One of the best things about living in the beautiful state of California is that the weather is perfect almost every day. The abundance of sunshine makes it easy to have a happy and healthy life, but it can also come in handy in another important way.

Take advantage of the natural sunlight your home receives on a daily basis by installing some solar panels. Not only will you save a lot of money on your monthly utility bills, but you will also help save the environment at the same time. These are the five questions you must ask your contractor before they install solar panels on your house.

ARE YOU LICENSED AND INSURED AS A SOLAR INSTALLER?
Solar panel installation is a complicated process that requires a lot of electrical and construction work in order to work properly. Since there are so many things that can go wrong during the installation process, it is important to find an installer that is licensed and insured.

This will let you know that you are hiring someone with the skills to complete this tricky job. Ask to see the installer’s certification from the National Board of Certified Energy Practitioners before letting them on your roof.

HOW LONG HAVE THEY BEEN IN BUSINESS?
While you will ultimately save money in the long run, solar panel installation requires a large upfront cost. Since you are spending a lot of money, it is important to know that your investment will be covered. One of the best ways to do this is by finding a qualified company that has been in business for a long time. A well-established company will have the experience and knowledge to perform an excellent job.

WHAT DO YOUR WARRANTIES COVER AND HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
All of the materials used on your solar panels will come with a warranty from the manufacturer. This warranty is typically between 10 to 25 years based on the individual product. If you want to get extra protection for your solar panels, then you need to find an installer that guarantees their work with a warranty. This labor warranty will cover the wiring, roof leaks, and every other aspect of the installation process.

HOW WILL YOU ENSURE MY ROOF ISN’T DAMAGED DURING INSTALLATION?
Solar panels will be firmly attached to the top of your roof. This extra weight can add a lot of pressure, so your roof must be in good shape and less than 10 years old before installation. A special racking system is used to prevent the solar panels from laying directly on the roof. These racks are usually enough to ensure the structural integrity of your roof, but it is still a good idea to see if the installer has any extra methods to keep the roof safe. Trusting a solar panel installer who has roofing experience is typically the best way to protect your roof.

WHAT SIZE OF SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM WILL FIT ON MY HOUSE?
Large solar panels will naturally create more electricity than smaller panels. The goal is to generate the exact amount of electricity that you will use on a yearly basis. Your total energy usage and the size of your house should dictate the size of the solar panel system. It is important to ask this question because some companies may try to install a system that is too big for your needs.

Installing solar panels may seem like a scary proposition, but you have absolutely nothing to worry about if you hire the right company and ask the right questions. Once the process is over, you will wish you utilized the power of the California sun sooner.