Do you live in Colorado? Do you think about ways to be more environmentally friendly and energize your Colorado home yourself? If so, it may be time for you to learn about solar panels!
Doing this is incredibly beneficial to not only your household but to the planet as a whole. Solar power is one of the most energy-efficient types of power, and it’s cleaner and greener than many forms of energy!
Keep reading for some helpful tips for when you’re installing solar panels in your area in Colorado.
1. Understand the Local Laws and Regulations
Before installing solar panels in your Colorado home, it is important to understand the local laws and regulations. Colorado has certain restrictions for solar energy systems. It includes requiring a building permit for non-residential projects.
In addition, the state has a property tax break for eligible solar installations. Additionally, homeowners should be aware of any net metering policies that may be available depending on their area of residence.
These state-level policies help ensure that solar-generated electricity is used in an efficient way and at a fair cost to customers.
2. Consider the Cost of Installation
Before installing solar panels in a Colorado home, it’s important to consider the cost of installation. Depending on the size of the home and the power needs, the cost can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
It is important to consult with a local expert to determine what size system will be most effective for your home. Installing a system that is too small or too large can result in exorbitant costs.
Additionally, the cost of the solar panels is only part of the overall cost. Other expenses associated with the installation such as inverters, racking, and professional installation services can all add up quickly.
3. Calculate How Long the Installation
It is important to calculate how long the installation will take. Generally, the installation process takes 5-7 days. Adding the solar panels, wiring, and racking will require professional assistance and should be scheduled well in advance.
Once the solar panels and wiring have been installed, the racking requires professional assistance and supervision. This process usually takes an additional 2-4 days to complete.
Depending on the size of the solar panel installation, it may take longer or shorter than expected.
4. Consider Your Solar Energy Storage Needs
Solar energy storage is necessary to power your home during periods of peak usage or when the sun is not available such as during night hours or cloudy weather.
It can come from batteries, pumped hydro-power, or other types of energy storage systems. Consider the size of the system you need, cost versus savings, and the type of storage system that will work best for your home.
Make sure you understand the safety requirements when installing solar energy storage systems. Research reputable companies offering these systems to ensure you get the most reliable system.
5. Be Aware of Any Incentives
Colorado has generous incentives for homeowners installing solar, including both state values and local values. Depending on the city or county you live in, there could be some unique incentives that can defray the costs of your solar installation.
Before you move forward with buying and installing, make sure you know what incentives you may be eligible for, as it can help make solar more affordable.
Solar providers should be able to help you understand which incentives you may be eligible for, as well as the best course of action to maximize your investment.
6. Take Advantage of the Rebates
It is also important to take advantage of the generous rebates offered. These rebates can provide significant savings on the purchase of your solar panels, making them a more affordable investment.
Rebates are also available for other solar-friendly investments such as batteries and electric vehicle chargers. Research all of your options to ensure you are taking advantage of the maximum amount of savings from local, state, and federal incentives and discounts.
7. Know the Available Tax Credits
The tax credit is only available to residential customers and caps out at $20,000 for solar installations. The initial installation costs of a solar panel system can be expensive, and the tax credit can help offset some of those costs.
Additionally, the Colorado Energy Office provides a state income tax exemption for the lease or purchase of both solar and wind energy equipment. These credits can be incredibly helpful in reducing the cost of solar panel systems and making them more affordable for homeowners.
It is important to become familiar with the available tax credits before making a decision to install solar panels. Doing so can help to minimize the upfront costs associated with such an installation and make a solar panel system a more viable option for homeowners in the state of Colorado.
8. Maintenance and Upkeep Required
Installing solar panels should anticipate the necessary maintenance and upkeep required. Solar panels are generally very reliable, but the environment can affect their performance.
Dust, dirt, and bird droppings must be frequently cleaned from the panels in order for them to perform properly. Panels must also be regularly inspected for holes, cracks, loose mounting connections, or other damage.
Those affected by shade or snow should prepare to clean the panels as needed. Without proper maintenance and care, photovoltaic systems can fail, resulting in wasted energy and money.
9. Check if Their Grid Connection Is Compatible
Compatibility is an important factor as not all systems are able to connect to the local utility grid. Especially in areas with older grid infrastructure.
To determine compatibility, homeowners should contact the utility company. And also contact a local solar installer to discuss grid connection requirements.
Additionally, it is important to make sure the local grid is prepared to support the solar panel installation. It includes upgrades or installation of new infrastructure if necessary.
To ensure a safe and successful installation, they should have their electrical system inspected. And make sure it is preferably inspected by a professional technician.
Lastly, they should confirm that all required permits and inspections have been met. By doing this, homeowners can be sure they are investing in a safe, compatible, and efficient solar panel system.
10. Consider the Geographic Location of Your Home
Before deciding to install solar panels in your Colorado home, consider the geographic location of your home and the local climate. Solar panels work best when they are located on a south-facing rooftop that provides ample sunlight.
Colorado is also known for its cold winter weather, so you may need to consider purchasing additional components such as batteries to store energy for use when sunlight is at a lower level.
If you live in a higher elevation, ensure to factor it into the calculations, as panels may need to be slightly angled in order to account for the lower intensity of the sun’s rays.
11. Consider the Orientation to the Sun
Colorado is a very sunny state, but the placement of your solar panels will be critical to their performance. The solar panels should be positioned so they receive as much direct sunshine as possible so that their full capacity can be used.
Keep in mind that the angle of the sun changes throughout the year. Solar panel orientation should be unlocked and changed depending on the season so that the best performance is achieved.
12. Check the Sufficient Space on Your Roof
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels need to be arranged in a configuration. To determine the space needed, you will have to measure the surface area of the roof that you have to work with.
In addition, you will also need to factor in the size of the panels as well as any additional space needed for ventilation and other requirements your system may need.
You may also contact this solar company for guidance in performing the calculations. Having a clear understanding of the space and getting help from a professional, will allow you to accurately assess the number of solar panels you can install.
13. Consideration Possible Obstructions
Before installing solar panels, it’s also important to research and consider possible obstructions. You’ll need to account for shading – trees, nearby tall buildings, or even your own roof designs.
The shade will affect the amount of available sunlight, and therefore, the efficiency of your installation. You’ll also need to think about the mounting system used for installation, as it will need to be strong enough to sustain Colorado’s varying weather conditions and potentially heavy snowfall.
With diligent research and planning, you can ensure you are properly prepared for a successful solar panel installation.
Install Solar Panels in Your Colorado Home Today
To sum up, installing solar panels can be a great decision for any Colorado home. Solar systems are cost-effective and suitable for all climates. Investing in a solar system now can help you save money and reduce your environmental impact.
Act now and start enjoying the benefits of solar power – call a solar energy professional today!
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