Everything You Need to Know About Solar Contractors

Solar energy is becoming more and more popular everywhere. Of course, here in California, it’s bigger than ever. How does it work, though?

That’s the main question that most people have when it comes to this sort of thing. Are there contractors available to help install solar panels for residential homes (and other buildings)? As you can probably guess based on the title, the answer to that question is “yes.”

Today, we’d like to explain how this process works. If you want to learn more about it, make sure to stay tuned! You can also read more about it here: Research opportunities to advance solar energy utilization.

What Is Solar Energy?

First, let’s take a look at a simple definition of solar energy. Solar energy is the energy harnessed from the sun’s radiation. Easy enough, right?

One of the biggest draws is that it’s a form of renewable energy. It’s not a finite resource like coal or natural gas. It can also be converted into multiple forms. Electricity and heat are the main ones.

There are two main ways to harness this energy. Let’s explore the two systems. This will help you get an idea of what you’d like to have for your own home.

Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

These systems use solar panels made of semiconductor materials. A common example is silicon. They are able to convert sunlight directly into electricity. How does that work?

When sunlight hits the solar cells in the panels, it excites electrons. This creates an electric current.

It’s a popular way to harness the energy of the sun. Groups like AB 2143 solar contractors are able to install this type of system.

Solar Thermal Systems

These systems use sunlight to heat a fluid. From there, that fluid can be used to produce steam. That steam drives a turbine for electricity generation.

It can also be used for heating. That includes something like heating water or other residential uses. It’s not as popular as the other type of system, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad, of course!

Getting Solar Panels Installed

Now that we’ve explored the basics, let’s delve into the big question. How can we get these panels installed? Well, there are of course a few options.

One of the first things that you’ll want to do is start researching. What are the contractors available near you? We’ve offered a few resources that could help you get started.

From there, though, what should we do? One thing that can help is to look at reviews from other customers. They can give you some insight into an individual contractor.

After all, there are a ton of options throughout California. Hopefully, that gives you an idea of where to get started.

How It Works

There are several important steps along the way. You can read more about it in this article. It starts with a site evaluation.

Essentially, a contractor will inspect your property. They’ll help you determine where the best place for panels would be. Additionally, they can tell you if there are no suitable locations.

The other thing they’ll do is look at your current energy bills. The goal there is to help design a system that can meet your current needs. That way, you can really reduce the price of your bill each month!

Next comes the actual system design. This stage will vary depending on your contractor, as well as your circumstances. Some things that could be included are solar panels, inverters, mounting equipment, and even batteries.

The size of the system involved will also be another key point. They’ll determine the number of panels needed. Additionally, they will figure out how to place them to make sure you get maximum sunlight exposure.

Finally (for this stage, at least), your contractor should also handle any permits needed. Sometimes it can be complicated, so it’s nice that they can do that part of it!

Installation itself isn’t too complicated most of the time. The professional can do it without too much stress. The solar panels are mounted on the roof or on a ground-mounted structure, for one thing.

The contractor then connects the solar panels to an inverter. The system is connected to your home’s electrical system in the end, as well.

Overall, while the process may take some time, many people find it to be worth it. In a sunny state like California, it can definitely make sense to have solar panels installed.

Thankfully, there are a ton of available solar contractors across the state. No matter where you are, they can help you sort these systems out. After all, it’s their job to help customers like us!

Hopefully, this article will serve as a nice guide for you to get started. Considering how many steps are involved, it’s a good idea to get started sooner rather than later!