The number of Americans using solar panels will most likely triple by 2032. Homeowners and business owners alike enjoy watching their power bills shoot down. People are becoming more eco-conscious over the years as well.
Before having panels installed on your roof, there are many things that you need to take into account. If you focus too much on price, for example, you may end up with a faulty system.
You also have to choose a quality solar installation team and don’t agree to anything without reading the warranty.
These are only a few commercial solar installation errors that you should keep in mind. Continue reading to learn more.
1. Don’t Focus on Price Alone
While you should set your solar panel budget based on your funds, it’s never a good idea to set your expectations too low. Going solar isn’t cheap. If you can’t afford the price tag, hold off until your company is in a better financial situation.
If you pay too little for your solar energy contractor, there’s a good chance that your panels won’t function as well as you would like. It also won’t be long before they begin to degrade. You’re not saving money if you have to replace your system every few years.
2. Choose a Great Team
Choosing the right team to install your commercial solar system will ensure that you get the most out of your panels. The general rule of thumb is to get quotes from three different companies. Not only will this will allow you to compare prices, but it also gives you the chance to ask questions.
Before committing to a company, you’ve got to make sure that they have all the licenses needed to legally handle the job. Ask them how many systems they’ve installed on buildings like yours, and find out how many panels you’ll need.
3. Don’t Ignore Your Roof
Depending on the age of your roof, it might not be able to support the weight of a solar panel system. Even if you don’t have a lot of roofing knowledge, you can perform a quick inspection to find out how it might hold up.
Ask yourself, when was the last time you had a roof replacement? What material is your commercial roof made of? If it’s fiber-cement, it might be too brittle to support solar panels.
Walk around your building and check things out. If you spot shingles on the ground, you might want to have your roof replaced before talking to solar installers.
4. Read the Warranty
A warranty is a promise. It’s the solar company ensuring you that your solar panels should work as expected. If your panels degrade or stop functioning before the end of the warranty, the company will fix the problem at no cost to you.
Before signing your name on a contract, it’s important that you go through the details of the warranty with a fine-tooth comb. One, so you can find out how long the warranty lasts.
The other reason is that certain things can void a warranty. If you’re unaware of what these things are, you may find yourself out of luck if one of your panels decides to break unexpectedly.
5. Know Your Incentives
Most states offer incentives to home and business owners that install solar panels. That means you might be able to make back some of the money that you spend on the solar installation process.
No one will come knocking on your door to tell you what incentives you qualify for, however. That’s something you’ll need to research on your own.
6. Don’t Install the System Yourself
Again, investing in solar panels isn’t cheap. You might be tempted to cut costs by installing them yourself. There are videos online that will walk you through the entire process.
If you’re not sure what you’re doing, however, there are a few finer things that you may miss. You could end up damaging your roof. The process of climbing a ladder and connecting all the wires is also dangerous.
That’s why it’s a better idea to let the professionals handle it. They have the tools and know-how needed for the job. Even if they were to mess things up, your warranty should take care of the repairs.
7. Putting Off Your Solar Decision
Some business owners don’t have solar panels installed because technology is always evolving. They choose to wait for the next big thing in the solar energy world to come out.
The thing is, if you wait too long, you may miss out on savings that you could have had. As the solar market becomes more popular and demand increases, the price will go up.
There may come a time when certain tax credits and incentives decrease. If you don’t make a decision soon, they may pass you by.
Customers care about businesses that work to protect the environment. By installing solar panels, you can advertise that you’re a green business, which will bring in new clients. That’s something that your company needs sooner rather than later.
Avoid Commercial Solar Installation Errors
Switching to solar energy will allow you to reduce your company’s carbon footprint and save on your power bill.
To make the most out of your new system, there are a few commercial solar installation errors that you’ll need to avoid. Be sure to inspect your roof ahead of time, get quotes from different installers, and above all else, don’t put off your solar decision.
For tips that will help you save up for your solar system, visit the Money section of our blog.
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