If you're thinking about making the switch to solar energy, you might be hesitant to take the leap. Often as a consumer your biggest concern is how much investment you will have to make upfront, when you will see the benefits of your panels and what’s really the best time to install solar panels.
It's understandable that homeowners may feel intimidated by the investment of time and money required. But making a significant change like this takes time, and it's essential to know when the right time is to make the switch. In this blog post, we will discuss the best time to install solar panels and why it is important to make the switch sooner rather than later.
Factors Affecting When to Go Solar
Did you know that there is no best time to install solar panels? You can install it at any point during the year.
Many homeowners hesitate to pull the trigger because they think it’s only possible to go solar during the summer — but a trusted solar installer can help you upgrade your home with solar panels any time of year!
However, several factors may influence what season you should make the switch to solar, including:
Sunlight Availability and Intensity
If you’re looking to see immediate results from your solar panels, you might want to consider the amount of available sunlight. While your panels will work during the winter months, the sun will be out for fewer hours per day, meaning less opportunity to generate power.
Don’t worry about underproducing — your panels will make up for this by producing more power during the summer months. Sunlight availability, however, might affect when in the year you will see the biggest impact from your solar panels.
Energy Usage Patterns and Cost-Saving Potential
Throughout the year, you naturally use more or less energy depending on your needs at the time. Do you find yourself spending hundreds of dollars each month during the summer to run your air conditioner? Or using more electricity during the winter to keep the lights on as it gets dark earlier?
Consider when you’re spending the most money on energy. These are the months you could see the most significant impact on your energy bills, and you’ll want to make the switch to solar in time to maximize these savings.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
As the seasons change, so does the expected weather. Carefully consider the weather patterns that typically affect your area. Is your area typically impacted by hurricanes, blizzards, or tropical storms? While solar can be installed any time of year, it might be smart to plan around some of these more common weather patterns.
The Best Time to Go Solar
Although different seasons offer unique advantages and disadvantages, the ideal time to go solar depends on your specific preferences and needs. Each season comes with its pros and cons, which can significantly impact your solar experience.
Think of the seasonal pros and cons in relation to your location as well, winter in New York and winter in Arizona are very different, and these local climate differences could and should be a factor when you’re installing.
Spring
Spring is a great time to go solar. As the weather warms up, you’ll see longer days and increased sunlight, which means increased energy production for your solar panels.
If you are looking for quick returns on your solar, while getting ahead of the busy season, spring is a great time to install. Another plus? Snow and ice melt away, making it easier for your installation team to get the job done.
Summer
When you think of summer, you think of sunshine, and one of the best times to install solar. Days are at their longest, and the sun is out much more often — which means increased production from your new panels.
However, keep in mind that summer is the most common time to go solar. That means you might see increased installation prices, and your solar installer might have limited availability.
Fall
Like spring, fall is a great time to go solar because of its moderate temperature and general availability of sunlight. Weather is relatively predictable, and your installer’s busy season is likely winding down, making getting on schedules much easier.
The best part about installing in the fall? You can feel confident in your energy production before the winter hits!
Winter
While winter offers less sunlight, it can still be one of the best times to install solar panels. Your energy production will be lower, but you will still be able to produce energy. Just keep in mind that you may need to wait until sunnier days to see the full potential of your solar panels.
An additional benefit is your installer is likely to be less busy during winter months, and installation costs may be lower than they are throughout the other seasons. If you are looking for a quick solar installation, and to get the best bang for your buck on installation, winter could be a great time for you.
Other Considerations That Might Affect The Best Time to Go Solar
Of course, the best time to install solar panels for you can depend on more than just the weather. You should also take your home, personal situation, and preferred installer into account when making this decision. Other key factors that might affect your timing include:
- Installer availability and installation process time. The popularity of solar energy is soaring, which means solar installation professionals are in high demand. During busier seasons, this might mean you’ll have to wait a little longer for their schedule to open up. The solar installation process can take a few months, depending on many factors. If you have specific deadlines or time constraints in mind, it’s important to plan ahead and schedule the installation accordingly.
- Home renovation projects. Are you considering any roof repairs or thinking about adding an extension to your home? If you have plans to make major changes like these, it’s important to discuss this with your solar installer before committing to a timeline. By doing so, you can minimize any disruptions or additional costs associated with home renovations, and establish when the best time to install solar panels is for you.
- Finances and budget. Finally, take the time to consider your finances. Depending on the time of year, it may be easier to estimate and budget for your solar project. Regardless of your budget and timeline, PosiGen can help make solar affordable with our solar leasing program.
Time to Go Solar? Time to Contact PosiGen!
No matter your timeline, or when the best time to install solar panels is for you, going solar starts by contacting the experts. At PosiGen, our solar experts will help you determine whether solar is right for your home. We’ll tell you from the start how much you could save going solar, and we’ll help schedule the perfect time to install.
Are you ready to get started? Let’s have a conversation.
