panel installation experience. These professionals know the local incentives and rebates and can ensure that your solar system fulfills all the requirements for these give-a-ways. They will also optimize your solar system’s mounting in relation to the sun, which provides optimal performance and the largest possible electrical bill offset for you. Additionally, professional installers are unlikely to make the common installation mistakes that are happen in ‘do-it-yourself’ installations. There are many ways that installing solar can go wrong, whether it’s a leak in your roof or a faulty electrical connection. Finally, qualified professional installers can help you through the abundance of paperwork and permits that are necessary to solar installations and get your system online. And to top it all off, a professional installer can also aid in securing financing for your system.

Click here if you are ready to learn more about solar power and need estimates from solar companies. For more information on qualified professionals, you can check out this report on California solar companies written by research analysts at Clean Energy Experts.

Mistake #3: Forgetting to look at financing and leasing options.

The average solar system costs between $10,000 and $30,000 when you take advantage of rebates and incentives. For most of us, this is a substantial investment, comparable in cost to a new vehicle. Financing a solar system can reduce your initial out-of-pocket expenses and simplify the entire process. Professional installers will help you decide on the best purchase option and get you the financing that might be required. Leasing is another financially feasible and attractive option if you can’t afford to pay for the solar system or installation up-front. Instead, you will simply pay for the solar system electricity that you use each month. Both financing and leasing are fantastic ways to still experience the benefits of going solar without large out-of-pocket expenses.

Mistake #4: Not making your home energy-efficient first.

A smart first step towards going solar is to evaluate your home’s energy efficiency. You can complete a simple home energy audit yourself or hire a contractor. Most homeowners can reduce their monthly electricity bill easily by making their home more energy efficient. In fact, an average home energy audit usually discovers potential electricity savings of about 30%. Solving your home efficiency problems improves the chances that your solar energy system will completely eliminate your electricity bill and possibly even give you a monthly check back from the local electrical utility. Energy efficiency problems often include incandescent light bulbs leaky air ducts, and inefficient appliances.

Mistake # 5: Miscalculating your solar savings.

Calculating how much you can save with your solar panels is a complicated process. It involves a careful assessment of the installation site, the characteristics of the solar panels, and the available sunlight and amount of shading on your home. Most solar websites (including ours) have basic solar calculators that provide estimates of how much you can save. Having a professional installer conduct an on-site visit to get a more precise estimate. With these costs and savings estimates, you will be able to be sure that solar energy is a suitable investment for you.

Now that you know “what not to do”, you are better prepared in your solar undertakings! Be sure to check our solar consultation page to receive a consultation with a local solar professional.