While many people install a solar energy system on their house with the intention of living in it and using the system for the foreseeable future, the matter of fact is that life is really unpredictable. For instance, you might find yourself buying a house that already has solar panels and a complete solar energy system on it, meaning the owners had, at one point, intended to live out their lives in the house.
However, now that you have a house to buy that has solar panels on it, here are some things that you need to ensure before you confirm such a monumental purchase.
While solar panels themselves are very durable and can last for more than two decades, it is important that you check and ensure that each and every component of the solar energy system is in good condition and operates efficiently. While there is no such thing as a used solar energy system, what you will be getting there is a system that is technically second-hand.
Let’s look at the important things to know when buying a house with solar panels.
Things to look for when buying a house with solar panels
There are some questions that you need to ask before you go ahead and buy a house with solar panels.
- Financing
- Installation company
- Maintenance requirements
Solar panels and solar energy systems in general have a hefty upfront cost, which is why many of the solar energy systems are usually financed. When you are buying a house with solar panels, you will need to first ask whether the solar panels have been financed or have been paid for. And, if the solar energy system has been financed, you will then need to ask for more details; what is the bank/ financial institution that has financed the system and what percentage of interest is there (if any). You need to ensure that the system is a financial feasibility for you, and not a liability. Since the panels and the system itself won’t be coming off anytime soon, you will need to ensure you get the best deal out of it.
As popular as solar energy is right now, its imperative that you only get the best for your expensive solar energy system. Unfortunately, that sentiment is not shared by everybody, and this should be the second question that you should have before buying a house with solar panels. The condition and the longevity of the solar panels will depend a lot on what company installed them, and what company might be responsible for installing the entire system. If it is a good, trustworthy company, you can rest easy knowing you can depend on the system. If that is not the case, it is advisable that you look for alternatives.
Another thing that you need to know about solar panels and energy systems is that while they are very durable, they will require maintenance over time, and an overall maintenance every year to ensure everything is running smoothly. As such, you will need to ask and understand what the maintenance requirements of the system are, and what needs to be done to ensure timely and proper maintenance for the system for optimal functioning. Usually, the maintenance is simple, but just in case, do ask the soon-to-be previous owner about any maintenance requirements.
- Output vs usage
Solar energy systems are installed keeping in view the energy requirements of the property. Of course, when the house switches hands, the energy requirements will change accordingly, and the solar energy system will need to be adjusted for that as well. So, as a good measure, its always good to ask what the solar output is and what the usage of the household was. Then, calculate it with your usage and how the new house will affect this usage.
Depending on this, you might be able to keep the solar panels as they are, or you might need to add more to bump up the generation capacity that fulfills your requirements with ease.
- Production guarantee
The best solar companies in Pakistan have this ‘production guarantee’ option. This is a guarantee that the system will generate a certain wattage of power over the year. Should it fail to do so, the company will then recoup the losses, as the expression goes. If you are in the process of buying a house with solar panels, ask the owner if any such ‘production guarantee’ agreement is in place, and if there is one, it is a sign that the solar energy system and the panels are very capable.
The best solar company in Pakistan: Beacon Energy
Going solar in Pakistan? That is a good step, given the ample sunlight the country has and the grid problem that is rampant. However, as stated beforehand, it is important that the company you select to provide and install the solar energy system is one of the best. Beacon Energy is a solar energy company in Pakistan with an excellent track record of providing exceptional services and boasting an incredible product with their INTRIX smart solar solution. To ensure you get the best out of solar energy in Pakistan, trust Beacon Energy for the best systems and the best services.