Top 5 Things To Consider Before Installing Solar Panels At Home

Solar panels can lower your electricity bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase your home’s value. However, installing them is a long-term investment that needs careful planning.

The performance and safety of your solar system depend heavily on proper installation.

Source : Freepik

By Jai

As energy prices rise and environmental concerns grow, more homeowners are turning to solar energy as a sustainable and cost-effective solution. Solar panels can significantly lower your electricity bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase your home’s value. However, installing solar panels is a long-term investment that requires careful planning. Here are the top five things to consider before making the switch to solar power at home.

 Check Your Roof’s Condition and Orientation

Before you think about installation, inspect your roof’s condition. Solar panels are typically expected to last 25–30 years, so your roof should be in good shape to avoid the cost of removing and reinstalling panels later for repairs. If your roof is nearing the end of its life or has structural damage, it’s necessary to repair or replace it beforehand.

Additionally, in India and the majority of the Northern Hemisphere, south-oriented roofs receive maximum sunlight and therefore are best for solar panel placement. Roofs with little shadowing from buildings or trees close by will do better too. A professional site visit can assess the best place and angle to put your panels.

Understand Your Current Energy Usage

Evaluating your current electricity consumption is essential when determining the size and capacity of the solar panel you’ll need. Review your electricity bills from the past 12 months to understand your average monthly and annual usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This helps solar providers design a system that matches your energy needs, ensuring optimal efficiency and savings.

Calculate Costs Versus Savings

While the cost of solar panels has decreased over the years, the initial investment can still be significant. Costs include not just the panels but also Inverters, Mounting systems, AC & DC Distribution Box, DC Cable, Permits, and Labor. Government incentives, subsidies, and net metering policies can greatly reduce the overall cost, so it’s important to explore what’s available in your region.

Compare the upfront investment with long-term savings on your electricity bills. Most homeowners find that solar panels pay for themselves within 4-5 years, with substantial savings thereafter. Request quotes from multiple certified installers, review financing options such as solar loans or leases, and ask for a detailed return on investment (ROI) estimate.

Choose the Right Type of Solar Panels

There are primarily three types of solar panels: on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid.

• On-grid systems are connected to the local utility grid. They are cost-effective and allow you to sell excess energy back to the grid through net metering, and subsidies are also given for this only.
  
  
• Off-grid systems are entirely independent from the utility grid and require sufficient battery storage to supply energy at night or during cloudy weather.
  
  
• Hybrid systems combine both grid connection and battery storage, offering flexibility and backup during outages.

Work with Certified and Trusted Installers

The performance and safety of your solar system depend heavily on proper installation. Choose a certified and experienced solar installer who complies with local regulations and safety standards. Look for companies that are empaneled with government bodies like MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) and offer warranties on equipment and installation workmanship. A reputable provider will also handle necessary permits, help you apply for government subsidies, and offer after-sales service for maintenance and support.

 By assessing the condition of your roof, knowing your energy requirements, computing costs and returns, selecting the appropriate system type, and dealing with credible experts, you can make an informed decision that ensures maximum savings and sustainability. Solar energy can power your home efficiently for generations to come if you approach it correctly.

(The author is the CEO at Galo Solar)

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