Harnessing solar energy by installing solar panels is not just an environmentally conscious choice; it's also a practical and cost-effective way to power your home.

However, the process of installing solar panels involves careful planning, adherence to local regulations, and collaboration with solar professionals. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to successfully install solar panels on your property.

No. 1

Assess Your Energy Needs

Review your utility bills to understand your average monthly energy usage, peak demand times, and any potential changes in consumption. This assessment provides the foundation for designing a solar system that meets your home's specific energy requirements.

No. 2

Site Assessment

Conduct a thorough site assessment to ensure that your property is suitable for installation. Factors like the orientation of your roof, shading from nearby trees or buildings, and the structural integrity of your roof need to be considered. A professional solar installer will evaluate these factors to determine your solar panels' optimal placement and angle.

No. 3

Choose the Right Solar Panels

Selecting the appropriate solar panels is a crucial step in the installation process. Solar panels come in various types, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. Consider factors such as efficiency, durability, and aesthetics when choosing panels that suit your needs. Consult with solar professionals to determine the best solar panel technology for your specific circumstances.

No. 4

Find a Qualified Solar Installer

Engage with reputable and qualified solar installers like customsolarandleisure.com to ensure a smooth and successful installation process. Research local companies, read customer reviews, and ask for recommendations from friends or neighbors who have installed solar panels. Choose an installer with experience, proper certifications, and a track record of delivering quality installations.

No. 5

Obtain Necessary Permits

Before proceeding with the installation, you'll need to obtain the necessary permits from local authorities. Permitting requirements vary by location, and your solar installer will typically handle this aspect of the process. Ensure that your installation complies with local building codes and regulations to avoid any complications during or after the installation.

No. 6

Installation Day

The solar panel installation team will arrive to set up the system on the scheduled installation day. This means mounting the solar panels on your roof or on the ground, connecting them to the electrical system, and installing inverters and other necessary components. The installation process is typically completed within a few days, depending on the size and complexity of the system.

No. 7

Inspection and Interconnection

After the installation is complete, the system will undergo an inspection by local authorities or utility representatives to ensure compliance with regulations. Once the system passes inspection, it will be connected to the grid, allowing you to start generating solar energy. Your solar installer will handle the necessary paperwork and facilitate the interconnection process.

Takeaways

Installing solar panels involves a series of carefully orchestrated steps—from assessing your energy needs to choosing the right solar panels, finding a qualified installer, obtaining permits, and completing the installation process. By following this comprehensive guide and working with experienced professionals, you can navigate the solar journey successfully, transforming your property into a sustainable and energy-efficient powerhouse. Embrace the power of solar energy and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for your home and the planet.

@hellolovelyliving agrees that switching to smart bulbs is a quick way to reduce energy consumption in the home

It is an unavoidable fact that we all depend on a constant supply of energy to live successfully in this world. No one is exempt from their reliance on energy, which fuels our most basic needs. From our dependence on energy to power our homes and offices to our most basic needs of growing the food that we eat, our reliance on energy consumes every facet of life. Learning how to apply new behaviors to how we interact with our world and our energy consumption is at the forefront of effective environmental change.

With an ongoing push toward reducing our reliance upon environmentally degrading fossil fuels, companies are rising to meet the needs of their consumers. From eco-friendly appliances to insulating door and window treatments, smart power strips, and other energy-saving measures enable us to save on electricity costs while enabling us to do our part within our reach—our homes.

In this article, we will discuss a few cost-saving tips to consider when cutting down on your energy usage at home.

Keep an eye peeled on energy-draining devices and turn them off if not in use

Naturally, if your home appliances are switched on unnecessarily, there will be higher electricity consumption. To combat this, turning off air conditioners, fans, lights, and other devices and appliances when not in use or before leaving a room is advisable to save power and conserve energy.

To many, the energy they are consuming on their own may seem limited, but it all adds up to the overall household energy usage at a daily, monthly, and annual rate. Learning to apply simple habits that go a long way can make huge contributions to your energy-saving goals. Maintaining healthy energy usage behaviors can save you money in areas that you would have otherwise overlooked. Remember to practice these daily habits regularly until it becomes second nature to you.

Use curtains and window blinds to reduce energy usage

Keep the temperature in your home at a comfortable and temperate level so as not to overcompensate for cooling or heating the home when it is not necessary to do so. Thermal curtains and insulating blinds make it easier for you to keep the temperature in your home consistent and manageable throughout the seasons. Simply install them in just a few steps, and you are good to go. The best part is that these work well in both summer and winter climates. 

For colder seasons, these window treatments reduce air filtration and keep cold air from entering and warm heat from escaping the room. In the summer, thermal curtains block out as much as 33% of solar radiation through thermally reflective backings. This solution is budget and eco-friendly, and with little to no maintenance, you will also effectively reduce your dependence on traditional heating (furnace) and cooling (air conditioner) costs as well.

Get your home insulation done properly

If you have ever taken a cold shower due to a downed water heater, you were unwittingly confronted with the cold hard truth that hot water is a necessity that many of us will not choose to ever live without. Being as it may, a water heater is one of those appliances that stay on 24-7, so off-setting the cost is something that we could all benefit from.

Typically, water heaters lose heat through their pipes, so insulating your hot water pipes will go a long way in improving efficiency and raising the hot water temperature by 2°F–4°F hotter than uninsulated pipes. This will allow you to reduce your hot water temperature setting and allows the water to be heated at a faster rate, thereby reducing unwanted water loss caused by over-running the water when it is warming up.

In addition, insulating your electric hot water tank with insulating blankets could reduce standby heat losses by 25%–45% and save you about 7%–16% in water heating costs—and should pay for itself in about a year. You can find pre-cut jackets or blankets available for around $20. The result—your water will retain heat more effectively, consequently saving energy.

If you live in a cold climate, you must upgrade the insulation by sealing cracks and windows that are continuously circulating air. This will ensure that cold air does not get in and warm air stays inside, reducing the output of your heater. The same goes in summer when you are trying to keep the cool air indoors while keeping the hot air outdoors.

Takeaways

Every small change counts toward reducing energy consumption and, most importantly, your electricity bills. The tips mentioned in this article are simple, yet so effective. All it takes is some forethought and implementation, and you will be enjoying the compounded cost savings throughout your home.

To take it a bit further, try these other energy and cost-saving practices:

• Use smart bulbs instead of LED bulbs

• Dim the lights to lessen wattage and output

• Turn off stove burners promptly

• Opt for smart plugs and schedule when they will turn on and off

• Have appliances that are not regularly in use on standby