Hello World! Welcome Friends! Installing solar panels in your home can help you tap into an abundant energy source (the sun), save on energy costs, and boost property value. To get the most out of your new solar energy system, you must start by picking the right panels.
Choosing the best solar panels for your home can be somewhat of a challenge, given that everyone has different capacities, goals, and budgets.
So, how do you choose the best solar panels for your home?
To help you make an informed decision, this article explores the primary considerations to consider when shopping for residential solar panels.
Choosing the Right Number of Solar Panels
The number of solar panels needed for every home depends on a variety of factors, including:
Average Energy Consumption
To calculate the number of solar panels your home needs, you must start by understanding your home’s electricity consumption. Home electricity consumption is measured in (kWh) kilowatt-hours. This number can be found on your electricity bills. You can use your home’s utility bills to come up with an estimate of your annual energy requirements. Generally, energy consumption varies by building size and region.
Solar systems are designed to significantly lower utility bills. As such, most systems are designed to produce energy equal to the average annual electricity consumption of homes.
Future Energy Requirements
When planning your solar power system, it is important to consider your home’s growing energy needs. A solar power system can keep your electricity costs as low as possible even after buying an electric vehicle, electrifying gas-powered appliances, and more.
Indeed, you can always add more solar panels at a later date to accommodate growing energy demands. However, you can save more time, effort, and money by installing a system that caters to any anticipated growth in energy requirements. This will also boost your return on investment by helping you avoid permitting expenses and labour.
Available Roof Space and Orientation
Solar panels generate electricity by absorbing the sun’s energy. With that in mind, the number of solar panels needed is determined by how much sunlight can reach your home. Homes that receive more sunlight can generate more electricity than those receiving less light, considering they have the same number of panels.
For homes located in the northern hemisphere, solar panels should be installed on southern-facing roofs to maximize the amount of energy generated. If the space on your roof is not enough, consider installing a ground-mounted system where possible.
Efficiency and Wattage of Solar Panels
The amount of electricity solar panels produce in ideal conditions is determined by the system’s wattage and efficiency rating. Most residential solar systems have a 20% efficiency rating and 300W to 450W capacity.
The efficiency and performance of a solar system’s components, like inverters, also play a key role in determining the number of panels needed.
Other Considerations
In addition to the number of panels, consider the following factors when choosing the right solar system for your home:
Solar Panel Warranties
Manufacturers use warranty terms to demonstrate the quality and longevity of their products. The longer the warranty, the higher the quality of the solar panels. For high-quality brands, warranty periods range between 10 and 25 years.
However, most products last longer than the warranty period, thanks to the durability of the materials used. Since they do not have moving parts, most panels can generate electricity until the conducting material disintegrates.
Most warranties cover normal wear and tear issues. This means that if the panels fail during the warranty period, the manufacturer will repair or replace them. However, if the panels fail due to an installer error, the cost of repair or replacement will be covered by the installation company’s workmanship warranty.
Most warranties do not cover damage caused by severe storms, flying objects, salt water, and environmental pollution.
Remember to compare warranty terms before choosing solar panels for your home.
Performance Guarantee
In addition to a warranty, many manufacturers now provide Performance Guarantees for their solar power systems. Simply put, manufacturers use these guarantees to back up their claims on the electricity production capacity of their products over a certain period. For instance, the best manufacturers guarantee their products will be over 80% for three decades.
If you are in the market for top-quality residential solar panels, make sure that you evaluate the level of production the manufacturer is guaranteeing. While the best panels are guaranteed to perform at over 90% of the rated power output, regular performance guarantees range between 80% and 85% after two and a half decades of use.
It is worth mentioning that most manufacturers apply the same exclusions in their warranties to their performance guarantees.
Aesthetics
Every homeowner wants to keep their property looking awesome. With the growing adoption of solar energy, the need for aesthetically appealing solar panels is also growing.
If you need to keep your home looking a certain way, you must find solar panels that match those requirements. Black solar panels are a common choice among homeowners looking to maintain the appearance of their homes.
Since most panels are black or dark blue in colour, you are better off choosing a system with a black back sheet (the space between the solar cells). This way, the entire array will have a sleek black appearance. To round off this look, consider choosing a system with a black frame as well.
Final Thoughts
Installing a solar power system in your home can have significant benefits. In addition to helping you save on energy costs, these systems also reduce your carbon footprint. Solar power systems vary in size, efficiency, durability, and performance.
When choosing residential solar panels, it is essential to note that the best option for each home varies from one homeowner to the next. There is no one-size-fits-all option. To ensure that you choose a system that perfectly matches your specific requirements, it is recommended that you work with a certified and experienced installer. These professionals have what it takes to assess your requirements and guide you to the right option.
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