Home Solar Power: Understanding the Site Evaluaton Process (Part 8)

A innovative company has a new strategy to removeHome Solar Power Design and Rental Agreements
all of the barriers to solar generated energy. This solarOnce the site-review is completed, the solar engineer
equipment manufacturer is offering a solar energy unitwill design a system that both fits the home's layout
to American homeowners on a rental basis. No needand meets as much of the homeowners electrical
to purchase a system outright any longer.needs as possible. It should be noted that due to
Concerned about the Climate Crisis and the release ofcertain shading factors, roof orientations, and physical
Green House Gas (GHG) emissions? Want to lowerroof space, the system may not be able to
your carbon footprint related to your residential home?accommodate the total energy needs of the
You might just be able to if your home is a suitablehomeowner.
match for a solar energy system that is now beingThe rented unit may in fact only provide a portion of a
offered on a rental basis.particular location's energy needs. This is a good thing
The following article provides the step-by-stepto thinking about and plan for because it underscores
requirements so that your home can be evaluated forthe requirement for detailed energy planning and
it's solar energy suitability.auditing. All of which leads to projects to improve
Top considerations U.S. homeowners will need toenergy conservation around the homeowner's
consider to have a solar energy system installed on noproperty. The company will still install and rent out the
upfront purchase bases, i.e. rental:solar energy system but it will not guarantee that the
* You need to own your home, be the title owner, orunit will allow the homeowner to self-generate 100% of
essentially be the legal decision maker for the property.their energy needs.
* You must live within an area covered by a utilityThe actual system design is presented to the
company offering net-metering.homeowner at the conclusion of the site review. The
* You should have at least a one year history of yourcan then approve of the plan & the general system
energy consumption, i.e. energy bills.design. If there is any discrepancy or concerns with the
* You must have the desire to have a solar energydesign, the homeowner is encouraged to bring these
system installed on your home.to the attention of the solar engineers. A proper
An innovative company has a new strategy toquestion and answer session included during the site
remove all of the barriers to solar generated energy.evaluation.
This solar equipment manufacturer is offering a solarSolar Panel Rental and the Solar Unit Security Deposit
energy unit to American homeowners on a rentalFollowing the design approval, the homeowner is
basis. No need to purchase a system outright anyasked to pay a security deposit for the solar system
longer. Unless, you have the means, where-with-all, andinstallation. This deposit is 100 percent refundable with
wish to maintain the system yourself. If you want tointerest at the end of the rental term. The security
purchase a solar energy system, you can find manydeposit covers any damaged caused by homeowner
new companies stinging up all over the place. Thetampering or malicious intent and for homeonwers
environment needs it. We should all upgrade to solar.who have the need to move their system more than
Although, there is another option. A new solar panelonce. The security deposit helps cover the cost for
rental service is probably not new. But, it still is blowingthe installation crews to move solar systems multiple
many people away with the simplicity of the concept. Ittimes.
seemed like this was too good to be true orAfter collecting the deposit, the engineer will work on
something. Like most paradigm shifts, this company'sthe appropriate permits, apply for any utility
model is so straight forward it makes you think - "whyinterconnection agreements, and submit appropriate
has no one thought of renting solar panels and relatedpaperwork to county permitting offices. This whole
equipment before".process may take a few weeks, but at the conclusion,
However, there are some restrictions; not everyonethe team of installation technicians will be prepared to
will qualify and there is a long waiting list of potentialhave the system installed.
solar system renters already reserving a system. TheSolar Energy System Installation and Maintenance
good news is the process to get your home evaluatedOnce the permitting paperwork is in order, the
for a solar unit is pretty clear. The following "How-to"installation team will contact the homeowner directly to
guide documents what the average homeownerset the solar system installation date. The installation
needs to do to be considered for a solar systemtechnicians will then install the solar panels and prepare
installation.the unit for final inspection by the local permitting office.
Solar Power Site Evaluation and Energy AuditOnce the local county and utility representatives have
The energy audit, solar energy system design, and theinspected the installation, the homeowner is ready to
installation and construction process start with thebegin taking advantage of flat-rate solar system rental,
home review of the residence performed by one ofa more reliable energy service, and a source of 100%
the company engineers. During this site review, theclean, solar energy.
engineer will take measurements of the lot, homeFinal Considerations to Rent a Home Solar Energy
layout, take notes of the roofing materials & condition,System
the roof orientation to the sun, and assess the present* Start collecting your utility bills and file them away.
shading factors and those that may build up over time;The energy audit provides the best results if a least 2
like the growth of trees or new additions to theyears of energy consumption is tabulated.
property.* The renting of a home solar energy system is a new
The solar installer will communicate to the homeowneridea. Be sure to do your research.
in detail the installation time line and what to expect* Even areas in the northern parts of the Unite States
related to the solar system installation. They will alsostill have adequate exposure to the sun. Don't write off
give an overview of the day to day operations of theyou location for a solar unit rental because you don't
home solar energy unit once it comes online. If thelive in Arizona.
homeowner has any questions about anything during* Reserving a system and getting your site inspection
the site review, the engineer is the one to ask whenscheduled early is the key to getting your site
they are on site.inspection & evaluation completed.