Installing solar panels does not take long - just a few days. However, the planning process takes a couple of weeks more, as you need to get your home assessed and find the right solar panels. Even if you are knowledgeable enough to handle the installation and wiring of the solar panels, you may still need to contact an electrician. If you are not totally confident of being able to do the whole process yourself, then you are better off hiring a professional at the start, rather than calling them in half way through the job. The most important decision you will need to make is what solar panels to use and how many of them to install. There are lots of brands and variations available, so this is not a decision to be rushed. The cheaper solar panels tend to be less capable of harnessing energy, and so you will need to buy lots of them to achieve the same amount of power as a few high range solar panels. You will be able to find precise details of all models of solar panels online, so you will have all the data you need to make relevant calculations. In a typical roof installation of solar panels, holes are drilled into the roof and mounts are bolted in. To keep the bolts properly aligned, you need to draw a carefully measured chalk line across the top of the rafters. The mounts should be secured with stainless steel lag bolts, and then have metal flashing placed over them. Metal rails must then be mounted using stainless steel bolts. Having done so, you can then install the solar panels on the metal rails. If you think the time, effort and expense involved just is not worthwhile then you need to think again. Within 5 years, you will have saved enough money through reduced electricity bills to have covered the cost of the installation of your solar panels, and will be then be saving enough money each year to be able to take an additional vacation. You will also be increasing the value of your home, and so you will make extra money, possibly twice what you paid for installation costs, when you come to sell it.
Tags: environment, home improvement, solar energy, solar panels