Get matched with top solar panel pros in Paris, IL

DIY solar panel installations are hard to manage by yourself. You’ll likely need some help or prior experience to make the project worth the effort.

You can start narrowing your search for a reputable solar company by finding local, regional, and national companies that service your area and maintain positive reviews online. You should also check the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) website to see if the company has complaints filed against them. Next, contact the remaining candidates and ask about installation timelines, warranty coverage, and financing options. Choose a company that offers a labor warranty that lasts at least 10 years and prioritizes cash purchases and solar loans.

Professionals use the same methods to install solar shingles that they do for asphalt shingles, so you’ll often see a similar installation timeline of one to two days. The amount of time required will depend on the size and slope of your roof and the number of shingles installed. Weather conditions can delay installation, as working on a roof is unsafe during high winds or heavy rain.

Learn about common solar blockers in your area to determine how often you should wash solar panels and the best cleaning method:

• Soot: If you have a fireplace, soot can disperse and accumulate on the solar panels.

• Debris, dirt, and leaves: These natural elements require light cleaning. Being close to trees or living in a desert area can cause more of these to accumulate.

• Pollen: Areas with a high pollen count require more frequent solar panel cleaning, and sticky plant material requires a deeper cleaning.

• Bird droppings: Bird droppings are binding and more difficult to remove. Keep this in mind if you live near a lot of surrounding trees.