Is Solar Right For Me?
As more home and property owners in San Jose, California are considering investing in solar panels. They’re asking themselves a variety of different questions. The first question many ask is: Are solar panels right for me?
When answering this question you’re going to consider that solar panel technology has become much more cost-effective in recent years and the equipment is far more advanced.
If your properties can take solar panels, it could prove an excellent way to generate cost-effective electricity and dramatically reduce your impact on the environment. 
However, even though many people are keenly aware of the benefits of solar panels before you commit to any significant investment in an installation process that can be easily reversed, there are some other key questions you should ask. We spoke to some experts in the industry and they recommend you ask the following questions to decide whether solar panels are right for me. Before you choose them as an option for your business or home considered:
#1. How sturdy is your roof?
One of the first things you should consider before installing solar panels is the age of your roof. If your roof is 20 to 30 years old, there’s every chance it’s in a state of disrepair, it may be damaged and worse, you may need to install a new one soon. If this is the case, installing solar panels is probably not a good idea. Get your roof prepared first, as you won’t have to pay extra and risk damaging your paneling to get them dismantled.
You should also look into the warranty of your roofing system and how it compares to the warranty of any solar panels. Most solar panels will last an average of 20 years once they are installed and maintained correctly rules last 15 to 20 years, but this can also be increased with regular maintenance. Make sure that both lengths of time match up so you won’t be caught unawares when problems arise with either.
#2. Is my roof shape suitable?
I knew when you lived in San Jose news coming home in different sizes and shapes. Before you commit to any solar panel installation, you need to know you have enough space otherwise you simply won’t get an adequate return on your investment.
#3. Is my roof facing in the right direction?
One of the first factors a solar panel expert will ask you is the direction in which your roof is facing. There are optimum placement requirements that allow your solar panels to generate the maximum power allowed. Talk to the professionals and they will discuss the best placement of your panels sad facing is ideal but others will work with west-facing rules to this type of information is vital before you decide our solar panels right for me.
#4. Was my roof designed to be weight-bearing?
Installing anything on the roof of your property is going to increase the weight and pressure on the roof. Get your roof tested to ensure there’s no chance of it collapsing under the weight of the panels. This is vital, as a collapsed roof is dangerous for everyone involved. Getting your roof professionally evaluated and signed off is one of the first things you should do before you start on the installation.
#5. Water run-off
Anytime it rains your contractor has designed your roof to safely remove excess water this runs into the gutters and away from your property. I need solar panels that are installed that will feature wire harnesses and rocking that can affect drainage and the flow of water from your roof. Sometimes, it’s not unheard of for solar panels to change the flow of water and its direction this can cause specific problems and create leaks. All of this can be avoided by talking to your roofing contractor about any specific concerns beforehand shown in the plan and making sure that they understand where and how the panels will be installed and they will tell you whether it will affect your water runoff.
#6. Weather factors
Solar panels involve extensive technology, all of which will be open to extreme weather, including hail, hurricanes, and lightning. If you’re in an area where solar panels and the equipment attached can easily get damaged, make sure that your house insurance comfortably covers such events otherwise it could be a costly installation.
#7. Connecting to the local and state grid
Once you’ve considered the shape and structure of your property’s roof, your solar panel system may need to be connected to the grid when you’re doing this. You need to discuss it with a local utility provider as they may need to determine
- The time a hook-up may take.
- Will your utility company credit you for the excess energy you generate?
- How will this credit be generated?
- I’m trying to feed attachments for connecting your solar panels to the grid?
These are just some questions you’ll have to ask another one that will be important is whether your local or state energy provider works with net metering.
#8. Will I qualify for any rebates?
Considering installations of solar panels in San Jose cost anything from h to $40,000 it’s important to work out whether your city-state is a local council and the Solar company you’re working with and provide rebates for the installation of solar panels. Before you sign any contract to begin a new project talk to your contractor then your city then your state. in many cases you may claim the 30% rebate on the constant installation of solar panels
#9. Do solar panels fit into my budget?
You’re going to factor into account the overall cost of installing solar panels, but it’s important to remember that solar panels need regular maintenance for them to remain in excellent condition. You may have to sign a maintenance package agreement with your installer, and doing so is always a good idea before the installation begins. If you don’t feel you can cover the cost of maintenance and the power would not cover this additional cost generated, then maybe solar panels aren’t for you.