Here in the wine country of Sonoma County, we are faced with a growing wildfire season and people are looking for ways to get off the grid and keep their lights on during outages. Solar panels are an eco-conscious choice that helps save the environment and lessen your dependence on traditional electricity.

It is estimated that around 81 percent of the total energy consumed in the U.S. comes from fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal. If you want to contribute to sustainability, you need to decrease your dependency on energy produced by burning fossil fuels. You can achieve this objective by installing a solar panel.

A solar panel harnesses the sun’s energy, which is free and abundant. Your solar panel will not just benefit the environment, but also keep your pocket happy and enable you to keep the power on during planned and unplanned power outages.

Installing a solar panel is a major decision. In addition to committing upfront funds, you may also have to make changes to your property. Before you hire a solar company near you for solar panel installation, remember to seek answers to these questions.

What is the Condition of Your Roof?

Your solar panel will increase the amount of weight on your roof. If your roof’s structural integrity is compromised, address the problem before starting your solar panel installation project. If your roof is damaged or is nearing the end of its service life, repair or replace it.

Solar power systems are usually long-lasting, and they can serve you for as long as 30 to 35 years. In the meantime, these power systems can help you generate ample savings on your electricity bills. Since solar power systems have such a long life, many homeowners usually have questions about its impact on their home roof.

If you are also facing issues with your home roof, and are confused about whether or not to replace your roof before going solar, then you are not alone! Fortunately, you can avail the help of nearby solar companies to help you come to a decision regarding replacing your roof.

Should You Look for Roof Replacement Before Going Solar?

It is extremely important for you to have your roof evaluated by experts before installing solar panels in order to make sure it can withstand solar power system installation, especially if your home roof is old. However, if your roof is within 7 to 10 years away from needing replacement, it is imperative that you call out an expert to assess the state of your roof.

It is important for you to know that re-roofing is commonly done together with a solar installation. Most solar companies don’t usually provide roofing services, even though there are some exceptions. Solar power systems are more durable than most roofing materials, but it is usually recommended to get your home roof replaced before installing these solar panels.

However, if you pair your roof replacement with the solar power installation process, it will extend the lifetime of the roof portion that is covered by the solar systems.

Solar energy is the energy derived from the sunlight, and transformed into a mechanical form for domestic and commercial usage. It is the most reliable and cheapest source of power since the sunlight is readily available. Solar energy has been used for hundreds of years all over the world. It can be used for cooking, heating, and drying.

You see, you cannot convert solar energy into electricity directly. You need to install solar panels that are engineered for this purpose only. They are mechanically built, and are established by the professional electricians in Marin County, CA. These panels are made up of silicon elements whose primary function is to convert solar energy into electricity. Many house owners prefer to install solar panels on their own. On the contrary, they should get in touch with a professional and licensed electrician to get this job done. Why? Here are some logical points for you to consider!

General Safety – How many hours do you work on rooftops or balancing yourself on ladders? If you are not used to it, why take the risk of installing solar panels on your own? Climbing long ladders with heavy racks, panels, and other material can be dangerous. Moreover, you will also need to balance yourself with all that stuff on the rooftops and slopes too. You should realize that its consequences can be risky. Hiring a licensed and professional electrician will be a wise decision rather than jeopardizing your well-being.

Electrical Safety – Experimenting with electricity can be a dangerous thing. A single mistake can be destructive for you, your family, and property. If you are not a professional electrician, you should avoid indulging in the solar panel installation processes. Can you install the wiring system on your own? Can you attach the racks and PV panels on your own? Moreover, can you independently install power meter, PV inverter, and electrical panels alone? If not, it’s high time you connect with an experienced electrician.

Tools and Equipment – We all have some essential mechanical tools and equipment in our homes. But are you sure you have complete knowledge about the kinds of tools used in the rooftop solar panel installation process? You will need much more than a drill machine, a ladder, and a hammer. Hire a licensed installation technician who will have a complete set of tools and equipment required for this job.

Reduce Your Utility Bills AND Your Reliance on the Grid at the Same Time!

Have you decided this is the year to go green? It’s a great resolution and one that’s resonating with many of the residents in Sonoma, CA. Did you know that you live in a state that generates over 30% of the total solar supply in the U.S.?

At Summit Technology Group, we’re passionate about being a part of the solution, helping homeowners by installing house solar panels and energy storage systems. So, if you’ve been wondering, “Who can install solar panels near me?” Our team of electricians, technicians, and programmers have provided renewable energy solutions for over 20 years.

Let’s explore why more homeowners are integrating solar energy and what it offers our planet and your utility bill.