Solar panels are an excellent source of power for Golden, CO homes. But will they take as much time as installing a new roof? Let’s find out.
What Affects Solar Panel Installation Times?
The time frame in which solar panels can be installed can be affected by a number of different factors: experience and equipment, local permitting, property characteristics, and the size and type of solar panels.
Solar Panel Installation Company Experience and Equipment
Surely, working with a company that has decades of experience and the best equipment will guarantee the best experience and quickest installation possible.
Local Permitting
The local permitting process for installing solar panels in Colorado typically takes about a week to a few months, but it varies depending on your location.
Property Characteristics
When installing solar panels, it is important to understand the wideness of the property. Wideness is the distance between two walls of the property. For example, a property with a width of 5 meters would require a solar panel installation on at least one side of the property.
The wideness of the property affects the cost and time of solar panel installation. If a small house has a narrow width, then a solar panel installation may be difficult or impossible because it is not wide enough.
Size and Type of Solar Panels
The size and type of solar panels affect the speed at which they can be installed. A larger solar panel system would be more difficult to install than a smaller solar panel system due to the time it would take to install the panels.
Semper Solaris has a great post about the elements that affect solar panel installation times. Learn more about it below.
Finding a Solar Installer
You may dream of solar panels for months or years, but your first concrete step to making that dream a reality will be choosing a solar installer. You may be chomping at the bit to get solar panels on your roof, but don’t rush this step. Choosing your solar installation company is the most important decision you’ll make in this entire process. If you choose an inexperienced company or a “guy with a truck” who swears he can install your panels at a cut-rate discount, you could come to regret that choice.
We recommend seeking referrals from your friends, family members, and neighbors as well as reading reviews on well-regarded review sites, such as Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau.
It’s always a good idea to get more than one solar installation quote. This allows you to compare pricing and see how you feel about working with different companies. Resist choosing the cheapest quote. Many times, paying a little more for quality and experience in the short term will save you a lot in the long run.
The General Site Visit
When you begin to narrow down your solar installer choices, you’ll want to request a general site visit. A representative from the company will come out to your house to assess your home’s energy needs and evaluate your property. During the site visit, the installation expert will look at things like:
- Your roof type
- Roof angle
- The general condition of your roof
- Any shading concerns with your roof
- Any other factors that could affect your future solar power system
With this information, the installation expert will be able to make a recommendation on the ideal solar panel system size for your home. They can also explain financing options and equipment brand choices to you.
After the site visit, the solar company will provide you with a project quote for the solar panel installation.
Typically, a solar company can schedule a home visit within one or two weeks of your call depending on their schedule. (Continue reading to learn more)
If you have yet to find a reliable solar panel installation company in Golden, CO, you can always count on us at Roper Roofing and Solar for all your needs. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can do for you.