Solar panels are one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to power your home while reducing your carbon footprint. If you’re considering switching to solar, the first step is properly preparing your home for solar panel installation.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to know before installing solar panels—from assessing your home’s suitability to selecting the right system for your needs.
Preparing for Solar Power Installation
Switching to solar is an exciting step towards sustainability and energy savings, but a successful installation starts with proper preparation. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare your home for a smooth solar panel installation.
1. Assess Your Energy Needs
The first step is to assess your home’s energy consumption. Take a look at your electricity bills over the past year to see your average monthly usage. This will help you determine the right solar panel system and capacity.
We highly recommend having a professional conduct a home energy audit to assess how much electricity you need. Here, you’ll find opportunities to improve energy efficiency, potentially reducing the number of solar panels you need to install.
2. Inspect Your Roof and Assess Its Suitability
Once you know your energy usage, the next step is to assess the strength of your roof. A professional (engineer, roofer, or architect) should check if it can bear the additional weight of solar panels, ensuring they can withstand the changing weather, especially the snow and wind in Canada.
They should also check for and fix any damage on the roof, such as structural issues, leaks, or loose shingles, before solar panel installation. Depending on the age of your home, you may also need to upgrade the electrical system to accommodate the solar panels. Adding a new electrical panel or upgrading existing wiring may be necessary.
3. Determine the Roof Orientation and Shading
Measure the area of your roof to determine the number of solar panels you’ll install and the system size that works best for your home. Next, note areas that could cast shadows on the panels, such as overhanging tree branches, chimneys, and antennas, so that you can plan the best placement for your solar panels.
Image source: Pexels
4. Choose Your Solar Panel Setup
To maximize sunlight exposure and get the most out of your solar panels, you’ll need to determine your roof’s orientation and angle. Calculate the slope and how it aligns with the sun to ensure your panels receive the most sunlight possible.
If your roof orientation isn’t ideal, you might need to invest in higher-efficiency solar panels. These will cost you more, but the increased energy will be worth the investment.
You can also choose from many types of solar panels, including monocrystalline panels, known for their sleek design and high efficiency, or polycrystalline panels, which are slightly less efficient but more budget-friendly. If you’re unsure which type of solar panels to get, a solar expert can help you decide.
5. Get Necessary Permits & Approvals
Ensure your solar power installation meets local building codes and zoning laws. Some areas have specific regulations and guidelines on the type, size, and placement of solar panels.
Look at your local utility company’s requirements for connecting your solar system to the electricity grid. You might have to use specific equipment or sign a net metering agreement to return excess solar energy.
You’ll need to work with your installer to get the necessary permits from your homeowner’s association or local government. mySolar professionals will submit your project for capacity approval from your electricity company and get a building permit on your behalf.
6. Research Solar Panel Installers
Choose a reputable and qualified solar installer with positive reviews. They should have a certification that ensures they meet local standards, such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
Compare quotes from multiple installers to see pricing, warranties, installation timelines, and solar panel options. Each quote should have a comprehensive breakdown of costs. On average, solar panels cost around $30,000, or $2.50 to $3.50 per watt, but this depends on a few factors.
Image source: Pexels
7. Explore Financing Options & Incentives
A solar power system is a big investment, and you might not be able to pay for it all upfront. Fortunately, most solar companies offer financing options, and the government has some tax credits and rebates that you can apply for, like the Canada Greener Homes Loan.
These are the most common financing options:
- Pay in full: Paying for solar panel installation upfront provides the greatest long-term savings without any interest charges.
- Loans: Most lenders offer loans where you can finance the installation over time while benefiting from lower energy bills from day one.
- Purchase Power Agreements: You can install solar panels with little to no upfront cost, but you may have lower long-term cost savings and not own the solar system outright.
8. Prepare for Installation Day
On the day of the solar panel installation, remove any obstacles or debris that can impede the installers’ work, like overgrown plants, clutter in the yard, and obstructions on the roof.
Confirm the installation date and time, and, if necessary, provide specific instructions for accessing your home. The more prepared you are, the smoother and faster the solar installation process will be.
Find a Trusted Solar Installer with mySolar
Preparing your home for solar panel installation is essential for maximizing efficiency, minimizing costs, and ensuring a smooth transition to solar energy.
However, the most important step is choosing a trusted solar panel installer. mySolar’s experts ensure a seamless installation from start to finish, walking you through the process every step of the way. Get a free estimate today and take the first step toward a greener, more energy-efficient home.
