Where do you start now that you want solar power 

So you want to install solar panels in your home. 

Feel good that you finally made the decision, but what are the next steps? 

Do you just search names on the Internet and start calling installers?

Who takes care of all the permits? How long will the installation take and will I get enough power? 

These are all valid questions, and we at HahaSmart hope this little guide will help you get started in the process solar independence.
 

Step 1. Find out how much power you need

This is not as tough as it sounds. All you have to do is find out your average monthly utility bill cost. Most utilities offer that information online to their customers. Some utilities offer solar calculators, and it is also something that we offer at HahaSmart. If you enter in your address and your average monthly utility bill, our price-checker tool gives you an estimate of how much power you need, what the system might cost, and how much money you’ll save over time.
 

Step 2. Calculate Your Installation Costs

The price of solar installations vary from company to company, but it is all usually based on the how many total watts you need, and what kind of solar panels you purchase. A general rule is that many different companies offer solar panels at all nearly the same wattage rating. You don’t have to get the most expensive solar panels because most panels are constructed the same, none of them have moving parts, and they all come with warranties now. 

This is why you should call at least three local installers and compare their quotes. If you do a little research, it will save you money in the end. A good certified installer will give you a reliable price quote, with a complete breakdown of parts and labor needed to finish the job, and a timeline of how long it will take.

There is also help with the cost. First of all, there is the Federal Government’s tax credit is the biggest way to reduce the cost of going solar. That tax credit is 30 percent of the total cost of parts and labor. States also have programs to help, and most cities and states participate in what is called net-metering. These programs vary in different cities, but basically, they are programs where the utilities pay you for the power you don’t use. If you go to the free DSIRE database, you can see what programs are available in your area.
 

Step 3. Figure out the types of permits you need

Basically, contractors and your certified installers will handle the heavy lifting needed to get permits signed, but depending on your utility, you may need to sign a few papers. A good example in California is with PG&E. They make solar panel owners sign an Agreement and Customer Authorization form as well as a Standard Net Energy Metering Interconnection Application.

According to the PG&E agreement, homeowners authorize the utility to release data about usage to the solar company. By signing the Net Metering Agreement people also agree to install only the solar equipment contained in the application and to operate it only in accordance with the instructions from the utility.

In the agreement, they are also indemnifying the utility against any damage to the grid or other loss caused by the homeowner’s solar generation equipment.

We looked and couldn’t find a case where solar panels damaged the grid, but it is good to be aware of these clauses.
 

Step 4. Understand your states Net Metering Program

Most utilities install the meter themselves, or they have authorized contractors to do the installation. In some cases, the utility uses the solar company’s licensed electrician to upgrade the meter. Every authorized installer walks the homeowner through this process and any costs associated.  As the net meter works, it measures both the kilowatt hours delivered to the home, as well as the kilowatt hours overproduced and fed back to the grid. 
 

What Happens when I generate more power than I use? 

This is where the net metering comes in. It is important to note that net metering is not available in every state, but it is available in 38 of the 50 states. During the day you might produce more power than you use, and then at night when the solar panels are dormant, you receive those power credits back as you use electricity from the grid. At the end of the month, if you generate more power than you use, the excess power will carry over to the next month as a credit.

At the end of each year, there is what is known as an annual true-up. This means if you have excess energy credits at the end of the year the utility can do one of three things, depending on the net metering rules in each state:

First, they can pay you out for them at the full retail rate (it’s rare, but it does happen). Second, they can pay you out for them at an avoided cost rate of 3 to 4 cents per kWh
(this is the case with California, Massachusetts, Utah, New York, New Jersey and most of the other leading solar states). Basically, an avoided cost rate is a wholesale rate the utility would pay a normal fossil fuel burning power station for power. Third, they can cancel the excess credits with no compensation to you. This is less common but you should know if your utility does this.
 

You are ready to go solar

So there you have it. Going solar is easier than ever and there are lots of certified installers out there who can walk you through the process. At HahaSmart, we also have a list of HahaSmart verified solar installers.

If you want to take the leap and see how joining the solar revolution can help you, please visit the HahaSmart Price Checker Tool yourself. You can see how much solar would cost in your area. Enter your information and stop paying the utility your hard earned money.

For information relating to going solar don’t forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles