What to Do After Installing Solar Panels. Once you have installed solar panels on your home, it's time to check their performance. If you aren't satisfied, you should contact your local solar trade association, register a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, or get a free quote from a certified solar installer. Once they have your permits, they'll order all the necessary equipment and install your panels.
Check the performance of your solar panels
There are several ways to check the performance of your solar panels after installation. One way is to check your electricity bills. However, it can be time-consuming and add another worry to your list. Another way is to purchase a device that displays information on the amount of energy your panels produce and any system diagnostics. Some of these devices also have the ability to connect to the internet. By monitoring the performance of your system, you can determine how much energy your panels are producing and how much greenhouse gas they are reducing.
What to Do After Installing Solar Panels
The output of your solar panels can vary considerably. The direction of your panels can affect their output. If they are facing east, you should expect them to produce around 70 percent of their total capacity. If they are facing west, they should produce a different percentage. A dirty location can also lower the output of your solar panels.
Regularly cleaning your solar panels is another way to check the performance of your solar panels. While this process can cause some damage to the panels, it is worth doing if you notice visible stains. Regular checks will also help detect any build-up of debris. In addition to periodic cleaning, you can also ask your solar panel dealer to conduct a health check of your PV system.
To check the performance of your solar panels, make sure you have the correct multimeter. If you don't have a multimeter, you can connect a black probe to the solar panel. Make sure the black probe is connected to the negative side. Next, connect your multimeter to the battery and charge controller. Make sure the voltage readings are within the approved range.
Solar power is a wonderful way to reduce energy costs. But before you turn it into a profit, it is important to test your system. You can even use your solar panels to run electronic devices.
Reach out to your local solar trade association
If you've had a bad experience with an installer, reach out to your local solar trade association. These groups help customers document problems and publicly call out bad actors. They may also work with the Better Business Bureau to resolve complaints. There are also online review sites where customers can post comments about their experience with an installer.
When you hire a solar contractor, make sure you find one who has a business license and insurance. Also, look for a company with experience, who has installed solar panels before. These companies will have a lot of experience and knowledge about solar products and will be able to give you a good estimate.
You should also get a contract from the solar installer. It should contain a completion date and a payment plan. This payment plan should be arranged in installments so that you can make payments over time. Often, the first payment is due on the contract's execution date, followed by larger installments as equipment is ordered, installed, and connected. Be wary of solar installers who want to receive full payment up front because that reduces their incentive to finish on time.
If you're thinking about selling solar panels, door-to-door sales are one of the best ways to make sales. Vivint, for example, entered the solar market in 2013 and canvassed entire neighborhoods, and in two years, the company had 9% of the residential solar market. By selling directly to homeowners, door-to-door salespeople can see the homeowner's roof and answer their questions in real-time.
While choosing the right solar system can be intimidating, working with experienced professionals will help reduce the stress level. Depending on the size of your system, you may be able to qualify for tax credits and rebates to help pay for the cost of installation. You should also ask your solar installer about solar monitoring software, which will allow you to monitor how much energy your panels are producing at any given time.
After installing solar panels, it's important to check with your insurance company for coverage. Make sure your policy covers the solar system, including contractor work. The insurer should explain the policy limits and the details.
Register a complaint with the Better Business Bureau
If you have a solar panel project completed by a company that has not met your expectations, register a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Using this website, you can view the full complaints history of a company and file a complaint if your solar company has not lived up to your expectations. It is important to note that some consumers choose not to publish their complaints on the Better Business Bureau website. Depending on the severity of your complaint, the BBB may only display a portion of the complaints that have been filed.
Get a free quote from a certified solar installer
The best way to ensure you get a good solar panel installation is to get multiple quotes from several contractors. This will allow you to compare the offers and the work commitment of each contractor. Getting multiple quotes is also a good way to find out if a company will keep up with the installation. Some solar panel installers will offer monitoring apps that you can download to your phone or tablet so you can check the production of your panels.
It is also important to ask about incentives and rebates. You can qualify for a federal tax credit of up to 26% if you install solar panels. In 2019, this credit was reduced from 30% to 26%. Those who didn't complete their solar installations before then missed out on that credit. Also, look for installers who will guarantee these incentives or pay you the difference if you don't receive them.
A good solar installer will be licensed in your area and insured. Make sure the company has a good reputation by checking the Better Business Bureau and other consumer websites. Asking local residents about solar panel installers can also help you determine who is reliable. It's also helpful to get recommendations from people who have already installed solar panels. This way, you can compare prices and get the best solar solution.
When choosing a solar panel provider, ask about their warranty and after-sales service. Make sure they have a guarantee on the amount of electricity your solar panels generate annually. This will protect you from paying for electricity you don't use. Furthermore, you should look for solar installers that offer a net metering arrangement.
It's also a good idea to find out if the solar installer offers financing for the project. Many solar installers offer financing, but they often pass on the finance charge to their customers. It's best to get a quote for the project before agreeing to a finance agreement. This way, you won't be left with a debt that is too large for you to pay.
When you're ready to choose a solar installer, contact the most reliable solar companies near you and request a free quote. These companies will inspect your home and determine how many solar panels you'll need. What to Do After Installing Solar Panels. They'll also give you an idea of the total cost and payback period.