Solar energy is a renewable energy that utilizes light and heat from the sun to produce electricity. Renewable energy is the way to go for the future, and transitioning to solar energy is one of the ways through which you can utilize natural energy. Owing to the amount of sunshine it receives each year, California ranks the highest in the places where many homeowners are switching to solar energy. In addition to conserving the environment, solar energy can help you reduce your energy usage and put some money back into your pocket.
However, the experience and outcome of your transition to solar energy largely depend on the type of services you receive. At Solar Panel Installation Solutions, we ensure that your residential solar panel system is installed professionally and without errors. Working with experts makes you confident that your entire solar system installation is done by the industry's most experienced and qualified personnel. We serve clients who want to go solar or repair their residential solar panel systems in Fresno, CA.
Overview of Residential Solar Installation
Electricity bills are the main expense for many homeowners. You will need the power to do almost everything today. Switching to solar energy offers significant benefits and allows you to enjoy decades of significantly lower energy bills. Solar energy is derived from the sun, which is in abundance in California. Switching to solar energy starts with installing solar panels, which help trap and convert the solar energy for use at home.
Benefits of Residential Solar Installation in California
California is one of the best states to go solar for obvious reasons. Some of the benefits you could accrue from installing a solar system in your home include:
- Save on electricity bills. With society becoming more reliant on electricity for lighting, washing your clothes, preparing meals, and using the internet, you may find yourself stuck with huge electricity bills to pay each month. By installing a solar system for your home, you can break free from the high electricity costs in California. As long as the sun continues to shine, you will have access to energy even when there is a power outage.
- Return on investment. While installing solar panels is not cheap, the decision to go the solar way will pay in the long run. Within several years, you will have paid off your solar panel system, and you can continue to enjoy your cost-effective energy source.
- Increase in home value. One of the most common reasons homeowners opt to install solar panel systems is its positive effect on their home value. A home with a solar system is likely to appeal to a buyer. This is because they will not have to undergo the whole installation process.
- Solar rebates and incentives. California offers an incentive to encourage home and business owners to adopt solar as the primary form of energy. The financial incentive still available so far is the Investment Tax Credit. The sooner you install the solar panel system, the more the likelihood of falling under the incentives. Before you go through with the installation process, it would be best to go through the incentives and take advantage of them.
- Boosts energy independence. Although you cannot influence the price of electricity, switching to solar energy will give you more independence in your energy use. By installing solar panels in your home, you will generate your energy. This ensures that you are protected from power outages.
- Cleaner environment. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy contributes significantly to reducing carbon footprint and preserving the environment. As per recent studies, residential solar installation eliminates three to four tons of carbon emission per year, which could be equivalent to planting more than one hundred trees.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Residential Solar Installation
With the growing popularity of solar energy, the issue of cost has been the main concern for many homeowners who wish for this type of energy source. There is no exact dollar value that you will need to install a solar system for your home. When you contact your solar installation company, they will assess your home and design a customized system to fit your needs. Your solar panels will cover as much of your energy usage as possible. Some of the factors that may impact the cost of that system include:
The Type of Installation
Solar panel installation comes in different forms, with roof mounts most common. Compared to the roof mounts, ground mounts or carports installations may cost more since they need additional posts to be anchored on the ground. This means that your cost of labor and materials will increase significantly.
When you opt for roof solar installation, the type and angle of your roof may impact the amount you stand to spend. During installing the residential solar system, your solar panels must be correctly positioned to increase sunlight exposure which may not be problematic if your roof is angled. However, if your home’s roof is flat, the contractor must build scaffolding to position the panels correctly.
Since different materials and skills will be needed to modify the roof, you may need to spend more on the installation.
Age of the Roof
The installation of solar panels is meant to be a long-term investment. Therefore, if your roof is old and worn out, you may need to replace the roof before installing the solar panels. Failure to do this may require you to call back the contractor for the solar system when you finally decide to replace your roof. You can avoid the extra cost and inconvenience by replacing the roof and then the panels.
Type of Equipment
The two main variables in the solar panels are color and power density. The power density of the amount of energy released by a solar panel per unit size. The more energy the panel releases, the more costly it will be.
Another variable in the solar panels is color. Basic panels often have a blue cell, a silver frame, and a black sheet. The modules with a black frame or a black cell often cost more.
- Micro-inverters. A micro inverter is a device mounted next to each solar panel to prevent performance issues in cases where one or more panels are shaded. Although the inverter does not have additional benefits, it may elevate the cost of installing solar panels.
- String inverters. The solar panels are linked into one or multiple groups. Each group of the panels feeds into a string inverter. These inverters are more cost-effective and thus a common choice for many homeowners.
- Power optimizers. Power optimizers offer numerous benefits. However, they are more expensive than string inverters and cheaper than micro inverters.
Weather and Shading
The environment around your home is a key factor that affects the cost of installing a solar system. The level of shading in the area around our roof will determine the number of solar panels you will need. A home with minimal shading will require fewer solar panels, which means you will spend more installing the system.
On the other hand, if your home is shaded and the weather in your area is not mostly sunny, you will need more solar panels to tap as much energy as you can when the sun shines. While modern solar panels are designed to function in different weather conditions, you may need to spend more.
Interconnection Costs
Interconnection is the process of connecting your residential solar system to the community power grid. Each local utility has guidelines that each resident must follow, impacting the type of meter needed. Additionally, the specific requirements may determine whether or not you will need an upgrade. Often, interconnection costs vary depending on the amount of solar energy already in use and the equipment used on your line.
Cost of Licenses
Different locations have varying regulations regarding the installation of solar panels. In some areas, a contractor may need to pay more for the license, ultimately increasing the costs of installing the whole system.
Tax Incentives
Sometimes, the government provides incentives for installing solar energy in homes through the city authorities. These incentives will help reduce the cost of installation for the homeowners. However, there are situations where the incentives do not apply, and your contractor will be forced to charge you the extra cost.
Choosing the Right Solar Installation Company for your Home
Many solar power companies claim to be well trained and experienced. Choosing the right company for your residential solar installation is a crucial but challenging part of the solar transition process. The following are the steps you could follow in this process:
1 ) Identify a Solar Company
During the process of switching to solar energy, you will encounter several companies, including:
- Solar equipment manufacturers. Solar panel equipment manufacturers deal in devices to install solar PV for your home. These companies often make physical solar panels.
- Installation companies. Solar installation companies play a significant role in residential solar installation, and you will interact with them more. Their specialists will purchase everything needed and set up the solar panels on your roof or other home parts.
- Financing companies. Solar installation does not come cheaply. Therefore, you may have to deal with the solar financing companies that partner with solar installation companies to give you the financial aid you need throughout the solar installation process.
- Full-service providers. A full-service solar provider who sells solar panels provides financing and everything needed to facilitate the solar installation.
2 ) Check Out Quotes from Different Companies
Different contractors charge different rates for their solar installation services. Additionally, these companies could have different billing structures, with the most straightforward one being the cost-per-watt. Depending on the size of your system and the number of solar panels you want to be installed, the quotes from different companies may vary.
By looking into the different quotes, you will be able to compare the services and choose the one that matches your budget. If you intend to install a solar panel system in your home, you must contact as many companies as possible. Before a company gives you a quote, they will come to your home and assess. Having several options puts you in a better position for the best deal.
3 ) Choose the Company that Provides What You Need
Going solar is a great and meaningful investment for your home. However, the process is more complicated than it looks. Your solar installation expert should be not only licensed and certified but also experienced in the industry. The best way to know whether the company meets the standard is if it passes the NABCEP test and has at least two years of experience in the field.
4 ) Check the Licensing and Insurance
A solar installation company needs to have all the licensing required to operate in the solar installation field. Before settling for a certain company, ensure that they are licensed to handle all the technical components of the system. Additionally, the company must have the necessary insurance covers.
5 ) Check the Company’s Experience and Record
The solar power industry attracts professionals from different backgrounds. Finding a solar company with the necessary experience and a steady history can be challenging. One of the ways through which you can learn about a company’s work ethics and level of service is by asking for referrals and checking out the company reviews.
6 ) Check the maintenance Skills and Warranties.
Craft warranties cover any problems that could arise due to wrong solar installations. If one of the panels becomes loose and falls off, this warranty guarantees that it will be repaired. While some companies may promise long warranties to attract clients, they cannot fulfill them. Therefore, it is important to be careful when assessing this aspect.
Find a Reputable Solar Installation Company Near Me
Solar energy is one of the most accessible renewable energy sources. More homeowners realize that tapping energy from the sun provides numerous benefits, including saving on energy costs and environmental conservation. A solar panel system is expected to be a long-term investment. Therefore, you will need the services of a skilled solar panel installer.
We have in-depth knowledge and experience installing solar panel systems at Solar Panel Installation Solutions. We ensure that your home is powered even when grid power is out and at a favorable cost. If you are looking for expert solar installation services in Fresno, CA, call us today at 559-890-2205.