View all · arranged where the perimeter of the panels is · arranged where. Rooftop solar energy offers you a way to harness the sun's energy through panels installed on the roof of your house, garage, or other buildings you own. As an added benefit, they protect your roof. This is the most common residential solar energy option.
The components of a solar panel are bulky and are often installed on a roof. Be very careful and protect against falls when working on a roof. Take special care when carrying materials to the roof and when working close to the edge. Because solar panel requirements vary greatly depending on needs and locations, solar panel components that are unique to your project often need to be ordered from a retailer.
Order everything you need at once, if possible, to ensure that all materials are compatible with each other. Research your home's energy efficiency Evaluate your solar potential and any limitations Evaluate your options for using solar energy. SunPower designs and installs industry-leading residential solar and storage solutions in all 50 states. With a historic history of innovation that dates back to 1985, no other company on this list can match the experience and expertise of SunPower.
As if that weren't enough, SunPower systems come packaged with products, all manufactured in-house by its sister company, Maxeon. This means that your panels, solar cells, inverters, batteries and electric vehicle chargers are designed to work together and are all covered by the same warranty. The biggest drawback of SunPower? Its high-efficiency panels are considerably more expensive than most competing products. However, its powerful panels are workhorses that offset the initial cost with higher backend production (think of this as spending more money on a car that drives more miles per gallon).
We like Blue Raven Solar because it understands that, for most homeowners, the cost of solar energy represents the biggest barrier to entry. For that reason, Blue Raven Solar developed an innovative solar financing plan that offers flexible, in-house options with no down payment. The results speak for themselves, as Blue Raven Solar is now one of the fastest-growing solar companies in the country and was recently acquired by SunPower. Your BluePower Plus+ plan (exclusive to Blue Raven) mimics the flexible structure of a lease while providing the greatest benefits of owning your system.
ADT Solar sets the industry standard for warranty coverage by including a multifaceted warranty, making it one of the leading installers for homeowners who want greater peace of mind. Many people assume that installing solar panels is a simple process. They may see that an entire solar system is installed on a roof in just a day or two and think it will be that easy for them. What they don't realize is that the entire solar panel installation process includes several important and often complex steps.
Depending on the details, it can take weeks or even months to complete before your solar energy system starts operating. Palmetto has created this general guide to solar panel installations so that you can better understand what's happening from start to finish. We want the process of transitioning to solar energy to be as transparent as possible, and this includes realistic deadlines for each step, while recognizing cases where there are sometimes delays. If your solar energy system requires a design change after your contract has been signed, or if your home requires any service prior to installation, such as a roof change or an electrical panel upgrade, Palmetto will work with you to move your project forward.
We work on your behalf to comply with state and municipal requirements, homeowner associations and utility documentation so that your project moves from design to installation with maximum efficiency. Because your home will remain connected to the power grid, we need approval from your utility company or electricity provider before we can continue with the installation. To begin this process (also known as interconnection), Palmetto will submit an application on your behalf that describes your energy consumption, roof specifications, and the engineering design of your solar energy system. Next, we'll work with your utility company to finalize the approval.
Once the permits are in effect, our experienced construction team steps in. We've researched and collaborated with the best clean energy experts in your area to ensure that your solar energy installation is skillful, timely and accurate. Once all permits and approvals are in effect, Palmetto will work with you to find an installation date that fits your schedule and will coordinate the delivery of materials prior to installation. Our experienced construction partners can complete most installations in 1 or 2 days.
Inspections are necessary to ensure that your solar energy system complies with safety regulations and zoning laws, as well as with your area's electricity, construction and fire codes. While some jurisdictions may request an inspection during installation, all require a final inspection before turning on the system and starting to save on energy costs. Either way, a Palmetto Build partner will handle all the logistics and let you know when it's time to schedule your inspection. Once your installation is complete and you have passed the final inspections, we will apply to your electricity provider for the “Operating Permit” (PTO).
In most cases, a representative from your local utility company will visit your home to install a new two-way energy meter capable of tracking both the energy you produce and the energy you use for net metering. Once you know how to install a solar panel, you'll better understand how the process is done and you may even decide that you can do it yourself. You can use the links below to get a free quote and book a consultation with a certified solar energy installer in your area. Community solar energy allows you to benefit from solar energy if you can't (or don't want to) install panels in your home.
Solarize programs allow a locally organized group of homeowners and businesses to pool their purchasing power to competitively select an installer and negotiate reduced rates. Basically, this means that you will be assigned a schedule for an installer to assemble your solar panels as soon as they arrive from the dealer. Solar panels can be mounted on the roof of your house or on the ground, where conditions are best for your property. The solar installer will connect the system to the grid and receive an interconnection permit from the utility company.
Somewhat contradictorily, most of what determines the success of a solar project has little to do with the installation itself. Several organizations oversee the size, location, design and installation of the solar energy system in your home. Buying a solar energy system in cash or with a loan is the best option when you want to maximize the financial benefits of installing solar panels, taking advantage of tax credits and increasing the market value of your home, and a solarization program is not available or impractical. Their views on solar energy are very motivating, and after going through this, people would definitely want to install a solar power plant on the roof of their residential and commercial buildings.
If you opt for a lease or purchase of solar energy, remember that you will not be entitled to this tax benefit, since you will not own the solar energy system. After placing the cables, the installer will place a shelf, which is used to hold the solar panels in position. . .
