Alexandria Solar Panel Installation Services
- Solar Panel Sales & Service
- Solar Panel Sales
- Solar Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Maintenance & Repair
Solar Panel Installation in Alexandria, LA
If you’re struggling with high energy bills month after month and you’re interested in investing in renewable energy, you may benefit from a home solar power system. Despite what many people may think, switching from a normal electrical system to a solar system requires lots of time, research, and planning, not to mention the solar panel sales and installation costs. Even still, those who have a residential solar system will likely tell you that it was all worth it in the end. Below, Alexandria solar power experts at Lombardi Electric have created a simple solar panel installation guide for those considering making the switch.
At Lombardi Electric, we make solar panel installations easy for our customers. For more information on our solar panel sales and services, call 318-545-7575 today.
What Are Solar Panels?
Solar panels, also known as PV panels, are Earth-friendly devices that convert sunlight into electricity. Solar panels are usually arranged in groups on top of a roof. This grouping is called a solar array or a solar system. When the photovoltaic (PV) cells are exposed to solar energy, they create electrons which then travel through a circuit to create direct current (DC) electricity. From there, solar photovoltaic panels can power entire homes, neighborhoods, and businesses. You may be wondering: how much electricity can solar panels generate? The answer to this question depends on many factors, such as the size of your solar system and how much direct sunlight your home gets. However, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that a solar panel system with a direct current of 7.15 kilowatts and a 3-11 kilowatt range can power an average sized household in Austin, TX. The initial solar panels cost is high, but over time it can help save a fortune on electricity bills. Not only that, but solar panels are a form of renewable energy that doesn’t contribute to air pollution or greenhouse gasses. In other words, a solar panel array can go a long way in saving the planet.Can I Install Solar Panels On My Home by Myself?
Technically, yes, you can install your own solar energy system, but it’s not recommended unless you have many years of electrician experience. Even then, DIY solar panel installation is risky, considering how much of an investment solar panels are. You want to hire professional solar installers to make sure the job is done right the first time, so you won’t be spending even more money than you need to for solar electricity.
The team at Lombardi Electric has years of combined experience in solar installation. We understand just how complex the site surveying and electrical wiring process can be, which is why we never recommend our clients to attempt DIY installations. Allow us to handle everything from solar panel sales to solar installations, so all you have to do is sit back and watch the solar magic happen.
Solar Panel Installation Process
If you’re ready for energy efficient lighting and electricity in your home, just know that you will have to jump through several hoops to get there. In other words, the solar installation process can be lengthy, expensive, and confusing. That’s why the team at Lombardi Electric has put together this back solar panel installation guide.
Complete a Site Survey
The first step in installing solar panels is doing a site survey with one of our professional solar panel experts. This means that one of our team members will come out to your home and inspect your current electrical system. If your home’s electrical system is old and outdated, you will likely need electrical repairs, installations, and/or updates in order to accommodate your solar panels.
Not only that, but we’ll make sure that your home is compatible with a solar energy system by determining if your home gets enough direct sunlight and whether or not your roof can handle a solar panel system. An old roof may not be structurally sound enough to support the weight of an entire solar system. Additionally, a flat roof may require a special mounting structure in order to successfully install solar panels.
Obtain Permits and Documentation
The next step in our solar panel installation guide is obtaining the right permits and documentation. In other words, before you install solar panels, you need to make sure they will meet legal requirements as well as zoning and local safety requirements.
If all of this sounds far too complicated and you’re already considering aborting the solar energy mission, hear us out: we will be able to help you with or handle the majority of permits and documentation. Here is what our Alexandria solar installers will help you file for:
- Local building and electrical permits
- Permission from your local utility company to install solar panels on your property
- Net metering program enrollment
- State and/or federal solar incentive programs to help offset solar panel installation costs (this could include solar leases, a power purchase agreement, community solar system programs, federal tax credit, etc.)
Keep in mind that this step in the solar panel installation process can definitely take the longest. It could be several weeks or months before all the paperwork is completed, submitted, and processed by various government bodies.
By the time all of the paperwork is filed and completed, the entire solar energy cost should be a bit less and you should be eligible for federal tax credits too.
Order Correct Equipment
Now it’s time to order all the equipment you’ll need for your home’s solar system. Keep in mind that by this point, our Alexandria solar energy experts will have already helped you pick out the best and most affordable solar panels, solar inverters, solar batteries, and solar panel mounts for your home. All the necessary solar equipment and other electrical components will be listed in your proposal and contract.
Solar Panel Installation
The next step is what we’ve all been waiting for: solar panel installation day.
Our team of solar energy experts will start by making sure all tiles and shingles on your roof are securely attached. Next, we’ll place the electrical wiring your solar panels will need to connect to your home’s electrical system.
The next step is placing the racking that will hold the solar panels on your roof. A solar installer will place each panel on the racking and then connect the solar inverter to the panels. Finally, we’ll set up the solar battery bank.
You may be wondering – how long does it take to install solar panels on a roof? The answer depends on the size of your solar system and your roof. But generally, it can take our experts up to three days to properly install solar systems.
Solar System Approval and Connection
You may think that once solar panel installation is complete, you can immediately turn it on and reap the benefits of solar power. Nope! You will need approval from a municipal government representative first. They will carefully assess your solar panel system to make sure it’s safe and meets all necessary requirements. Once they issue something called Permission to Operate (PTO), you’ll know you’re good to go.
Some homeowners will also need to call out a representative from their local utility company in order to connect your solar panels to the electrical grid. This is a necessary step just in case your photovoltaic panels ever malfunction and you need to use regular electricity until everything is back up and running again. Additionally, if your system produces excess solar power, it can be fed back to the electrical grid. If this happens, you’ll earn credits through the net metering program that you set up with your utility company.
Why You Should Choose Lombardi Electric For Alexandria Solar Panel Installation Services
Out of all the solar companies out there, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best for buying and installing solar panels. So – how does Lombardi Electric stand out from the competition?
Safety
Installing solar panels can be dangerous work, which is why we prioritize the safety of our team and our customers. Our electricians are equipped with the best personal protective equipment and they don’t leave a job without triple-checking that everything is functioning safely and optimally within your home.
Experience
Every electrician at Lombardi Electric is fully licensed with years of experience, so you can rest assured that we provide the best solar and electrical work in Alexandria, LA.
Timely
We understand that a malfunctioning home electrical system is often an emergency. Without enough power and properly functioning appliances, you can’t get anything done. That’s why Lombardi Electric prioritizes timely and high-quality service for all of your electrical needs.
The Best Solar Panel Company in Alexandria
Lombardi Electric is one of Louisiana’s best solar companies. Based in Alexandria, LA, our solar company can not only help you purchase solar panels, but guide you through the lengthy solar panel installation process as well. For more information about our solar panel sales and services, call an Alexandria solar installer at 318-545-7575 today.
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- Solar Panel Sales & Service
- Solar Panel Sales
- Solar Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Maintenance & Repair
