Get matched with top solar panel pros in Salcha, AK

There are a few qualifying questions you should ask a local solar panel company before hiring them:

• Will you handle permits for the installation?

• Does your total price include the equipment and labor?

• How long do you expect the installation process to take?

• What kind of workmanship warranty do you include with your installations?

• Who should I contact if I have a problem with my system after installation?

• Do you install the panels or outsource the work to third parties?

• Will you file for solar incentives for me?

Solar shingles and solar panels are not the same. While solar shingles use the same technology as traditional solar panels, they integrate with your existing roof. That means they are used to build your roof instead of simply resting on top of it. When comparing solar shingles and solar panels, it's helpful to know that solar shingles are more aesthetically pleasing than solar roof panels. They also do better in harsh weather due to limited uplift from strong winds.

Solar panels should get at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. It’s even better if sunlight reaches panels between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is enough to power a home, depending on your solar system’s size and energy needs. Remember that panels will generate some power under cloudy skies or in the shade, and many systems compensate for lower sun exposure by drawing energy from the grid or battery storage.

Solar batteries can be a great investment to help maximize your solar savings and make your system and home more valuable, but they’re most beneficial to customers who don’t have access to net metering. If your state or energy provider doesn’t provide net metering, batteries can be a great way to offset consumption even when your panels aren’t producing power. They also come with the added benefit of providing electricity through blackouts, so they’re valuable in areas prone to severe weather that could cause frequent blackouts. Your installer can help you decide if batteries are worthwhile.