Solar panels can provide your home with clean energy which will reduce your bills and ensure a greener future for everyone. However, how do you choose a perfect solar panel system for your home when there are so many different factors to consider? Make sure to study this guide before you upgrade your home and you’ll end up with the best option for your needs.
Analyze your electricity usage
First things first, it’s time to take a look at your energy bills. If you spend a lot of energy, a bigger solar panel system will help you save more down the road. People who plan to spend many years in their home might want to look into monocrystalline solar panels. However, households with low energy bills can get away with thin-film solar panels.
Lighting up the outdoors
Another great way to incorporate solar lighting is in the outdoor setting. More homes are using solar in the yard not only to brighten the areas but also to enhance the beauty and serenity of the environment. There are many choices to get creative in your garden so take the time to review sites and articles that can give you some great ideas and suggestions for dressing up your yard.
Pick your efficiency
A few years ago, people thought that if you lack roof space, you need a highly-efficient system of monocrystalline panels. However, the technology is rapidly changing and polycrystalline panels are getting better and better. And even if you have plenty of roof space to work with, you may still want to choose something highly efficient. If you opt for inefficient yet cheap panels, you’ll have issues adding more panels in the future which can reduce your sustainability efforts. However, an efficient system, especially when combined with other eco-friendly elements like timbercrete and cool roof, can ensure your sustainability is high.
Solar inverter efficiency is the key
Your power inverter is maybe the most important part of your solar panel system. This box provides a link between your panels and your home since it converts DC electricity that can’t be used by your appliances into AC electricity that is suitable for home use. You want something that’s efficient so that you experience less energy waste. Since this part of the system plays an important role, you might want to look into a good model like high-quality SMA inverter known for its technological, operating and warranty excellence. Trusted manufacturers also offer different types of modules in different power sizes suitable for everything from household to commercial and industrial systems and even solar farms.
Look out for certification
Solar panel purchases can give you a big government rebate, but only if your system has proper certification. This certification indicates all types of testing your unit went through. The most important tests are those conducted by independent laboratories, so keep an eye on those.
Watch out for price
Just like any new technology or new and green material that can ensure a greener future, solar panels are not a small investment. Sure, solar panels might pay off in the future, but upfront costs are significant. You might even be forced to conduct certain home modifications which can add more cost.
So, if you see that a company is offering significantly lower costs when compared to other companies, you can expect poor equipment and installation. Like with any other purchase, you get what you pay for, so in order to receive good equipment, make sure to compare components and check into warranty periods. Some big companies can offer lower prices due to their big buying power, but smaller companies can only reduce costs by cutting corners.
Consider the manufacturer’s warranty
Every respectable manufacturer will offer some sort of guarantee. The industry standard is at least 25-year warranty, so every reputable manufacturer will provide users with something substantial since panels need to last for a long time in order to be cost-effective. Pro tip: make sure to opt for brands with good track records since the manufacturer needs to be operational in order for a warranty to be honored.
Don’t neglect mounting
Your mounting system needs to be certified for the area you live in. For instance, if you live in a cyclone-prone area, your system needs to be cyclone-rated. When it comes to mounting, you can opt for ballasted mounts or mechanically-attached mounts. Ballasted mounts are efficient because they provide more sunlight and don’t penetrate your roof. However, this system is vulnerable to strong winds, so they are not suitable for cyclone-prone areas.
On the other hand, mechanically-attached mounts provide a more secure attachment with only a slight angle (or no angle at all). The mounts attach your system directly to your roof beams, so they can stand up to all sorts of harsh weather. These mounts are also smaller and take up less space on your roof, which can be practical for people who need frequent access to their roof.
If your solar panel system is on the ground, it’s best to choose fixed mounts. This type of mount follows that sun and changes the orientation of panels in order to maximize exposure. Since ground systems usually get some shade each day, fixed mounts might be the best solution for you.
Use this guide to gather some knowledge on solar panel systems, so you can hold your ground while negotiating with your solar energy system professional. With these practical tips, your system will provide your upgraded home with performance, durability, warranty and quality.
– This is a guest post not written by the website’s owner.