You’ve heard all the facts and figures surrounding solar panels, and you’re ready to hop on board and cut your energy expenses with clean, renewable energy. On the other hand, solar panel installation is a major project that happens on a fairly dangerous area of the home–your roof. If you’re wondering what the solar panels installation process is like and what impact it will have on your roof, you’ve come to the right place.
Step 1: The Solar Consultation
Before purchasing a system and scheduling an installation, your home must be evaluated by a solar professional to be sure that it’s a good candidate. There are many factors that must be considered, including the number of daylight hours you typically receive, the amount of shading your roof has, and in which direction the slope of your roof faces. Your family’s energy usage also plays a role in ensuring that you get the best system for your needs.
Step 2: Engineering Consultation
It is important that your roof is structurally sound and in good condition so that it can bear the weight of your solar power system. Plus, you don’t want the added cost and hassle of removing and reinstalling solar panels if a roof replacement is in your near future. The engineer will also inspect your current electrical panel to make sure it’s up to the task. Once all the initial inspections are complete, your solar power system will be designed and sent to you for final approval.
Step 3: The Paperwork
Depending on your area, there’s likely to be a bit of paperwork that will accompany a major project like solar panels installation. From building permits to rebate documentation, this step is important to make sure that you’re not only complying with all state and local laws, but also that every procedure is properly followed so you remain qualified for any solar incentives you may choose to take advantage of.
Step 4: Solar Panels Installation
Finally, after all the preparation is complete, it’s time for installation. A team of experienced professionals will arrive with all the tools and safety equipment to make sure your solar panels installation happens safely and efficiently. A final inspection and preparation of your roof and shingles will be performed, and the electrical wiring will be configured.
Next up are the racks. Solar racks will support the solar panels that are attached to the roof. This step is critical, as the racks must be secure, level, and angled correctly. Once the panels are secured to the racks a solar inverter is installed to make your solar power usable throughout the home. This process can take anywhere from one to three days depending on the size of your solar power system.
Step 5: Local Inspection
Before you can flip the switch on your solar panels installation and connect to the grid, an inspector from your city or town will double check the configuration to be sure everything was completed correctly. He or she will make sure your panels are mounted securely, and that all the electrical wiring is safe. Lastly, a local utility company will do a final inspection before giving you the green light to turn on your new system.
Step 6: The Big Day
Once the city has given final approval and the local utility company has granted permission to operate, it’s time to flip the switch. All that hard work and preparation will start paying off as you enjoy clean, renewable energy generated on your own roof.
Ready for Step One?
When you schedule a free, no-obligation solar consultation with Wattson Home Solutions, we’ll get you headed down the path to lower–or possibly no–electric bills and clean energy. We’ll inspect your home to ensure it’s suitable for solar panel installation and create a customized installation plan for your home. We’ll even take care of all the paperwork required for permits, connecting to the grid, and documentation necessary for rebates and financing your solar investment.
Choosing clean, efficient solar energy is easier and more affordable than ever before for Massachusetts homeowners. If you’re ready to get started, schedule your free, no-obligation solar consultation with Wattson Home Solutions today!
