What To Know When Installing Solar Panels for the First Time

Solar panels are a big investment, but they can have a substantial long-term reward. A key part of ensuring you have that rewarding experience is avoiding novice mistakes when planning your installation. Explore our guide on what to know when installing solar panels for the first time so that you can get ready today.

Consider Going Off-Grid

One of the most important details you should understand when installing solar panels is what off-grid solar power is. You don’t have to become an engineer to understand how this will work at home. If you want to fully disengage from the power grid, you should choose an off-grid system. Not all solar systems follow this formula because some will use the grid to store excess electricity.

Independently generating power with an off-grid system ensures you can store that extra electricity in a backup battery. Going off-grid reduces your carbon footprint and helps your home avoid blackouts. If something happens to the power grid, your neighbors may lose power, but your home won’t if it’s running on off-grid solar energy.

Check for Trees

One of the most important things to know about off-grid solar systems is that trees can reduce your panel efficiency. When possible, keep the panels away from trees so that branches can’t block the sunlight. Likewise, branches can fall and land on the solar panels, obscuring their ability to absorb incoming sunlight.

If you must install solar panels near trees, regularly trim tree branches and other plants near the solar panels to prevent them from blocking sunlight.

Explore Follow-Up Opportunities

There are many eco-friendly additions you can make to your home, and installing solar panels is just one of the many paths worth taking. However, don’t forget to plan for any necessary follow-up procedures for your solar panels. These procedures can include solar panel inspections, repairs, and cleaning. Talk with your solar panel installer about any additional services they offer.

This ensures you can have more peace of mind when it’s time for maintenance. Once you know what your solar panel installer can or can’t do after the installation, you can plan out your maintenance routine.

Thanks to this guide on what to know when installing solar panels for the first time, you can start building your ideal plan today.