If you want to get away from depending on the electrical grid, and you want to reduce your carbon footprint, one way to do that is by installing solar panels on your roof. Before you install solar panels on your roof, you need to make sure you understand the solar panel installation process. 

Your Roof Needs to Be Able to Support Solar Panels 

First, you need to make sure that your roof can actually support solar panels. Not all roofs can support solar panels. You need to get your roof inspected to make sure that it is in the right condition to have solar panels installed on it. If your roof is relatively new, it should be able to support solar panels. Most roofs with asphalt shingles should be able to support solar panels.  

If your roof is one or two decades old, you may want to replace your roof before you have solar panels installed. Your solar panels are designed to last for a couple of decades, so you want a roof that is ready to last a couple of decades as well. 

You Need to Figure Out How to Connect to the Grid 

When you install solar panels on your home, it is common to connect your solar panels to the grid. By connecting to the grid, you are able to make money off the power that your solar panels generate that you don't use yourself. You are going to want to check into what the process is like in your state when you connect to the local grid. In some states, you will be paid different rates for your surplus solar. You want to find a residential solar installer who understands not just how to install the solar panels on your roof, but also the process for connecting to the local electrical grid.  

You Need to Find Qualified Installer 

Finally, you need to find a qualified installer to install the solar panels on your roof. You want to hire someone who has extensive experience with installing solar panels. Solar panels have been around for decades now, so you need to find someone with lots of experience. When it comes to qualifications, look for solar panel installers who are accredited through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). This is one of the few accreditations that is common in the industry.  

When it comes to installing solar panels on your roof, you need to make sure your roof is in good shape and can handle the solar panels. You need to figure out how to connect to the grid so you can make money on your excess power. Finally, you need to find a qualified installer.