10 things to consider before installing a solar panel system

Undoubtedly so, the planet is in an urgent need to switch to renewable

sources of energy to meet the high consumption requirement that is
rapidly multiplying. Sustainable development is a concept that most of
the households and commercial houses are in favor of today. In this
scenario, the inculcation of solar energy I.e. the most abundant and
powerful source of generating power is highly into use and has gained
major popularity. If you are looking forward to the installation of a solar
power system for household purposes, you need to keep in mind certain
key points that would directly define the efficiency of your solar power
setup and its durability.
Here are the ten things to keep in mind before installing a solar power
system-
 The state of your roof
The solar power system is installed over the roof of the house; this
clearly states the need for ensuring that the condition of the roof is fit
for the installation of the entire system. Attending to questions
pertaining to the repair requirements of the roof is a must and shall be
diligently analyzed and the needful be done. The age of your roof is a
major factor that directly influences the state of your roof and it’s fitness
for the solar panel installation. Also analyze the discrepancy between the
warranty of your roof and that of the solar panel, in the case where the
warranty of roof lags highly behind that of the solar panels, the
maintenance cost is going to burn a hole in the pocket.

 The shape of the roof

Understanding that the roof is a major thing to be checked on before
installation, it is important to look for its shape as well. House roofs
come in different sizes and shapes that are determined by various
factors of construction and design of the house. Attending to space and
shape required for the installation of the solar panel system and deciding
accordingly will be highly beneficial in avoiding any issues thereafter.
Check if your roof's size and shape will be enough for the solar panels to
be placed and for them to operate seamlessly.

 Direction facing of the roof

As the working of solar panels is entirely dependent on the solar energy
received and processed, making sure that the direction in which your
roof is allowing you to place the solar power system is okay for the
system to receive enough sun rays in order to carry ahead the process. If
this factor is not attended timely, before the installation begins, the
efficiency of the system will be highly affected and so will be the return
on investment.
  The weight-bearing capacity of the roof
The installation of an entire system of solar panels undoubtedly calls for
a major weight on the roof. This weight is permanent and long term in
nature and not momentary. Keeping into account this, the weight-
bearing capacity of the roof is a necessity to be studied before the
finalization of the size of the system and other installation specifications.
If the weight is more than the bearing capacity of the roof then there
are high chances that it may collapse and lead to severe conditions.

 Water flow and it’s drainage

When it rains, the water is supposed to flow in a particular direction
where the roof is sloped and further move through drains. After setting
up a solar panel system, the wiring, and other equipment pieces that
the system comes with might interrupt the flow of water and in certain
cases also change the direction of flow that might create additional
leakage and other problems. Thereby, analyze the direction of flow in
prior and decide for the solar panel placement in accordance with it.

 Did you research the market enough?

Before committing to a contractor and signing for the installation, like
all other commodities, it is a key point to research the market. The
market analysis should not only involve the assessment of alternatives
in terms of price and dealers but should also account for the market
image of the contractor that you're looking forward to getting the work
done from. Ensure that the quality of assemblage that he/she uses and
the post-installation services that are extended are worth the amount
being invested.

 Things to look for while signing the agreement

After the finalization of the solar panel installer, there are certain key
points that you must look for in the agreement. The information
pertaining to ownership, financing, performance expectations, data on
electricity consumption and companies that have access to your
electricity production and usage must be clearly defined in the
agreement. In the event of these not being mentioned or being vaguely
stated in the agreement, one should necessarily ask the contractor for
clarifications and request the inculcation of such information in the
contract.

 Is the cheapest option the best?

We are often economically motivated to opt for a particular alternative.
Even though the drive to go for the cheaper option is understandable, in
the case of solar panel system this shall not be the benefiting case in the
long run. However, it is to be noted that the cost of installation and
operation of solar panels has dropped significantly in the past decade
but opting for the cheapest option might leave your system inefficient
and low on durability. While it is essential to focus on investment in
monetary terms, it is also important to attend to the returns that it
would draw. Safety is another part that is majorly compromised in cheap
solar panels. Study the options for advantages and disadvantages
carefully before selecting.

 Warranty
Always look for the brand and contractor that has warranties to offer.
Opting for a major installation like solar panels system will surely need
certain protection plans and have the supplier be accountable for any
inconveniences caused due to their fault. Thereby, looking for
warranties is an important aspect of selecting the right solar panel
installer and the right system.
  Rebates are your reward- do not miss out on them
Many states and cities provide rebates on the installation of solar panels
as a promotor towards opting for sustainable sources of energy. Ask
your contractor about the rebate options available and do thorough
research about claiming the same on your installation amount.

Keep in mind these ten most important factors that are to be considered
before finalization and installation to choose the best solar panel
Brisbane and ensure efficiency and durability for it.