If you recently had a photovoltaic solar panel installation on your Hawaii home, there are three things you should do in order to take full advantage of the green energy technology you’ve invested in. The following three steps will ensure that your PV solar panels function as efficiently as possible and maximize your return on investment (ROI).
Get an Inspection Done
Once you have that shiny new solar system installed, it’s important to make sure it’s working properly. It’s not uncommon for contractors to cut corners and install systems that don’t meet code. A licensed professional will be able to perform an inspection of your installation and ensure that everything is up to snuff. If there are any issues, they can get them resolved quickly before any damage is done.
In Hawaii, there are some electrical and building codes & standards set by the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) that apply to solar installations. So an inspection enables you if your system is up to code or not.
Distributed Energy Resource Inspection:
Before the Standard Interconnection Agreement (SIA) with HECO, there is a requirement of an inspection to ensure that all electrical and building codes & standards are met. This will be done by a licensed electrician or engineer hired by DAGS who will inspect and issue a Distributed Energy Resource Inspection report.
Standard Interconnection Agreement (SIA) with HECO
After the solar system installation, you’ll need to sign an interconnection agreement with Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO). This will allow HECO to access your system in case of an emergency. This agreement is applicable to renewable and non-renewable systems. The electrical burden on your electricity supply company (HECO) is reduced by adding the surplus power from your solar panels into their grid.
You’ll not be credited for any excess energy that is produced by your system but it does help reduce costs to HECO because they don’t have to purchase as much energy from other sources when your system produces more than you use.
Test Your Solar System’s Production & Efficiency
After you’ve had a solar energy system installed, it’s important to test its production and efficiency. In some cases, there may be issues that need to be addressed. In other instances, you might just want to see how much electricity your panels are producing on average. Either way, testing is crucial in order to ensure everything is working properly.
As per Hawaii’s weather conditions, Hawaii is an ideal place for home solar in the United States. A lot of sunshine is the perfect location to get installed with photovoltaic panels hence you should get maximum efficiency from your system. You can also make use of some simple calculations to calculate how much energy your system produces over time.
Prepare a Maintenance Schedule
After system installation is completed, it’s important to set up a maintenance schedule. This will ensure that your system continues to operate efficiently and safely. In addition, regular maintenance helps extend equipment life by reducing wear and tear on major components. While there are many ways to perform basic maintenance tasks, we recommend having an electrician perform routine inspections of all electrical connections and wiring at least once per year. You can schedule annual maintenance with your installation company or hire a local contractor to complete these tasks for you. The choice is yours!
Above are the important things you should do after getting a new PV solar installation for your Hawaii home. If you want to know more about how to go about doing these things, it is best that you consult with an expert. They will be able to guide you through each step of the process and ensure that everything goes smoothly till the end of process.
