One thing you should keep in mind when considering whether or not to install solar panels is that there are different things that influence your decision.
Even if the project at hand requires a great deal of time and effort, you still need to be aware of a timeframe on how long the installation may take to finish. That said, it is only right that you know the factors you’ll need to think about prior to installation before deciding whether or not to proceed.
In this guide, we’ll go through all of the various elements involved in order to make sure you understand what to expect.
Factors that May Affect Installation
Solar panel installation, like most ventures, doesn’t only take time, but will also require resources on your end. So, it can be quite unrealistic to expect the process to be a walk in the park. However, it’s not rocket science either.
Generally, there are four main factors that may affect the duration and the requirements of solar panel installation. We’ll go over each of them which are as follows:
Permits and Inspections
As for the majority of other home improvement projects, administrative permits play a significant role in determining how soon construction will begin. As a result, the solar panel construction company will be required to obtain a permit from local authorities prior to beginning operation.
Although state regulations vary, you can anticipate three basic permits for the process: electrical, photovoltaic, and potentially even a building permit.
Depending on the number of permits required and the workload of your local permit office, you will have to wait for a few up to several weeks before the authorization allows for the project to begin. Apart from the permits required for solar panel construction, authorities will perform an inspection until completion.
This part of the process ensures that everything was done and completed in accordance with the law and to the requirements established.
Size of the Panels
Installation is generally straightforward and easy once all relevant documentation has been completed and the requisite licenses have been secured. Homeowners may often have solar panels placed on their roofs in one to three days. However, it depends on the complexity of the installation.
While systems composed of numerous solar panels do take a little longer to install, you should anticipate the procedure taking the same time regardless of the number of panels used. If the installation is to be done on your establishment, a commercial system will generally be employed, resulting in a longer time frame for installation.
Because projects like this have two-month installation windows, you can plan to wait for that duration. For panel systems that are mounted on the ground, it may take even more labor and time.
Location or Property
In general, solar panels are installed on residences without the need for any modification. In this case, there are other circumstances when more work has to be completed before installation may commence.
In case your roof might not be ideal for solar panels, you will need to put in the time and effort to prepare the property for solar panel installation. Installing new electric panels or installing roofing reinforcements may also be required.
If installation depends on how complicated the task is is, then you will likely have a large delay in the installation.
Now that we’ve mentioned that, if your house does need to be prepped, the project can commence alongside any upgrades. This is beneficial when it comes to decreasing the time, as well as cutting installation costs.
Contractors and Companies
After you sign the contract to get solar panels mounted on your home, the working time varies significantly between companies.
That said, it’s worth noting that larger companies come with a more complete team. This enables them to take on additional jobs concurrently, often culminating in the project being accomplished in a timely manner.
Additionally, they will have a larger pool of contractors willing to survey your house, making for a more expedited contract signing process.
On the other hand, if you’re working with a smaller company, they tend to have not as large a workforce, so working schedules with clients will be queued. Then again, it goes without saying that you are more likely to get a good deal for your installation.
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