FAQ #3: I'm interested in finding out if solar panels (PV or photovoltaic system) would work for my home or business. What steps do I take?
1. Initial contact:
For a general discussion of your goals and expectations, answers to your questions, or to schedule a site assessment call or email Aladdin Solar today: 952-401-7073 info@AladdinSolar.com
2. Aerial site survey:
Contact us to arrange for an aerial site analysis. We have access to high quality aerial photo libraries which can often give us a good start in evaluating your site for solar. Your complete address including zip code is all that is required. (We will not publish or sell your contact information). We can often get fairly accurate measurements of your roof size, pitch and orientation--even the heights of nearby trees. From this we can provide you with a brief report discussing initial thoughts on feasibility of a system at your site, and, if appropriate, a tentative or initial design with ballpark pricing and financial analysis of that design. All this before anyone even comes out to your site! With the information in the report, you'll have a good starting point as to what might be your options, costs and benefits. Yes, please sign me up for an Aladdin Solar Aerial Site Survey!
3. In-person site visit and evaluation:
If after reviewing your aerial site survey report you feel a solar energy system may indeed meet your goals and fit your budget, you can schedule an in-person site visit and assessment. A trained Aladdin Solar technician will evaluate your site using professional shade analysis tools, consider your existing electrical system, and discuss with you your goals and current energy usage requirements. You will then receive a formal report/proposal which may include: a review of various solar electric (PV) system options specific to your site; discussions of any shading or location issues; monthly and annual energy PV output projections; financial projections based on current and predicted utility rates; recommendations for realistic system size and placement and a proposal for installation. Yes, I'd like to schedule a site assessment!
4. Sign the installation agreement.
Select a system option, sign the contract and provide your intial down payment to get the ball rolling. We will get to work creating the detailed engineering documents required for installation, permits, the interconnection agreement with the electric utility and, if appropriate, any rebates.
5. Installation Schedule:
After permitting is cleared, interconnection confirmations are received and equipment orders are in, a realistic installation date can be set for your new solar electric system (manufacturer delivery schedules may vary depending on demand, etc.).
6. Installation:
An average sized roof-mounted PV system normally takes 2-4 days to install but time requirements may increase under special circumstances like extreme roof slope or unusual roofing materials, substandard or unsafe existing electrical systems, difficult equipment or worker access, underground trenching if the array is not at the meter location, and so on.
7. Complete all inspections and start producing renewable energy!
After the installation is finished, any required inspections by officials and the utility are completed, your new solar electric system can be turned on to immediately start providing your home with clean energy produced by the sun. We'll will review the PV system in detail with you and provide you with a site specific user manual containing diagrams, instructions, warranty information, and maintenance schedule. Any final payments are due at this time.
8. Apply for Federal Income Tax credits:
With your next yearly Federal Income Tax return, you may qualify for a tax credit of up to 30% of the installed cost of the system. This credit can be used to offset both regular and alternative minimum tax (ATM) rules and unused credits can be carried forward. Consult with your tax advisor on whether you can claim this credit.
Why wait? Call or email Aladdin Solar to get started!
|
