Some Steps in Preparing for Solar Panels
At Solar Masters, we have a dedicated process for helping homeowners and property owners to think through the nuts and bolts of solar panel installation. Preparation is important for this kind of project, since these panels will likely be working on a property for decades to come. There’s also a significant capital outlay – although eventually, that money will come back to you (possibly with big dividends) in utility savings!
What's involved? Here are some ways that we work with property owners as we brainstorm what's best for a particular real estate location.
Energy Design and Power Draws
One of the most basic and fundamental aspects of planning solar panel installations is looking at your power loads and what you need at a property. We always suggest taking the long view, because the solar system may be in place for 20 to 25 years. So as you live in a building, if you want to grow or scale your energy footprint, it helps to have this type of forward thinking plan in place.
Roof Support
Can your roof support the weight of a particular number of solar panels? Is your roof in the proper condition to put these panels on top of it?
These might seem like simple questions, but a roofing system is one of the more elaborate and expensive parts of a property. We help homeowners to do the research and survey a roof to make sure it's ready for a solar panel installation.
Taking Care of Trees
This one also requires some forward planning. Your trees might be small and in good health right now, but over time, they're going to grow. The good news is that they will grow in fairly typical and predictable directions and distances, so that you can do the math and figure out whether you're likely to encounter problems later. That's why this is such a significant part of planning for this type of project.
Permits and Paperwork
In going over your solar design and preparing to install it, you may have to deal with some zoning or municipal issues, or fill out tax benefit forms or grant applications. You may also need to pursue financing for one of these systems. We can help. We are well familiar with sitting down with people and crafting a plan for a great solar installation that will be well worth what you end up paying for it. That’s the goal! And at the same time, you are embarking on a concrete step to save the planet and everyone on it. That’s a use, we’d say.