As the world increasingly moves towards renewable energy sources, solar power is becoming an increasingly popular option for consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their electricity bills. Going solar may seem daunting, but with the right information and resources, it can be a straightforward and rewarding experience. We have provided a step-by-step guide for those looking to go solar, including information on choosing a system, finding a reputable installer, and navigating the incentives and regulations involved in the process. Whether you're looking to power your home, business, or even just a few appliances, this guide will help you navigate the process of going solar confidently.
Use this checklist below to manage all the steps from planning to installing your solar pv system.
In order to figure out if your home is suitable for solar, how many panels can fit on your roof, how much energy a solar system could produce for you, and a basic financial model. To understand how much energy your system can produce, you need to figure out your bill of materials to calculate system cost to determine the payback period and return on investment (ROI). You can get an estimate of your system's energy production by using PV Watt’s solar calculator.
3. Select your equipment
Once you have an idea of your system size and type, you can easily select your solar equipment using our free Solar Quote & Design Tool. Get a fast solar estimate, and then email our engineering team at info@renvu.com to finalize your project details. Need help getting started? Watch a quick video tutorial on how to use our tool.
We recommend securing your permit before purchasing any materials in case a design change is needed to meet your AHJ requirement. If you would like to reserve the equipment ahead of time, you can do so by paying in full. In most cases, reserving the modules is only necessary, as our inventory can fluctuate between models frequently. Email your proposal or sales order number to info@renvu.com, and a member of our team will be able to assist you.
6. Submit your Permitting Package to AHJ
It is time to submit your permit package to your local AHJ. If your AHJ rejects the permit package they prepared, you can send it back to Illumine-i to make revisions. If you need to change materials, you can update your proposal or let us know the changes you need to make. Please note that we can hold materials for shipping while the permitting is approved, but we need the materials paid in full to reserve, and there is a $65/pallet per month storage fee.
7. Make the purchase and install
You can save a lot of money purchasing directly from an equipment distributor and hiring a solar installer separately. You can hire a general contractor to install your solar equipment and have an electrician connect your solar pv system to the grid. Alternatively, you can find a solar installer in your area. NABCEP is an organization that certifies solar installers, and you can find one on their website. You will need to schedule an inspection with your local AHJ to turn on the switch to your new solar system!
Going solar is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on electricity bills. It's important to make sure your roof is suitable for a solar system before making the investment. If your roof isn't ideal for solar panels, don't worry - options are still available. In these cases, BLIKIR Residential Solar Carports can provide an alternative solution for homeowners and businesses looking to make the switch to solar power. With a variety of design options and customization possibilities, solar carports can be a functional and stylish addition to any property. Additionally, consider investing in a community or shared solar programs, where you can purchase a portion of a larger solar project and receive credit on your electricity bill. These alternatives are great options for homeowners who want to go solar but don't have a suitable roof or who want to invest in a larger project for their community. With the right information and resources, going solar can be an easy and rewarding experience and benefit you and the environment.
