Best Practices for Purchasing a Complete Home Solar System:

 

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The goal is this informative article is to discuss the Best Practices for Purchasing a Complete Home Solar System. For many homeowners this article would only exist in parts and piece through out the internet. My goal here is to compile an all in one best practices when making a large purchase for a complete home solar system to help identify and eliminate as much confusion as possible. This article will also touch base on the various issues, problems, and disadvantages associated with installing a complete home solar system. It might not be a bad idea to take notes or better yet have this article ready as a guide when doing your due diligence.

What are the 4 main problems associated with installing solar in your home?

Sunlight is the most important ingredient for solar power. The more sunlight your location receives, the more potential there is for solar power production. However, there are 4 main problems associated with installing solar in your home.

1. Determine if your home is a good candidate for solar power production. The best way to do this is by looking at a satellite image of your property and discovering how many hour of sunlight you receive in a day in your location.
2. Do you live in an HOA that has rule restriction, or limitations on putting solar panels on your home?
3. If you can not place solar panels on your roof for whatever reason and you require a ground mount system; you will have to consider some additional protective measure to keep nuisance animals from damaging the system.
4. The most important potential problem; going with the right solar company who have the best most experienced solar consultants. Do your due diligence and make sure the solar company you go with has a high realization rate. A high realization is the best way to know which solar companies are the best in the industry at solar installation.

What are the 4 main disadvantages to solar energy?

1. Initial cost to purchase a complete home solar system can be expensive. Fortunately with good credit and zero down solar programs you can turn this disadvantage into and advantage. In fact, most homeowners who choose to go solar are able to do so without increasing their month electric cost.
2. Weather can play a negative roll as well when it comes to harvesting sunlight. Example like Ohio which have more cloudy days than sunlight days, or where it snows a lot in Montana. Snow will require you to clean off the solar panels so the solar panels are not restricted from the sunlight. A lot of snow fall means a lot of cleaning off those solar panels. Note: The heat generated from the solar panels can help the snow to slid off the solar panels as well.
3. Batteries to store your energy can be expensive forcing the homeowner to purchase a grid tied solar system. If you want true energy independence it will come with an additional price.
4. Solar systems require additional space especially if your solar panels are ground mounted and not roof top. In addition battery packs take up additional space as well.

What I Wish I Knew Before buying my solar system?

I wish I would of understood the importance of working with a trusted solar company as well as trusted solar consultants. The solar company and their solar consultants can be the most important piece of the puzzle when going solar. If you choose the right solar company who have the right solar consultants, your purchasing experience will be enjoyable with no regrets. Unfortunately, the vast majority of homeowners are sold down the road by a horrible pushy solar sales agents and wind up regretting their purchase. I hear the hoarer stories all the time and there is a pattern to every one of them. It all start with a sales agent who only cares about their commissions, and will do whatever it takes to get it. Your needs are not important to them, only their commission pay check. The best way to filter and find the right solar company is to research the solar company realization percent. Solar companies with a high realization percent are who you want to do business with.

The internet is littered with websites that have high Google ranking, and most people have no clue as to the cleaver schemes that are being played on them. It is absolutely predatory in nature and done by design.

Please excuse my forwardness! Unfortunately, we live in a culture today that not only rewards dishonest practices but also idolize and embraces these same practices, and the solar industry is not immune. I can not stress enough how important it is to find a company with a high realization percentage.

What are the 3 types of home solar systems?

1. Grid Tied solar systems are the most common type of solar system. They are connected to the utility grid and do not use batteries for backup power. The main advantage of this type of system is that you can sell any excess electricity back to the utility company. The main disadvantage is that when the power goes out or goes down so does your power.
2. Off Grid solar systems are not connected to the utility grid. They use batteries for storage and an inverter to convert DC power to AC power. The advantage of this type of system is that you are not reliant on the grid or a utility company. The disadvantage is that you may need to maintain your batteries, and batteries storage has additional cost.
3. Hybrid solar systems are a combination of grid tied and off grid systems. They use batteries for storage, but they are also connected to the utility grid. This allows you to have backup power in case the grid goes down. Advantage of the hybrid system is that you will always have power. The disadvantage is the additional cost associated with battery storage, however that additional expense may payoff in the long run.

Can you buy the entire solar system out right?

Absolutely you can! Once you have done your due diligence and decide on a solar system that meets your needs, you can pay cash and own your solar system outright.

DIY solar systems are often times bought outright and installed by the homeowner. If you are capable the cost saving benefits can be substantial.

If you purchase a solar system outright and hire a solar installation company to install your solar system you can also save some money as well, however the responsibility is on you to make sure you do everything right. Remember there are permits involved and site prep required, as well as requirements that need to be meet in order for your solar system to be installed, and to qualify for your federal and state tax incentives.

What are solar panels and how do they work?

 

Solar panels are a great way to harness the sun’s energy and turn it into usable electricity. When sunlight hits the photovoltaic cells, it causes the electrons within them to move, creating an electric current. This current is then sent to a solar inverter, allowing you to convert it into power that can be used to power appliances, lights, and your home.

Will installing solar panels on my house be a good investment?

Yes it can be a great investment! Installing a solar system can increase your property value as well as offset your energy cost. In addition, with the latest advancements in technology, you could even make money by selling excess power back to the grid in some areas. Not to mention, going green by using solar power has environmental benefits. However, there are a couple of terms you will want to become familiar with below that most people are not aware of and need to be taken into account when looking at solar as a good investment.

Value degradation, or “panel aging,” is the rate at which a solar panel’s performance declines over time. The average degradation rate for crystalline silicon panels is about 0.5% per year, meaning that after 20 years, a panel will have lost 10% of its original power output.

Warranty efficiency degradation is the rate at which a solar panel’s power output declines below its original specifications, as stated in the product warranty. The average efficiency degradation for crystalline silicon panels is about 0.4% per year.

As long as the degradation of the solar panel output holds and there are warranties in place to support your solar systems output, your solar system can be an excellent investment.

How much will solar panels cost for your specific house based on your location and energy use?

If you’re considering installing solar panels on your home, the cost will depend on where you live and how much energy you consume. As an example: if you are closer to the equator, you’ll have access to more sunlight hours, which can lower your installation costs because you will not need as many solar panels. In addition, energy cost, installation cost, and permit requirement cost vary from state to state.

To maximize your energy output, you should have a south-facing roof with no trees or other objects obstructing the sunlight. If your roof is not facing south, additional hardware maybe needed to position your solar panels appropriately to face south in order to harvest the sunlight with your solar panels.

Lastly, you should consider your local utility rates and prices from a local solar company to get an accurate estimate of the overall cost. It is always a good idea to get 3 or 4 quotes from reputable solar companies. A knowledgeable and honest solar consultant can help you understand the cost associated with your purchase.

The average price to go solar for all 50 states is between $12,390 and $25,000, depending on the size of the system and the electricity rates in the area. Tax credits can reduce the cost significantly, as can financing or leasing options, but the system will ultimately require a one-time investment. Prices also vary based on government trade policy, and President Biden recently put a two-year pause on new tariffs, hopefully resulting in more affordable solar systems. Recycling batteries is also becoming more important, but few will be available for reuse for at least another decade.

How long does it take to install a roof top solar system?

The length of time it takes to install a solar system can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. Keep in mind, the time required for permits, site prep, installation, and final inspection is all subjective to your local area. However, most installations can be completed in as little as 8 weeks, and as much as 12 weeks.

Note: if you are a DIY then your installation process may be shorter or longer depending on your ability and pace at which you work.

Are there solar incentives or tax credits available from the federal government?

Absolutely! The federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of your system, and some state governments may offer additional financial incentives. You can also check with your local utility company to see if they offer any incentives for solar installation, or grid interconnection. However, leases and power-purchase agreements are not eligible for federal tax credits. The best way find out what benefits are available in your area is to work with a quality solar consultant.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), or the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) are the 2 current solar incentive that exist currently. The government offers a tax credits to homeowners who install solar energy systems to help make alternative energy sources more affordable and accessible. In addition, These Acts also gives incentives to businesses who incorporate sustainability practices into their business operations as well.

 

Are there solar incentives or tax credits available from your state government?

Yes, there may be solar incentives or tax credits available from your state government. These can vary significantly from state to state, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing a solar system. Some states have solar rebate programs that offer up to $5,000 back on the purchase of a home solar system.

In short, you should spend time looking into your state tax incentive programs and how it will benefit you. Or better yet, work with a solar consultant who knows your particular state offers, incentives, and requirement’s to inform you on what is available.

Are solar panels worth it for your home?

Absolutely! Solar energy has become increasingly affordable in recent years and can provide significant financial and environmental benefits. Installation costs have come down significantly, and many states offer tax rebates and incentives to those who install solar panels. Furthermore, net metering allows you to sell back excess electricity to the grid, which can help you earn additional income. With careful research and consideration of all factors, going green with solar power can be a smart financial decision for you and your family.

How much do solar panels cost for an average home in 2023?

Over the past few years, the cost of solar panels has been declining steadily due to advancements in technology, increased competition, and economies of scale. In 2021, the average cost of solar panels was around $2.81 per watt, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Assuming this trend continues, it is likely that the cost of solar panels in 2023 will be even lower than it was in 2021. However, the actual cost can vary depending on several factors such as the type and size of the solar panel, the installation cost, and the location.

The cost of solar panels depends on various factors such as the size of the system, the brand of the panels, the quality of the materials used, and the installation costs.

As of 2023, the cost of a typical residential solar panel system in the United States can range from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the factors mentioned above. However, this is just a rough estimate.

It’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes from reputable solar panel installation companies to compare prices and ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

Average cost to install a solar system:

Realize these prices can vary and are perishable do to the fast changing pace of technology. Ten years ago, the average cost was $50,000 to install a complete solar system. The declining prices over the past 10 years, as well as government incentives has helped homeowners realize their solar potential.

Range	Cost
Smaller systems	$15,620.00
Average system	$21,020.00
Larger systems	$30,000.00 and up!

Note: The range of cost are taken from our own internet research, as well as our personal experience helping and consulting with homeowners who have purchased a solar system.

How much do solar battery banks cost for an average home in 2023?

Solar battery banks in 2023 may not be as expensive as you would expect. Thanks to recent developments in solar panel and battery technology, solar batteries are now more efficient, allowing them to last longer per charge and reducing the overall expense of solar installation.

Additionally, because solar power is becoming increasingly popular and widespread, solar companies are developing solar batteries with increased capacity, thus becoming much more affordable than they were before. With these advancements, solar battery banks may be more accessible than ever. In 2023, you can expect to pay between $8,500 – $10,000 per battery bank.

What are there advantages to installing a solar battery bank?

 

Solar battery banks provide solar energy users with the perfect balancing act between solar production, energy usage, and energy storage. These solar-powered systems are designed to store energy produced by solar panels during peak solar activity so they can be used throughout the day or even after nightfall. The result is a more consistent solar power supply that’s not at risk of being limited when the sun isn’t shining. Best of all, thorough solar battery bank management ensures that your renewable energy resource keeps on going without interruption, no matter what Mother Nature decides to throw at you. With solar battery banks, you gain all the environmental benefits of harnessing solar power with greater reliability and backup capacity that traditional solar systems just can’t match – making them an incredibly advantageous option for solar users everywhere today.

What are the four main different types of batteries?

Lead Acid solar batteries are the most common type of batteries used in solar systems. They are also the least expensive. Lithium-ion batteries are newer and more expensive than lead acid, but they last longer and require less maintenance. Gel batteries are a type of lead acid battery that is filled with a gel instead of liquid. This makes them more durable and less likely to leak. AGM batteries are another type of lead acid

AGM batteries or gel cell batteries are recommended for off-grid systems because they require very little maintenance.

Nickel Cadmium batteries are not as common as they used to be because they are not as efficient as other types of batteries.

Lithium Ion batteries are the most popular type of battery for solar systems. They are more expensive than lead acid batteries, but they last longer and require no maintenance.

Solar batteries are an important part of any solar power system. They store the energy that is collected from the sun so that it can be used at night or on cloudy days. There are many different types of solar batteries, and the type that you choose will depend on your specific needs.

What 10 question you should ask when interviewing a solar consultant, or solar company?

1. How many years has the solar company been in business?
2. What is the company’s experience in installing solar panels meaning how many solar project have they completed?
3. What do they offer in terms of warranty and maintenance, and how do they stand behind their work?
4. What type of panels do they use and why?
5. What is the company’s policy on customer satisfaction, and can they guarantee you will be satisfied?
6. What will you as the homeowner be responsible for and why?
7. How much will it cost to maintain the solar system once it is installed?
8. Who will be my point of contact if you should have an issue years later for services or repair, how does that work?
9. Will you be able to add to your solar system if you should need more power in the future?
10. Will their be someone who helps to make sure I qualify and receive any and all tax incentives I am entitled too from the Federal and State tax programs?

What 5 questions should your solar consultant know about going solar in your state?

1. 1. What are the average daily sun hours in your state?
2. 2. Does your state have a net metering policy?
3. 3. What is the average price of electricity in your state?
4. 4. What are the state and federal tax incentives available for solar?
5. 5. What is the cost of going solar?

Conclusion:

The best practices for purchasing a complete home solar system may be easier than you thought. I hope this article helped to prepare you in your going solar journey. If you should need additional help or have additional question please don’t hesitate to ask.