Are you thinking about installing solar panels to reduce your carbon footprint, lower your utility bills, or even just to make your home more self-sufficient?  If so, you are not the only one.  A number of current social movements — increased interest in green living practices, and thanks to the economy, a push to spend less and save more — have generated new interest in a blast from the past: solar panels.

Solar panels were popular in decades past, when they were massive, unattractive, and relatively expensive.  These days, technology has made solar panels smaller, more discreet, more efficient, and easier to come by.  Here are a few tips for installing a solar power system that will provide you with power for years to come.

1. Hire an expert. The importance of this cannot be stressed enough: Make sure you hire an expert to help you with the installation of your system.  Someone who is familiar with the industry and knows what technology is available, how to determine what system is right for your power needs, and so on will offer the best value for your money.  The initial purchase and installation is a big investment, and you will want to make sure that no mistakes are made here.
2. Assess your power needs. Once you have found an expert to help you make your decisions, it is important to sit down and analyze your power needs.  By looking at past power bills, you can determine how much electricity you use on a regular basis, and use that to estimate your future power needs.  This is a vital step to ensuring your solar panels will provide sufficient power for your needs, and will be a good investment in your future.
3. Consider your solar potential. All solar power systems are not created equal.  One important factor is the weather where you are located.  Certain places (California, Colorado, Arizona, etc.) see more sun than others, and will be better equipped to provide you with sufficient power to make your investment worthwhile.  That doesn’t mean solar panels won’t work in other climates, however, just that it will take more careful planning and better technology.
4. Invest in new technology. Solar panels now come in sizes as small as roof shingles, which soak up the sun’s rays without anyone being the wiser for it.  Newer technology can also make up for climates with less sunshine, and make your system more efficient.  Consider two things: One, the technology is constantly changing and improving, and two, your solar power system is intended to be an investment that will last you for many years.  Therefore, the more modern and efficient the technology, the longer it will last you.  This is one instance where it pays to invest in new technology!
5. Consult a tax attorney or accountant regarding your eligibility for tax breaks. You may actually be able to recoup as much as 30 percent of the cost of your solar power system, thanks to tax breaks that are designed to encourage people to be more eco-friendly.  There are certain regulations, though.  For instance, a solar-powered water heater is eligible for the tax deduction only if the water is used inside the home; it doesn’t count if it heats a hot tub or a swimming pool, for instance.  Consult your tax attorney or accountant to find out more about these tax deductions, and whether they will apply to your solar power system.

Installing a solar power system is a smart investment.  A well-designed system could actually produce all the electricity you need — and then some!  If your system produces an excess of power, the electric company will essentially pay you for what you don’t use.  There is a lot riding on this investment, so follow these tips to make sure it’s a good one!

James Rice is a freelance writer for SunRun. SunRun is the simple and affordable option for homeowners who want to switch to home solar power. SunRun pioneered affordable solar installation with the first residential power purchase agreement in 2007, and is the best at it today.

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