MAKING SOLAR SIMPLE.

Complete Solar Solutions For Homes And Businesses.

Want Solar Panels For Your House? Ask These 7 Questions First!: Part Seven

seven-5b3f9d40ad263

It’s exciting to be so close to your home solar power system being installed. Your installer has set a date with you to have the system placed and put into service. All of the appropriate steps have been completed up until this point. But what about your utility company? How will you connect your system to your meter? Does your solar company help you with that? At West Coast Solar, we offer solar services to our Sacramento customers that include just about everything. We start with the initial desire and finish by providing maintenance and repair services years down the road. When you choose us, you can trust we keep solar simple so you don’t have to worry.

In this post, we’ll discuss how you, your installer, and your utility company should work together to complete your solar power system. Not only do you need to work with your installer to complete the project, but you also need to be in contact with your utility company about the interconnection process. If you’re ready to get started on your system, give West Coast Solar a call today! Otherwise, read the rest of this blog series, starting with part one, or keep reading to have your questions answered.

Question #7 – How should you work with your installers and utility company?

Once you’ve made it to installation, you’ve completed nearly 90 percent of the work involved with a home solar power system. It’s hard to imagine that you started with a desire to go green with your energy production and use, but now you’re here, scheduling a date with your solar power company. Here is some information you need to know for this stage of the process:

Solar Power Installers

You’ve gone through the assessment, bid, contract, and design process with your solar power company. So what’s next? Plenty! What you’ll need to do with your installer is the following:

  • Setup installation start-date
  • Estimated completion date
  • Coordinate property access
  • Voice concerns and questions

The most important piece to the installation of your home solar power system is that it’s done correctly. What can you do to ensure this is the case? When you talk to your installer, see if you can meet those who will actually be installing the system before they get started—if it’s the individual on the phone, even better. This will allow you to voice your concerns, ask more questions, and communicate expectations. The worst feeling in the world is thinking you communicated effectively only to find out those listening didn’t quite understand.

Finally, your installers will take care of the following to ensure your solar power system operates at optimal levels:

  • Confirm solar panels have direct sunlight for majority of day time, if not all day
  • Confirm and install system to the optimal orientation and tilt
  • Install system so it operates at best efficiency and optimal energy production
  • Integrate solar power system into home alongside any other alternative energy sources

For the most part, if you’re about to have your system schedule for installation, a lot of work has already been done to ensure your property, system, and expectations are exactly what you want them to be. All that’s left is for your Sacramento solar company to deliver on their promise.

Utility Companies

You will want to communicate with your utility company on how billing, net metering, and other miscellaneous fees you may be responsible for. For example, a homeowner that installs a solar power system for their house will need to discuss how the utility company will handle excess energy production from the homeowner. Does the homeowner receive credit for selling excess energy to the grid and at what rate? Also, does the utility company even purchase excess energy. Here are the three main pieces of information you need to get from your utility company:

Billing

How will your utility bill be affected now that you’re producing your own energy? Will the utility company raise its prices on you? What if you want to sell energy back to the grid? Get your utility company on the phone and continue to ask questions until you get all the answers you need. For the most part, the utility company will simply want to know how much energy you’re producing and if they can purchase the excess from you. Keep in mind that most companies will offer a rate well below market rate, so it may be better to store excess energy in a battery bank for later use.

Net Metering

As mentioned above, you may be able to sell your excess energy to your utility company. How does this work? Net metering. What will happen, if your utility company offers this, is that you can transfer surplus power to the grid where it will be tracked. This surplus will then be given a rate of value and put against your utility bill, reducing the monthly charges. This is a great option for those using a home solar power system; however, be wary of companies giving you dirt-cheap rates for your surplus. It’s better to store your energy for later use than give it away for minimal gain.

West Coast Solar Keeps Solar Simple!

Sacramento residents have begun to discover the advantages and benefits of making the switch to solar power. They’re able to save money on utility costs, reduce their carbon-emission footprint, and contribute to a better future for their family in friends. As the energy prices continue to skyrocket across California, it’s time to consider alternative and renewable energy sources for your Sacramento home. Give West Coast Solar a call today!

Want to read the rest of this blog series? Start with part one!

Schedule A Free Consultation

The entire West Coast Solar team is excited to help you optimize your energy potential. Connect with us today to schedule your complimentary consultation to learn more about a home solar panel system or a commercial solar panel system. We look forward to hearing from you!

Recent Posts

The Benefits of Solar Power for Office Buildings

February 29, 2024

In the bustling landscape of Northern California, where innovation meets sustainability, businesses are increasingly turning to renewable energy solutions to power their operations. Among these solutions, solar power stands out…

Read More

The Financial Benefits of Going Solar

February 29, 2024

In the sun-soaked landscapes of Northern California, where innovation meets sustainability, the adoption of solar energy is more than just a trend—it’s a smart financial move. As the golden state…

Read More

Comparing Solar Power Solutions: What Businesses Need to Know

February 29, 2024

In the sun-soaked landscapes of Northern California, harnessing solar power has become not just a trend but a crucial aspect of sustainable energy practices for businesses. As companies increasingly seek…

Read More