If you’re committed to living a greener lifestyle and want to save money on energy costs, consider the benefits of installing solar panels to generate energy through a renewable resource.
Before going all out, here are six things you need to consider before you get solar panels for your home or other property.
Examine Your Property
You will need a property assessment by a construction professional before moving forward with any type of roof modifications or major installation projects. If you own an older property, you may need roof repairs or even an entire roof replacement before solar panels can be installed safely. If the property has any construction flaws or other structural issues, installing solar panels may pose a risk and end up being more expensive to maintain or repair than you anticipated. Take the condition of your property and your roof into consideration so you can make any major repairs before installation begins.
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Explore the Types of Solar Panels
There are now dozens of solar panel manufactures out there offering everything from frameless solar panels to high-performance models that can withstand high wind loads. Take some time to compare different types of solar panels and brands to determine the perfect fit for your home or property. Shop wholesaler websites to access a large inventory of solar panels and request a quote for your purchase. You can then factor in shipping and installation costs to get your bottom-line price for a specific model.
Assess Installation Costs
Outside of the cost of the solar panels, the cost of installation may be your biggest expense when converting to a more eco-friendly lifestyle. You’ll need to find a reputable installer with a strong track record of good online reviews. Do your homework to find someone who has a long list of happy clients. While solar panels are durable and will rarely need to be replaced, you may need maintenance and repair services at some point. Find out if your installer provides these services for a discounted to existing customers so you can save on costs in the long term.
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Factor In Solar Permit Costs
Depending where you live, you may need to get a permit from the city for approval. This ensures your solar panel installation complies with all city codes and zoning laws. You will need to provide detailed plans about your installation, contractor information and may have to wait several weeks to get approved. Consider turning to companies that offer solar design and permit services for a flat fee. These services take the guesswork out of the whole process and can make it easier to draft official forms for the city to approve without revisions. You will need to budget for both the cost of services and any permit costs charged by the city.
Consider Financing or Upfront Payments for Purchase
Buying and installing solar panels can save you money in the long term but may be an upfront expense that stretches your budget. Consider financing the purchase with a company that offers low-interest financing or promotional offers on certain purchases so you can pay back the total cost with an installment plan. If you decide to resort to a personal loan, make sure to shop around for the best rates so you are paying less in interest charges than any financing plans offered by solar panel sellers.
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Don’t Forget About Tax Incentives and Rebates
The federal government offers tax credits for solar panels for up to 30 percent of the cost of purchase and installation. Consider how much you will save from this tax credit by installing solar panels this year. It’s also a good idea to keep your eyes open for any state or county rebates offered to local residents who are making the extra effort to save the planet.
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6 Things to Consider Before Getting Solar Panels originally appeared on usnews.com
