Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular. However, there are a few key questions many people have before going solar. One of these is “what direction should solar panels face?”

In this guide, we share all the information you should know about solar panel angling and which direction provides the best results. If you are considering residential solar panels in Arizona, Solar Solution AZ can equip your home for solar success. Call us at (520) 858-0220 to learn more about going solar in Arizona.

What Direction Should Solar Panels Face?

Solar experts agree that the optimal direction for solar panel installation is a south-facing area. Panels in a true-south direction are in the ideal angle to catch the sun’s rays and maximize your power output. However, securing your panels to face southwest or southeast can result in an impressive 92% achievable output. 

Though not ideal, east- and west-facing panels can still collect 85% of the achievable output. Panels facing north can only achieve 70% of total output. 

The way you store and use solar energy is important for determining what direction solar panels should face. South-facing panels are ideal on homes that use net metering and solar battery storage. 

South- or southwest-facing panels are best for homeowners who use Time of Use, or TOU, utility billing. TOU rates typically peak later in the day when south- or southwest-facing panels receive direct sunlight. However, this approach leaves you with less solar power during other times of the day.

Where Not to Install Solar Panels

Regardless of which direction your home faces, certain houses are not suitable for solar panels. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s guide to going solar, if your home is in a mostly shady spot under tree cover, installing solar panels may not be an ideal energy solution. Cut sun-blocking trees if possible to enhance your home’s solar potential. 

It’s also important to note the age and slope of your roof. Older, weathered roofs likely need replacing before installing solar panels.

Panels perform best on roofs with a 15- to 40-degree slope, so consider the angle of your roof as part of your decision to go solar. Consult with a solar installation expert who can inspect your roof’s angle. They can craft the best approach for switching to solar energy. 

Other Solar Solutions

Don’t fret if your roof doesn’t face the optimal direction for south-facing solar panels. You can still reap the rewards of solar energy.

Install more panels on your roof, even if they aren’t south-facing. Additional panels can compensate for less sunlight while also keeping your installation budget reasonable.

A ground-mounted solar system allows you to adjust the position toward the sun and provides easier maintenance than rooftop panels. However, this option tends to be more expensive and takes up space on your property. 

Trusted Solar Panel Experts and Installers

This guide gives you the answer to “what direction should solar panels face?” If you’re ready to go solar, turn to Solar Solution AZ to install a solar panel system for your home. Call (520) 858-0220 to schedule a consultation. 

Once you have your new solar panels installed, you’ll likely have several questions about maintenance. Since the system remains exposed to outdoor elements, solar panel maintenance takes priority for many homeowners. One of the most common questions is:  How often should you clean your solar panels?

As professional installers of Arizona’s residential solar panels, our team at Solar Solution AZ offers guidance on when and how to clean your solar panels. Call us at (520) 858-0220 to learn more about our expert solar solutions. 

How Often You Should Clean Solar Panels

How often should you clean your solar panels without professional help? You shouldn’t do it at all! At first, cleaning solar panels with warm soapy water might seem like a good idea.

But doing so on your roof without the proper safety equipment can cause a disaster. Professional cleaners have the necessary safety equipment. They also use cleaning solutions that are safe for the surrounding environment. 

Perform Weekly Inspections

While you shouldn’t deep-clean your solar panels yourself, you can take a few steps to keep them in the best condition between professional cleanings. Plan inspections on a weekly basis to stay on top of your solar panels’ condition.

Leaves, bird droppings, and branches can impact how much solar energy you receive. If you observe large debris from trees and animals, perform a quick solar panel cleaning by removing the debris.

You should perform additional checkups after severe weather. Storms and strong winds can blow larger debris onto your roof. This large debris might damage your solar panels.

Routine inspections followed by prompt cleanups and timely repairs will make your panels last longer.   

Schedule Professional Cleanings Biannually

So how often should you clean your solar panels professionally? While the frequency ultimately depends on your local climate, we recommend professional maintenance service twice a year. 

Arizona’s dry climate often calls for more frequent visits from a professional cleaner. The wind and lack of rain allow debris to travel more easily. Dirt and dead leaves get wedged inside the panel frames.

Ideally, you should have your solar panels cleaned before spring begins and in early autumn. 

Advantages of Professional Cleanings

If DIY cleaning methods still tempt you, keep the advantages of professional cleaning services in mind. 

• Professional cleanings can increase energy output by ten percent or more. 
• If you don’t have all the proper equipment, you’ll have to purchase and store it. Professional cleaners already possess the equipment.
• You can sustain injuries from working on the rooftop. Adding soapy mixtures to the equation increases the danger. Professional services circumvent that.
• Your warranty or lease may require professional cleaning. If you accidentally damage the panels during cleaning, you could nullify your warranty or be held liable by the lease’s terms. 

Call Solar Solution AZ for Advanced Solar Services in Southern Arizona

How often should you clean your solar panels? We recommend weekly inspections and twice-yearly cleaning services from a professional. Learn more about choosing a solar panel system for your home by working with our qualified team at Solar Solution AZ.

Call us at (520) 858-0220 to schedule an installation consultation.

Will you have a higher or lower average monthly electric bill with solar panels in Arizona? Solar energy is a significant investment, and financially savvy homeowners run the numbers before proceeding with an installation.

As a top choice for residential solar panels in Arizona, Solar Solution AZ shares more details, including how switching to solar power might affect the bottom line.

What Is the Average Monthly Electric Bill?

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) quotes the average cost of electricity in the U.S. in cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), with usage in kWh. Arizona’s average monthly electric bill is slightly below the national average. However, these figures can be deceiving.

Local averages fluctuate widely between specific locations. For example, the average monthly electric bill in Phoenix is vastly higher than comparable homes in Maricopa.

What About Solar Panels?

Estimating electric bill averages becomes even more complicated when considering the addition of solar panels. Several factors come into play, and the number of households hooked on solar energy is still too small to draw a reliable figure.

Nationally, the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Residential reports that residential and commercial solar energy accounted for 3% of the country’s total electricity (2020). Solar installations are increasing as installation costs continue to fall, though. And homeowners in Arizona who install solar energy will usually report an overall drop in their monthly energy bill over time.

Factors That Influence Electric Bills With Solar Panels

How much can you expect to pay after solar panels go live? It depends on the following:

Electricity Consumption

Is consumption the same? Monthly electricity bills will likely drop after installing solar panels.

Net Metering and Connection Costs

Utility companies typically compensate customers who own photovoltaic arrays. They get net metering credits for the excess power they add to the grid. Your utility company’s connection fees and time-of-use (TOU) costs also affect the final figure.

Solar Array Configuration

Some rooftop solar panel installations eliminate high TOU charges by using a solar battery for power during peak hours.

Solar Energy Production

The average residential solar panel setup can generate 720 kWh to 900 kWh monthly. With electricity consumption hovering in this range, you can expect a significant drop in your energy bill.

How Soon Can You Break Even On Solar Installation?

Looking at electric bills over the last decade with the rise of solar panels, most Arizona homeowners can recoup the solar installation cost in five to ten years.

Get Professional Advice on Solar Installation in Arizona

Crunching numbers on a solar installation is far simpler with specific data for your region. Why not ask Solar Solution AZ for an estimate of what you can expect to save after installing solar panels in your location? We’ve served more than 3,000 customers and would be happy to show you how your electric bill will pay for your solar system.

Call Solar Solution AZ at 520-858-0220 today to determine your average monthly electric bill with solar panels and see whether a solar investment is a good idea for your Arizona home.

Solar energy is the wave of the future, and homeowners all over the country are joining in. Installing solar panels on your roof significantly reduces energy costs, allows you to claim tax credits and rebates, and reduces your environmental impact. However, if you’re considering buying solar panels for your home, there are a few things to look out for so you don’t make a poor investment.

Some solar companies want to keep you in the dark about the potential pitfalls involved with solar installations. Of Arizona’s residential solar panel contractors, Solar Solution AZ is the company you can rely on for honest answers and advice concerning your choice in solar panel installation. Call us at 520-858-0220 to learn more, or keep reading to learn about the six mistakes to avoid when buying solar panels.

1. Lowballing Your Energy Usage

When you meet with your solar contractor, they’ll want an estimate of your yearly energy consumption. Many homeowners give an unrealistically low estimate for one reason or another, and then their solar power system can’t sustain their energy requirements. If you use more energy than your solar panels can produce, your utility company may send you a steep bill at the end of the year.

2. Assuming Solar Panels Prevent Blackouts

Some people think, “Now that I have my own solar panels, my power will never go out!.” The truth is that most people have their solar system tied to the power grid. If your neighborhood loses power, your house will lose power too.

You can opt for an off-grid solar system that feeds energy to a battery bank, but those batteries will cut into your return on investment (ROI). The best option is a grid-tied system with a small backup battery for emergencies.

3. Leasing Solar Panels

People end up leasing their solar panels because the upfront cost is often significantly lower than purchasing them. However, your lease will have an interest rate, and in the end, you may wind up paying more than double the purchase price for something you’ll never own. 

Homeowners who purchase solar panels can enjoy a 30% tax credit. If you lease the solar panels, the tax benefits will go to the third-party vendor instead. Leasing can also make it harder to sell your home since you’ll have to transfer the lease over to the buyer.

4. Poor Planning

Sometimes homeowners install solar panels without thinking of the future. If you’re going to have kids or buy more appliances, your energy needs will be higher. Buy the solar system you’ll need as life goes on, not the one you need right now.

5. Overpaying

When buying solar panels from a large provider with a lot of overhead, you may see more than a 200% markup on materials and equipment.

With Solar Solution AZ, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for every step of the way.

Click the link to learn how to size battery for solar energy systems, and call us at 520-858-0220 for your free quote today!

Solar Solution, a trusted Residential Solar Company in Arizona, wants you to appreciate an often overlooked step: choosing the right battery size for your solar-powered energy systems.

Knowing how to size a battery for solar panel systems is crucial to giving your home the power it needs without overpaying for too large a system. These simple steps will make it easy to make the right choice.

Before you figure out how to size a battery for solar, keep the following questions in mind because they will help you with your calculations and planning.

Are You Connecting Your Solar Panel System to the Power Grid?

Solar power systems can either be standalone off-the-grid systems that power the home or systems that are also capable of providing power to the local power grid. Some states allow net metering, which allows households with solar panel systems to sell unused energy to utility companies.

Net metering is a controversial issue nationwide and locally in Arizona. The status of net metering might change in the future depending on the political situation. 

Your Energy Requirements

Power companies measure energy usage in terms of kilowatt hours. Know how many watts your home will draw over the course of the day, keeping in mind that your usage will likely change over the course of the day. For example, if you need an average of 1,000 watts of power for 12 hours per day, you will need 12kW of battery storage.

Depth of Discharge

Solar batteries cannot release all the energy they store. In other words, they cannot fully discharge. Your battery capacity must be large enough to meet your power needs. A lead-acid battery, for instance, only discharges to 50%, so you would have to double your battery size.

The Capacity Limitations of Your Solar Panels

Your batteries might never fully charge if they never gather enough energy to meet your daily demand. In addition to knowing how to size a battery for solar energy systems, ensure that your solar panels are large enough to meet your energy needs.

Inefficiency Factor

Batteries do not return all the energy your solar panels receive, meaning a percentage of the energy goes to waste. If a battery only stores 75% of the energy it receives and you need to store 10.000 watts, you will need to store 13,333 watts to keep 10,000 watts.

Keep the Seasons in Mind

Remember that the sun’s angle changes with the seasons. You will receive less energy from sunlight during the winter than in summer because the sun’s rays strike the Earth at an oblique angle. 

Solar Solution Provides Quality Solar Panel Systems in Southern Arizona

At Solar Solution, we’re proud of our solar panel systems and installation work, but we offer more. Explore our website to learn about the solar energy trends in 2022 and find out how to size a battery for solar panel systems. Call 520-858-0220 today to schedule an appointment and get an estimate.

The sunshine that shines so brightly in Arizona by day can do wonders for your landscape at night. Shine a solar spotlight on your flower beds. Plant some solar stakes to light the way to your front door. String solar lights from the roof of your gazebo. As long as you’re capturing the sun’s rays to reduce energy costs in your home or office, why not use that same technology to light up the outside? Here’s how it works: A solar panel (or cell) on the light charges a battery during the day. At night a photo-resistor senses there’s no light and triggers an LED light to come on for six to eight hours, powered by a rechargeable battery.

Pros and Cons of Using Solar in Your Landscape

As with any home improvement that can add value to your home, there are benefits and drawbacks. In this case, the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
Pros:
● Solar is easy for DIYers to install. The cost to design and build a landscape in Tucson is about $4,700. The cost to add solar lights? Less than $100. No wiring is needed.
● Solar is portable. Put the lights where you want and take them with you when you move. Solar lights are perfect for renters.
● No worries about broken or critter-chewed wiring, or severing wires when digging in your landscape.
● Renewable energy reduces your carbon footprint.
● No cost to operate and little maintenance required. The only maintenance is wiping off the cell cover periodically. A dirty cell reduces the battery charge.
Cons:
● LED lights may be weaker, so you may need more lights to illuminate a specific area.
● Limited battery life. The batteries may need replacing every few years.
● Weaker battery charge when overcast which may mean low light at night.
● You’ll need to keep plant size in check so sun exposure to cells isn’t blocked.

Solar Landscape Light Types and Uses

Solar landscape lights can have the traditional look of a stake and lamp, or they can be more ornamental accessories, such as colored balls, animals, flowers, lanterns, and wind chimes. There also are solar birdbaths and solar-powered pumps for water fountains.
These are just a few highlights of the many ways you can use solar lights in your landscaping:
Stick a few lamps in your flower pots on your patio, balcony, or deck. Even more fun are solar-powered flower pots that burst into color at night. They spend their days as frosted white planters. At night, the pots illuminate the scene, with choices of color. Jab the lights in the lawn to outline a sidewalk. Place in garden beds to define corners or to highlight a tree or shrub. Use them to light stairways or pathways.

Ahead of the holidays, plant solar candy cane lights along your sidewalk, or hang solar-powered lights (perhaps shaped like a crescent moon) from your apartment balcony year-round.
In some neighborhoods, solar lights placed in treetops help to light up the night (and the backyard and alley).
Motion-sensor solar lights around your garage or backdoor can bolster your home’s security.

Solar light tips

Solar lights are weather-resistant and can stay outdoors year-round. (Be sure to follow the directions if you decide to remove and store the lamps for winter.) Place the lights so the solar cell is exposed to as much sun as possible. Be mindful of trees, shrubs, and other plants that may interfere with sun exposure. Buildings also may block the sun.
Some solar light fixtures have adjustable heads to direct the cells to the sun. Adjustable heads can come in handy because streetlights may affect the brightness of the solar lights by confusing the photo-resistor.
Keep the spacing of the lights at a pleasing distance. Too close together looks more like a runway and diminishes any subtle ambiance the lights may evoke. Too far apart, and the effect will be minimal and sparse.
If a motion-sensitive solar light comes on near your garage door or back gate, don’t grab a baseball bat. Remember, animals and tree branches can trigger a motion sensor.

Where to Buy Solar Landscape Lighting

Garden centers, hardware stores, big-box stores, discount stores, even dollar stores, and many online retailers carry solar lights. You’ll find single lamps or multiples, and lots of different styles — and often at a lower cost than comparable plug-in electrical lights.
Bottom line: Solar lights can highlight your landscaping features, guide family and visitors to your front door, and provide added security around your house and property.

The best part? Solar lights do all this with no cords and no increase to your monthly power bill.

Tim Meredith is an eco-friendly landscaper and freelance writer who started mowing lawns as a teenager to earn extra cash. He uses only organic pest control and fertilizers, solar accent lights, and electric mowers.

The sun’s energy has been a great resource since time immemorial. However, being utilized adequately only since the last decade in the form of solar panels, these harvest solar energy and provide electricity. They have proven to be very efficient and can help in saving a lot of money on your electricity bills.

Does it come to your mind if these panels are favorable for your roof? Does it make your roof last longer? Or does it make the roof weaker? Many people worry about the drilling needed to install these panels. Drilling could lead to water dripping inside your attic. But is it like that? Let’s find out.

WHAT IS A SOLAR PANEL?

Solar panels, also known as PV panels, come in various types of solar panels, each designed to efficiently convert the energy particles of the rays called photons into electricity.These generate electricity for various systems leading from remote power systems to commercial and residential electrical systems.

The solar panels accumulate renewable energy in the form of photons present in the sunlight. A single solar cell consists of silicon, boron, and phosphorus. When all the solar cells are together, they generate electric currents. These currents create enough electricity to run all the appliances in a day. The house uses the excess energy conserved in the principal power grid at night.

ARE SOLAR PANELS GOOD FOR YOUR ROOF?

Many people worry about the damage their roof will suffer in the process of solar panel installations. But do they need to worry about the imaginary holes drilled into their roof?
Brackets or solar shingles used to install solar panels, make the installation process effortless. Solar panels do not merely keep your electricity bill low, but they also come with some added benefits.

A cooler house

In addition to absorbing the sun’s rays, solar panels also reflect those rays and provide a break to thermal energy. The roofs covered by solar panels show an average drop of 5 degrees, keeping your cooling bill even lower.

Cost-effective

Once installed, the solar panels don’t require much maintenance. They equally protect your roof from different weather conditions, making it cost-effective and helping you save money on roof repairs. Since installation rarely needs drilling, one saves enough money on further restoration of the attic in case of water leaks. The panels act as a shield for the roof, reducing weather-related damages and increasing its life.

IS YOUR ROOF IN A GOOD CONDITION?

A standard house has enough roof surface to accommodate the required number of panels needed to produce electricity for the entire home. The roof remains the foremost requirement for the installation of solar panels. However, if your roof is not in good condition, these panels won’t last long and may damage your roof and the attic too.

The following signs identify with roof damage:

1. Broken or loose tiles.
2. Damage caused by water.
3. Cracked tiles or shingles
4. Damage to the structure of the roof.
5. Dilapidated materials inside and outside the roof that damage the structure of the building later.

Things to consider when replacing a roof:

1. Roofing material:
   Consider all the possible options and compare them thoroughly. There are diverse options available on the market. If it is confusing for you, take the help of roofing experts.
2. Quality:
   The reasonable prices offered by some contractors can be enticing, but you should focus on the quality of the work and the materials that they are going to use. Make sure to use the best materials, as you don’t want to compromise the health or safety of your loved ones. Investing in quality would undoubtedly yield long-lasting results.
3. Ask about changing the roof entirely.
   If you have rotting wood underneath the shingles, you need to get the roof replaced entirely. Merely replacing the shingles would only act as a temporary band-aid and won’t resolve the issue altogether.
4. A noisy business.
   Replacing a roof will undoubtedly be a noisy affair. You need to inform your neighbors about the process and probably stay out of the house during work hours.
5. Material disposal.
   Ask the contractors about the disposal process of the removed parts. They will possibly bring containers to dispose of the material. If they do this, make sure to ask them where they are going to place those containers and what they would do in case of any property damage.
6. Read the contract carefully.
   Make sure to read the contract provided by the company very carefully. This includes the material requirements and time slots mentioned by them. Instantly contact them if you find any issue with the paperwork. Ask the contractor about their permits and insurance covers too.

IN THE END

Solar installations may be an expensive business but are also cost-effective in the long run. It increases the lifespan of your roof and provides better protection, making it a reliable option to invest in.

REFERENCE

1. https://www.sempersolaris.com/roof-replacement-before-solar-panels-for-your-home/
2. https://www.gocamsolar.com/blog/do-solar-panels-keep-your-home-cooler

Author Bio:

Jeffery is a passionate writer & guest blogger. Writing helps him to improve his knowledge, skills & understanding of the specific industry.

He loves writing & sharing his knowledge mostly in the Roofing industry.

Currently, he is working with a roofing company.

He believes home safety is the key to a peaceful life & wants to spread his belief across the world.

Apart from writing, He loves Traveling and Reading.

Arizona can be a great place to live for a lot of reasons. The location is brimming with beautiful destinations to explore, incredible attractions, and even a pretty reasonable cost of living. All you need to do is make sure that you’re getting the most out of your home. 

Making the occasional update to your home now might seem like a headache, but it will save you a lot of time and effort later on if you pick the right points to focus on. Some home upgrades, like switching to energy-efficient appliances and getting rid of unwanted drafts can give you the comfortable and beautiful home you need while saving you money in the long term. Here are some quick home upgrades that will save you money in no time. 

Upgrade your Garden

Upgrading the appearance of your home isn’t just about making the inside look great – it’s also about considering what buyers will see when they happen upon your property when passing by on the street. 

Updating your garden with some easy-to-plant greenery recommended for your area will make your home look great. Also, this will massively reduce your home maintenance costs as native, easy-to-maintain plant species require considerably less work to stay looking healthy and attractive, meaning you won’t have to hire that pricey gardener any time soon!

This article by LawnStarter some great advice on the native plant types in Phoenix that are easiest to grow and care for. Just be careful not to plant anything too close to your home that might have roots that can break into the foundations of your property. 

Switch Out the High-Energy Appliances

Buying new appliances for our homes is something that most of us don’t want to do very often. After all, a new washing machine or refrigerator can be seriously expensive. However, if your devices are old enough, then they could be sucking up a lot more energy than necessary just so that they can stay up and running. 

Check the energy rating for the appliances in your kitchen, living room, and bathroom. If you have a smart meter, you can even find out how much each item costs to run by the hour. The most expensive energy hogs in your house should be the first ones to go. Replace them with something more energy-efficient and watch the savings roll in. 

Install Solar Panels

Finally, if no matter what you do, it feels like you can’t quite cut down the cost of your energy bills, then it might be a good idea to stop being so reliant on the grid in the first place. Installing energy-efficient solar panels can seem like a big job at first, but it’s also one of the best ways to completely transform the value of your home. 

Not only have solar panels become a lot cheaper in various parts of the US, with grants and government programs available to help you afford the panels that are best suited to you, but the technology is growing more efficient too. That means that the average rooftop system will pay for itself within about 7 years. Solar panels might represent a significant upfront cost, but the return on investment is unbeatable. 

Make the Right Choice for your Home Upgrade

The decision to upgrade your home can be a worrying and sometimes expensive one. However, if you pick the right strategy, then you could find that your initial investments pay for themselves in no time. What will you be doing to improve your home’s value this year? 

Your home is the most valuable asset that you own. However, it can quickly start to lose its worth over time, thanks to things like changes in the real estate market, and even wear and tear. Renovation projects are how you not only maintain your home’s value but potentially improve the amount you can get from a buyer when you take your property to market. 

The question is, how do you differentiate an expensive home-improvement project from one that’s actually going to make you money in the long term? 

We’ve hand-picked three excellent strategies for home improvement that are guaranteed to deliver a positive impact on your home. 

Invest in Solar Energy

Solar panel installation is one of the most cost-effective things you can do for your home. According to a study conducted by the National Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, homes using solar panels generally sell for a lot more cash than homes without renewable energy systems. That’s because homeowners today are actively looking for ways that they can cut costs on their energy and do more for the environment at the same time. 

Even if you decide that you don’t want to sell your home after your panels have been installed, you can still recoup your investment. The money you save on your energy bills and the cash rewards you can get for selling energy back to the government means that solar powers typically pay for themselves. Powering a home through solar energy saves homeowners thousands of dollars every year. Sure, it’s expensive to begin with, but it pays off later. 

Focus on Curb Appeal

If you’ve ever looked into the real-estate market before, then you’ll have heard of curb appeal. Curb appeal is the term that refers to a home’s visual attractiveness when it’s viewed from the street. The next time you’re out watering your lawn in Phoenix, look around and ask yourself what buyers might think when they’re just driving past your property. 

Maybe the paint on your house is chipping, or the landscaping is broken and cracked. Perhaps weeds are taking over your once-beautiful flower beds, or you’ve noticed problems with your home’s façade. Whatever it is, the worse your home looks on the outside, the less likely it is that you’ll be able to convince people to come in and check out the inside. Even repainting the front of your home could be enough to get you more attention from buyers. 

Improve your Insulation

As mentioned above, today’s homeowners are keen to save both energy and the planet. One of the quickest and most affordable ways to renovate your home for future gains is to invest in some better insulation. Improving the insulation in your home will reduce the amount you need to spend on energy costs each year, and it will also make your property more attractive when it comes to joining the real estate market. 

Consider sealing the cracks around your house and sealing the gaps under your doors so that you can keep your property air-tight. Invest in a thermal leak detector to figure out where you’re losing the majority of your energy. Little changes to your insulation strategy will make a huge difference to your home’s comfort, and create a place where people are comfortable living in the future.

Moving into a House with Solar Panels? Here’s What You Need to Know

Countless homeowners throughout America are beginning to explore the benefits of installing solar panels onto their homes. A solar PV range can significantly reduce your energy costs, and the price of an installation is much lower than you might expect. As solar arrays become more popular throughout the US, modern families looking to buy new homes may find that they have more to think about when they’re buying a property.

Now, you not only need to consider how big of a yard you want, and which neighborhood appeals most to you, you also need to think about whether you might benefit from buying a house with solar panels already installed. If you’re thinking of moving into a solar-powered house, the following advice might help.

1.     Make Sure You Get an Inspection Before you Move In

Because solar panels are a fantastic addition to any home, the person selling the house you’re interested in might raise the price of the property slightly to get some of their investment costs back for the initial installation. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that you’re paying for a fully-functioning solar array. A solar panel expert can inspect your panels for you before you sign on the dotted line, so you know that you’re not over-spending.

Think of it as having a roof inspected before you move into a property. The right evaluation not only ensures that you’re getting exactly what you think you’re paying for, but it also means that you won’t have to worry about paying out for repairs when you’ve just paid the deposit on your new home.

2.     Get the Warranty and Technology Information

It’s also worth speaking to the homeowner about whether they have the details on the original technology installation and warranty. This will help you to give your solar panel professionals the information they need to repair your system quickly if something does go wrong, as knowing the make and model of the panel helps with ordering replacement parts.

You can also check for information about feed-in tariffs and other benefits that the property seller may be already signed up with, so you can simply take over on earning the advantages that they’ve already established with their solar panels. The more you know, the better off you’ll be.

3.     Make Sure you Know how to Clean the Panels

Finally, it’s important to make sure that you know everything there is to know about cleaning and maintaining the solar panels on your new home. The person selling the property should be able to tell you everything you need to know about regular maintenance, and you can also reach out to outside experts for additional help. The company that originally installed the solar panels will typically be your best outside resource.

The rising popularity of solar panels in the residential world means that today’s homeowners have more to think about than ever. Before you sign on the dotted line, reach out to the solar experts at Solar Solution AZ.