Key Success Factors
- Take Stock Of Your Energy Needs
A properly designed solar system is always based off of an analysis of the owner's energy usage history and expected usage needs. If the system is oversized (generating more energy than the owner can use), not only will the owner pay more for the installation than necessary, but they will also be supplying power to the Utility for free!
- Demand A Thorough Site Analysis
There's more to selecting a suitable solar installation location than simply "eyeballing it." The available solar access, tilt and orientation of the array, along with current and future shading problems must be accounted for in a site evaluation. This information is essential for a successful installation and to help ensure proper rebates are received.
- Simple Is Best
As a solar system's design gets more complex, its reliability and lifespan tend to worsen. For instance, the batteries in an off-grid system require regular preventive maintenance and need replacing during the lifetime of the system. Tracking units increase the system's energy generation but are more likely to require maintenance than a fixed array.
- Run The Numbers
Does installing solar in your area make good financial sense. Due to the rising energy costs, generous State rebates and Federal incentives installing solar is almost always a smart choice. However, if you have below average energy rates and usage, the financial payback of the system may not be right for you.
- Don't Wait To Install Solar
The sooner you choose to have solar installed, the sooner you can lock in your rebate rate. The current rebate amount for residential installations in California is $1.90/Watt. However, there are enough systems in review that the rebate amount will be dropping soon. Similarly, Commercial rebates are within a few reservations of dropping from $1.90/Watt to $1.55/Watt.
- Hire A Qualified Installer
Only licensed Contractors carry the proper levels of insurance and Workers Compensation coverage that you need to protect yourself from any worker liabilities. In addition, in order to receive your solar rebates and incentives you will need to provide proof that a qualified licensed contractor installed the system.
- Take Advantage Of Energy Efficiency Options
The percentage of power that your home gets from a newly installed solar system is directly related to the amount of energy you consume. By taking advantage of simple energy efficiency options, such as energy star rated appliances and light bulbs, you can increase the effectiveness of your solar system.
- Submit Rebate Paperwork On Time
Submitting your rebate paperwork on time is important for two reasons. First, by submitting your rebate paperwork on time you help to ensure that you will lock in a higher rebate amount. As more Californians choose to install solar, the rebate rate per Watt lowers. Second, by failing to submit your rebate paperwork on time at each phase of the installation process you risk losing your rate reservation and having to start the rebate process over again.
- Perform Preventative Maintenance
Most Grid-tied systems require minimal preventive maintenance. However, periodic cleaning and a basic system check-up is recommended. For those who choose to install tracking units or off-grid systems good preventive maintenance is essential. Its critical that commercial installations on a performance based incentive program have reliable system monitoring. Even if a system is only down for a short time, the rebate earned can be significantly affected.
