NEED TO KNOW
Getting started
with solar panels
With more people going green
than ever before, you’ve probably
already started thinking about
doing it yourself. Chances are you
also may be thinking about using
solar energy to power your home,
but don’t know where to start.
It may be easier than you think to
have solar panels installed in your
home. Here are the steps involved
in going solar.
1. Check your roof. Because putting
solar panels on your home involves
a roof installation, your first step
should be checking the condition
of your roof to see if you may need
any repairs or if you must replace
your roof before installation.
Having a solid foundation for solar
panels is crucial to avoid problems
down the road. The usable life of
most solar equipment exceeds 20
years, so proactively making repairs
on roofs near the end of their lives
can save headaches of repairing or
replacing rooftops once the solar
array is installed.
2. Gather information. Research
different solar module technology
types and warranties. To the
untrained eye, most solar modules
look alike, but there are differences
in the cells that impact efficiency.
Depending on your home’s energy
usage and the available space you
have to install the panels, this may
influence whether you need high
efficiency solar panels.
Also research not just upfront
installation costs, but the value of
the energy produced by the array
during the life of the system.
3. Find an installer. Research
reputable companies so you’ll be
confident that your installation is
done correctly.
Be wary of salespeople who
show up at your door trying to
persuade you to make an instant
decision. Reputable installation
companies will be registered with
organizations such as the NURC.
Get installation quotes from a few
companies so you can compare
costs. An installer will want to visit
your home to assess the state
and orientation of your roof and
to see how much shade it gets.
The installation company will also
recommend solar and energy
storage products based on your
budget and needs.
4. Choose your solar panels. Look
for efficient, durable solar panels
from a company you already know
and trust.
LG NeON 2 solar panels with Cello
Technology have a double-sided
solar cell structure, enabling them
to capture light and generate
energy from both the front and
back. When the angle of light
is lower during mornings and
evenings, homeowners are most
likely to be home. LG NeON 2 solar
panels will generate more energy
44 SL-YOU | It’s All About Business
than others that only capture light
from the front. These solar panels
provide the highest possible value
for budget-conscious customers
and are backed by an industry
leading 25-year product and
performance warranty. High-quality
solar panels like these are low
maintenance and have a very low
failure rate.
5. Arrange installation. Most solar
installations take from one to three
days, depending on your situation.
Your installation company will
ensure that electrical wiring is
installed to connect the general
power system to your electrical
panel and will prepare your roof so
that racking may be attached. Once
the panels are set in place, inverters
are then connected to the panels.
Your solar panel installation may
need to be inspected by your
local government as well as your
electrical company to be sure
that everything is correctly wired
and installed to meet electrical
codes and ensure the safety of the
installation. Once the inspections
are completed (which can take
longer depending on your area),
your solar system can go live.
Having solar panels installed may
seem like a huge undertaking, but
in reality it will be well worth it in
terms of the cost savings on your
household electricity bills and the
positive impact it will have on the
environment and will increase the
value of your home.
www.slyoumag.com | September-October 2019