Solar powered homes can provide homeowners with numerous benefits – from saving money to helping save the environment. However, how your system performs will determine what you get in return. The biggest impacts on performance will be the system you choose and the contractor you select to install it.
The First Step – Learning All You Can about Solar Powered Homes
Knowledge is key when considering solar powered homes. If you plan to have a contractor install a solar energy system, you should educate yourself on all things solar, like how PV systems work, panel manufacturers, the financial costs and benefits, how best to install one on your home, where to find a qualified contractor, how to maintain your system, and more.
Before you contact a solar contractor, you can use the Internet to research all aspects of solar powered homes. Countless resources exist online to answer all your questions. Armed with good information, you’ll be better prepared to evaluate potential solar contractors.
To get the most from your solar system, you must select the most appropriate solar panels for the specific application. Not all panels are created equal so performing your due diligence on panel manufacturers can ensure your system will perform as stated in the guarantee. Solar products should be manufactured with low energy input ratings. And, they should have high efficiency solar electric outputs. With these two characteristic, the solar system will pay for itself in less time.
The Second Step – Selecting the Right Solar Contractor
Your solar energy project will go smoothly if you choose a contractor with ample experience in solar powered homes. A qualified contractor will match the best system to your specific requirements and site. Your contractor will design the system, recommend appropriate components, and help with rebates, incentives, and payment options including a lease option. It’s important you select a contractor who can get your solar system up and running without issue.
All potential solar powered homes must be evaluated for system efficiency. In other words, the location must be suitable to produce the greatest amount of solar energy. Shade and sunlight angle will affect your system’s performance. So, these issues must be considered in your contractor’s site design.
Other issues an experienced solar contractor will help you address are space, aesthetics and roofing. Ideally, you want to minimize the required system space as much as possible. In general, homeowners want solar powered homes that don’t have clunky equipment mounted everywhere. The more integrated the solar panels are with the home, the more aesthetically pleasing the home will likely be.
Roofing is a critical consideration with solar powered homes. Your roof must be in good condition and be able to support the weight of your panels. A good tip is to hire a solar installer that also is a registered roofing contractor. Then, you’ll be assured your roof and system will perform as required.
The Third Step – Maintaining Your Solar Energy System after Installation
Photovoltaic systems require very little maintenance. Because they have no moving parts, solar systems are reliable and produce energy efficiently.
If you can easily access your solar panels, you should periodically rinse them with water to remove dust and debris. Any foreign material on your panels can decrease efficiency and lower performance. Also, shade is the biggest concern in solar powered homes. So, make sure you trim any trees whose branches may grow to block any of your panels.
Finally, check your solar system regularly to ensure it’s operating consistently with the manufacturer’s rating. Most solar panels have a 25-year warranty and, with the right installation and maintenance, will function at documented levels during this life cycle. Keep in mind: the higher your system performance, the quicker you’ll see a return on your solar investment.

About the Author

Rena Giannoulakis is Marketing Manager at American Solar, one of Arizona’s leading solar companies who designs and installs solar electric systems and solar hot water systems. Visit our website for more information about Solar Powered Homes.