ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
A significant chunk of homeowners in the US has installed or are contemplating installing solar panels in their homes for a couple of reasons. However, the process isn’t without a hassle considering you have to go through particular approval processes and request a permit before you can install one of these into your home.
Let’s look at the nitty-gritty details that make a solar installation successful.
What Are Solar Panels, And Why Should You Consider Installing Them in Your Home
Solar panels are energy-efficient gadgets that absorb the sun’s UV rays and convert them to usable energy. These devices help substitute your primary source of electricity. Still, if your panels have an enormous capacity to keep you going for days, you can equally replace your supplier’s energy with solar panels.
The most evident reason to consider getting a panel for your home is to help cut the electricity bill cost. The price of electricity production has gone up, dragging with it the cost consumers pay to access this necessary service, creating a need for getting alternative energy options to run the house.
Pros And Cons of Installing Solar Panels
Undeniably, solar panels installation is considered a smart move. But this decision has pros and cons. Before you install photovoltaic cells (PV), you should weigh the benefits against the downfalls to see if you’re making an investment or if it’s a time and money-wasting idea. Some of the most notable benefits of solar panels installation are:
- • Cut or eliminate electricity bills
- • Allows you to earn money back for the excess energy you produce
- • Minimizes carbon footprint
- • Increase the value of your home when you put it on sale.
On the flip side, you may experience some setbacks when setting up a solar panel in your home. Some of these include:
- • High cost of installation
- • Unavailability of panels for specific roof types
- • Minimal savings when electricity costs reduce
- • Extended payback period.
What to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels
Before installing solar panels in your home, you must ensure everything you do aligns with the required stipulations. So, what do you need to do to make the process smooth? First off, you must consider the roofing material used in your home.
Not all roofs are suitable for placing PV, mainly because of the design. Ascertain that you have the required roofing standards before you begin the application process. A building permit is also something else you need before proceeding with the process.
Aside from the suitable material and design, the council must ascertain that the roof can support additional constructional factors such as solar panels. The amount of energy you consume will also determine the type and size of PV you get. Find the available options and see what works for your home before settling for a particular design.
You may also want to check with several suppliers how much it would cost to get a solar panel that will meet your home’s electricity needs. This allows you to work within your limit or find financing options to fit the bill.
Can You Install a Solar Panel on Your Own?
Installing a solar panel is the work of a certified installer, but you can do it without their help. However, you must have a guide showing you what to do each step of the way until you finish the work. Additionally, permits for solar panels from your local building authority and from the electric company are necessary to approve new construction and interconnection into the grid.
Where, When, And How to Apply for Solar Panel Installation
Plenty of companies are providing help to US homeowners to install solar panels. Therefore, you must pick a suitable company within your jurisdiction to help you set up one. You can check into any installation company and sign up for solar panels.
The first step involves giving you a quote for your system design and line-item quote. The technician will find details regarding your consumption, the climate, and what you’d like to achieve with your solar panels. Next, you’ll fill out the interconnection permit if you want to connect to the grid and finish up with a building permit.
Depending on your income and other necessary variables, you can be eligible for solar energy grants funded by the government. Once you fill out and submit the forms, you’ll receive feedback regarding your eligibility for solar installation and schedule an appointment to begin the work. If you’re doing the solar setup, you’ll be considered the contractor and will have to source for the permit yourself. To obtain this document you should do the following:
- • Visit your state’s building and safety division website or its equivalent
- • Prepare the project’s site plan
- • Request for a building permit, complete an application form and attach necessary documents
- • Plan a visit for the approval of your plan
- • Receive your permit and start working
- • Schedule inspections for the project before and after you start working
- • Wrap up the project and wait for your city’s approval
Requirements And Documentation Needed
Like any other house development project, solar installation requires particular documents to facilitate the completion of the request. Documents you may have to produce during the application include:
- • Site map
- • Diagrams for the solar wiring
- • Ratings for fire safety
- • Engineering certifications (what you’ll use for mounting hardware and panels)
- • Spec sheets for the product
- • Proof of home ownership
- • All necessary solar permitting (If you’re doing a DIY project).
Are There Any Inspections Needed?
Per government policies on solar energy, inspection is an integral step in installing solar panels. Before beginning the process, the company should inspect the home to ascertain that the wiring can support solar energy and that the roof is strong enough.
After completing the work, a solar panel inspection of the installation’s success and the home’s safety will be done before connecting it to the grid. Your solar panel vendor will provide the approved documents, fill them and run them by the council for approval. You may have to pay some money to facilitate the process.
Cost, Validity, And Processing Time
Installing solar panels is an individual decision that’s not necessarily a government initiative. Therefore, each person will pay varying amounts of money to finish the work. The time it takes to process and complete the request depends on the company and the size of the project.
Most PV panels are designed to last a lifetime, but certain factors can contribute to their quality and lifespan deterioration. Nevertheless, you should consult your provider or read the solar panel policy to determine how long you’ll have the panels before the need to replace them arises.
Wrap Up
Solar panels are great in helping to reduce the cost of energy and reduce the carbon print on the environment. However, interested persons must adhere to federal regulations on solar energy to avoid altercations and enjoy a smooth transition.