Once you have determined your energy needs and a system size, find out about incentives at the state and local level. These are typically tax credits or rebates that help keep costs down.

Next, schedule an engineer site visit. They will evaluate your roof and electrical panel to ensure your home is compatible with a solar panel installation. Contact Solar Installation Darwin now!

Rooftop

Rooftop solar installation is a popular choice for homeowners looking to cut their electricity costs. It’s also the ideal option for commercial buildings because it can reduce a business’ energy bills and help meet sustainability goals.

There are a few things you should keep in mind before going with rooftop solar. First, you’ll want to make sure your roof is able to support the weight of the panels. If you’re not sure, ask a structural engineer to check it out. Also, make sure you’re aware of the regulations in your area. Many areas require that you get a permit before installing solar, so you’ll need to know your local laws and rules before making the decision.

Next, you’ll need to choose a solar installer to perform the installation on your roof. EnergySage recommends asking for quotes from multiple providers to compare prices, reputation, and equipment. Before selecting a provider, read through the EnergySage Buying Guidance to understand your options and ensure that you’re choosing the best solution for your home.

When searching for a solar installer, be sure to check whether your roof is suited for solar and how much sunlight it receives throughout the day. Some roofs have a lot of shade, while others face the wrong direction or are made from an unsuitable material. If your roof isn’t ideal for solar, a ground-mounted system could be an alternative.

Once the solar panel mounts have been installed, they will need to be fastened to the rafters. Installers will use a stud finder or the home’s blueprint to determine where the rafters are located and then drill holes into them. Then, they’ll fasten the solar mounting brackets onto the rafters using screws.

Once your rooftop solar system has been installed, it’ll produce clean, renewable electricity for you and your neighbors. This electricity will be fed back into the grid, and if you’re part of a utility program like net metering, your excess power can even be sold back to the utility company at rates lower than your usual electricity bill. All of this can add up to a significant savings over time.

Ground-Mount

If you don’t have roof space or prefer to integrate solar panels into your landscaping, a ground-mount is a good option. This type of system can also help if your roof is shaded by trees or other buildings. It can even be a great choice if you’re looking for a way to add supplemental electricity generation beyond your home’s peak demand.

A standard ground mount uses a metal frame that holds your panels at an angle to maximize energy output. You can also go with a pole-mount, which elevates your panels higher off the ground. This allows for additional customizations, including the addition of a tracking system that automatically adjusts your panels throughout the day to capture optimal sunlight.

Ground-mounted solar is more expensive than a roof-mount, as it requires building a new structure on your property and undergoing a longer permitting process. Additionally, it can take up a significant amount of space in your yard. Some people may consider this an eyesore, but others value green energy and the independence it brings over aesthetics.

Because they’re closer to the ground, your panels will be more susceptible to damage from sunlight and precipitation. They’re also more likely to be impacted by insects and wandering animals that can damage the solar panels or chew on exposed wires. You may need to install a fence around your ground-mount solar power system to prevent this from occurring.

The ground-mounted design allows for easier access to clean your panels and keep them free of debris. You can also expand your system later, as many ground-mount racking options make it simple to bolt on additional panels. This is especially helpful if you’re considering adding on to your home in the future or need to increase your electricity production to offset energy costs.

However, you should keep in mind that your ground-mounted solar will be lower to the ground than your roof, which can expose it to higher levels of heat. Over time, this can diminish the efficiency of your panels and reduce their ability to produce electricity. Proper airflow and cooling can help offset this effect, but it’s something to consider if you choose a ground-mounted system.

Pole Mount

When rooftop space is limited, solar panel pole mounts can be used to provide power in a more centralized location. There are many different sizes of pole mounts available, ranging from single-panel mounts to large arrays that can be installed on the top of a tall utility or communication tower.

Solar pole mounts offer a number of advantages over roof-mounted systems. First, they are easier to install, as they do not require any roof penetration. Additionally, they can be easily upgraded to include sun tracking systems that maximize solar exposure and production. Finally, pole-mounted solar panels are a good option for customers who live in areas with less sunlight or have heavily shaded roofs.

Pole-mounted systems may require permits and approvals from local authorities that can add to the overall installation cost. In addition, preparing the foundation for the pole may require digging a hole or creating a concrete pad, depending on the size and type of pole. Maintenance and lifecycle costs are also important to consider when budgeting for a pole-mounted system.

MT Solar has an experienced team of licensed engineers to review site conditions and design the most appropriate solar solution. We can also assist in obtaining necessary permits and approvals.

While there are some benefits to a pole-mounted solar energy system, the upfront cost is typically more than a roof-mounted system. In addition, there are limitations to the load-bearing capacity of a pole, so it is essential that the structure is strong enough to support the load of the solar module system.

Choosing the right pole mount is critical to the performance of your solar energy system. A well-designed pole mount will maximize the potential of your solar panels and ensure their longevity. Whether you’re looking for a single-panel pole mount or an entire array, we can help you choose the best mount for your project.

Interested in learning more about solar options for your business? Contact us for a free consultation with one of our experienced project managers.

Tile Roof

Solar power for tile roofs is a popular option for homeowners that wish to reduce their energy costs. However, a solar installation on your tile roof can be complicated and should only be completed by a company that has the experience and expertise to properly handle it. It is also important that you understand the process of installing a solar system on your tile roof so that you can be an informed consumer and protect your home investment.

A tile roof is designed to hold up against harsh weather conditions. However, they are not designed to hold the added weight of solar panels. Attempting to install solar panels directly on a tile roof could lead to breakage or damage, which will compromise the integrity of the roof and possibly cause leaks in your home.

In order to safely install solar panels on a tile roof, installers will need to drill into the tiles at the areas where they will attach the racking feet. This could result in cracking the tiles, and even compromising the integrity of the underlayment, which is typically installed as an extra layer to provide additional protection for the roof.

Rather than drilling into your tile roof, a roofing professional can complete a solar installation using an inset mount. This method is similar to the mounting system used on shingle roofs, but it is specifically designed for tile roofs. This type of mounting system is anchored to the roof with brackets, and a metal sheet is placed in the transitions to ensure the roof is waterproof.

The advantage of this mounting system is that it allows your roof to maintain its aesthetics. Additionally, it is easier to install than a traditional roof penetration, which requires cutting or drilling holes into the tiles to attach the solar panel hardware.

Having solar panels on your tile roof can significantly reduce your utility costs by capturing and converting solar energy to electricity that can be utilized in your home. This type of energy savings can substantially decrease your monthly electricity bills and can help you make a positive impact on the environment while decreasing your carbon footprint.