Despite their subtle appearance - seemingly floating atop the roof of your neighbor's house - there's a lot of engineering to be considered when installing an array of solar panels. When done correctly, the array will provide decades of clean, reliable energy that requires little to no maintenance.

Incorrect installations, however, can cause damage to the roof, impair the panel's functionality, and erode the value of your investment in a clean power source. Accordingly, many solar power enthusiasts rely on an engineer to ensure that there are no future hassles with their brand new renewable energy source.      

Engineers Add Value

Engineers notoriously make decisions based on the facts. By choosing a qualified engineer, you can rest easy knowing they bring a wealth of knowledge to the design, build, and certification of your residential solar system. Each system installation should be designed and engineered specifically for the site it sits on. Before that final design can take shape, consult with your engineer on the following:

Orientation  

The proposed site must experience a certain level of unobstructed solar radiance (sunshine) for the panels to work well; there should be limited sources of shade, such as trees, other buildings, etc. Sometimes this means that the panels might not be best situated on a roof but instead work better installed on structures in your yard. An engineer can help you understand whether your roof is suited for solar panel installation or propose an alternative solution.

Components

Another challenge to the uninitiated is choosing the right parts. The size and number of panels will determine how much power the system as a whole will generate, and those numbers are dictated by the needs of the home. While you may be naturally inclined to select low-cost components, an engineer will be able to discuss trade-offs and lifetime expectations.

In addition to power generation, many residential solar arrays also have additional parts to maximize their utility, such as backup generators and electricity storage batteries. In the event of a system outage at night or on a cloudy day, these backup systems keep the lights on until the restoration of either power system. Innovations in long-term storage batteries are making them a valuable addition to most solar systems, too. An engineer can help you decide if this is an option for your installation!

Manufacturers & Models

There are several national and international manufacturers of solar system parts, each of whom uses a proprietary slate of materials in their construction. An engineer can help you understand the differences between them and decide which brand works best for your home. Any engineer worth their salt will have a detailed understanding of equipment quality and reliability as it relates to different providers.   

Compliance  

Any power system that connects to a public grid must comply with the rules that govern those connections. Not surprisingly, engineers are much better equipped to maneuver an installation project through from start to finish.  

Engineers Educate Before Selling

System design aside, there is a lot to be said for having a pleasant sales experience. A credible engineer will review the project with an emphasis on facts and seek to educate based on experience. In fact, you will likely walk away knowing more about solar than expected!

With solar sales representatives, it's a completely different story. Their ultimate goal is to sell, sell, sell. Once they close a deal, they're going to move onto the next prospect and hand you off to a new team. Choosing an engineer to be by your side during the sales process means entering into an ongoing relationship that will last beyond the point of installation. 

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A residential solar system will add value to your home and provide years of effortless service. In fact, it's a great investment for your home that will continue paying you back for more than 25 years. Having an engineer by your side during the entire process will all but guarantee that impressive ROI!