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Step 1
Look at your utility bill to find out your current usage. Use this figure to calculate the quantity and type of solar panels you need to buy. From a portable energy panel for your RV to a full-scale system for an entire property, your energy requirements can vary dramatically. Never underestimate what you will use and look back through several bill statements to be accurate.
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Step 2
Contact a solar power installation expert with the dimensions and construction of your property. Structures with a flat roof or chip roofing are the ideal places to mount solar panels but they can be incorporated into most new homes. Get advice on whether or not they will suit your property and get an estimated cost for installation.
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Step 3
Research the rebates or tax credits that you may be entitled to. Doing this before you buy your panels ensures that you can find a product that meets all the criteria to maximize your savings. Compare each product against the checklist to make sure you qualify.
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Step 4
Shop around the market to find the best panels that suit your needs. As with any product, there are different brands and prices to consider and these all produce different amps and volts. Weigh up the output with brand recognition and price to find the best deal that covers your requirements.
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Step 5
Calculate the cost of buying a complete system from an installation expert versus buying the panels individually. Which is going to be the cheapest depends entirely on the scale of the project and the deals that you find on the panels themselves. If you choose to buy the panels separately, factor in all the other costs as well to find the final figure.
