Solar Panel Installation In Maryland: From Start To Finish

Easy Solar Panel Installation On Your Home Roof in These 5 Steps

If you live in Maryland but are still unaware of solar panel installation, you are leaving bundles of dollars on the table. Free electricity in the next 5-7 years to come: it means that what used to go into just paying energy bills now can be spent on buying new accessories or even put into a bank deposit. Nothing is cooler than allowing the sun to pay the electricity bill for your home. But you might be deterred by the Solar Panel installation in Maryland process, which is guessed to be long-winded and tedious. But here is the good news: we have compressed everything essential into one guide, so that you can easily set up the solar system on your roof.

Is Installing Solar Panels In Maryland Profitable?

Yes, the installation of solar panels comes with high dividends, usually in terms of cost savings and renewable energy. You can get rid of monthly bills, which range between $170—$200. You can also contribute to a cleaner environment. The Maryland Government has also shown a sign of favor for those who are planning to shift to solar energy, willing to pay a $1000 rebate.

The Step-by-Step Procedure Of Solar Panel Installation

1- Look For A Solar Installation Company:

Solar panel installation is a demanding errand that requires strong technical expertise and knowledge, which you wouldn’t have, of course. The exceptions are, however, always there. Anyway, you need to scope out a solar company that is credible, possesses the experience to mount a solar panel setup without any hassle. You can refer to the internet to find out solar installers in Maryland. Check out their reviews, and visit them in person to see their staff, environment, and certifications.

2- Be Prepared For Site Inspection:

After the vetting process, you will have to sign a contract with a local solar contractor( company), who will then send their team to inspect your dwelling. They will take into account factors like the condition of the roof, the type, and obstacles that block sunlight from reaching the roof (if any). Upon detailed assessment, they will give a final decision as to whether your house is suitable for solar installation or not. If the inspector is satisfied, they will mark the solar panel network as “ approved”, which means you are now entitled to benefit from solar energy.

3- Design And Proposal:

In case your house ticks all the boxes of being qualified to get a solar panel installation, the inspection team evaluates all the variables. Then it will give you a budget proposal, which details the custom size of the panel's network and estimated budget. Your approval of the proposal will enable the solar panel installation team to transition to the next step: the creation of the design. In this phase, the design team will create a blueprint detailing the number of panels, their position of placement, estimated energy production, cost breakdown, expected savings and available incentives to be obtained. The best solar company in Maryland will prioritize transparency in all cost aspects and avoid overcharging under the guise of extra frills.

4- Acquiring Permits And Applying For Incentives:

This part is usually daunting and frustrating— handling the paperwork and getting the approvals. If you prefer DIY installation, expect several visits to the Local Permitting Office (LCO) in Maryland. But, fortunately, you don’t have to go through all this as the solar company will handle all the paperwork, from getting permits to applying for incentives.

5- The Installation Phase:

This is where the rubber meets the road and the concept turns into design. Equipped with all the necessary apparatus, the MD solar installers arrive at your home and commence the installation process. The solar panels are mounted, inverts, wiring and conduit are installed— laying the foundation of the renewable solar energy, which would save you tons of dollars down the road. The installation phase usually takes three days to complete.

6- Inspection of the Utility Connection:

In this phase, the solar panel network is connected to your house’s electrical system. Thereafter, a local government inspector does an in-person visit to check whether the installed solar panel networks comply with the required standards. If they are satisfied, they will mark the solar panel network as “ approved”. In the next step, he directs you to install a bi-directional meter in the system, which will enable you to track the total generated electricity, the amount your house consumes, and what goes into the grid. Lastly, you will be granted a PTO (Permission To Operate), which means you are now entitled to benefit from free solar energy.

7- Monitoring and Maintenance:

Congratulations, you have got the holy grail of solar panel installation— free solar energy. To ensure the system delivers consistent performance over the year, it needs a certain level of maintenance, which is, fortunately, not tedious at all. Simple cleaning sessions that remove debris, dust and insects are enough within 2-3 months. Parallel to maintenance is monitoring the performance of the solar system, which is usually done by using an application that runs on a computer or mobile device. The application is connected to the bi-directional meter and enables you to account for the energy produced and spent. It helps to evaluate the performance of a solar panel system over a certain length of time.

Final Words:

Solar Panel Installation is a high ROI process that must be carried out under expert supervision. We advise you not to cut corners while searching for a solar panel installation company in Maryland. An experienced installer will cost you in the beginning, but lay the groundwork accurately, leading to lower maintenance costs and higher energy generation in the future.