What To Do After Your Solar Array Has Started Generating Power
You have flipped the switch and gone solar. You had been paying an electric bill with no end in sight but now are investing in yourself and producing your own clean, affordable solar energy. Congratulations, you have gained energy independence. What happens now?
Check The Solar Monitoring
Many solar owners enjoy the ability to see their solar array’s production, especially on sunny days, from anywhere in the world. Monitoring is typically tied to the solar inverter and is uploaded via on-site internet service. For most it is as easy as downloading an app and logging in to check their array’s production. The app will show power generation by week, month, and year in kilowatt hours (kWh). Monitoring apps are often provided by the same manufacturer as your inverter. Read more about solar monitoring in our blog: The Importance of Online Solar Array Monitoring.
Here are links to download common monitoring apps based on your inverter:
If you need assistance accessing your monitoring portal, complete our service and support form here or call (563) 582-4044.
Review Your New Electric Bills
Review Your New Electric BillsIt is important to review your first post-solar electric bill and periodically throughout the life of the solar array. When reviewing, you want to make sure the amounts of energy you are sending and receiving are being charged properly. Check out our FAQ here for assistance understanding your utility bill. Reviewing your utility bill allows you to see if the solar array is functioning and you are receiving credits in addition to how many credits you have left. During the day, most solar energy systems produce more electricity than is consumed by the home or business. Any excess energy is exported to the grid, and in most cases you receive credit to use later. This is often through utility solar policies offering net metering. Learn more about net metering in our blog concerning net metering and net billing.
Experience Increased Home Value
A great long-term benefit of going solar is the added home value, especially when it doesn’t cost you money in the short term. In Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois the increase in home value stemming from installing a solar array does not increase your property tax liability. Learn more about solar and property values.
Enjoy a Lower Carbon Footprint
Solar is truly a renewable energy. Whether you harness the power of the sun or not, it is going to continue to rise the next day. Traditional sources of fuel used to create electricity, like coal and gas, emit gases which cause air pollution. A solar array produces clean energy, improving public health. Going solar creates a lot of good not just for your wallet but also for your carbon footprint and the planet. Learn more about how to reduce your carbon footprint with solar.
Maintain Your Solar Array
Solar requires very little maintenance, especially in areas with regular precipitation, where the rainwater can help clean the panels. For best performance, a periodic cleaning to remove leaves and other debris can be necessary if buildup occurs. Solar panels are made of tempered glass, which is built to meet rigorous testing criteria for hail, strong winds, and other extreme weather. Solar panels also has no moving parts, which cuts down on the possibility of problems occurring which would need regular maintenance. Learn more about maintaining your solar array during Midwestern winters.
Keep an eye out for small critters around your solar array, such as squirrels chewing on wires or birds building nests. These small critters can create costly damage not covered by warranties and prevent the solar array from functioning. Check on the equipment at ground level where children can reach, inverters, and disconnects. Ensure they are powered on and you have a green light. Make sure there is no water penetration on the roof.
If you have a concern, complete our service and support form here or call (563) 582-4044.
Brush Up On Your Warranty Coverage
In the unlikely event your array has issues, nearly all Tier 1 panels are covered by a 25-year warranty, with some manufacturers offering 30-year warranties. If your panels fail during their warranty period, you can use the warranty to claim a replacement. Learn more about solar panel warranties. At Eagle Point Solar we put together a Solar Owner’s Manual for our clients. This manual details the specifics of the array components, internet connection troubleshooting, FAQs, and more. Tuck away any paperwork and your monitoring username and password for easy access. Also keep a copy of your paid-in-full invoice for use when claiming any tax credits.
Follow The Solar Industry & Be An Advocate
Stay connected to Eagle Point Solar and the solar industry by following us on social media, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Share your solar journey and the value you found with family, friends, and neighbors. Submit referrals and receive extra cash for each purchased solar array. Share your solar experience by submitting a Google review.
What Do You Do Before Getting a Solar Array? Get a Free Solar Analysis
Interested in learning more about the benefits that solar energy can have for your home or business? Contact Eagle Point Solar today for a Free Solar Analysis.