11 Questions to Ask Before Installing Solar Panels in Your Nevada Home

Last Updated on June 10, 2023 by Admin

As you can imagine, a lot goes into visiting a solar installation site. It involves a lot of money on your part, as well as a lot of time on the technicians’ side. They want to spend as little time installing your solar panels as possible, so it’s in your best interest to know what questions to ask before you get them out.

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By taking a look at this article, you will have inside knowledge about what to talk about before having solar panels installed in your Nevada home.

Keep reading to find out more!

1. What Type of Solar Panel Will Be Installed

Companies selling and installing solar panels offer a variety of products, such as solar panels, solar inverters, racking systems, and other components. Depending on your specific energy needs, the company may advise a customized solution or specific products that are more suitable. Research local incentives available as some Nevada regions offer special incentives for solar installations.

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Here are the common types of solar panels in the market.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels are made out of one solid silicon crystal. These are the most efficient panels available as they offer the highest wattage per square meter. They are typically black in color and tend to have the highest efficiency rate out of the three main types of panels.

Monocrystalline solar cells are also the most space efficient because they require fewer cells for a given output. This means they are both a cost-effective and efficient solution for your solar energy system.

They are significantly more expensive than other types of solar panels and are not as tolerant of high temperatures. Monocrystalline solar panels continue to be a popular option for residential and commercial solar energy systems.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are made with polycrystalline solar cells. These panels are made up of multiple pieces of solar cells that are cut from the same silicon ingot. They contain increasingly larger square cuts. It leaves fewer electrons for the panel to be positive and, in turn, less overall efficiency in generating power.

They are cheaper to produce than monocrystalline solar panels and provide an overall higher efficiency rate given traditional expectations of price. That being said, they are more affected by heat, meaning their efficiency rates drop drastically faster than monocrystalline solar panels.

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Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin film solar panels are an emerging, cutting-edge technology in the field of renewable energy. They are made of thin layers of solar cells, such as amorphous silicon, copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), or cadmium telluride. Thin film solar panels have the benefit of being thin and lightweight. Making them ideal for a broad range of applications.

They work with low levels of light, require less maintenance, and are more efficient than traditional silicon or crystalline solar cells. Their flexibility allows them to be integrated into various construction surfaces. It contributes to the aesthetics of the solar installation.

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2. Will the Panels Be On-Grid or Off-Grid

Whether solar panels are on-grid or off-grid depends heavily on the location and the individual’s preference. The choice between on-grid and off-grid solar panels will depend on a variety of factors. Here’s an in-depth guide on on-grid, off-grid panels, and battery-backed-up grid panels.

On-Grid Systems

OnGrid systems utilize mains power, meaning that the panels are connected directly to the electricity grid. The solar energy generated can either be used directly in the property or it will be fed back to the grid.

The advantage of on-grid systems is that they are often simpler to set up. They don’t require the use of batteries to be stored in order to provide power. This means that the solar energy generated can be used when it is produced. It reduces the reliance on stored energy.

Off-Grid Systems

Off-grid systems use solar panels or other renewable energy sources to generate electricity. The energy produced is stored in batteries or other alternative storage systems. OffGrid systems are often a preferred choice for those who are in remote or rural areas that are unable to access the main electrical grid. They are also for those who want to have greater control over their energy production and storage.

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OffGrid systems often provide the same level of energy reliability as an on-grid system but with fewer restrictions and restrictions. Off-grid systems are often cheaper to install than on-grid systems. It can provide a more efficient way of generating power with fewer maintenance costs.

Grid Systems With a Battery Backup

Grid systems with a battery backup can provide homeowners with a more reliable, efficient source of energy. Battery backups are important for off-grid systems to provide backup power in case of a power outage. Batteries can store a large amount of energy in a solar home for long periods of time. It allows homeowners to have constant access to power should the grid go down.

3. What Type of Inverter Will Be Used

An important question to ask before installing solar panels in your Nevada home is what type of inverter is recommended to be used. The type of inverter is important because it will determine how efficiently the solar system is able to generate electricity.

Here are the three types of inverters.

String Inverters

String inverters are a type of solar inverter that is used in most solar photovoltaic systems. The string inverter takes direct current from the solar photovoltaic modules and converts it to alternating current.

String inverters are especially useful because they can be linked together to form a string of different photovoltaic modules. It allows them to be able to generate greater amounts of energy than a single panel or inverter would. String inverters also allow for a parallel configuration for multiple arrays of solar photovoltaic modules. This allows for higher levels of energy production.

Power Optimizers

Power optimizer is an exciting new technology for solar panel systems. This increases solar panel efficiency by helping to maximize the electricity generated. They also track and adjust the amount of power that flows through each panel.

Power optimizers are durable and reliable. Allowing them to last for years and reduce the number of maintenance requirements. Power optimizers provide customizable features. It allows you to take advantage of the most appropriate technology for your system needs.

Microinverters

Solar micro inverters are compact units that connect to individual solar panels in an array. Solar microinverters are designed to connect to one or two panels at a time. The advantage of the micro inverter is its ability to optimize power from each panel individually.

As a result, any shade cast on one panel won’t disrupt the power output of the other panels in the array. Solar microinverters help to extend the life of solar systems because they are built with fewer components. They are easier to maintain due to their size and location at the point of installation on the panel.

4. Where Will the Solar Panels Be Placed

The location of the panels is a crucial factor that will determine the system’s efficiency. The panels should be placed in a location that receives the most uninterrupted direct sunlight. If you have a large enough roof space, this is the optimal placement.

If your roof is not large enough to install all the panels, there may be other outdoor spots such as the side yard or open field that you can look into. Make sure the panels are placed away from any potential obstructions such as trees or buildings.

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5. How Much Power Will Panels Generate

Before installing solar panels in your Nevada home, it is important to consider how much power you will need for the panels. A home energy audit is a good starting point. This can help you determine how much power you’re currently using in your home. You should also look at your electricity bills from the past year to get an understanding of the average user.

It’s a good idea to analyze your energy use and habits to determine what upgrades might be necessary to minimize energy use and determine what size of solar system you should install. It’s also important to research your local electricity rates and fees, as these will factor into the cost of the solar installation and the amount of power the solar panels will need to cover.

6. What is the Cost of Solar Panel Installation

The average cost of solar panel installation will depend on the size of the solar panel array. It also includes the type of panels and other components and the labor costs. You should research what incentives, tax credits, and grants are available from the state or local government.

You should inquire with multiple companies to compare quotes and find the best deal. You should consider the environmental costs associated with traditional energy sources and compare them with the more sustainable benefits of solar energy. You can also visit the solar company’s website, like what Blue Raven Solar has, to be able to get a quote for the panel installation.

7. Who Will Do the Installation

The solar energy company you’re working with should provide installation experts. They should be experienced and certified to safely and accurately install solar panels. Ask what types of experience they have with the type of solar energy you’re considering.

Make sure they’re fully insured and capable of understanding and addressing any issues that may arise during installation. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the installation process and who is handling it before making a commitment.

8. Do They Have Experience and Track Record

Ask them how long they have been installing solar panels in the Nevada area. What projects have they completed, and what feedback customers have given? Ensure the installer has the proper certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners or a similar governing body.

Have they serviced their systems and been able to offer any warranties? Verify they are properly bonded and insured. Also, they must have a contact available in case of emergency repairs.

9. How Long Will the Installation Take

You should determine how long it will take from start to completion and if there are any potential delays that can elongate the timeline. Knowing the duration of the installation will help you plan around it, as you may need to adjust your daily or weekly schedule.

It will also help you set realistic expectations for when the project will be finished and when you will be able to start using solar energy to power your home. It will help you think ahead and prepare for potential weather or other factors that may delay the project.

You will want to ask the installer what their estimated timeline is in comparison with the time frame that they actually take to finish the job. You should ask them for an explanation of any delays that could be encountered that could cause the installation to run longer.

10. What Does the Warranty Contract Look Like

Ask about the type of warranty offered with the panels, as well as the length of the warranty. Make sure to inquire about the company’s service commitments, such as what, if any, provisions are in place for repair or maintenance issues. Ask about any potential additional costs you may incur, such as inspections, permits, or additional fees.

It’s also important to find out who will pay for any associated utility or environmental fees. Find out what is included in the solar panel contract, such as a detailed contract outlining the cost, time frame for completion, service commitment, and legal terms.

11. Who Will Do the Paperwork

It is important to have an experienced professional do the paperwork, preferably one that knows the local laws in Nevada. Contact the Nevada State Energy Office or Department to inquire about relevant applications and permit fees. Find out if there are any special exemptions or regulations to factor in when filing a solar permit.

Reap the Rewards of Having a Self-Sustaining Nevada Home

Installing solar panels on your Nevada home is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on energy costs. Be sure to ask yourself some important questions before starting to find the right system for you.

Review creative financing options, evaluate your energy needs, and consider the future before making a decision. Contact a local solar installer today to learn more about the renewable energy options for your home!

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