7 Steps to Install Solar Panels on Your Roof

Solar panel systems have a bright future in the roofing industry and for home and building owners alike. Solar panels, also known as solar photovoltaic panels are excellent tools for reducing monthly electric bills, providing clean power, lowering dependence on traditional fossil fuels, and adding value to a home or building. Installing rooftop solar panels is one of the best ways to increase the value of a home or building. And, not to mention the fact that federal legislation extended a 30% tax credit for commercial and residential solar panel installations.

The following "7 Steps to Installing Solar Panels" can be used to guide both commercial and residential customers through the solar panel shopping and installation process, and help make it as smooth and easy as possible.

1. Make your home more energy efficient.

Before you begin the solar installation process you first need to examine the energy efficiency of your home. Adding solar photovoltaic panels to a home with poor energy efficiency is not going to provide the results you expected. In some states to be applicable for the tax credit your home needs to have an energy audit performed before the solar panel system is installed, making your home's energy efficiency paramount. Here are some tips to make your home more energy efficient:

* Upgrade or replace windows

* Well insulate walls and attic

* Replace inefficient hot water heaters and/or furnaces

* Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs

2. Evaluate the solar site or roof.

Ask yourself a few questions: Is the roof strong enough to support the panels? Is the available space large enough to hold the panels? Does the roof offer southern exposure? And most important, does your roof receive enough sun light? Solar panels are recommended to receive full sun exposure between 9am and 3pm in order for them to be the most effective.

3. Get competitive bids.

Solar panels are a big investment, but done correctly they can provide a significant return and increase the value of a building or home. Shop around a little and find the best price. But be aware; don't just look for the cheapest price. Find a well established retailer and installer with a strong track record. Educate yourself and ask the right questions, because sometimes a higher costing solar system might be the better option, and in the long run provide a higher return on your investment.

4. Research the cost.

Solar photovoltaic panels vary in cost, which is usually determined by the size measured in Watts, the actual dimensions, the brand, the longevity, the warranty, and any certifications the solar panel might have. As solar systems increase in size so does the price. Expect to pay approximately double for a solar system of double the watts.

It is probably a good idea to receive multiple quotes, and if there are large differences inquire why. And, as mentioned before, don't choose your solar panels based solely on price; make sure it will supply enough energy to fit your needs.

5. Determine the required size and Watts.

To begin, study your electricity bill. It will provide you with a lot of useful information to estimate your energy needs. Find out how many kilowatt hours (kWh) you use per day, month and year. When sunlight is optimal, a 100 Watt panel will generate 100 Watts of electricity per hour. Most homes electricity needs can be fulfilled with a solar system between 1 to 5 kilowatts or 1,000-5,000 Watts. And in general, 1 square foot of solar photovoltaic panels in bright sunlight yields 10 Watts, but that can vary depending on the type. Ultimately, when determining the required size of solar panels be sure that they will supply enough electricity to meet or exceed your needs.

6. Choose the Solar Panel Type.

There are 3 main types of solar photovoltaic panels that are available to choose from and vary in efficiencies.

* Mono-crystalline panels are essentially one large solar cell. They are smaller than the polycrystalline panels.

* Poly-crystalline panels are comprised of many small cells grouped together which produce a little less efficiency than the mono-crystalline panels, and are potentially available for a lesser cost.

* Amorphous (or thin-film) panels are larger in size and require more space than the other panels. However, there are other significant benefits, such as a lower cost, versatility, flexibility and greater efficiencies in the Midwest.

It should be noted that efficiency only addresses the amount of light that is created on bright sunny days. The thin film panels have the unique ability to produce watts in low light and overcast conditions, therefore increasing its yield of watts over the same time for the other panels in less than optimal climates like the Midwest. Side by side comparisons in the desert reveal one thing, but side by side comparison in an area that only has 4.2 hours of sunlight on average daily, the thin film provides a distinct advantage.

One must also consider that the framework required to mount the panel type vs. the thin film can add cost and future maintenance.

As there are different types of solar photovoltaic panel roofing systems available, there are also different types of installation methods, such as a grid-tied system, which offers the ability to have more solar photovoltaic panels added at a later date.

7. Review the quote and solar system specifications.

Read the fine print and be clear on all aspects of the new solar panel system. Here are specific points to review:

* Total Cost - Labor, installation and equipment.

* Projected savings - how many years will it take to pay itself off?

* Operational and maintenance costs

* Required permit costs, if any

* Solar system make and model - is it a trustworthy brand?

* Taxes

* Tax credits - 30% federal tax credit with no cap.

* Utility rebates

* Warranty - how many years? Most reputable brands will offer a 25 year warranty. If less, inquire how long it takes to pay itself off.

Solar Panels remain a great choice to lower your energy costs, as well as reduce your carbon footprint on the environment. Innovative solar panel design and technology is rapidly hitting the market, so the future is bright for the solar panel industry. Learn more about solar panels and speak with a reputable solar panel installation company today.

For more information on installing solar panels on your home or building contact a reputable roofing contractor.

A Detailed Explanation of Solar Panel Benefits

There are many, many positives when it comes to solar panels. Panels are the revolutionary technology that will shape the future of how everyone uses energy and will hopefully help us conserve our natural resources. A detailed explanation of solar panel benefits is as follows:

For those who have already installed solar panels in their homes, you know how the technology benefits how much energy you consume and how much money you can save. Solar panels can take up a considerable amount of space but they can also be fixed to the roofs of many homes. When they are on the roof, the panels can easily gather sunlight and allow the energy to travel into your home. An array of panels may also be installed on the ground.

Even if you do not manage to gather enough energy to provide for all your electronics, you will have significantly reduced your coal produced energy from the plant. Unlike coal, sunlight is a renewable resource that will provide energy to our civilizations for lots of years to come. Also, even though the sun disappears at night, the energy from the day can be reserved and used throughout the late hours. It is always good to turn off non-used electronics, though.

Unlike oil, the use of solar panels does not pollute our planet. Panels do not emit greenhouse gasses nor do they damage ecosystems from accidental spills or dredging. This technology also uses energy that is free. After the solar system and thermal collectors are established, you will not have to worry about extra expenses to power the equipment.

Solar energy is incredibly versatile. The power collected from sunlight can be used to energize vehicles, satellites, heaters, buildings, fountains and so much more. Even if you do not have solar electronics at home, the power from solar panels can still be harvested and use for anything.

The energy of the sun is great for people who live anywhere. For those who live in the city or out in the country, panels are an economically intelligent solution for when it comes to installing power lines. Instead of having miles of wire running throughout the state, we could install panels and have the power isolated to specific homes.

The entirety of the solar panels can last for several years and up to an entire lifetime. The equipment is highly durable and does not often wear down much from weather conditions. Panels have even been known to work extremely well when it is really cold but the sun is out. Of course, they all are very efficient when the sun is shining and it is a hot day.

All in all, it appears to be that solar panels have become an economic and environmentally smart way to go. We can all benefit from the power harnessed through this technology and not have to worry about the resource depleting and become non-existent. Please research for any tax incentives in your area to make obtaining panels easier.

Help save the environment with solar panels. Help preserve the earth for generations to come! Zonnepanelen helps reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint.