Planning your residential solar system in 6 simple steps
Have you made the decision to switch to solar energy? Residential solar systems have many benefits, but before you can get started with the installation, planning is essential. Our team at Green House Solar outlines the six simple steps to take when planning for your home solar system.
1. Determine your home’s solar potential
Each home has a unique solar potential, so we recommend scheduling an inspection with a trusted solar panel installer. They’ll conduct a review of your property, your home, the position of your roof, and other elements to give you personalized recommendations.
2. Decide between rooftop or community solar
While you do have the option to install solar panels on your roof, not all roofs are suitable for solar panel installation. Or perhaps you live in a community where your neighbors are also interested in going solar. If that’s the case, you may be able to harness the power of a community solar system, which is a shared system connected to several homes.
3. Understand your energy needs
Most of us don’t actually know how much energy we use each month, we simply pay our bill and continue with our lives. But with solar systems you’ll need to know how many solar panels are required to support your home’s energy needs, so we recommend scheduling a home energy audit beforehand to understand this fully.
4. Get several solar installation quotes
As the saying goes, word of mouth is usually the best reference, so if you know anyone who has a home solar system it’s worth asking them who installed it. We also recommend researching online for customer satisfaction reviews of local solar companies before making your choice.
5. Figure out the financing
If you can’t afford the upfront costs of solar panel installation, it doesn’t disqualify you from having a residential solar system. There are many financing options including solar loans, solar leases, and power purchase agreements. Speak with your solar installer to understand your choices and what works best for your budget.
6. Choose an installer
Once you understand your specific solar needs, you’ve figured out the financing, and you’ve received a quote that you’re happy with, it’s time to choose an installer and start the work. The actual installation process can be done relatively quickly – usually in a few days – and you’ll soon be set up and ready to use solar energy to power your home.
If you’d like more information about residential solar systems, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. We’re proud to be a trusted NJ solar company and we’ve helped many local families convert to solar. We look forward to hearing from you.