Solar panels can be a convenient, money-saving source of alternative energy for your home. To experience this green financial benefit, you’ll need to install enough panels to meet the home's energy needs. Here's how you can plan and prepare for a successful solar panel installation.

What to Consider When Designing a Solar Panel Setup

The first factor to consider is how much energy your home uses. You can find this number by looking at your past electrical bills. Identify the peak hours of the day and months of the year when you use the most electricity and base your calculations on them.

Next, look up the wattage of the type of solar panels you want. Figure out how much power they can generate, factoring in the weather in your area and how much sunlight each panel will get. Divide the number of kilowatt-hours you need by what the panels can produce, and you'll have a ballpark number of panels to plan for.

How to Prepare for Home Installation

Once you've figured out how many panels you'll need, make sure your roof is ready for them. Have a building inspector check the roof to ensure the structure can support the installation’s weight, and replace damaged or old roofing materials. You'll also need a place indoors to accommodate the equipment that will connect the solar panels to the home’s electrical system. This important device will manage the energy flow and only needs a small space, like a closet.

If you need help determining the number and type of solar panels your house needs, contact the knowledgeable team at Solar Help Hawaii in Honolulu. These professionals assist homeowners across Oahu, and they’ll strive to make it simple and affordable to switch to alternative energy. They'll handle every step of the planning and installation processes and provide five-year warranties on materials and workmanship. View their full list of services online, or call (808) 548-4357 to schedule a free consultation.