Top 5 Questions To Ask Before Going Solar

Introduction

I have countless conversations with customers, potential customers, friends, and colleagues, I live and breathe solar every single day. Whether it’s batteries, the latest inverter technology, or system design, solar is always at the forefront. If you’re considering generating your own power, it’s essential to connect with someone like me to educate yourself first.

Installing solar panels on your roof is an exciting step toward energy independence, lower electricity bills, and a greener future. But before you commit, it’s important to make sure your home, budget, and energy needs align with solar power. Asking the right questions now can save you time, money, and headaches down the road. Here are five crucial things to consider before making the switch!

Is My Roof Suitable for Solar Panels?

Roof Condition: Ensure your roof is in good repair and can support the weight of solar panels. If your roof is old or damaged, it may need to be repaired or replaced before installation.
Sun Exposure: Evaluate how much sunlight your roof receives each day. If trees or nearby structures cast significant shade, your roof may not be ideal for solar energy production. For a grid-tied system, shading is less critical since you can still draw power from the grid when your panels underproduce. However, because you’re making an investment to save money long-term, your system should still generate enough energy to make financial sense. In an off-grid setup, every bit of solar power counts. If shading is an issue, you may need to trim or remove trees, or consider a ground or pole-mounted system to maximize sunlight exposure. Without sufficient solar power, there’s no electricity, making energy production the foundation of your off-grid lifestyle.

What Are My Energy Consumption Patterns?

Current Usage: Review your electricity bills to determine your average energy consumption. Homes with higher energy usage typically benefit more from solar installations. You can find this information by logging into your utility provider’s website to check your yearly consumption or by calling them directly, they should be able to provide all the details you need.
Future Changes: Consider any plans that might increase your energy needs, such as purchasing an electric vehicle or adding new appliances.
Off-Grid Scenario: In an off-grid system, planning for future energy needs is crucial. Identifying potential additional loads early on will help you design a system that can handle future demands, ensuring you make informed decisions when selecting components and purchasing equipment before installation.

What Are the Financial Implications?

Upfront Costs: Determine the total cost of installation, including equipment and labor.
Incentives and Rebates: Research available incentives, such as federal tax credits or local rebates, which can offset initial expenses. These are important and often available so you must do the research.
Return on Investment: Calculate the payback period by comparing the installation costs to your projected energy savings over time. Electricity prices are likely to continue rising rather than becoming cheaper in the future.

What Type of Solar System Suits My Needs?

Grid-Tied vs. Off-Grid: Decide whether you want a system connected to the local utility grid or a standalone system. Grid-tied systems can feed excess energy back to the grid, while off-grid systems require battery storage solutions.
Battery Storage: Consider if adding battery storage is beneficial for your situation, especially if you desire backup power during outages. Do you experience frequent power outages? If so, or if they’ve been happening more often lately, adding energy storage could be a great solution. While your neighbors scramble for gas to power their generators, you won’t even notice the outage.

How Do I Choose a Reliable Solar Installer?

Experience and Credentials: Research installers’ experience, certifications, and customer reviews to ensure quality workmanship. Ask a lot of questions!
Warranties and Maintenance: Inquire about warranties on both the equipment and installation services, and understand the maintenance requirements to keep your system operating efficiently.

Questions Questions Questions

There’s no such thing as a bad question, solar is a significant investment, so ask plenty of them. If you know anyone with a solar system, get their insight. Ask what they like, what they would change, and whether they feel it was worth it. Their firsthand experience can help you make a more informed decision.

We’ve designed countless systems, explored various scenarios, and educated many customers on everything they need to understand before making an investment. Our priority is education first, sales second. We provide systems for those who truly want or need power, because it all starts with knowledge.

Conclusion

Now that you know the key questions to ask, it’s time to take action! Assess your roof, review your energy needs, and explore your financing options. If solar makes sense for you, reach out to a trusted installer to get a professional assessment. We can help!

Every day you wait is another day of paying for electricity you could be generating yourself. Start your solar journey today and take control of your energy future!

For individuals seeking consultation, education, or assistance in system designs related to grid-tie or off-grid solar applications, IOTG Solar stands ready to help. Our team is available to address questions, provide valuable insights, and offer support at every stage of the solar energy journey. Feel free to reach out to IOTG Solar anytime for expert assistance and comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs.

IOTG Solar…

Keeping you powered through education.