If you’ve recently installed solar panels, congratulations! You’ve taken a great step toward a greener future for our planet and increased savings for yourself and your family. After the installation is complete, you’re almost ready to take advantage of these benefits. There are still a few more steps before everything can start operating and your installer will help walk you through the process.
Here’s what happens next after solar panel installation:
Getting Ready to Operate
After installation is complete, most of the work is done. There are just two final steps that need to be completed so your panels can get up and running.
Inspection
Once your solar panel system has been installed, your installer will notify the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The AHJ will need to come to inspect the installation. The technician you worked with for your installation will also be present during this review. You usually won’t need to do anything for this step, and once the AHJ determines that the system is up to code, they will report to your utility company that your inspection is complete.
Permission to Operate
After the inspection is complete, getting permission to operate (PTO) is the last step before your solar panels can start generating energy from the sun. Your installers will have submitted all necessary paperwork and will work with your utility company. Again, there isn’t much you’ll need to do, but your technician will keep you updated. Once your utility company grants PTO, you’re ready to turn on the system.
Maintenance After Solar Panel Installation
After the full installation is done and your panels are up and running, there’s not much you need to do. Your system will convert sunlight into energy without you needing to take any extra steps, and panels don’t require much maintenance. However, there are a few things to keep in mind after solar panel installation to make sure your system continues to generate an optimal amount of power.
Monitor Energy Bills
It’s normal for your panels to produce more energy during parts of the year and less during other times. This is because there are many factors that influence solar panel efficiency, including heat, the amount of time the sun is up, and the angle of the sun in the sky. Your installer should engineer your system for optimal energy production so that excess production during peak season offsets lower production.
Although some fluctuations are normal, you should monitor your energy bills for any sudden decrease, as this can indicate an issue with the system. If this is the case, Solar Pros offers a 25-year production guarantee in addition to our warranty. This means that if production falls due to an issue with your system, we’ll not only fix the problem but also reimburse you for extra energy costs. It’s one of the reasons we’re the best solar panel installer in Tucson.
Consider Cleaning Your Solar Panels
You don’t need to worry about frequent cleaning for your solar panels. For the most part, they’ll operate well without the need for maintenance. However, if you do notice an issue with production or if a storm covered your panels with dust or debris, a cleaning may be helpful.
Solar Panels Are An Easy Way To Go Green
Adding solar panels to your home is an easy step to go green and save money, and there’s no cost down for most of our customers. With minimal maintenance, there’s no hassle for you to worry about during or after solar panel installation. You can trust the Solar Pros to guide you through the process and help you harness the power of Arizona’s abundant sunlight.