8 Questions To Ask Your Solar Installer Pre-Installation

So you’re ready to start receiving quotes or speak to installers about your options? If this is the case you’ll want to be prepared and ensure you get the most valuable information available to assist you in making an educated decision. Get prepared with our printable list of Questions To Ask Your Solar Installer Pre-Installation

Here are some questions that we feel any reputable solar installation company should be able to answer, if they can’t or won’t, think about whether you want to give them your hard-earned money.

1. How are the company’s reviews?

Before you even pick up the phone, look at any and all reviews available on companies doing solar installations in your area. There are several national databases of installer reviews out there including Solar Reviews, which lists more than 2,500 solar installers and opinions from more than 17,000 customers.

2. What licenses you have?

Every community is different, but all probably require a business license at the minimum. In many cases they also may be required to have a general contracting or home improvement license and include a licensed electrician on the team. You also should ask about insurance to be sure the installer would be fully covered in the event of an accident or damage to your home. Installers also should be well versed in obtaining all the proper local permits do to the work.

3. Who is going to do the work on my house?

This seems like a silly question since you will be talking to an installation company but not every installer has a full team of its own technicians. Some firms use sub-contractors and in that event you want to be sure that someone from the company you hired will have a supervisor on the site at all times.

4. What’s their experience?

How long has the company been in business in your state and how many installations have they done in your area?

Each state has different incentives, tax laws and processes, so you want to make sure they understand the laws and processes for solar where you live.

5. What kind of warranty does the company offer on its work?

Most of the hardware (solar panels, inverters, etc.) are covered by manufacturer warranties and the industry standards are fairly even across the board. However, the workmanship of the job is another story. Some firms will warrant the work for a year while others stand behind it for up to 10 years.

6. Is there something I should ask them while they are at my house?

Yes, yes, yes. Ask every single representative these questions:

  • Is my roof sturdy enough to hold all this gear?
  • Could the installation produce leaks in the roof … and if so, who fixes it?
  • How much power will this system give me and how did you arrive at that figure?
  • Will the company guarantee the amount of power you quoted me?
  • How much will shade affect power production?
  • What kind of inverter should I have? (There are several types and brands of the appliance that changes the electricity from AC to DC for use in the home. Prices and efficiency in different circumstances vary).
  • Is the price you wrote on this piece of paper an estimate or a firm quote for your work?

7. Who will do the paperwork?

Will the company handle all the paperwork for solar renewable energy credits, grants and other incentives and tax breaks, or will you be navigating this on your own? If you don’t want to deal with bureaucracy, hiring a full service solar design and installation company that will handle the paperwork is a plus.

8. Does the company stay current with incentive programs?

A majority of states and the federal government offer incentives to install a solar energy system. The feds will pay up to 30% of your system as a tax credit and some states or cities give solar energy rebates for new systems. In addition, some utility companies have cash programs to help homeowners with their arrays.

The Benefits Of The Solar Pool Heater

 

If you are looking for an affordable way to keep your pool warm and comfortable, you might want to invest in a solar pool heater. A good solar pool heater is going to keep your pool warm and comfortable and you won’t have to spend all of your money on heating the pool. The right solar pool heater is going to be affordable to install and it will do the job with a minimal investment.

A solar pool heater is a great investment in your business. The heater saves you a lot of money since it runs on the power of the sun. You won’t have to spend a lot of money on your utility bills and you get to save a lot of money. Solar pool heaters are expensive, but the cost is worth it since you won’t have to spend more money once you have it installed.

The heater comes in a variety of sizes so you will have to figure out what size is going to work best for you. It can take some time to find what you are looking for so make sure that you read the reviews and learn everything you can about the heater. The heater is a great investment in your business and you are going to really enjoy using one.

If you were using a non-solar heater you would have to spend a lot of money on your utility bills. The solar heater is so easy to use and it saves you so much money. This heater is a great deal and it gives you just what you are looking for. The heater is very affordable and it gives you just what you need. This heater is a great deal and you can find them in a variety of price ranges.

The best heater is going to give you just what you are looking for and you won’t have to deal with a lot of problems when you have one. The best heater is going to help you save big and you are going to enjoy it. Nothing feels worse than a pool that is too cold. You won’t have to worry about this problem anymore once you invest in this heater.

The heater is affordable and it works very well. This heater is going to help you get a lot of work done and you can quickly get a lot of heat out of the unit. The heater warms the water up enough so that it feels very comfortable. You are going to love the feeling that you have when you step into the warm water.

The solar heater has a higher upfront cost but it is going to save you money over time. You get to enjoy spending time doing the things you love to do and the heater is going to make the water feel so much better. The right heater is going to give you what you are looking for and you won’t have to worry so much about problems.

When you invest in a solar heater you get to enjoy doing so much more. the heater gives you everything you need to enjoy the warm water in the pool. If you are having issues with keeping your pool warm and you want to save money you definitely need to invest in a pool heater. The solar pool heater is a great investment and it helps you do a lot of things. This heater is going to make you feel so much better and you won’t have to deal with a lot of issues. The heater is just what you need.

How Do Solar Panels Hold Up In Hurricanes And Storms?

As the owner of an array of solar panels, you may be worried about what will happen to your investment if there is a storm on the way. If you have high-quality panels that were properly installed by a proficient expert, you probably do not have anything to worry about. In most instances, solar panels can withstand the effects of hurricanes.

However, some factors can impact on the capability of solar panels to withstand hurricanes, they include:

The Type of Solar Panels You Own

Solar panels are made using different materials. The quality of the materials used in manufacturing solar panels impacts on their durability and quality. Hurricanes often come accompanied by strong winds and hail. In most instances, panels made from low-quality materials do not have the strength to withstand the beating of huge hailstones.

However, high-quality solar panels made from the strongest components have the strength to withstand the thumping of hail. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you should acquire high-quality solar panels. Otherwise, you may end up being forced to replace your array of panels every time there is a hurricane.

The Quality of Your Solar Panel Installation

Hurricanes often come accompanied by strong winds. If your solar panels have been installed improperly or loosely on the roof, there is always the possibility that they will get dislodged by strong winds. When getting your panels installed it is usually best that you rely on the services of an experienced solar panel installation expert.

An experienced professional will ensure that your panels are firmly affixed on your roof so that they do not get blown away by the uplift of strong winds.

Top Things That Can Damage Your Solar Panels During a Hurricane

1.Strong Winds

Solar panels are typically affixed on the top of the roof. During installation, there is usually the possibility of some space being left between the panels and the roof. Strong winds can blow across this space and dislodge panels from the roof especially if they were not fixed firmly.

2. Hail

Sometimes, hurricanes come accompanied by large hailstones which have the capability of breaking the surface of solar panels. When the surface of a panel gets damaged, its efficiency usually lowers tremendously since its cells cannot harness the power of sunlight effectively.

3. Debris and Falling Trees

Some strong hurricanes have the capability of uprooting trees which can then fall on the roof and damage your solar panels. Additionally, the strong winds during a hurricane can at times contain debris that can fall on your panels causing damage.

Tips on How to Prepare for a Hurricane

1. If you receive warning that there is an approaching hurricane, there are certain steps that you can take to protect the investment you have made in solar energy. They include:

2. If you have a warranty for your solar panels or they are insured, you should take photos of their condition before the hurricane. Though they may not get damaged in the hurricane, you may need this photographic evidence if they get damaged and you want to file a claim against your insurer.

3. After the storm, take photographic evidence on the state of your panels from a safe distance. Do not attempt to climb on the roof to inspect your panels. The hurricane may have weakened the structural integrity of your roofing and you can end up exposing yourself to the risk of serious injuries.

4. Should you notice any damage on your solar panels, do not attempt to carry out repairs. Instead, contact a skilled solar panel expert to carry out the necessary assessment and repairs.

If your solar panels are not attached to your roof, store them inside your house until the hurricane passes over.

When it comes to extreme weather, there is no knowing how your solar panels will hold up. The best you can do is take the necessary precautions and hope for the best.

Metal Roofing: The Right Choice For Solar Panels

These days, enjoying the benefits of a solar panel is much easier. Due to continued technological innovation, solar panels have become more affordable compared to before. A lot of homeowners are now taking advantage of lease options to eliminate their maintenance and financial-related responsibility for the solar panels while slashing their home’s energy spending at the same time.

The type of roof material over which to install the new solar panels is one of the most overlooked aspects when it comes to this type of upgrade to a business or home. A common problem is a potential for leaks brought about by the installation of solar roof panels. In general, there are only a few roofs covering materials that can bear with the mounting hardware without causing resulting leak points and penetrations.

Solar companies in South Africa have long favoured metal roof structures for the systems, although most roof types are compatible for a solar installation some cost more than others.

Metal roofs and a few concrete tiles are common examples of roofs that could be configured to allow the installation of the mounting hardware in such a manner as to hide or remove altogether the specific point at which the solar hardware’s fixing point attaches to the roof structure.

It’s different from a composition roof where you have to literally punch holes via the roof to affix the solar panels. This is not an ideal option, and although solar panels are not that heavy, they do add some load to a roof structure. Because metal roofs are generally 1/5 the weight (or even less) of concrete, it implies that they are the most suitable type of roof when it comes to roof-top additions such as solar panels.

Reasons Why Metal Roofing is the Ideal Choice

  • Here are some of the top reasons why metal roofing is the ideal choice to use with any roof-top solar component:
  • Metal is the most environmentally friendly roof material and complements the environmental reasons for using solar energy collectors. If you even give it a second thought, it makes no sense to make use of eco-unfriendly, petroleum-based products such as asphalt shingles with an energy-efficient and green solar panel system.
  • Metal roofing provides profiles that enable installation of solar panels that literally have zero holes punched in the roof. Undoubtedly, no other material would make such a claim.
  • When it comes to resisting damage from very high winds, metal roofs are the most suitable roofs. Therefore, it’s a crucial consideration for those who want to keep off from potential damage of their solar panels, especially from flying roof debris.
  • Another advantage is the long-term costs. Having to remove and re-install a solar panel array since the roof beneath it requires replacement is an added expense beyond the cost of the roof itself. Opting for a long-lived metal roof does away with this costly maintenance problem down the road.
  • High weather durability. Typically, metal roofs are uniquely designed to put up with hurricane-force winds, as well as ice loads and heavy snow. Some specialized protective coatings allow them to be practically impervious to UV rays, water, and other area-specific environmental toxins. Its durability is the prime reason why a lot of metal roof manufacturers tend to feel comfortable providing warranties that last up to 40 years.
  • A positive impact on the life cycle. Metal and steel building products are considered some of the most sustainable materials available. Apart from being made from a high percentage of both pre-and post-consumer materials, they are also 100% recyclable once their lifespan is over. When you add this to the fact that a well-kept roof can last between 50 and 70 years or even longer, you can have peace of mind that your metal roof installation plays a role to a positive materials’ life cycle.

Enjoy A Cool Home With Solar Air Conditioning

If you want to keep your home as cool as possible you want to consider investing in a solar air conditioner. A solar air conditioner is going to keep your home super cool and you won’t have to spend a lot of money on electricity either since the sun is going to power the cooling system.

Solar air conditioning can save you a ton of money when you live in a warm climate. Keeping your house cool in the summer can be brutal but when you use a solar system you have an easier time keeping your house cool and you can save a lot of money as well.

This system is going to help you save a ton of money and you can also save time. The system is easy to install. As long as your roof can handle solar panels you are going to be okay. You need a good solar panel system to get started with the air conditioning system.

Take your time and look for a good installer so you end up with the installer that is going to be the best fit for your needs. The right installer is going to offer reasonable prices and they are going to make sure that you end up with the best panels for your needs. You can easily take care of all of your air conditioning needs with a solar system.

The solar system is going to be a great deal and you can do a lot with it. It is going to be a huge help when you want to enjoy some cool weather in your home. The air conditioning system is affordable and it is going to work great. You get to enjoy spending time doing what you want to do and the house is going to be cool and comfortable.

When you end up getting too hot you need a good solar air conditioning system to keep the house cool. The right system is going to make you feel great and you are really going to enjoy having a system you can count on. You have a lot of benefits when you have a good system and it is going to help your house stay more comfortable.

The solar panels are affordable and they work great. The panels are going to help you get a lot of cool air and you won’t have to pay a huge electric bill. The panels are affordable and they are going to increase the value of your house. You need to take your time and look at what your options are going to be.

With enough panels and if your house can produce enough energy, you won’t have to spend any money on electricity at all. This means you can cool your house almost for free. You can save a lot of money and you won’t need to spend money on your utility bills to keep your house cold. It costs a lot of money to keep your house cold and you need to make sure that you choose the panels that are going to keep your bills the lowest.

Keeping your bills low is important. They can start to get huge in the summer especially if you are using a lot of electricity. Air conditioning is expensive to run and you want to try to keep your expenses down as much as you can. Using the solar panels is going to help you keep your expenses low so you can save more money. The shirt is a great deal and it will help you save money and support the environment.