From Traditional To Solar Energy: 8 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Making The Switch

The change from traditional energy to solar is common in households nowadays. The gravitation towards renewable energy has increased over the years because of its perceived benefits. It is evidenced by the various solar farms existing today. With all these efforts to switch to renewable energy, you could say that the future looks very green. Sustainable green technologies along the online garden stores like solar will be part of this future.

Improvements in solar technology have heightened the efficiency of solar panels. It means that modern solar panels can harness more energy per panel. It improves the prospects of making solar your home’s primary power source.

Moreover, before deciding to do the same, you need to ask yourself a few questions. It depends on a variety of factors. It would be unwise to make a rash decision in that regard. Instead, make an informed one because, for many homeowners, this may be one of their most expensive purchases ever.

That said, here are a few questions that you ought to consider before making the switch to solar:

1. Am I Working With The Right Company?

Firstly, you need to know whether the company you intend to work with is trustworthy. Don’t hesitate to conduct background checks to know more about the company through online reviews, for example. Their level of expertise and service quality matters to you. Skilled and experienced partners can give you the right advice. Also, you will be more confident when it comes to the installation because you know they can do the job well. You wouldn’t want a situation wherein problems emerge because of poor service. That’s why it’s best to stick to reputable companies such as Miami solar power company Airis and other similar companies because they’ve been in the industry for a long time.

2. Why Make The Move To Solar?

This question is somehow subjective. There is no single reason why a person would want to transition to renewable energy. Maybe you want to make your house a green home (environmentally friendly), or your state may have favorable policies towards green projects. Or it very well could be that you want to make your house a hybrid. The point is, there are many sensible reasons as to why you would utilize solar energy at home. But, be clear on why you want to make the change because your move has to justify the amount of money, time, and effort that you’re going to put into making it happen.

3. Will You Be Able To Generate Sufficient Power To Meet Your Daily Needs?

Is your house suitable to switch to solar energy? You certainly don’t want to install solar in an area that barely receives any sunshine. For example, you may be living in a place full of trees. So you need to take into consideration things like location, the amount of sun your roof receives, the direction in which the panels are going to lie, the number of panels needed, and whether they will be able to generate sufficient power. If you are sure that it will work, then, by all means, go for it.

4. How Much Does It Cost?

Usually, your contractor can help you with this. Some companies can help you calculate all the costs involved in installing solar panels. They consider the number of panels needed and all the other materials required. Different materials will be used in the process, and they usually have different qualities. It, therefore, contributes to the total cost. Going at it alone isn’t always the best idea.

5. What Type Of Panels Do I Need?

If you’re not well versed with the different types of panels, you may want to ask the experts as well. You may not have options in choosing the panel technology (this determines its efficiency in converting heat energy to electrical energy to a large extent). But, there’s a range of panel colors to choose from such as black, blue, etc. Also, panel sizes differ. There are big and small panels alike. An expert will be able to help in choosing the right one for you.

6. Is There A Warranty?

Moreover, ascertain with the solar company whether it offers a warranty on its solar panels. Doing so will provide you with security in case there’s a fault. Also, look out for and choose those companies that offer workmanship guarantees.

7. How Long Will They Last?

Two young technicians installing heavy solar photo voltaic panel on tall steel platform on green tree background. Exterior solar panel voltaic system installation, dangerous job concept.

It is a question intimately linked to the aspect of quality. If you use quality materials, they can last longer than those of lesser quality. Since solar technology has improved over the years, most solar panels can last long, even up to 15 years.

It’s hard to say the exact lifespan of a panel. But what you can do is buy the best quality you can afford.

8. How Much Will I Save?

Lastly, you need to conduct a cost-benefit analysis that takes account of your current electricity charges. If they’re too high, you should probably consider moving to solar. Nonetheless, the overall benefits have to outweigh the costs.

Furthermore, you may also want to confirm if there are government incentives that you can benefit from. Some governments are in full support of the green movement, and they offer incentives to those who are making an effort to make the world a greener place. It can be a source of cost savings. But try to research first to confirm the availability of such incentives in your state.

Conclusion

The above points can serve as a starting point to help you decide whether to move to solar. Solar energy is a fantastic alternative to the grid. However, before making the transition, you need to confirm whether the solar setup will work for your home. Different homeowners will face unique challenges. But keeping the aforementioned in mind will help.