The solar industry in the United States is booming, with tens of thousands of homeowners making the switch to solar energy every month. 2021 was a historic year for solar, with a new solar project installed every 60 seconds and more than 121 GW of solar capacity now installed across the country. It is estimated that 13% of American homes will have installed a solar system by the end of the decade.
If you are considering solar panel installation for your property, then this blog post is for you. Here, we will highlight common solar panel installation mistakes and how you can avoid them. Let’s get started.
Delaying Buying Solar Panels
The cost of installing residential solar panels has fallen by around 60% in the past decade. Part of the reason why solar has become so affordable has been the availability of the federal solar tax credit. Initially, this tax credit stood at 30%; currently, it is 26% and will decrease to 22% in 2023 before expiring thereafter.
Homeowners that delay buying solar panels run the risk of missing out on additional savings on the upfront cost of installation. We recommend that you take advantage of the 26% federal tax credit and any other state credits that are available to you while you can.
Not Optimizing Roof Position
Many homeowners underestimate the importance of location to optimum solar energy creation. The roof is a great place to install solar panels and it is always recommended that you position solar panels in a south-facing direction. This will result in what is known as maximum output.
Installing solar panels in a north-facing direction could reduce output by up to 30%. Of course, the roof is not the only place on a property to install solar panels. Speak to your solar installer about the most optimum location on your property.
Buying the Cheapest Solar Panels
There are 3 main categories of solar panels: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. While Tier 1 panels are more expensive up front, they are the recommended option given how long the lifespan of solar panels is (up to 40 or 50 years). Tier 1 solar panels are of the highest quality and have the lowest degradation rate.
While it may be appealing to opt for the cheapest solar panels, their efficiency and effectiveness may be underwhelming compared to Tier 1 panels.
Click here to learn more about how your property can take advantage of solar energy and generate its own power.
Common Solar Panel Installation Mistakes to Avoid
We recommend that you partner with an experienced and reputable solar installation company to avoid falling prey to the above common solar mistakes. A solar energy system is a wonderful addition to a property and can save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars on their energy bills.
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