Residential solar power is booming in the state of Utah, and every year, more homeowners are installing rooftop PV systems. As a result, they’re enjoying considerable energy savings.
However, residential solar is an investment – which means it really pays to do your homework. Below, the Nationwide Solar team explains the mistakes to avoid when making the switch to photovoltaic power.
No. 1: Not Making Sure Your Roof is Ready for Solar Installation
Rooftop PV systems are rather heavy, with the weight averaging around 3 to 4 pounds per square foot. Experienced solar contractors recommend having a professional analyze the structural integrity of your roof before installing solar panels. Skipping this step is a mistake, as getting roof repairs after installation costs quite a bit more than doing so ahead of time.
No. 2: Thinking You Can Handle Solar Installation On Your Own
If you’re like many Utah homeowners, you may prefer to handle home projects yourself. But when it comes to solar installation, you’re better off hiring a professional contractor. Designing a rooftop PV system for optimal energy production isn’t easy, and neither is securely mounting the equipment or wiring the components. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could easily make a costly mistake.
No. 3: Not Taking Care in Choosing a Residential Solar Company
When you compare quotes for installing a rooftop PV system at your Utah home, you might be tempted to automatically go for the solar company offering the lowest price. That could be a major mistake, as you need a professional contractor with the skills, qualifications and expertise to complete your project with the highest standard of workmanship. To that end, weigh the decision very carefully.
No. 4: Saving Money by Buying Cheap Photovoltaic Equipment
The potential for energy savings is likely a chief motive for considering the switch to photovoltaic power. But while you certainly don’t want to spend any more of your hard-earned money than necessary on a residential solar power system, going too cheap isn’t wise. Cheap photovoltaic equipment offers only short-term savings – with high-quality components, you’ll save more money in the long run.
No. 5: Missing Out on Incentives for Residential Solar Installation
The lower your initial investment in photovoltaic power, the quicker you’ll reach the payback point – and the best way to bring your costs down is to take advantage of every financial incentive for residential solar power. Capitalize on all of the available federal, state and local incentives, and you can slash your overall investment costs by as much as 50 percent. On the flip side, ignoring these perks would be a huge financial mistake.
Would you like more advice on how to make a smart investment in residential solar power? For a free consultation at your Utah home, contact Nationwide Solar today.
