Get matched with top solar panel pros in Bloomfield, NE

Depending on the climate in your area, the best time to install solar panels is either winter or early spring. Summer is a fine time to install panels, too, but it tends to be the busy season, so prices may be higher and companies may have packed schedules. The installation process can take more time than expected between getting permits and finalizing a design, so start as soon as you can.

In most states, solar installers need to be licensed and insured as solar professionals, although some states don’t have specific requirements for installers. You can use our state licensing tool to check if an installer you’re considering hiring holds the proper licensing. No matter where you live, a member of your solar panel installation company must be a certified electrician to connect your panels to your home and the electric grid.

Although solar panels harness the sun's power, they come at an environmental cost. The manufacturing process requires large amounts of water and involves hazardous materials like cadmium, silicon, and gallium arsenide. These materials don’t pose safety hazards while the panels are in use but can pose a problem when left in landfills. Over time, hazardous materials can leach into the environment. This is why recycling solar panels whenever possible is better than taking them to landfills.

There are a few great questions to ask a solar contractor or inspector when you speak to them. You’ll probably want to find out about the energy yield and efficiency of your array, ensuring the actual output matches the amount you calculated when installing the array in the first place. It’s also a good idea to find out about any damage or wear and tear on the array and to inquire about how soon you need to make repairs or replacements to essential components.