Solar panels are technological appliances that generate electricity by converting light energy into direct currents which are applicable for commercial and residential purposes. The advent of solar panels is a major progress in technology, providing the world with a more economically sustainable and reliable power supply for all possible applications. It also savages the situation of expending extra costs on energy bills which can be high, depending on the amount of energy consumed.
In recent times, the installation of solar panels to homes has been a prominent activity of homeowners, especially in the United States. Adding solar panels to your home will not only boost the value of your home, but also give room for savings, and provide a safe and healthy environment. But yet, so many people shun the prospect of installation because it seems like a formidable task.
Today, the addition of solar panels to your home is not a big deal as it was, as the choice of system size, component selection, and mounting and appropriate safety disconnections can be achieved with proper information and knowledge.
These are five tips that you will need to successfully power your homes with solar panels:
1. Budget
Although there has been a common misconception that solar panel installation is expensive, it is indeed an incredible way of saving money. It helps in minimizing the rate at which you depend on electricity from the power grid, resulting in you saving money in the long run. Even though the initial expenses during the first installation might seem much, it becomes a cost-saving electricity generating facility over time.
Over time, the cost of procuring solar panels is consistently dropping since many people are installing it because is one of the cheapest forms of electricity worldwide. Nevertheless, your financing options is an important thing to consider before anything else -the more financially buoyant you are, the more the utility that will be derived from it. Estimate how much cost that the procurement and the installation of the entire solar set up will incur. The strength of the panels affects the price -the more powerful it is, the more expensive each panel will be.
2. Roof Condition and Position
Solar panels are very durable and they can have a lifespan of 25 years or more. Considering the longevity of most roofing materials that are affected by some environmental conditions like snow, hail, rain, hurricane, and sunshine, most home roofs don’t last more than 20 years especially most asphalt shingle or composition roofs. So, the condition of the roof of your home must be in the best condition before setting up solar panels.
In addition to the age and condition of your home roof, the positioning in terms of the layout and the direction that it’s facing should be considered. It should be in such a way that sunlight shines on it daily so as to be able to reap all the amazing benefits that exist with going solar if your home qualifies. Read this article to know the different types of roofs for solar panels.
If for the most part of the year, your roof is exposed to a considerably significant quantity of sunlight, installing solar panels would be an excellent idea. The more sunlight that is shining on your solar panel is, the more the energy produced. The presence of huge trees around your roof will cast shades enormously, therefore depriving the panels of direct exposure and also of maximizing the energy coming from the sun.
When panels are being installed, they should be fixed in such a way that will prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris that could hinder the hitting of the panel by enough sunlight exposure.
Both factors ensure the longevity of an economically stable power supply from the solar panels in your homes.
3. Activities undertaken in homes
The nature of activities done in the home greatly affects the energy consumption rate. The monthly energy consumption rate of your household may differ in a year due to the fact that you will need to run activities and appliances because of the peculiarity of the season. For example, your electricity bill might be higher in summer months than other months in a year because you will probably run the air conditioner more in this season.
If the energy consumption rate is less, then an undersized solar setup will be sufficient and conversely. An estimate of the number of solar panels that will enough to meet your electricity consumption daily, monthly or yearly should be done appropriately.
So, the knowledge of your home energy consumption rate and your home dimensions allows momentum solar experts to help you design solar systems that best suits your energy use and budget.
4. Types of Solar Panels
There are different solar panel types based on functions. In the market, the two most sought after solar setups available are:
- Photovoltaic – which converts sunlight into power by using arrays of cells
- Thermal – which heats up water or air with energy from the sunlight.
So, your choice can be made between the two solar technologies depending on your intended purpose.
According to make-up, solar panels are distinctly grouped into two major categories:
- Monocrystalline
- Polycrystalline
Each option should be examined carefully, not forgetting to measure how efficient the solar panel is going to be and the right fit for you.
5. Warranty Details
Solar panels that are installed in homes have chances of performing efficiently and hassle-free for years. Solar panels can last for as long as twenty-five years under normal conditions. Nevertheless, in rare situations, issues can occur. That’s more of a reason why you should make your buy from a dependable buyer in order to ensure a money-back guarantee and be assured of a lengthy time of performance without breaking down.
6. Quality of Solar Panels
Another factor to consider is solar panel quality. This refers to how the panel was manufactured and the type of materials used to build it. The quality of a solar panel varies from one manufacturer to another. This also affects the price and efficiency of the product. Reliable solar companies focus on quality and put a keen eye on research and development. Other manufacturers simply assemble the panels but don’t manufacture their own cells. Such companies don’t always invest in research.
When shopping for a solar panel supplier, you should check the company’s profile, reviews, and history so you can make an informed decision. Importantly, you should run the company’s profile on BBB to check whether it has any pending integrity issues. Finally, when it comes to installation, remember to engage a certified technician.
Purchasing the right solar panels for your home enables you to enjoy the numerous benefits that come with it. So, do go for a solar panel that suits your home best rather than going for the current fads of the market.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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