How to Maximize Savings With a Professional Solar Energy Contractor
From lowering your carbon footprint to cutting your energy bills, these are just some benefits you can expect when you go solar. Congress has also made it more affordable by extending the federal solar tax credit. To top it off, solar installation costs have dropped by about 40% over the last decade.
All those are good enough reasons to make the switch to solar ASAP.
But to maximize your investment, you should partner with a solar energy contractor. This can help ensure the proper design, installation, and implementation of your system.
This guide provides insights and tips to help you choose the right solar company, so read on.
Choose a Full-Service Solar Energy Contractor
Solar panel installation is a multi-step process that begins with an on-site assessment. A team of solar experts, including designers, electricians, engineers, installers, and roofers, conduct this step. Together, they will:
- Conduct an energy audit to determine your energy consumption and needs
- Confirm if your existing electrical system is compatible with solar power
- Verify your roof can handle the solar panel system
After the assessment, the experts can start designing your custom solar energy system. This includes calculating the number of panels necessary to meet your energy needs.
From there, the solar professionals must apply for the necessary project permits. Depending on where you live, these may include building, electrical, fire, interconnection, and zoning permits. Only after they’ve acquired these documents can the installation of your system begin.
After the installation, your local government and utility company must inspect the system. This is necessary to ensure it meets all building and safety codes.
Because of the many steps involved, some solar installers subcontract parts of the installation to third parties. The more third parties there are, the longer it may take them to complete the project.
To avoid such delays, partner with a full-service solar company with a complete team of solar experts. This way, you can rest assured your contractor will finish the installation without subcontractors. They’ll handle everything, from the initial assessment to installation and inspections.
Ensure Your Contractor Can Help With Solar Incentives
Federal, state, and local governments offer incentives for investing in solar technologies. The same goes for solar equipment manufacturers and utility providers. These include tax credits, rebates, and discounts.
Unlike the federal solar tax credit, many solar incentives differ based on location. For this reason, it’s imperative to choose a highly experienced local solar contractor. This way, they can help you find and apply for incentives specific to your area.
For example, suppose you’ve decided to partner with a full-service provider of customized solar solutions in Everett, WA.
In that case, you should choose an Everett solar company that will help you apply for the federal solar tax credit. They should also help you sign up for the Washington State’s net metering program. Moreover, they should assist you in purchasing your solar equipment free of sales tax.
Verify Your Prospects’ Qualifications
A solar energy contractor can help maximize your savings by designing a system capable of supplying your home’s total energy needs. To do this, they must thoroughly understand panel design, installation, operations, and maintenance.
One way to determine such qualifications is to ask each of your prospects about their certifications. Several organizations issue solar certifications, including:
- North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
- Roof Integrated Solar Energy (RISE)
- Electrical Training Alliance
- Underwriter Laboratories (UL) Solutions
Those certifications validate an installer’s knowledge, skills, and experience in solar panel installation. The more of them a contractor has, the better.
Pick a Contractor Using High-Quality Panels
The higher the quality of your solar panels, the more efficient they are in converting the sun’s energy into electricity. They’re also more durable and can last for many decades.
The more efficient and long-lasting your solar panels are, the more you can save over their lifespan.
You can choose among three primary types of solar panels: monocrystalline (mono), polycrystalline (poly), and thin film. The most energy-efficient of these three is the monocrystalline type.
The average efficiency rate of mono panels ranges from 17% to 22%, and they often have 25-year warranties. Poly panels only have an average efficiency rate of 15% to 17% and typically come with 20-year warranties. Thin film panels are 10% to 13% efficient and have 10- to 20-year warranties.
Fortunately, many reputable solar energy contractors offer high-quality mono panels. While they cost the most, their high efficiency and long life can help you save more in the long run.
So, when choosing a contractor, confirm that they’ll install mono panels in your home.
Ask About Financing Options
To maximize your solar energy-related savings, purchase your solar equipment.
A good enough reason is that the federal solar tax credit requires system ownership. So, if you lease or rent your solar panels, you won’t qualify for this incentive. That would be a considerable loss, as the incentive is currently at 30% until 2032.
The problem is that solar panel installation still costs around $17,000 to $38,000. While these prices are before incentives, they’re still a lot of money to shell out in one go.
The good news is that you can still qualify for the federal tax credit if you finance your system’s purchase and installation. Luckily, reputable solar energy contractors offer low-cost solar loans.
With a solar loan, you borrow money from the provider to purchase your solar equipment. The latter will be under your name, and you’ll just have to make affordable monthly loan payments. Your repayments include the loan capital (the money you borrowed) plus interest fees.
Let a Solar Energy Contractor Help You Save More
A solar energy contractor can help you go green and save more by designing a solar power system tailored to your unique energy needs. They’ll also assist you in acquiring all incentives you qualify for, such as the federal solar tax credit. To top it off, they can help you switch to solar ASAP through their low-cost loans.
So, as early as today, begin your search for a reputable solar contractor near you.