Solar energy is increasingly becoming a favorite alternative source of electricity to many. The type of solar panel you install on your home depends on your needs since there are a variety of solar panels out there. A simple installation may involve a panel and its support structures, an inverter, an AC/DC disconnect switches and an inverter. These systems can be quite costly but you rest assured that you will get electricity as long as the sun is shining at no extra cost. There are numerous things you need to know about solar panels installation but these are the most essential things you require.

1. You need to have a roof that supports solar panels This is very important. Solar energy as we all know is generated from the sun, therefore your roof should be beneath the sun. It might not be favorable if your roof is covered with shade all year long. So if you are looking to install solar panels on your home, ensure it’s not on a rented space. this, however, shouldn’t limit your idea of having solar energy in your house. You can team up with others in your rented area and look into the community or shared solar. This approach is fairly good and lets you buy shares in solar installation and get credits on your electricity bill. You also need to ensure that your roof is in good shape. Most solar energy companies provide a warranty of up to 25 years, so if your roof needs to be renovated you can easily do this before installing your panels.

2. The type of solar panel to install Before installing a solar panel, you need to know the main solar panels available and which suits your needs. Currently, there are two main solar technologies to choose from: photovoltaic and thermal solar panels. Photovoltaic solar panels use arrays of cells to convert light from the sun to electricity. On the other hand, thermal solar technology uses light from the sun to heat air or water for use inside your house. If you live in a home that uses lots of energy for heating, then solar thermal technology is the ideal technology for you. If you need electricity for lighting or for appliances use then photovoltaic technology is best for you.

3. You need to choose a trustworthy and professional installer It’s a fact, you can’t just hire anyone, you have to hire someone you can trust. You are dealing with electricity which is very delicate and which when not installed properly may have serious harm to your home. You need to look at a reputable company to do the installations. You also need to look at an installer who is readily available in case you need any maintenance. A good advantage of the solar systems is that once they are fixed they rarely need maintenance. Further, they have a warranty period, usually 20 years, so in an event that they fail to function, you can easily locate your installer to fix it. If you have the above knowledge then you are free to install a solar system to your home. Best of luck.