Do-It-Yourself Installation versus Hiring Professionals
It is easy to install a solar power system and just as easy to mess it up along the way. Home solar energy installation is best left to a trained professional for a few very big reasons.
Understanding local building codes prior to installing a system takes someone who is very familiar with local and federal building codes, not someone who has recently read up on the subject or paid a visit to the local inspector’s office. You will also need to pull various permits for the project that again takes knowledge of local and state laws. The entire job takes a trained professional – who understands voltage requirements, electrical wiring, and solar power systems and types. Additionally, you will need experience in choosing the best system for the house and region that the house resides. Additionally, a professional will understand what to do when local laws and building codes conflict with homeowner needs.
Setbacks and violations of these building codes can cause problems with insurance companies, resale of the property, and negate state rebates and tax cuts. You may even face forced removal of the solar power system if you do not follow local building codes and obtain proper permits. When you use a professional company, they will be financially responsible for any mistakes they make, just make sure that clause is in the contract.
Effects of a Properly Installed Solar Power System
When a solar power system is installed for residential use by a trained professional, all permits, all building codes, and all inspections have been passed and approved; then you may be eligible for certain financial incentives. These include a reduction or elimination of certain property taxes on the approved solar power system. Tax rebates on the taxes filed that year. State paid interest on the loans used to install the system. As well as various rebates from state and local green energy incentives. With all of these it is entirely possible to install a system for far less than the going rate and even possible to offset the month-to-month cost of owning a home or business. The savings can really add up and make it worth it as a property owner in the end.
The final cost of setting up a photovoltaic solar energy poser system may cost less than the initial calculation, when you take into consideration tax credits and rebates. Renewable energy tax credits went into effect January 1, 2009 and states such as New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, California and others provide additional tax credits as well. In certain states, total cost is cut by at least 60 percent. The final discount does not end there, with a little research and depending on state and local laws, it is possible to get the solar cells for steep discount or for free.
