13 Factors to Consider When Buying Solar Panels

Are you considering putting solar panels on your roof? There are a lot of benefits to having solar panels in your home.

You'll be contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and helping keep our planet healthy. But if you're a first-timer with this sort of thing, it can be hard to know how to start.

So, you're looking for some tips and advice as to what to look for? Then you've come to the right place. Here are the factors you should consider when buying solar panels for your home. Read on!

1. The Overall Power Rating 

The power rating is typically associated with the performance of the solar system but is also an indication of how efficient a panel is. It is essential to determine the exact wattage requirements of the solar panel you need when you buy, as it will help you narrow down your selection.

The higher the overall power rating, the more efficient the panel will be, meaning it will be able to generate more electricity. Solar panels with higher ratings are usually more cost-effective and can provide you with greater energy savings over time.

It can also influence the lifespan of the solar panel and the warranty that it comes with. Higher-rated solar panels are typically more reliable and will have more protection from the manufacturer.

2. Type of Installation That Best Suits Your Property

When considering purchasing solar panels, it is important to think about the type of installation that best suits your property. Different types of installation are available, and each type has its own unique advantages and limitations.

Roof Mounted

Roof-mounted solar installations are the most popular choice for residential solar energy customers. It requires little maintenance since all mechanical components remain above the roof line. It typically installs in a few days and typically comes with a lengthy warranty.

Benefits include noise reduction and minimal space requirements, as well as a higher efficiency than ground-mounted systems due to the optimum exposure to sunlight. 

Ground-Mounted

Ground-mounted solar installation is best suited for properties with open space and ground conditions. It is suitable for anchoring the racking system that's used on the ground. It allows for the customization of the array design in terms of orientation, tilt, and spacing.

This type of installation is also beneficial for properties that require multiple arrays or arrays that need to lay flat. It's also capable of producing the most power output and is an ideal setup for large-scale commercial, industrial, and utility operations. 

Pool Mounted

Pool-mounted solar installation is especially useful if your property has a pool or a pond. With the solar panel attached to the pool or pond, the location of the solar panel becomes ideal for capturing the maximum amount of available sunlight.

Furthermore, it can also provide electricity to power pool-related appliances. The energy produced by the installation is also used to heat the water in the pool and can also be used to provide energy for other areas of the property. 

Carport Mounted

Not only does this type of solar installation create a desirable aesthetic, but it also provides a plethora of practical benefits. With carport-mounted solar, setup and maintenance are greatly simplified. As the panels are mounted to the side of the carport, so they don’t require structural alteration or any additional equipment.

It also allows easy access to solar panels and helps ensure that they are always in the optimal position to collect sunlight.

By carefully assessing your energy needs, available space, and financial considerations, you can choose the type of installation that best suits your property. 

3. Type of Panel

Different types of solar panels may be more effective than others depending on your energy needs. For example, monocrystalline panels are more efficient and space efficient, while polycrystalline panels offer more scalability and flexibility.

If your needs are specific, you may want to consider other types of panels, such as thin film and multi-junction. However, the more efficient panels are more expensive. Also, certain types of panels may be more suitable for certain environmental issues, such as direct sunlight or moderate temperatures.

4. The System Size

When planning to purchase solar panels, it is important to consider the system size you require. Solar panels generate electricity, and the power output of the solar system depends on the number and type of solar modules and other components in the system.

Depending on the size of your home and electricity needs, you may need to install larger or smaller solar systems. Knowing the size of the system required is essential, as installing undersized or oversized systems can lead to the installation being unreliable or inadequate.

5. The Number of Panels Needed

If you don’t have enough panels, you won’t be able to generate enough electricity to satisfy your needs. If you purchase too few panels, you’ll have significantly lower energy production levels, which could lead to higher electricity bills.

On the other hand, buying too many panels could waste money that could otherwise be used for other aspects of the installation. The number of solar panels required will impact how much space the installation will take up and the amount of shade produced by the chosen area.

Because of this, it is essential to consider the number of panels needed when buying solar panels. Taking all this into consideration will ensure that you make the most of your solar power installation, resulting in increased energy production, lower costs, and higher efficiency.

6. Rebates and Tax Incentives

Rebates and tax incentives are powerful tools when considering solar panel installation. Rebates are essentially monetary awards that are given when you purchase a certain eligible item or service.

Tax incentives are either a deduction in taxes or credit, both of which can significantly reduce costs. Solar panel installation often yields high-quality products and generous incentives, making them an attractive option for saving money in the long run.

Cash rebates can be applied directly to your solar panel purchase or installation, reducing the overall cost by up to 70%. On top of that, there are many state and local tax incentives to consider.

Depending on where you live, property tax exemptions, income tax credits, and green energy credits can all be applied to your solar project. 

7. The Cost

With ever-increasing energy costs, solar panels can help provide a long-term solution to reducing bills and reducing your carbon footprint. Installing solar panels can add value to your home, which can be reflected in the resale value.

It is maintenance-free, making them an environmentally friendly and cost-effective investment. It is also important to note that most states offer renewable energy initiatives and tax breaks, which can reduce the initial cost of your purchase.

If you choose to go solar, make sure that you factor in the total cost of installation and any government programs that may be available. 

8. The Warranties Offered

When considering the purchase of solar panels, it is important to take into account the type of warranties that are offered. Different manufacturers offer different warranties, so it is important to compare them carefully.

Warranties typically range from 5-25 years and cover a variety of factors. Many warranties cover the repair or replacement of faulty parts and/or labor costs that may be incurred over the warranty period.

Some warranties also offer protection against declining performance levels in the solar panel itself. It also varies between manufacturers, so it is important to do your research and understand the differences between them.

Furthermore, by considering the warranties offered when buying solar panels, you can make a well-informed decision that will be financially beneficial in the long run.

9. Certified Installer

Certified installers will have the required skills, knowledge, and experience to complete your project properly. It also guarantees their work, meaning you can have peace of mind that your solar panel installation will be done correctly and safely.

Having a certified installer will also help to ensure your installation meets all local regulations, building codes, and industry standards. It will likely provide the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your solar panel installation.

With the help of a certified installer, you can be sure that your purchase will provide you with many years of safe and reliable energy.

10. The Location

Depending on the climate, the amount of sunlight your panels receive throughout the year will vary. If you live in an area that experiences a lot of cloud cover, you may be better off investing in more efficient panels that can capture available sunlight more efficiently.

You also need to consider if there is enough room to mount the panels on your roof. If you live in an urban area with limited roof space, you may want to consider opting for a ground-mounted system.

Lastly, take into account the angles of the roof as well as the orientation to the sun. All of this will play an important role in how your solar panels perform and how much energy they generate. 

11. Solar Panel Cleaning Equipment

When these panels are not maintained, they lose performance and can be damaged. It could result in costly repairs and replacements. Regular cleaning is necessary to ensure maximum efficiency and a longer life for your solar panel system.

Using proper cleaning equipment designed for the job makes the process faster, more efficient, and easier, resulting in more economical performance in the long run. It can help reduce energy loss, dirt build-up, and the risk of corrosion, all of which can interfere with optimal panel performance.

Spending a little bit of time reading this useful blog on cleaning tips can yield significant savings over the life of your solar panel system.

12. Environment

Solar power is an environmentally-friendly way to generate electricity. It produces no emissions or pollutants, and it does not rely on burning any fuel, so it reduces or eliminates the dependence on non-renewable resources such as coal and oil.

By using solar power, we can significantly help to reduce global warming. It has the potential to create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and increase energy security. All of these factors make it clear that purchasing and installing solar panels is a valuable investment in the environment.

13. Return on Investment

When considering purchasing solar panels for your home, it is important to consider the return on investment (ROI). Solar is an investment, and depending on how much you invest for a solar electric system, the expenses can add up quickly.

To help you determine if purchasing solar is the right decision for your situation, you need to look at the potential return on your investment. This can easily be done through careful calculations to assess the preliminary ROI, as well as the long-term expected return on your initial investments.

By analyzing data such as energy production and savings, and other effects on the ROI of a solar energy system, you can make an informed decision. This can show whether it would be a beneficial addition to your home and is worth the initial investment and time it takes to install.

Start Buying Solar Panels Right Now

When buying solar panels, take into account the factors provided above. Educating yourself on these important factors can help you make an informed decision and select the best solar panel for your needs.

Investing in solar technology today can help ensure a cleaner, greener future for generations to come. Start saving energy and money by researching solar panel options today!

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