Solar power is one of the most sustainable forms of renewable energy available and the benefits are clear, which is why it's so popular. However, you'll need to select a quality set of solar panels in order to enjoy these terrific payoffs. In this post, we've outlined some key considerations for choosing the right solar panels for your home.
The price of solar panels may be the first thing you consider when choosing the right solar panels for your home. But as you do your calculation, be sure to research local and federal tax incentives. You may be able to save up to 50% on the initial cost of your solar installation.
Solar panels are usually rated for a maximum power output, and this is, important for two reasons. First iit shows how a solar panel will produce power in real-world conditions. Generally speaking, the more efficient a solar panel is, the better it will fare in real-world conditions. Real-world conditions include weather and shade, so you'll want to choose solar panels that are at least 10 percent efficient because this will ensure that your panels produce power efficiently in real-world conditions. Second, more powerful panels make greater use of your roof space. You may have a certain “sweet spot,” where the sun shines all day. You want high performance panels in that area to get the most daily power input.
There's nothing worse than having to replace a relatively new set of solar panels. It’s a rare event, but can happen if something goes wrong with the installation or severe weather strikes.. That's why investing in solar panels with an extended warranty length is important. But it’s not just the short term catastrophic failure that warranties cover. With solar, what you’re really interested in is the LONG GAME. You want the panels to keep producing long after the period when they have paid for themselves in utility savings. The biggest risk, frankly, is that the company will fail before the panels do. You'll want to choose a solar panel set with a warranty for at least 25 years, which means that the company offering the warranty is confident that your solar panels will last long enough to pay off their purchase price.
There are a few key warranty conditions that you'll want to keep an eye on when looking for the right solar panels for your home. For example, you'll want to be sure that the warranty covers all types of damages, regardless of the reason they occurred.
When choosing the right solar panels for your home, you'll want to pay close attention to the installation cost. Be sure to get an itemized list of every cost. Will you pay extra for monitoring software that allows you to check up on the panels from your smartphone? Different companies have widely different “bottom line” installation costs. What services do they offer after the installation? Is the inverter they’re installing a hybrid model that will allow you to add batteries later?
You'll want to ensure that your solar panels are as durable as possible. Look for a solar panel set that is framed with thick-gauge aluminum or steel and includes tempered glass, such as those made by JinkoSolar, in order to ensure that your panels are durable enough to last for decades. Tempered glass holds up well to most severe weather events, requires little maintenance, and doesn’t need to be cleaned often. Research shows that cleaning solar panels does little to improve their performance, unless the dirt is extreme.
Make sure your solar installation includes everything you expect. Without a battery backup, for instance, you’ll have no free energy at night, unless you trade credits with your utility. Also, inverters are not all equal. Some only work when the grid power is on. As I mentioned above, opt for hybrid inverters that automatically switch to solar power when the grid goes down. Add in a battery storage package, and you can weather almost any storm.
Last but not least, you'll want to review customer reviews before making a final decision about which solar panel set is the best for your home. Check out our solar power reviews for some helpful information on choosing the right solar panels for your home.
If you're serious about installing solar panels in your home, installing a top-notch solar panel can significantly reduce the amount of inefficient, utility-provided energy that you use every day. If you take the time to review all of these considerations, you'll be able to confidently choose the best solar panels for your home.