Your solar panels have been installed. What’s next? Unless your solar installer is also certified to work on your meter, there are a number of additional steps you will need to take in order to get your new meter installed and make sure that your valuable investment is protected.
As you can see, it takes more than just installing solar panels on your roof and connecting the appropriate cables to start benefiting from your solar panel system. You also need to pick the best company who offers the best service for cleaning. K&B Solar Panel Cleaning is the right contractor for you! Choosing the right solar system installer and the right solar panel cleaning company is a great way to ensure that these things are taken care of in an efficient and timely manner.
Listed below are the important things that you must do as soon as you get the panels installed on your home.
1. Inspection
Once your solar panel system is installed, the next step is to perform an electrical inspection. Generally, the solar panel installation company contacts the relevant state electrical authority and arranges an inspection on its own. However, it is recommended that you contact your solar system installer and ask them to initiate the process. This is crucial because this inspection must be carried out within a certain period of time.
2. Meter Upgrade
Once the inspection is completed, the next step is to upgrade your meter. Your solar system installer will send the required documents to your electricity retailer. The request will then be forwarded to your distributer that will change your meter. If you have a traditional meter, then it will be replaced with a smart meter. These special meters record the electricity that you import from the grid or the energy you export to the grid. The meter upgrade process generally occurs within 3 weeks after the required documents from the electrical inspection are submitted to the electricity retailer.
3. Apply for Reward Program or Incentives
Depending on your location, you may be eligible for various reward programs after the installation of your solar panel system. These incentives may be on local or state level. You might also have access to the federal solar tax credit. It is recommended that you learn about the available reward programs or incentives and apply for them. To access the federal tax credit, you will need to use the IRS Form 5696.
4. Inform Your Home Insurance Agent
Solar panels increase the value of your home and even though they are quite durable and come with years of warranty, it is recommended that you take extra steps to protect them. Your home insurance is one way to do it. Generally, home insurance covers solar panels by default. However, it would be a good idea to contact your insurance agent and inform him/her about your installation. Keep your relevant documents and/or photos ready as you may be asked to submit them.
5. Schedule Regular Solar Panel Cleaning Service
Solar panels are quite durable and require little to no maintenance. Still, it is important to take measures to ensure that they keep performing optimally. One of the best ways to do that is to contact a professional solar panel cleaning company and schedule regular solar panel cleaning service. Debris, pollen, dirt, bird droppings, etc. can block the sun from your panels and decrease the performance of your system significantly. With a regular cleaning service, you will make sure that your solar panel system stays in top shape and keeps performing at peak efficiency.