There are several steps to follow when planning to power your home with a Revolution Solar System. The Revolution Solar team will work with you on each step or handle the entire process for you.
1. Investigate Your Home's Energy Efficiency
Before starting the process of powering your home with solar energy, we recommend investigating your current energy use and consider potential efficiency upgrades.
We may recommend the following resources to reduce your electricity use:
Appliances and electronics: Use your appliances and electronics more efficiently or consider investing in highly efficient products.
Lighting: Switch to energy efficient lighting, such as LED light bulbs.
Weatherizing your home and heating and cooling efficiently will reduce the amount of electricity you need to produce with solar.
2. Assess Your Solar Potential
The Solar Revolution uses several mapping services and tools to help determine your home’s solar energy potential. The Solar Revolution experts will provide an accurate assessment of your solar potential as well as detailed recommendations, estimates, and equipment.
We will also need to consider the following:
Nearby shade trees and anticipated growth.
The age and viability of your roof.
Any homeowner association (HOA) restrictions or approval requirements.
3. Estimate Your Solar Electricity Needs
The Solar Revolution will review your electricity bills to determine your annual electricity needs. We will also need to consider any planned changes or upgrades. If you will be purchasing an electric vehicle or are planning a home addition, your electricity needs may increase. If you are continuing to make significant changes to improve your home's energy efficiency, you may need less electricity than you used in the past.
4. Understand Available Financing and Incentives
The investment tax credit (ITC), also known as the federal solar tax credit, allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes.
We recommend financing with our partner, The Colorado RENU Loan program, which is a statewide residential loan program sponsored by the Colorado Clean Energy Fund in partnership with Colorado-based credit unions.
5. Installation Permits and Utilities
The Solar Revolution will also ensure that all equipment is installed correctly and oriented and tilted in such a way to maximize the daily and seasonal solar energy received and produced by your system We will handle the necessary permitting and ensure you understand how billing and net metering will work for your installation.
