What You Need to Know about Wiring for Solar Energy
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Despite its infamous smog problem, L.A. is known for progressive energy practices, especially in the home. The sunny weather makes popular clean energy options like solar panels even more appealing. You can find an electrician in Los Angeles for solar panel installation pretty easily. However, you need to make sure you and your house are ready for the new hardware and wiring before you make the plunge.
Is Your House Ready
The roof is the most popular place for solar panels, and it’s little wonder. The thing is, solar panels weigh considerably more than shingles. Your roof may not be designed to support that extra weight. It’s very important to have a professional check out your roof’s load-bearing limits before you hire an electrician in Los Angeles. Homes in the north are usually built to withstand a little extra weight thanks to the periodic burden of snow. In Los Angeles, however, homes are designed to handle earthquakes, but not snow. You should also take the opportunity to perform a wiring check up to make sure your home is ready. Your home needs regular checkups anyway, and this is the perfect opportunity.
Do You Know How You’ll Work with the Grid
The rules for solar-powered homes connected to the grid change not only between states, but between counties, or even between power companies. Usually, you can effectively sell any excess energy back to the grid. If you manage your home efficiently, the grid will usually draw at least a little solar energy out of your home, rather than having to pump energy into your house. This helps homeowners recoup the cost of their solar panels at a faster rate. Still, figuring out the logistics and hacking through red tape takes time, so make sure you know when and how to connect to the grid before you schedule solar panel installation. This will impact the electrician’s job.
What Kind of Solar Are You Wiring In
Photovoltaic solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, are usually the first option that comes to mind when people consider solar panel. However, there are also thermal options. These solar panels replace expensive heating fuel by generating warm air and/or warm water for your home. Often, natural gas and other heating fuels are more expensive than electricity. Depending on the cost of heating fuels and your energy use habits, thermal solar panels could be a better decision. In a warm climate like L.A., however, you’re probably not considering solar panel installation because you’re spending so much on heat.
Solar panels are great options to limit your impact on the environment. They’re also more cost-effective in the long run, and depending on local regulations, you can earn back your investment pretty quickly. Still, you should take time before contacting an electrician in Los Angeles to make sure your roof can support solar panels. You’ll also need to figure out exactly how you’ll interact with the grid, and what kind of solar panels best fit your needs.